As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours lost in the rich tapestry of Middle-earth, I must confess that Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has left me both captivated and somewhat disappointed. In its sophomore outing, it seems to have fallen prey to a common affliction of grand fantasy epics – the story feels more like a predestined path than an organic journey driven by character choices.
Throughout much of the second season of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, characters accuse one another of playing right into the hands of the dark lord Sauron (Charlie Vickers). And while they’re often right about Sauron being behind this sinister scheme or that one, after a point, he has to acknowledge he can’t take all the credit. “You think too much of me,” he scoffs to one foe. “The road goes, ever winding, and not even I can see all its paths.”
Regardless, it’s challenging not to criticize the characters for feeling manipulated as if they are pieces in someone else’s chess game, but that someone isn’t just Sauron. In their second installment, J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay’s fantasy prequel series seems to suffer from a common problem. It tends to appear as though the narrative is contrived around events destined to occur, instead of being propelled by the desires and actions of its characters.
The main aspect that makes “The Rings of Power” engaging is its focus on intimate struggles amidst grandeur. Despite being a sprawling saga encompassing an entire continent and boasting a substantial budget, it’s the smaller, personal stories that truly captivate viewers. Even though “Lord of the Rings” lore often eludes me like an egg sliding off Teflon, I found myself readily immersed in the first season, connecting with the friendship between cunning elf politician Elrond (Robert Aramayo) and stubborn dwarf prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur), or the forbidden romance between brave elf soldier Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova) and virtuous human healer Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi). My interest in Middle-earth’s destiny stemmed from my concern for their wellbeing, rather than the other way around.
As a gamer immersed in the world of Middle-earth, I found myself swept up in the aftermath of Sauron’s revelation and the emergence of three of the eventual rings of power in the last season finale. However, this new volume seems to be expanding its narrative scope, unveiling more legendary artifacts, staging epic battles, and introducing beloved characters – even going as far as dedicating a theme song by Rufus Wainwright to one of them! The sheer magnitude of events happening is so immense that the first three hours of this eight-part series are spent merely catching up with all the main characters. With so much at stake, every conversation carries the weight of deciding the fate of the world.
1. In the story, Sauron, disguised as Halbrand, initially travels extensively across the continent with Galadriel, creating a complex dynamic that made his eventual betrayal all the more heart-wrenching. On the other hand, Sauron in his elven form, Annatar, remains largely confined to a single location, effortlessly manipulating Celebrimbor, giving an air of nonchalance; it’s peculiar for such a malevolent force that sets the narrative in motion to be so stationary. Similarly, The Stranger (Daniel Weyman) is quite amiable when interacting with his Harfoot friends Nori and Poppy, even more so now that he has the ability to express wit. However, a significant portion of the season is devoted to him approaching the revelation of his true identity, which seems unnecessary given its similarity to the overly expository reveal in ‘Solo’. Additionally, much of the season finds him evading an enigmatic figure (Ciarán Hinds) who is more mysterious than he is.
I must admit, this narrative has left me pondering. The political intrigue should have added layers, but instead, it’s simplified into a clear-cut dichotomy of protagonists and antagonists. The interpersonal relationships, unfortunately, are shrouded in such ambiguity that I found myself questioning if I had skipped crucial scenes or entire story arcs. It seems as though some characters are mere precursors to future mythology, rather than contributing significantly to the current narrative. Others, it appears, exist only to meet a gruesome end – a device to escalate the drama without compromising our favorite characters’ fates.
As a dedicated fan, I find that when The Rings of Power delves into more intimate, relatable emotions – be it human, elven, or dwarven – it brings back some of its initial captivating allure. Galadriel may overindulge in her newfound treasures, but she continues to exude the rare charm of Clark’s charisma when interacting with others. Durin IV and Disa (Sophia Nomvete) remain the lovable couple that J.R.R. Tolkien might have cherished writing, their affection adding a human touch to the ominous threats looming over Khazad-Dûm. Interestingly, the orcs have become one of the series’ most intriguing factions, largely due to Adar (Sam Hazeldine), who skillfully portrays the bittersweet sense of sorrow that lies beneath his brutal leadership, replacing Joseph Mawle in this role.
Despite my criticisms about The Rings of Power lacking trees for expansive Ent forests, its grandeur never fails to amaze. The real-world landscapes stretch endlessly, while the CGI backdrops radiate otherworldly charm. Action sequences, especially those featuring Arondir, can be both elegant and brutal. The show’s horrors feel almost tangible, whether they manifest as undead soldiers, spider nests reminiscent of Alien, or a sentient black goo meticulously emerging from deep underground. Occasionally, I find myself engrossed in the sheer excitement of witnessing such breathtaking spectacles, crafted with such dedication and expense. It’s almost too good to be true!
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness as the moments unfold because this show is on a grand journey to its climax, and it won’t linger too long before setting its pieces in motion again. At its finest, television has the power to immerse us deeply into the action, making the joys and sorrows of its characters indistinguishable from our own emotions. However, by focusing more on grandiose lore rather than intimacy and emotional depth, The Rings of Power keeps its narrative at a distance. You’ll appreciate the series’ ambition and aesthetic appeal; you’ll grasp the events that transpired and the reasons behind them; maybe even ponder what it all signifies. Yet, very little of it will resonate with the depth that might stir our hearts.
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2024-08-28 16:25