Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Rings of Power season 2, episodes 1-8.The Rings of Powerseason 2 is a solid addition to Amazon’s lineup, andit’s what the first season of theLord of the Ringsshow should have been.The Rings of Powerdebuted in 2022, and it was met with harsh criticisms — some of which were more valid than others. While the backlashregarding the Amazon show’s diversitywas never warranted, the critiques of theLord of the Ringsseries' storytelling, writing, and failure to stick to Tolkien’s canon made sense. Season 1 wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t on par with other Tolkien adaptations either.
Fortunately,The Rings of Powerseason 2 improves upon season 1’s flaws, offering a well-crafted and gripping narrative that feels more in line with Tolkien’s canon. It’s still not perfect, but the latest batch of episodes delivers on the characters and storylines outlined in the source material. They also feel more properly paced, and this makesThe Rings of Powerseason 2’s epic endingland that much better. If season 2 is anything to judge by, future outings of theLord of the Ringsshow might get better and better.
The Rings Of Power Season 2 Improved Upon Season 1
Its Pacing, Writing, & Character Depictions Are Far Better
The Rings of Powerseason 2 improveson just about every detail of season 1, from the pacing to the way the show’s characters are depicted.The pacing is a notable problem inThe Rings of Powerseason 1, as the first outing takes time to find its footing. It also must set up the characters, locations, and conflicts present duringthe Second Age of Middle-earth. This is necessary, but it doesn’t exactly make for a gripping start to the story. Fortunately,The Rings of Powerseason 1’s endingis solid — and the series just gets better from there.
Gil-galad, Galadriel, and Elrond all begin to feel like the characters described in Tolkien’s writings during season 2.
The Rings of Powerseason 2 also makes better writing choices, especially when it comes to Tolkien’s characters. Gil-galad, Galadriel, and Elrond all begin to feel like the characters described in Tolkien’s writings during season 2. Unfortunately, all of them feel a bit lacking throughout season 1. Galadriel isn’t the competent leader she should be, leaning far too heavily into the character’s flaws. Meanwhile, Gil-galad doesn’t come off as clever or fierce, though he’s characterized this way in Tolkien’s books. Even Elrond is something of a pushover in season 1.
The Rings Of Power’s Adar Replacement Makes Season 3 The Most Exciting Yet
The Rings of Power season 3 will replace Adar as a major villain, and this makes the next outing of Amazon’s Lord of the Rings series more exciting.
Fortunately,The Rings of Powerseason 2 finally gives viewers the versions of these characters they’ve been waiting for. All three Elves feel far more worthy of respect in this outing, showing their true strengths in the face of Sauron’s return. And even characters like Nori Brandyfoot and the Stranger feel more relevant to theLord of the Ringsseries' central narrative in season 2. They actually seem to serve a purpose, and the episodes don’t dwell on their storyline for far too long. Season 2 strikes a good balance, and it finally gets to the point of the show.
The Rings Of Power’s Main Story Was Exactly What The Show Should’ve Always Been
Season 2’s Eregion Plot Delivers On The Series' Promise
Perhapsthe best thing aboutThe Rings of Powerseason 2 is that it finally delivers on the series' central promise. As the Amazon show’s title suggests, it’s supposed to cover the most important development of the Second Age: the creation of the Rings of Power. In doing so, the series also promises to expand on Sauron’s character and his first rise to power. As season 1 keeps Sauron’s whereabouts and identity a secret, it doesn’t properly utilize this premise. It only begins to towards the end, when Sauron reveals himself and the Elves forge the Three.
The Rings of Powerseason 2 digs much more deeply into the main story, as it spends a lot of time in Eregion’s forge with Celebrimbor and Sauron.
Fortunately,The Rings of Powerseason 2 digs much more deeply into the main story, as it spends a lot of time in Eregion’s forge with Celebrimbor and Sauron.Viewers get to see firsthand why Sauron is called the Great Deceiver, and they witness his transformation intoAnnatar, the Lord of Gifts. These are elements of Tolkien’s lore that are satisfying to see on-screen, and Charlie Vickers' performance makes them a highlight of the latest episodes. By focusing so heavily on Sauron,The Rings of Powermanages to make him a more compelling villain.
The Rings Of Power Never Used 1 Sauron Ability Properly Until Season 2’s Finale
The Rings of Power season 2’s finale finally showcases one of Sauron’s greatest powers properly, taking full advantage of this ability.
Charles Edwards also shines as Celebrimbor, andhis season 2 storyline perfectly sets the stage forThe Lord of the Rings.Although the Lord of Eregion falls for Sauron’s deception initially, he evenpredicts the Dark Lord’s downfallinThe Lord of the Ringsduring the season 2 finale. And of course, Celebrimbor crafting the Rings of Power for Dwarves and Men directly leads into the Third Age’s narrative. It also fulfills the Amazon series' premise, making season 2 a much more satisfying outing than its predecessor.
The Rings Of Power Season 2’s Canon Changes Are Still Proving Divisive
The Rings of Powerseason 2 may have advantages over the prior outing, butit’s far from a perfect adaptation of Tolkien’s works— and its canon changes are still proving divisive. Perhaps the biggest point of contention is thekiss that Elrond and Galadriel shareduringThe Rings of Powerseason 2, episode 7. Although it’s treated as a diversion tactic by the show, viewers aren’t happy about the slightest sign of romantic tensions between these characters. After all, they don’t have such feelings in Tolkien’s canon, and Elrond later marries Galadriel’s daughter.
Theconfirmation of the Stranger’s identityinThe Rings of Powerseason 2’s finale also breaks Tolkien’s canon, as it suggests Gandalf is around during the Second Age of Middle-earth. Gandalf isn’t supposed to arrive until the Third Age, and what we know of his early days doesn’t match the Amazon show’s story. The series likely wants to expand on the Istari by including Gandalf andRhûn’s Dark Wizard. However,the Stranger’s narrative has proven divisive ever since the show began hinting that he was Gandalf the Grey.
Changes like these aren’t sitting well with diehard Tolkien fans, many of whom desire a more faithful take on the author’s works.
The Orcs attacking Eregion with the intention of stopping Sauron is also aRings of Powercreation, though it’s one that approaches these villains from a more interesting angle. Still, changes like these aren’t sitting well with diehard Tolkien fans, many of whom desire a more faithful take on the author’s works.The Rings of Powerseason 2 may improve on several fronts, but it still faces a challenge when it comes to Tolkien’s canon. Hopefully, things will also improve on this end heading into later seasons.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
