It’s almost time to return to Middle-earth, where Sauron continues to weave his web of deceit.
Prime Video’s fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is poised to deliver a high-octane, battle-infused sophomore season this week. Recently, I had the privilege of watching all eight episodes. Does Season 2 maintain the momentum established at the end of Season 1? Read on for my spoiler-free review.
About The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2
Here’s a synopsis of the season per Amazon Studios:
“In Season 2 of The Rings of Power, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without an army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will.
Building on Season 1’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.”
Balance
Right off the bat, Season 2 is much denser in narrative than its predecessor. A lot happens. Now, that can be a boon for any show and a disadvantage. While I’m grateful for the rich plot, the season could’ve used at least 10 episodes to feel more balanced and fully formed.
“Balance,” like in The Force (if you’ll allow the franchise crossover), is a word that springs to mind when thinking of Season 2. Rings of Power boasts a massive cast made all the bigger in its second season with the addition of new characters. The series struggles to balance the cast this go-round, with some characters and their stories feeling underdeveloped because they get little screen time. This includes the main characters.
As such, their respective plots from Season 1 to Season 2 are halted in their tracks. The new faces especially suffer from this lack of attention. We don’t really get to know them. This struggle for character balance makes the overarching narrative feel imbalanced. There’s an obvious difficulty in executing a story of this scope and scale. That said, there are moments of beauty where it all coalesces—character journey and story—to create a well-oiled machine. This season’s major battle, in particular, is quite memorable.
RELATED: Rings of Power Season 1 Recap – Everything to Remember (And a Little More)
Performances
I can usually forgive writing flaws in a series if the performances are strong. Thankfully, Rings of Power Season 2 delivers on that front. For the most part, the major players offer solid work. However, Charles Edwards and Charlie Vickers are my acting MVPs. They’re truly sensational this season.
Vickers boasts charm in spades as the imposing, formidable Sauron, especially when infiltrating Eregion as Annatar. He’s calculating, terrifying, cunning and charismatic. It’s easy to see why those around Sauron would fall for his tricks.
As for Edwards, the actor perfectly captures a man whose ambitions are inflated by Sauron, a victim in the latter’s machinations. We slowly see him unravel under Sauron’s influence, and it’s utterly heartbreaking. Edwards turns in a visceral, heartfelt and compelling performance. Both actors have electrifying chemistry. Narratively, the season is at its strongest when it focuses on Sauron and Celebrimbor and the Dark Lord’s efforts to bring Middle-earth under his thumb. I found their scenes the most engaging.
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Other standout performers this season include Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, Robert Aramayo as Elrond, Owain Arthur as Durin and Sophia Nomvete as Disa. However, the season also focuses heavily on the aforementioned, making it difficult to assess the rest of this talented cast due to the screen time imbalance.
For example, the fantastic Ismael Cruz Córdova performs incredible stunts this season, but he isn’t given much room to stretch his acting wings outside of that. Cynthia Addai-Robinson, who I also loved in Season 1, doesn’t have as much screen time to shine.
The Rest
Bear McCreary knocks it out of the park, score-wise. When does he not? The insertion of leitmotifs throughout the season is fun, along with the new elements of the music. I was unsure how I’d feel about Jens Kidman, the lead vocalist of Meshuggah, in “The Last Ballad of Damrod,” but it works well during the actual sequence on screen.
As for other aspects, the visuals are expansive, breathtaking and gorgeous. Money well spent, I say. I loved seeing familiar creatures from J.R.R. Tolkien’s rich lore, such as the Balrog, the Ents and the Shelob. The special effects make you feel immersed in Middle-earth. They naturally blend into this world and don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
RELATED: Read our recaps for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The dialogue is stilted at times; some lines feel unnatural and awkward, while others flow better. It’s inconsistent on that front. Additionally, the action and fight sequences are well-executed — epic and violent; they lend themselves to the season’s tonal shift.
The overall tone of Season 2 is quite dark. We feel Sauron’s dominion spreading over Middle-earth. If there’s one lesson to glean from the narrative, it’s that power corrupts, and the writers communicate this effectively.
At Least Stuff Happens
Rings of Power Season 2 is far more action-packed and eventful than Season 1. Despite its flaws, character story imbalances and bumps in the narrative road, I still enjoyed it. In fact, I found it significantly more entertaining than House of the Dragon Season 2 (sorry, but it invites comparison in my eyes).
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 debuts on Thursday, August 29, on Prime Video, with its first three episodes, followed by weekly releases.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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