The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 hits the ground running. It propels the story forward with action, while also diving into the lore a bit more. This review is based solely on the first three episodes of season 2.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explored a lot of character and world building in its first season. Some viewers claimed that there was too much going on, and too many “changes” made to Tolkien’s lore, for them to enjoy it. Season 2 hits the ground running with captivating performances, stunning visuals, and intriguing plot points. There are still the intimate character moments that fans have grown to love, but there is a much bigger picture now.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 takes into consideration that its audience now knows these characters. We are able to move on from a lot of exposition and dive into what can only be described as a war over the rings. Sauron’s backstory is explained almost immediately, thankfully, making for the perfect way to welcome viewers back into this world, now that he has been exposed.
We still have many questions regarding The Stranger, but one thing is for sure, it is absolutely lovely to see him sharing his journey with Nori and Poppy. Every time an episode brings them in, I cannot help but smile, as they really are a fun bunch – even if they constantly find themselves in trouble.
This season does a wonderful job of spending just enough time with a group of characters before moving onto another. It doesn’t linger too long so that viewers get bored or lose interest.
As someone who enjoyed the first season through its ups and downs, even I can admit that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 is significantly better. We are getting into the thick of it. The politics of war is an always interesting topic, just think of Game of Thrones. This season is thoroughly exploring this aspect of Toklien’s world now. And it is sure to have viewers on the edge of their seats.
The series has always been visually stunning, which continues into season 2. The sets, costuming, hair and makeup, are all extraordinary. What I would give to step into this world… Because of this, scenes are hightened to the point where you feel like you are there, right alongside your favorite characters.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 is enjoyable. While it is hard to judge an entire season off of just three episodes, what I have seen has me practically begging for more. I love the drama and the fact that this season is fully diving into the politics. Sauron may be exposed, but he is not going down without a fight. I cannot wait to see where this season goes from here.
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About The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power Season 2
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness.
Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared reemergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the farthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.
In Season Two 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 One’s epic scopy 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.
The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power Season 2 comes to Prime Video on August 29th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.