POPZ-CULTURE Series Reviews – The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power Season 2 (2024)

Genre: Fantasy, adventure, action, drama

Age limit: 16

Directed by: Charlotte Brändström, Louise Hooper

Written by: Based on the works of J. R. R. Tolkien: Patrick McKay, John D. Payne, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchinson, Helen Shang

Starring: Morfydd Clark, Charlie Vickers, Markella Kavenagh 

NOTE: This review refers to the first 3 episodes of the second season

Fans of the fantasy genre didn’t have to wait too long to be entertained by another series. But it’s not as if they’re being flooded with dozens of indistinguishable shows. Whereas Game of Thrones is a modern, realistic approach that does not shy away from brutality, Lord of the Rings is more of a classic, fairytale-like, idealised presentation. Both have their place on the TV screen. We felt it was important to clarify this from the beginning, because we found that many people have a different perception of the two works because they are involuntarily comparing them to each other. For our part, we are pleased that the second season of Rings of Power started in the last week of August and that we were able to watch the three-part opening right away.

We’ve prepared a spoiler-free review, so we’re only going to tell you as much of the story as you already know about the first season, and to help you get back into it. We remain in the second age. Halbrand, whose true identity has been revealed, is seeking allies to rise as Sauron. The Elves are about to make some big decisions, while the three rings are already in their hands. And the mysterious stranger continues on his journey in the company of the Harfoot Nori.

 Yes, the scenery is still stunning, overwhelming, and we could go on and on with the various superlatives. Whatever TV you have in your living room, the Rings of Power will suit it just fine. The splendour of Númenor, or even the harsh wastes of Mordor, are all meticulously crafted locations that exude the atmosphere of the earlier films. If you’re looking for a distinctly aesthetic piece of content to watch at home, look no further.

Although there are interesting things going on, the story itself moves very slowly. Most of the first three episodes were spent placing the main characters on an imaginary chessboard and introducing story threads that will surely be important in the future. The exception is Sauron himself, about whom we have learned much more than before. He is clearly the focus of the current season, but he has also been dealt with mainly to get a better understanding of the lore. Galadriel, on the other hand, has been pushed into the background, and in most scenes she wanders around cluelessly, ruminating on her past mistakes. Of course, her behaviour is understandable given what happened in the first season, but a huge amount of time is spent on her brooding. Still, on the whole, what we’ve seen so far is promising, but we’re looking forward to the real events kicking off. 

The Rings of Power continues to be a series inspired by the legacy of Tolkien, which is most evident in the characters. Morally, they are easily characterised individuals who represent the eternal struggle between good and evil. We get the feeling that in most films and series today, the creators are consciously avoiding this kind of romanticised characterisation, claiming that they want to create heroes with complex personalities. For us, however, it reminds us of childhood fairy tales and gives us a good feeling when we watch them. We recommend it to those who would like to return to Middle-earth or are just looking for a fantasy with a traditional spirit.  

What did you think of the series premiere? Will you continue to watch it? We’re looking forward to your comments. Whether it’s a film or a series, you can expect to hear from us throughout the autumn about the latest releases. And if all you need is a tasty snack, POPZ popcorn is the best choice.