This Is a Spoiler-Free Review of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2
This is a spoiler-free review of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, which premieres Thursday, Aug. 29 on Prime Video. Reviews of new episodes will post Thursday afternoons through Oct. 3.
The Influence of The Rings
The first of the magical objects that give The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power its name finally made an appearance at the end of the Prime Video series’ first season, forged during the conclusion of a superlative finale episode. And in season 2 of this prequel to J. R. R. Tolkien’s fantasy epic, they live up to their promise to transform Middle-earth. The Rings of Power delivers poignant drama that delves into the perils of self-deception and hubris when focusing on the duplicity and scheming involved in the rings’ creation and distribution, as well as the impact they have on their wearers. However, these powerful scenes are somewhat overshadowed by tangential plots that primarily set up future seasons, particularly in the early episodes.
The Characters Behind the Power
Sauron (Charlie Vickers) may be the Lord of the Rings, but the role of season 2’s main character could also be claimed by the elven smith Lord Celebrimbor of Eregion (Charles Edwards). Celebrimbor provides the heart and soul of the season, showcasing how his desire to save his people leads him down a dark path. Edwards, a veteran Shakespearean actor, infuses his character’s arc with tragic weight as Sauron’s schemes, under the guise of Annatar, the Lord of Gifts, contribute to the downfall of one of Middle-earth’s most beautiful cities.
The Twists and Turns of Betrayal
As Sauron’s manipulative plots unfold, Vickers transitions into the role of a subtle manipulator with gusto after his strong performance as the conflicted lost king Halbrand in season 1. His ability to tell people what they want to hear makes him a quintessential abuser, blaming his victims for their suffering while callously betraying and discarding those who trust him. The consequences of his insidious power are exemplified in a scene where the elven general Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and the orc leader Adar (Sam Hazeldine) discuss their experiences of feeling like the center of the world due to Sauron’s deceptive influence.
The Struggle for Trust
The elves debate whether they can trust the rings, with Elrond (Robert Aramayo) advocating caution while the dwarf king Durin III (Peter Mullan) quickly falls under their sway. Durin III’s flawed character is further exposed as he manipulates his own son Durin IV (Owain Arthur) into a twisted plan for personal gain. The emotional dynamics between father and son, amplified by the presence of the strong-willed Disa (Sophia Nomvete), offer poignant moments of strength and compassion.
Challenges and Glimmers of Hope
While the visuals of The Rings of Power remain stunning, some plotlines feel thin and unsatisfying, especially those that stray from Sauron’s machinations. Isildur (Maxim Baldry) struggles to find relevance in this season aside from combatting random monsters. The Númenor plotline also lacks depth, providing only surface-level character archetypes without significant impact on the overarching narrative.
On a brighter note, the Harfoots Nori Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh) and Poppy Proudfellow (Megan Richards) inject charm and values of kindness into the series. Their interactions with the wizard known as the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) add a touch of lightness to the otherwise heavy season.
Mixed Results and Epic Visuals
The grand battle scenes, monster design, sets, and richly detailed costumes of The Rings of Power contribute to its epic feel. While the show occasionally overuses vibrant colors, there are breathtaking shots that capture both emotional drama and grandeur. The music, essential to Tolkien’s work, is effectively utilized to enhance character connections and build tension throughout the series.