Review – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Season 2

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is an American television series based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The series focuses on the historical events and characters documented in the appendices of the universally loved The Lord of the Rings novels. Amazon MGM Studios produces the show along with New Line Cinema, the studio that brought the beloved The Lord of the Rings films to the big screen and is exclusively streamed on Prime Video. Amazon bought the rights to develop a television adaptation of The Lord of the Rings appendices in November 2017.

In recent years, adaptation rights of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings have left audiences feeling confused. The Tolkien estate has partnered with several production companies to adapt portions of the writer’s intellectual property. Amazon’s contract with the Tolkien estate forces the studio to ensure the series can be distinguishable from the theatrical films. Although the series cannot refer to the movies directly, showrunners McKay and Payne’s intention is to be visually consistent with the theatrical films. Amazon also broke new ground by announcing the second season would be directed by an all-female directing team, with Charlotte Brandstrom returning from season one. The series focuses on characters, locations, and events that have not been previously seen in live action. Locations such as Rhun, groups of colonists such as the Numenoreans, and characters such as the Barrow-wights and the fan-favorite Tom Bombadil are set to be heavily featured in season two.

Season two of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power premiered on Prime Video on August 29, 2024, to universally positive receptions. This is a vast improvement from the first season’s reactions. Season one of Rings of Power was met with mixed reactions; however, its second season has dramatically improved in critical and audience reception. Season two received an 85% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a favorable Metacritic score of 67 out of 100, and an IGN score of 8 out of 10. Overall, the majority of critics found this season to be a vast improvement over its first. Though many consistencies remain from the series’ freshman outing, such as its breathtaking production value and performances, this season differs positively in its pacing and energy.

Content Guide

Spiritual Content: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is set in the world of Middle-earth from the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien’s mythology is often viewed as a Christian allegory, filled with Christian symbolism and religious themes. In Rings of Power, Sauron represents Lucifer, embodying the ultimate deceiver who manipulates those around him into self-destruction. In contrast, Galadriel and the other Elves symbolize the hosts of Angels fighting against Sauron (Satan) and the vile Orcs (Demons). The story serves as a retelling of the deceit and fall of man.

Violence: The series features many fight scenes, including sword fights, hand-to-hand combat, and battles with horse riders and arrows. Elves and Orcs are depicted being killed during these battles.

Language/Crude Humor: None.

Sexual Content: A male and female share a small kiss.

Drug/ Alcohol Use: Some characters are shown smoking pipes and drinking wine.

Other Negative Themes: The series revolves around the creation of rings that grant power to their bearers. It showcases the lust for power in many characters, leading to destructive behavior and broken relationships.

Positive Themes: Despite being negatively influenced by the power the rings bestow upon them, love motivates family and friends to stand by each other and intervene even in the worst of times.

Story

The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power season two is set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, taking place thousands of years before Tolkien’s novels. The season follows the rise of Sauron, the Dark Lord, as he manipulates those around him in the creation of the Rings of Power. After Sauron declares himself Lord over the Orcs, he is assassinated by their second-in-command, Adar. Left for dead, Sauron secretly reforms a new body and takes on a new identity. Posing as a lost king of men, he aligns himself with the Elves to deceive them into crafting three Rings of Power. Once the Rings are created and granted to the Elves, Sauron’s true identity is revealed, leaving the Elves to question their use of the three Rings. Once again evading capture, he alters his identity, now posing as the Elf Annatar, “The Lord of Gifts.” He aligns himself with Lord Celebrimbor, the Elven master craftsman, convincing him to craft more Rings of Power.

Meanwhile, the mysterious Wizard continues the journey he began in season one with his newfound halfling friends, Nori and Poppy. They follow the Harfoot map to help him discover his identity while he tries to understand the confusing visions in his dreams. Unable to control his power, he and the halflings become separated. During their travels, they are hunted by agents of a Dark Wizard and cross paths with another group of halflings, as well as a very peculiar and intriguing fan-favorite character.

In the mountain halls of Khazad-dum, King Durin and his son Durin continue their feud, despite the underground city suffering infrastructural damage from the eruption of Mount Doom in season one. The city’s foundation is compromised, and the sun shafts that allow light to enter the halls — providing life-giving sunlight to nurture their crops — have caved in. The Dwarves begin to grow hungry as their crops spoil. Durin and his son’s relationship continues to strain as Durin suffers the ill effects of one of the crafted Rings of Power.

The great white city of Numenor, the ancestral colony of Gondor, is undergoing civil unrest. During Princess Miriel’s coronation to the throne after her father’s death in season one, Pharazon usurps her as the new ruler of Numenor. This causes the citizens to begin imprisoning supporters of the rightful Queen, including former Captain Elendil. As the inhabitants of Middle-earth face great catastrophe and war, Sauron continues to manipulate people and events to achieve his ultimate goal: To craft the One Ring to rule them all.

Review

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power finally discovers its identity, aptly reflected in its name, by focusing on the creation and effects of the Rings of Power. The series fulfills its promise to deliver the story of how Sauron and the Rings transformed Middle-earth. It shines as it delves into the devious schemes behind the creation of the Rings and their effects on their wearers. Sauron, played by Australian actor Charlie Vickers, is not only the main character but also stands out as he channels his inner manipulator, stealing every scene he inhabits. He is barely recognizable from season one, using his quiet intensity to showcase a villainy that sends chills down your spine.

Vickers is not the only standout in the series. Lord Celebrimbor, masterfully portrayed by Charles Edwards, is arguably the true heart of the show. Edwards’s performance as the sympathetic Master Craftsman elevates every scene he occupies to the series’ best. His drive to save the Elves of Middle-earth leaves him vulnerable to Sauron’s influence. Watching the eagerness and innocence on his face be manipulated by pure evil is truly heartbreaking. Edwards, a classically trained actor, brings every tool in his arsenal to deliver a Shakespearean-level performance full of tragedy and heartache.

One of the few highlights from season one was the relationship dynamics between Owain Arthur’s Prince Durin, his wife Princess Disa, played by Sophia Nomvete, and the Dwarven King of Khazad-dum, portrayed by Peter Mullan. As the city in the mountain falls into ruin, with its way of life compromised, the promise of salvation and prosperity captures the heart and soul of King Durin, driving a deeper wedge between father and son. Arthur’s and Mullan’s scenes, where they fight and plead for the other to see their point of view, are emotional and devastating.

Watching this father-son relationship crumble under the influence of a Ring of Power is painfully agonizing. Providing respite from the heaviness of King Durin and his son’s decaying relationship, Sophia Nomvete as Durin’s sassy yet loving wife brings a breath of fresh air to the stale halls of Khazad-dum. Her effortless support of her husband, utilizing compassion and empathy while facing looming disaster, is as refreshing as the scent of a blooming rose.

Although the performances of the aforementioned actors are standouts, the rest of the cast is serviceable. There is nothing truly wrong with their performances; they succeed in moving the story along at a much better pace than in the first season. However, in the shadow of the previously mentioned performers, they are entertaining yet unremarkable.

What truly stands out in Rings of Power is its production. With a budget estimated to be between $100 and $150 million per season, Rings of Power does not disappoint. Season two is more action-packed than its predecessor and you can see every dollar spent on screen. The battle scenes are epic and cinematic. The design of the Orcs and other ungodly creatures is richly detailed, consistent in quality and hideousness with the films. The costume designs, from the royal robes of the Elves to the torn, filthy rags of the Orcs, are gloriously detailed, making the series feel lived-in and epic. The score, developed by Bear McCreary, complements the show’s cinematography perfectly, allowing for a fully cinematic experience.

Conclusion

Season two of The Rings of Power does a magnificent job of portraying Sauron’s desires, goals, and motivations, as well as the impact on those he manipulates. While the writing and pacing are vastly improved from last season, much of the series focuses on disconnected characters and subplots that are not as interesting as the narrative surrounding Sauron’s mastery of manipulation. The show is at its peak when depicting moments of pain, tragedy, hopelessness, and dramatic action. Unfortunately, these scenes are often broken up and weighed down by characters and locations that feel less engaging, as if they are meant to become more relevant in future seasons.

All in all, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is a worthy addition to the lore of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic mythology. Its improvements from season one make the second season a fun and enjoyable watch for any Tolkien fan or casual viewer.