As a dedicated fan of all things Tolkien, I must say that I find myself both captivated and slightly disappointed by “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” On one hand, the series presents a visually stunning and immersive world that faithfully recreates Middle-earth in intricate detail. The performances are top-notch, particularly from the Harfoots’ trio – Nori, The Stranger, and Poppy – whose emotional journey through the unexplored lands of Rhûn is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Season 2 of “The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power” is jam-packed with action, tense encounters, betrayals, and fresh partnerships. However, much like another fantasy spinoff, “House of the Dragon,” it struggles to create or maintain an emotional connection that truly makes us invest in its characters. This may not be a problem if you’re content to wait for episodes featuring The Stranger, Nori, and Poppy, who were adored by fans during the first season, and whose storylines continue to captivate viewers this time around.
Despite the fact that a single storyline – the troika on their quest; questioning whether The Stranger is Gandalf or not – might not be enough to hold the entire series together, with Amazon Prime Video announcing five seasons, this prequel series set in Middle-earth before the arrival of our beloved Hobbits requires some enchanting narrative prowess if it wishes to maintain viewer interest and investment for many more years.
Something Is Missing in Middle-earth
From the standpoint of an ardent cinephile, I must say that Season 2 is far from sparse in terms of action-packed scenes. Much like the epic tales penned by J.R.R. Tolkien, there’s a whirlwind of events unfolding, and it might be necessary to jot down notes to keep track of all the characters and their intertwining storylines. One group navigates through one predicament after another, while another set battles to survive in a different corner of this intricate narrative tapestry. However, there’s something amiss—a tangible, heartfelt connection that binds us to the unfolding drama seems to be lacking.
In contrast to the captivating experience offered by the “Lord of the Rings” movies, where one swiftly forms a deep emotional bond with the characters and their narratives, this current season fails to hold my attention firmly. Visually, it’s a spectacle that leaves me awestruck; the production quality is nothing short of magnificent. However, despite its dazzling appearance, I find myself questioning the importance of the plot – something we were invested in with “Lord of the Rings.” (It’s perfectly fine to acknowledge if you weren’t as enthralled by the prequel films, which shared this same issue. You’re certainly not alone.)
Throughout this eight-episode season, though, you can also expect all the things you’ve come to appreciate about The Lord of the Rings franchise. An Elf rising to the occasion. Dwarves fighting to survive. Orcs wreaking havoc. The series’ second antagonist, Adar, leader of the Orcs in the beleaguered Middle-earth Southlands, is handled well. Sam Hazeldine takes over the role from Joseph Mawle, and that transition is handled smoothly without much fuss. Hazeldine adds a grittier edge to Adar, who wants to nurture his Orcan “children” into violent and obedient beasts. The actor rises to the occasion and, at times, the Orcan escapades are stunning to watch.
The Stranger, Sauron, and the Siege of Eregion Keep Season 2 Afloat
Besides being captivating, there are other appealing aspects to this season. It’s hard not to be drawn in as we follow two groups of characters on their adventures. Among them are The Stranger, Nori, and Poppy (played by Daniel Weyman, Markella Kavenagh, and Megan Richards). The Harfoots’ expedition through the uncharted territories of Rhûn and the hinted introduction of a new subrace (The Stoors) will undoubtedly catch your attention. Furthermore, the way the series portrays these beloved mountain-dwellers is intriguing.
In this series, the three main characters stand out as being the most relatable and emotionally bonded, which is rare given the lack of deep connections in the story (although the Orcs’ loyalty to Adar can be seen as intentionally unsettling). We root for the Harfoots as they aid their enigmatic, colossal ally in discovering his identity and purpose within Middle-earth.
Another group of characters features Sauron, portrayed by Jack Lowden and Charlie Vickers, who exhibits shape-shifting abilities. He deceives master smith Celebrimbor, played by Charles Edwards, making him believe Sauron is an Elven ally. However, this is a ruse as Sauron is not an ally but rather an enemy. The acting of Vickers and Edwards in these scenes creates a genuine tension that the series could benefit from having more of.
Morfydd Clark Is Great but Galadriel Needs Work
Initially, there’s Morfydd Clark portraying Galadriel. Last season, her character didn’t garner much online adoration, making it challenging for both the actress and the role. This season, Galadriel is determined to redeem herself and make up for being deceived by Sauron. However, the character and actress often seem constrained in a way that feels tense. It’s almost like she’s pleading, “Recognize me, listen to me, I’m here to assist” — not just towards the show, but also the viewers.
The relationship between the character and Elrond (Robert Aramayo) may not always be perfectly executed, but it’s a crucial aspect of the storyline. We will observe how this connection unfolds as Galadriel actively works to counter Sauron’s malicious schemes. Additionally, keep an eye on the intriguing relationship between Galadriel and Sauron, as their mysterious bond is expected to be unveiled over time.
In the meantime, there are those famous rings that pose a challenge. By the end of the first season, we saw Galadriel embarking on a mission to craft three rings (one for air, one for fire, and one for adamant) to complement the three Elven rings. This plot point resurfaces in this season, as Sauron devises fresh strategies to consolidate his supreme power, all of which revolve around these rings.
The case of the great Morfydd Clark and the weak Galadriel storyline feels like a microcosm for this show — so much impressive skill and value that never reaches its potential. Even though the series boasts exceptional production value, a fabulous posse of world-class actors, and real Tolkien-heads with creators Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, it can’t seem to lift itself out of the mud. Whatever the case, moving forward, the show will have to get us more invested with everything going on, and perhaps rely more on Tolkien than the creators’ own machinations. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power hits Prime Video August 29. Watch it through the link below:
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2024-08-29 06:31