So far, 2024 has been a fantastic year for television, with the advent of modern-day classics such as “Fallout,” “Shōgun” and “House of the Dragon,” whose recent season marks a much-needed revival for the fantasy genre in television.
What I hope strengthens this revival further is the release of season two of “The Rings of Power,” Amazon’s big-budget “Lord of the Rings'' prequel series. My expectations for this season are seemingly not in line with the consensus of fans, and for good reason.
When season one of “The Rings of Power” premiered worldwide on Amazon Prime Video in September 2022, it cemented its position in the annals of television history as the most expensive series ever created. “The Rings of Power” has been greenlit for a five-season stint, with a production commitment well north of $1 billion.
As astronomical as this figure seems, the numbers only get crazier. Once Amazon acquired the rights to “The Lord of the Rings” franchise from the Tolkien estate in November 2017, an initial estimate of $100-150 million per season was made. In October 2022, Amazon’s total spending on the first season for “The Rings of Power” turned out to be a whopping $465 million. This panned out to approximately $58 million per episode. If this is what we can expect one season to cost, then the previous $1 billion estimate might have to be re-evaluated.
With this grandiose monetary dedication in hand, season one promised us phenomenal visuals, beautiful character designs and a novel storyline reminiscent of Peter Jackson’s original trilogy. Unfortunately, it came up short on some of those promises.
A problem prevalent in season one was confusing character traits. The show’s protagonist is Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), a determined elf who has spent centuries searching for Sauron (Charlie Vickers) to avenge the death of her brother. At face value, this seems like an interesting redemption story, except for the fact it presents character traits starkly different from what we’ve seen in the original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
Many of Galadriel’s character interactions come off as headstrong and wayward. She forces authority in places where she does not necessarily have it, such as her boasts of elven superiority toward the queen of Numenor in season one. In the original trilogy, Galadriel is depicted as a calm and composed leader, poised to attack yet strategically oriented. Even though Tolkien originally described Galadriel’s younger self to be of “Amazon disposition,” this representation comes off as over-the-top.
Elrond (Robert Aramayo) is another character of importance original trilogy, where he is depicted as a decisive, calculating and firm general for the armies of Middle-Earth. His younger self in “The Rings of Power” is a stark contrast: a largely carefree and jovial person who initially has a passive attitude in regard to Sauron’s return.
Another eyebrow-raising lore inaccuracy for me was Gil-Galad's (Benjamin Walker) jurisdiction among the elves. The elven high king is portrayed to be the only person with the authority to send elves to Valinor, a western continent considered to be paradise by the elves in Tolkien’s writings. Speaking of which, the books make it clear that any elf may choose to go to Valinor — the authority on that decision does not rest with the high king.
Nevertheless, while I personally enjoyed the action-packed plot of season one, fans and critics alike have high expectations for season two to present a more compelling storyline.
Season two will kick off with Sauron hastening his ascent to power under the guise of Annatar, the “Lord of Gifts.” We can expect this season to be grittier, now that Sauron has been unmasked. Season one also followed the side stories of characters such as Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova), Eleanor (Markella Kavenagh) and Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi), so seeing their characters converge and interact in season two is sure to captivate viewers.
The trailer for season two is filled to the brim with scenes of action and emotion, with Sauron’s deception spreading throughout Middle-Earth and the rings of power finally being forged by the elf Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards). I can’t remember the last time a trailer impressed me this much — along with being visually stunning, the trailer shows character interactions that deeply resonate with me.
Sauron’s identity being revealed at the end of the first season undoubtedly signified ensuing pandemonium, and according to a Reuters interview with Charlie Vickers at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, this is exactly what viewers can expect in season two. The interview was informative, and Vickers shed light on Sauron being a harbinger of calamity in the upcoming season.
"I think chaos is a good word to describe it, especially towards the latter episodes,” Vickers told Reuters.
“A lot of things start happening at once and there are huge battles. There is a battle that lasts for three episodes, I think. It is chaotic, that's a good word,” he added.
Ultimately, I still have hope that the show will overcome the criticism it received two years agoand live up to the magnitude of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium.
Season two of “The Rings of Power” airs on Prime Video August 29.
