The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has reached its conclusion on Amazon Prime, delivering a finale that showcases both the series’ strengths and its lingering weaknesses. As a longtime fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe, I approached this season with hopeful anticipation, but like many viewers, I found myself torn between admiration and disappointment.
The Final Stand
The battle at the gates of Eregion is in full swing, and the stakes have never been higher for Elrond and his allies. Awaiting the dwarven army to aid them against Adar’s orc forces, the tension is palpable. Meanwhile, Sauron lurks in the shadows, ready to exploit any opportunity—a development unsurprising to anyone familiar with Peter Jackson’s trilogy.
Reflecting on promises made by the showrunners in interviews with publications like Vanity Fair, they teased a “massive” two-part battle to cap off the season. While the scale may not have fully lived up to that hype, perhaps it’s for the best. The finale leans into one of the series’ more compelling ideas: a grueling siege culminating in an early morning showdown. The few action scenes we get convey the exhaustion of an endless fight, emphasizing the characters’ desperation to delay an inevitable downfall.
I couldn’t help but recall the sense of fatigue and determination depicted in other epic finales, like the Battle of Helm’s Deep in The Two Towers. That weary resolve adds a layer of realism to the fantastical setting.
The Beginning of New Challenges
Despite some narrative sleight of hand—like the predictable plot twist involving the stolen rings—and a few perplexing scenes, such as the confrontation between Galadriel and Annatar, the episode manages to avoid excessive fan service. In fact, it opens with perhaps the most graceful moment of the entire season: the conclusion of the dwarven storyline. This segment balances clunky writing with undeniably mythic visuals, transcending mere nods to dedicated fans.
However, this high point is short-lived. The show finally taps into its most underutilized asset—the lavish production design funded by Amazon’s substantial investment. The grandeur we witness in the opening could have elevated the series much earlier had it been more consistently applied.
Unfortunately, the rest of the episode reverts to a more conventional television style, occasionally slipping into the absurd. Adar’s monologues, for instance, feel overwrought, and the direction lacks the finesse needed to fully immerse the audience.
Stuck in Familiar Footsteps
Despite sprinkling in some good ideas, the series seems hesitant to chart new territory. It remains tethered to the legacy of The Lord of the Rings, often prioritizing connections to Peter Jackson’s films over developing its own identity.
Key storylines suffer as a result. The political turmoil unfolding in Númenor is handled with a heavy hand, missing the nuance that could make it truly engaging. Characters like Isildur, who should be central figures, are given scant attention, diminishing the impact of their arcs. It reminds me of shows that juggle too many subplots, leaving none adequately explored.
The subplot involving the Stranger epitomizes this issue. Intended to keep fans guessing, it instead feels like a prolonged tease with little payoff. The resolution mirrors the beginning of Harry Potter, hinting at a lack of originality in approaching origin stories.
Looking Ahead with Cautious Optimism
The season ends on a cliffhanger strikingly similar to the previous one, suggesting a narrative spinning its wheels. With the most intriguing betrayal—Adar’s nuanced portrayal of orc-kind—now seemingly sidelined, there’s concern about the direction future seasons may take.
Yet, amidst the criticism, there’s still a part of me that hopes the series can find its footing. The world of Middle-earth is vast and rich, offering countless stories waiting to be told. If the creators can learn from the missteps and focus on deeper character development and cohesive storytelling, there’s potential for redemption.
In the end, The Rings of Power Season 2 finale is a mixed bag. It delivers moments that remind us why we fell in love with this world, but also highlights the challenges of living up to such a monumental legacy. As we await news of Season 3, fans like myself are left reflecting on what was and what could be, hoping that the journey through Middle-earth will once again capture the magic that makes it so special.
