Minor Spoilers

Evil endures…

Prequels present both a distinct challenge and a potential advantage.

Where on the spectrum does The Rings of Power land? Far to the side of neither overcoming the challenge nor taking advantage of the potential, sad to say. With over one third of the season released at once, the impression on viewers should be way better.

I really, really want to like this show far more than I do. And so far, I’ll keep watching.

But . . .

The series makes it difficult. So many aspects of the show elicit cringing and wincing, and sometimes outright groaning. First – and this is strictly a matter of preference and not a commentary on quality – the overall gore intensity has jumped to Game of Thrones level. Some people – maybe even a great many if not most – may not mind that. I don’t find it enjoyable or entertaining.

As to the rest of the details. . .

In any prequel, everyone already knows where and how it ends. The storytelling truly must focus on the journey, not the destination. How do they get there? What twists and turns and obstacles do the characters face? They need to be both logical and surprising. Suspense can be even more intense if done well, with viewers wondering how in the world they’ll resolve a situation. That’s not happening here.

Instead of genuine conflict or tension, we get petulance. Sauron (yes, Sauron) either pouts or smirks, which seems to be determined by the writing and directing. There are more than a few glimmers that Charlie Vickers is actually quite talented, just ill served by the script. Same with Robert Aramayo, aka Elrond. We also get the perpetually perky proto-hobbits Poppy and Nori, whom the script equally hampers. They had more to do in season 1. Morfydd Clark too showed lovely range and depth as Galadriel in season 1 but thus far is relegated to displaying little more than aloof regret at being fooled, and a determined stubbornness.

Ilsidur and Arondir also return with the latter, apparently out of nowhere, rescuing the former – after Ilsidur’s horse rescued him first. (Kudos to the horse; I have zero problem with that.) Inexplicably, Ilsidur initially fails to return the favor after thieves steal his trusty steed.

Why keep watching?

It takes until the third episode to revisit the dwarves, and to this point they fare the best by far. The lovely cast members present genuine, logical and at times poignant characterization. Likewise, Queen Regent Míriel of Númenor conveys great emotion and backbone when faced with dire circumstances. (Isildur’s sister, conversely, seems to show only self-centered, self-righteous anger instead of any deep, agonizing grief during her betrayal. But, trying to stay positive now.)

The production remains as glorious and gorgeous as ever. The cinematography, sets, costuming, all incredible and utterly enchanting. It truly looks as if one has stepped into Middle Earth, so, plenty of good offsets the more frustrating aspects of the show.

Verdict: Lovely, even breathtaking, visuals can’t make up for the glacial pacing and stilted writing. 5/10

Rigel Ailur