The second season of Rings of Power shows clear improvements from its first season. This time around, the show moves faster and offers better character development. However, it still has its fair share of issues, including dull sub-plots, uninspiring dialogue, and uneven acting.
When Rings of Power debuted in 2022, it faced heavy criticism. Despite its massive $1 billion budget, the show struggled to impress. The writing was often lazy, the characters were uninteresting, and the pace was sluggish. It took eight episodes to dive into the complex lore of J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe, much like the first installment of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series, which also faced criticism for its slow plot.
In contrast, when Dune Part Two was released in March 2024, it delivered a much more engaging experience with a faster pace, thrilling action, and higher stakes. The initial film was reassessed with a fresh perspective, and the sequel’s success made audiences more forgiving of its predecessor.
What’s Better in Season 2
The second season of Rings of Power makes notable strides. The storyline moves more quickly this time, although it sometimes feels rushed. Most characters only get a few mid-level scenes, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing since some of these characters weren’t particularly compelling to begin with. The writing has improved slightly, with character motivations becoming clearer and evolving more effectively.
Ongoing Issues
Despite these improvements, the show still grapples with several problems. The dialogue often falls flat, sub-plots can be tedious, and some performances lack depth. Predictable twists and reveals frequently undermine the show’s attempts at suspense, leaving viewers feeling a step ahead of the plot, which is never ideal.
The Rings of Power Season 2’s Key Plotlines
Season 2 kicks off with a strong start, focusing on Sauron’s transformation into the deceptive Halbrand after being betrayed by Adar. He returns in the form of Charlie Vickers’ charismatic but untrustworthy character and sets his sights on the ringmaker Celebrimbor. Although initially cautious, Celebrimbor is soon swayed by Sauron’s manipulative “Annatar” guise.
The relationship between Annatar and Celebrimbor, portrayed by Charlie Vickers and Charles Edwards, is a highlight of the season. Vickers excels in his role, clearly relishing his role as the scheming villain. Edwards does a commendable job portraying Celebrimbor as a troubled artist ensnared by a master deceiver, rather than a simpleton duped into creating powerful rings for Sauron. This dynamic adds much-needed depth to the storyline.
Another standout plotline involves the Dwarves, particularly King Durin, who quickly becomes greedy and corrupt after receiving a ring. Meanwhile, Elrond and Galadriel face challenges in their strained friendship and engage in a few action scenes that feel lackluster. One battle sequence is so poorly written that it’s hard to take it seriously. The Nori and Stranger subplot, while occasionally referencing The Lord of the Rings, largely fails to captivate, with most of their storyline feeling underwhelming.
The Weakest Link: Numenor
The Numenor storyline is arguably the least engaging. Queen Miriel returns, now blind and defeated in battle, and struggles with internal political turmoil. Pharazon’s schemes to seize power are portrayed in a way that feels rushed and underdeveloped. Tryston Gravelle, who plays Pharazon, provides a clearer explanation of the character’s motivations in interviews than the show itself offers.
Visuals Still Shine
One area where Rings of Power continues to excel is its visual presentation. The show remains stunning, with beautifully rendered scenes such as the golden trees of Valinor, the majestic Dwarven halls, and Annatar’s heavenly illusions. Seeing the first two episodes on the big screen at the Singapore premiere was an impressive experience, though watching the rest on a laptop did diminish the visual impact somewhat.
Looking Ahead
While Rings of Power has made some progress, there is still room for improvement. Future seasons could benefit from refining character arcs, tightening dialogue, and avoiding overly predictable plot twists. The show has three more seasons to perfect its formula, and hopefully, it will continue to evolve and enhance its storytelling.
Overall, The Rings of Power Season 2 is a step in the right direction, but it still has a long way to go before it can rival the brilliance of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
