The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 Review – Bigger Rings, Greater Power, but Does It Truly Reign Supreme?

A Journey Into Middle-earth’s Expansive Saga

As the second season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” lands on Prime Video, fans are eager to return to the mesmerizing world of Middle-earth. Season 1 introduced us to the grandeur and rich lore of J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe, and while it had its highs, it also faced criticism for uneven pacing and disjointed subplots. Season 2 promises more action, greater stakes, and a deeper dive into the lore behind the iconic Rings of Power. But with more epic battles and expanded storytelling, does Season 2 stand tall, or does it stumble under its own weight?

Let’s break it down, layer by layer.

A Vast Middle-earth: Expanding the Horizons

Season 2 doesn’t waste time before diving into the deeper layers of Middle-earth. After the climactic revelations at the end of Season 1, many of our favorite characters find themselves at pivotal crossroads. Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), still reeling from her betrayal by Sauron (disguised as Halbrand), grapples with her own power while navigating the tension brewing among the Elves. The stakes are high, with Celebrimbor’s (Charles Edwards) creation of the three Elven rings sparking fierce contention.

Meanwhile, Sauron (Charlie Vickers) begins to consolidate his power in secret, weaving plots that could bring Middle-earth to its knees. Adar (Sam Hazeldine), the enigmatic Orc leader, takes his rightful place in Mordor, building his base of influence. The dynamics of these power struggles form the backbone of Season 2, offering the audience a front-row seat to the brewing chaos.

But wait – that’s just a sliver of the action. The show introduces new characters, new realms, and yes, even new weapons, raising the stakes exponentially. We’re getting closer to seeing the true power of the Rings themselves, and the potential they hold for both salvation and destruction. It’s here where the show thrives—when it leans into the larger-than-life mythos that makes Tolkien’s world so compelling.

But does it always work? Not quite.

The Struggle Between Subplots: Does It All Blend Together?

One of the most notable critiques from Season 1 was how its many subplots often felt disconnected, causing the pacing to falter. Unfortunately, Season 2 doesn’t entirely shake off this burden. While the stakes are undeniably higher, the narrative struggles to keep all of its threads tightly woven. You might be entranced by one storyline—Sauron’s cunning plans, for example—only to be jarringly pulled into a slower-paced, seemingly unrelated subplot.

Take Nori (Markella Kavenagh) and The Stranger (Daniel Weyman), for instance. Their journey into unknown lands has promise but sometimes feels detached from the core conflict gripping Middle-earth. Similarly, while the political intrigue in Númenor adds a layer of depth, it often pales in comparison to the urgency of Sauron’s schemes or Galadriel’s battle with her inner demons.

This uneven pacing can make for a somewhat disjointed viewing experience. You might find yourself fully immersed in one scene, only to be left wanting more when the show abruptly shifts gears. It’s like feasting on a delicious entrée, only to have your plate swapped for something far less satisfying halfway through the meal.

The Characters: When They Shine, They Shine Bright

But uneven pacing aside, there’s no denying that when “The Rings of Power” hits the right notes, it hits them hard. At the heart of Season 2 is Galadriel, and Morfydd Clark’s performance is nothing short of captivating. She’s fierce, vulnerable, and everything you’d expect from a character as iconic as Galadriel. Watching her navigate the consequences of her trust in Sauron, while wrestling with her own ambition, is one of the season’s highlights.

Then, of course, there’s Sauron, who remains a shadowy presence—manipulative, ever-watchful, and always one step ahead of his adversaries. The way the series plays with Sauron’s influence, and how it weaves into the larger fabric of Middle-earth, is where it truly excels. His manipulation of characters, from the Elves to the Orcs, adds layers of tension that leave you constantly guessing what his next move will be.

The supporting cast isn’t to be overlooked, either. From Durin’s (Owain Arthur) attempts to keep peace in his Dwarven kingdom to Elrond’s (Robert Aramayo) increasingly complex role as a mediator between conflicting powers, there are plenty of standout performances that anchor the story’s emotional beats.

The Visuals: A Feast for the Eyes

One thing that no one can deny is that “The Rings of Power” is stunning to watch. The series continues to push boundaries with its visual storytelling. From the sweeping landscapes of Númenor to the dark, gritty backdrop of Mordor, the world of Middle-earth is brought to life in jaw-dropping detail. The action sequences, while sometimes sparse, are well worth the wait when they do arrive. Whether it’s a skirmish between Orcs or a more intimate battle of wits between two characters, the show knows how to ramp up the tension visually.

The Stakes: When It Works, It’s Magic

When “The Rings of Power” succeeds, it’s when it reminds us of the epic scale of Tolkien’s world. The battles for control, the intricate schemes, and the constant pull between good and evil are themes that resonate deeply. The show shines when it allows its characters to grapple with these big, world-changing decisions, and it’s in these moments that you feel the true weight of the story.

However, the show’s ambition also works against it at times. It tries to juggle so many different elements—action, intrigue, personal struggles, grand battles—that it sometimes stretches itself too thin. While Tolkien’s writing was expansive, it also had a certain rhythm and balance. The series, on the other hand, can feel uneven, with some stories feeling rushed while others drag on longer than necessary.

Final Thoughts: A Fantasy Worth Sticking With?

So, does “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” Season 2 rule them all? Well, not quite. It’s still a massive, visually spectacular series that does justice to Tolkien’s vision of Middle-earth in many ways. The stakes are higher, the performances (particularly by Morfydd Clark) are stellar, and the overarching narrative certainly holds promise.

But its uneven pacing and occasionally disjointed subplots keep it from fully reaching its potential. It’s a series that swings for the fences and, while it doesn’t always hit a home run, it’s still a spectacle worth watching.

If you’ve already bought into this world and its characters, there’s plenty to love in Season 2. It may not be the definitive fantasy experience we’ve all been waiting for, but it’s certainly a journey worth taking—even if the road can be a bit bumpy along the way.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is now streaming on Prime Video.