As the curtain falls on the second season of The Rings of Power, this epic saga set in the rich universe of Middle-earth reaches a crescendo that deftly marries spectacle with soul. While it may not have provided all the answers or pacified the staunchest Tolkien aficionados, the finale of this season accomplished something far more significant: it breathed vibrant life into what might have otherwise been a precarious billion-dollar venture.
What unfolded in the early days of the show as a glitzy yet uneven attempt to recapture the magic of Tolkien’s world has matured into a series that is bold, rich in texture, and importantly, authentically confident. With a first season that often appeared hesitant about its own grandeur, the show has evolved. The creative minds behind the show have now fully embraced the limitless scope of Tolkien’s deep reservoir of lore, crafting a finale that feels as much a triumph of storytelling as of visual spectacle.
In this season’s denouement, the reflection on past criticisms has clearly influenced its course. Season one’s enticing yet slightly gilded surface — complete with expansive landscapes, breathtaking CGI, and the immense weight of Tolkien’s legacy — risked being confined within its own grand expectations. Now, however, the series seems liberated, even finding some unexpectedly ironic inspiration from the series’ dark manipulator, Sauron, as it sheds metaphorical shackles to soar into new narrative heights.
Characters who once faded into the background now step forward, their arcs interweaving in a manner that enhances the show’s deeper explorations of power dynamics, corruption, and the seduction of evil. Sauron, portrayed with chilling charm by Charlie Vickers, takes center stage, embodying the ultimate slow-burn villain. His duplicitous charm sets a sinister narrative tone, but it is in his scenes opposite the driven Celebrimbor, played by Charles Edwards, that the series finds profound depth. Edwards conveys a character of soaring ambition, yet tragically blind to his entrapment, in a dance of deception and trust — a meeting of minds that lends the series an intimate dramatic weight amid its epic scope.
The finale’s breathtaking battles do not disappoint, delivering the high-stakes spectacle expected of a series of this scale. From the luminous battle-scarred terrain of Eregion to the thunderous depths of Khazad-dûm, where Durin’s Bane roars, the visual storytelling here is unparalleled.
. Despite the grandiosity, it retains a powerful emotional core, particularly in the poignant narrative thread of Prince Durin IV and his father, King Durin III. Their relationship, strained yet deeply humanized by duty and pride, remains a continuous emotional touchstone amidst the series’ magical chaos.
The Rings of Power does not compromise the fantastical for mundane realism, basking in Middle-earth’s inherent allure. It invites audiences to revel not just in the world’s mythic landscape but in its historical echoes, from Valinor’s lights to mithril’s variegated sheen, enhancing the show’s narrative depth. While some plot elements may meander, the overall cinematic and narrative grandeur remains consistently magnetic.
While not necessarily suited to those seeking the brooding grit akin to other fantasy realms like Westeros, The Rings of Power offers a counter-narrative — one that rekindles the wonder of fantastical storytelling. It beckons viewers to embrace the sublime, sparking an appreciation for the ongoing battle between light and dark, set against the backdrop of a world filled with breathtaking danger and beauty.
Yet, despite these triumphs, there remain unresolved challenges. Notably, the Harfoots continue to drift at the periphery of the central plot, their whimsical side story feeling somewhat tangential to the main narrative thrust. In the same vein, the send-off for Sam Hazeldine’s Adar is both poetic and bittersweet, as fans bid farewell to a compelling portrayal with a lingering sense of yearning.
As the second season closes, The Rings of Power emerges more assured in its narrative stance, embracing Middle-earth’s expansive mythos with newfound conviction. It steps boldly from the shadow of its cinematic predecessors, charting its own narrative course while ensuring Middle-earth remains an enchanting realm of peril and marvel — a realm worth exploring anew. For this renewed spirit, it can only inspire gratitude among its audience.
All episodes of The Rings of Power are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
