Spoilers ahead.
With only one more episode of Season 2 of The Rings of Power, I wanted to review it. To be honest, I wasn’t too interested in the second season at first. The first season was mediocre and just didn’t impress me too much. So I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to season 2 and even waited about a week after the first episode was released to watch it. However, much to my surprise, the second season has been far better than its predecessor. For one, I thought there wasn’t a clear direction in Season 1. Throughout the first season, it felt as if there was a buildup which never culminated in anything too interesting. It was like there were too many plots and they couldn’t decide which ones were more important. However, in the second season, each episode has been more and more engaging with the brewing threat of war looming over Middle Earth. We see this reflected in how each character acts. There is more traveling, more awareness, and a sense of impending doom and preparation for what’s to come. Although there still are too many plots, and the show can feel unfocused at times, I feel like each plot holds more importance than the previous season. For example, the Dwarves’ greed actually has consequences for Elrond and the Elves defending Eregion. Meanwhile, in Numenor, there are actually consequences for a group of loyalists attempting to revolt against the new King. And most importantly, there is a certain urgency in this season as an army from Mordor moves in on Middle Earth, and conflict stirs with the Elves, Dwarves, and even humans, and they have to unify before it’s too late. One thing that has remained consistent for this show at least is the visuals. The Rings of Power is the most expensive TV show to ever be made, which allows for stunning sets and incredible effects. And now I feel like there’s more of a character behind the effects which make them more enjoyable. This show isn’t perfect and it isn’t Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings, but it’s enjoyable to watch and continues to improve each episode making it worth watching.
