When it comes to The Lord of the Rings—whether through J.R.R. Tolkien’s timeless literature or Peter Jackson’s iconic cinematic adaptations— most know of the fellowship’s heroic journey to destroy the One Ring and vanquish the malevolent dark lord, Sauron. However, for those well-versed in Tolkien’s expansive lore know, there were In fact a total of twenty rings crafted during the Second Age of Middle-earth—nine designated for men, seven for the dwarves, three for the elves, and the singular, infamous ring belonging to Sauron. These foundational events are chronicled in the appendices of The Lord of the Rings, which serve as a primary source of inspiration for the Amazon television series.
While the title itself alludes to the significance of these rings, only three of the original twenty make a brief appearance on the show, when in the final moments of the last episode, the elven artisan Celebrimbor finally completes their forging. If one finds this pacing to be excruciatingly slow, it pales in comparison to the multitude of other plotlines that unfold. Viewers are taken on a sprawling journey, traversing the vast landscapes of Tolkien’s imagination alongside a diverse array of characters—elves, dwarves, humans, Harfoots, and even orcs—each with their own tales to tell.
The series introduces both beloved characters from the original works and fresh faces, a strategic choice aimed at captivating both long-time enthusiasts who have cherished Tolkien’s creations and newer audiences eager for the next epic fantasy saga, replete with stunning visual effects. Unfortunately, the outcome is, for the most part, a disarray.
Part of the enchantment of Tolkien’s tales lies in their unabashed sincerity, their readiness to explore themes of good versus evil and the essence of honor; they stand in contrast to modern cynicism and the antihero narrative. This sets Rings of Power apart within the realm of television fantasy.
Rings of Power is no different. The series transports us back thousands of years prior to the events chronicled in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the cinematic interpretations by Peter Jackson, delving into the age when the fateful magical artifacts of the title were crafted. Its inaugural season presents audiences with well executed iterations of familiar things like graceful archery, the playful rivalry between elves and dwarves, an emerging darkness, and even a cursed relic. While this ambitious debut does not reinvent the ring, it is a stunning homage that effortlessly evokes the mesmerizing visuals of the films.
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| image source: https://www.cnet.com |
A prologue sets the stage, revealing a young Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) on a quest to find Sauron, the one responsible for her brother Finrod's death. During her journey, she encounters Halbrand (Charlie Vickers), who claims to be the exiled king of the Southlands. Together, they arrive in Númenor, where tensions between elves and humans simmer, fueled by trivial politics.
Meanwhile, orcs, led by the formidable Adar (Joseph Mawle), wreak havoc on villages, coercing humans into servitude. This backdrop also introduces a budding, yet fleeting interspecies romance between the Silvan elf Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova) and healer Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi)—a narrative echo of Aragorn and Arwen that ultimately fails to flourish.
And in yet another storyline, a youthful and spirited Elrond (Robert Aramayo) is charming Durin IV (Owain Arthur), the dwarf prince, aiming to revive their friendship and secure mithril—a mystical metal that bestows immortality upon elves.
Thus far, it’s all high-fantasy fare. Yet, as Tolkien understood, the grand doings of the powerful become stilted without characters of relatable scale, imbued with personality. Enter the hobbits—specifically, the Harfoots, a secretive, woodland-dwelling nomadic group living on the edge of survival compared to their more settled descendants in Bilbo’s Shire. Nori Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh) embodies the archetypal young dreamer yearning for adventure. Her fate takes a turn when she discovers a meteor, within which lies a mysterious stranger (Daniel Weyman) with enigmatic, wizard-like qualities.
The Harfoots' invented tales, along with their celestial guest, may irk purists, but they infuse warmth and relatability into a narrative that could otherwise risk becoming an ornate tapestry devoid of heart. Moreover, the Harfoots’ portrayal, alongside other inhabitants of Middle-earth, emphasizes a richer diversity of female characters and actors of color than previously seen in the films.
While the ensemble may appear intriguing at first glance, their intertwining narratives fall flat, wandering aimlessly through Middle-earth and spewing out dialogue as if they were mere avatars in a video game. Although their motivations are recognizable, the emotional highs never truly resonate. This is part because of the effort to replicate and enhance Peter Jackson’s style. The production design is undeniably stunning, yet the story arcs and characters come across as mere reflections. The Elves, in particular, are visually appealing but lack depth.
The script is also burdened with excessive exposition, leading to a pace that drags painfully through each scene. Occasionally, this approach shines, particularly during the grand introduction to the breathtaking island realm of Númenor. However, more often than not, moments like the orcs incinerating yet another village feel tedious, especially as the audience struggles to form a genuine connection with any of the characters.
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| image source: IGN Southeast Asia |
A significant issue arises with the character of Galadriel, who stands out as the most memorable yet paradoxically the most rigid and least layered. A valid critique often directed at Tolkien is the sparse representation of female characters in his works, with those present frequently lacking agency. The show attempts to address this by positioning Galadriel as the central figure—a fierce warrior woman whose fiery demeanor ruffles feathers, resolutely pursuing her own path while gradually discovering the delicate art of subtlety and diplomacy. However, this portrayal of the “strong woman” trope comes across as lacking depth and nuance, particularly as the actress often appears remarkably devoid of expression.
This concern extends beyond Galadriel, though her storyline amplifies the issue. Supporting characters like Elendil, Isildur, MÃriel, and even Elrond feel more like caricatures than fully realized individuals, further detracting from the show's immersive quality. The Harfoots storyline offers a refreshing contrast, particularly through the spirited Nori, who defies her community to extend kindness to the Stranger, infusing warmth and vitality into an otherwise lackluster narrative.
Overall, the story leans heavily on clichéd tropes, recycled nostalgia, and Easter eggs to propel the plot. Yet, the visuals are undeniably stunning. They are beautifully crafted, rich in detail, and successfully capture the essence of Middle-earth’s diverse landscapes and cultures on screen. Nevertheless, the incessant reliance on cinematic shots and sweeping vistas in nearly every scene hampers the pacing—it attempts to heighten drama at the expense of character development.
While the show may have stumbled through its first season, it is not entirely devoid of redemptive potential. The final episode, “Alloyed,” offers a surprising turn of events with two unexpected twists—moments of brilliance that stand in stark contrast to an otherwise lackluster script. These developments suggest that with thoughtful reimagining, the series could indeed find new life and emerge stronger in the second season.
In essence, the majority of the first season of Rings of Power can be characterized as a remarkable misstep. Despite its breathtaking visuals and a plethora of intertwined storylines that might entice some viewers to venture back to the enchanting realm of Middle-earth, discerning Tolkien purists and fans of genuine storytelling are likely to find themselves underwhelmed. Yet, the intrigue sparked by the season finale leaves a glimmer of hope for what lies ahead. After all, this is a story centered around the creation of rings. Anyone can cast gold onto the screen; it requires true creativity to transform it into something precious.
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