The story of Middle Earth has always been fascinating. J.R.R. Tolkien left no stone unturned to create one of the most detailed and immersive fictional worlds in the history of literature. Whether it was The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, or Silmarillion, Tolkien’s Middle Earth saga is undoubtedly a masterpiece. Initially, people felt that no filmmaker would be able to adapt any of the above-mentioned books for the big screen. However, Peter Jackson took everyone by storm with The Lord of the Rings trilogy, making it one of the most epic movie franchises in the history of cinema. Additionally, he achieved a similar kind of success with The Hobbit trilogy as well. When the saga concluded, people questioned if they would ever see the Middle Earth saga on the screen again. In 2022, we finally saw Prime Video coming forward with another Middle Earth story in the series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Although a lot of people were skeptical about the streamer’s approach, the first edition of The Rings of Power turned out to be one of the most stunning adaptations of Middle Earth.
The first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power introduces viewers to the Second Age of Middle Earth and the events that took place during that period. For the uninitiated, the show is set thousands of years before the events of the novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The second age of Middle Earth starts with a relatively peaceful atmosphere. However, things continue to get worse as Sauron makes his way into the Middle Earth and turns it into a place filled with darkness. Additionally, the second age also sees the forging of the rings that featured prominently in Jackson’s ‘LOTR‘ trilogy. Although it is very difficult to satisfy fans of the beloved franchise, the first season of The Rings of Power makes it clear that it seeks to carve out its place and come forward with a narrative that stands proudly alongside its predecessors.
From the very first frame, The Rings of Power asserts itself as a visual wonder. The gorgeous landscapes, meticulously crafted sets, and breathtaking visual effects are cinematic. Additionally, the makers didn’t leave any stone unturned to render Middle Earth with great details and magnificence that is rarely seen on the small screen. From the gigantic peaks of the Misty Mountains to the scintillating city of Numenor, each location feels real and sparkling, drawing audiences deeper into the mysterious world of Middle Earth. This is one of the reasons why Prime Video is such a triumph. It excels in conveying the majesty of the world created by Tolkien. The makers have done a phenomenal job of blending practical effects with digital technology and not heavily reliant on CGI. Just like Jackson’s trilogy, the Prime Video series doesn’t shy away from using world-building as one of the most important elements in telling this Middle Earth story. Visually, this series is breathtaking and should be seen on the biggest screen possible.
As far as the story is concerned, the Middle Earth saga has always been about good versus evil. Moreover, it also showcases why alliances are so important. The Rings of Power delves deeper into these narratives, including the creation of the rings and the emergence of Sauron as the Dark Lord, and stitches a highly relatable story. Season 1 is all about laying a strong foundation for these events and more, introducing several characters and multiple narratives that will eventually intersect as the series moves forward. Although multiple storylines can be a bit overwhelming, the makers have done an extraordinary in keeping sequences and conversations that matter. The show never loses its rhythm and keeps on building tension as it progresses. Some of the most mesmerizing sequences of the series come in Episode 6 when Galadriel and co. get into a battle with the orcs. The fighting choreography was splendid and the pacing of the episode was perfect. Meanwhile, the introduction to Mordor was truly a spectacular moment.
Acting-wise, The Rings of Power features magnificent performances from the entire cast. Morfydd Clark as the young Galadriel is fierce and determined to eliminate the darkness that is slowly growing over the vast landscapes of Middle Earth. She beautifully captures her strength and vulnerability as she fights her inner demons. Meanwhile, Charles Vickers as Halbrand is equally brilliant. Although his character seems a good-natured man, he has a kind of mysterious aura that no one seems to catch on. All the other supporting cast members – Robert Aramayo (Elrond), Owain Arthur (Durin IV), Nazanin Boniadi (Bronwyn), Benjamin Walker (Gil-galad), Markella Kavenagh (Nori), Charles Edwards (Celebrimbor), Ismael Cruz Cordova (Arondir), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Miriel), Sophia Nomvete (Disa), and Daniel Weyman (The Stranger) – are brilliant in their respective roles and enhance the viewing experience.
Another aspect that makes The Rings of Power season 1 such a roaring success is how it takes time to establish its world and characters. It’s highly impossible to take a giant time leap and focus on some other moment. It will ruin the structure and also annoy the loyal fans. Although some fans didn’t find the slow-burn approach to be good, it seemed necessary to tell viewers why people are forming alliances and how everyone played a crucial role in eliminating darkness.
All in all, the first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power achieves more than what it intended to. It lays a strong foundation for what promises to be an epic Middle Earth saga. Apart from that, the series is a visual treat and focuses on several themes that magnificently capture the essence of J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe while sculpting its own identity. For fans, The Rings of Power is a welcome return to Middle Earth. It is filled with new characters, new narratives, and new menacing foes. The series manages to achieve greatness in terms of storytelling and with Season 2 just around the corner, fans can expect the show to reach greater heights. Season 1 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is a stunning addition to the world of Tolkien, and it’s only going to get better from here.
LOTR: The Rings of Power Season 1 is now streaming on Prime Video.
Learn more about the show, including how to watch it, on the Prime Video site for the title.
