Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has returned for its sophomore season, bringing audiences back to the sprawling landscapes of Middle-earth. This much-anticipated season continues to unravel the story of the Second Age, with a specific focus on the dark lord Sauron (Charlie Vickers) and the infamous rings that bear his power. While the series maintains its grandiose scale and stunning visual effects, it grapples with a common affliction in fantasy prequels: a narrative that feels shaped backward from known events rather than driven by organic character development.

The Shadow of Sauron and the Weight of Destiny

Throughout much of Season 2, characters often accuse one another of playing into the hands of Sauron, a reflection of their awareness of the looming threat. Yet, Sauron himself admits that he is not the omnipotent force they believe him to be. “You think too much of me,” he retorts, acknowledging that even he cannot foresee all paths. This moment of humility is rare for a character often depicted as the embodiment of evil. However, despite this revelation, the season struggles with a significant issue: the characters often feel more like pawns in a game dictated by future events rather than individuals with agency over their destinies.

Imbalance in Storytelling

One of the primary challenges this season faces is a sense of imbalance. The first season succeeded in part because of its focus on smaller, more personal plights. The friendship between Elrond (Robert Aramayo) and Durin IV (Owain Arthur), as well as the romance between Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova) and Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi), provided an emotional anchor for the larger, more epic narrative. These relationships made the fate of Middle-earth feel deeply personal.

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However, with the revelation of Sauron and the creation of three of the 20 eventual rings of power, Season 2 shifts its focus to the bigger picture. This shift, while expected, comes at a cost. The series now emphasizes iconic artifacts, bloody battles, and fan-favorite characters, often at the expense of the smaller, more intimate moments that made the first season resonate with viewers.

The Rise of Annatar and the Fall of Intimacy

One of the most intriguing developments this season is the introduction of Annatar, Sauron’s elven guise. Annatar plays a crucial role in manipulating Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards), aiding in the creation of the rings of power. While this storyline is essential to the overarching narrative, it lacks the emotional depth of Sauron’s previous interactions as Halbrand with Galadriel (Morfydd Clark). The flinty-flirty dynamic between Halbrand and Galadriel in Season 1 made his ultimate betrayal all the more devastating. In contrast, Annatar’s manipulation of Celebrimbor feels almost too easy, lacking the tension and drama that characterized his earlier deceit.

Similarly, the Stranger (Daniel Weyman), whose mysterious origins captivated audiences in Season 1, spends much of this season hanging in the background. While his role is undoubtedly important, the focus on the grander narrative means that his character development takes a backseat, making him feel more like a plot device than a fully realized character.

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Pharazon’s Betrayal and the Looming Doom of Numenor

One of the more successful threads this season is the arc of Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle), the shady advisor to Queen Regent Miriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson). Pharazon’s ambition has been evident from the start, but this season sees him inch closer to fulfilling his desire for power. His machinations, spurred on by the Queen Regent’s blindness and the death of the King, begin to tip the scales towards Numenor’s doom.

The portrayal of Pharazon’s supporters, who quickly rally around a new heir they believe has a better claim to the throne, reflects the underlying themes of ableism and political maneuvering. The arrival of a large Eagle and the reveal that Miriel has been taking advice from the Palantir, an Elvish artifact, add further tension to the already fraught political landscape of Numenor.

Gravelle’s portrayal of Pharazon is a standout, bringing a grounded nefariousness to a character whose grasping for power will ultimately lead to the fall of Numenor. If the series continues to follow the source material, Pharazon is likely to become one of the most despicable villains in the franchise, setting him on a collision course with Sauron himself.

The Return of Isildur and the Emergence of New Alliances

Another highlight of Season 2 is the return of Isildur (Maxim Baldry) and his burgeoning friendship with Arondir. In one of the more thrilling sequences, Isildur’s horse Berek, refusing to return to Numenor, embarks on a daring rescue mission to find his master. This sequence, which spans the length of Middle-earth, is one of the most exciting and heartfelt moments of the season, showcasing the bond between horse and rider.

The reunion of Isildur and Arondir offers a rare bright spot in an otherwise bleak season. Their growing camaraderie, reminiscent of the friendship between Elrond and Durin in Season 1, promises to provide some much-needed levity in the episodes to come. As they prepare to face Sauron together, their relationship is likely to become one of the emotional cores of the series.

The Absence of Bronwyn and the Impact on the Southlands

One of the most jarring moments of Season 2 is the sudden absence of Bronwyn, a central figure in the Southlands’ storyline. While viewers left her alive at the end of Season 1, Episode 3 reveals that she succumbed to her injuries and was unceremoniously burned on a pyre by her son. This abrupt exit feels out of place, especially given Bronwyn’s importance in the first season.

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It’s worth noting that Nazanin Boniadi, who portrayed Bronwyn, chose to step away from the series to focus on her activism. However, the handling of her character’s departure leaves much to be desired. Her death feels rushed and undermines the significance of her role in the story, leaving a Bronwyn-sized hole in the narrative.

Conclusion: A Tale of Ambition and Consequences

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is a tale of ambition and consequences, both in its narrative and its execution. The series continues to deliver on its promise of epic fantasy, with breathtaking visuals, intense battles, and a complex political landscape. However, it struggles with the balance between the grand and the intimate, often sacrificing character development for the sake of advancing the plot.

Despite these flaws, there are moments of brilliance scattered throughout the season. The rise of Annatar, the betrayal of Pharazon, and the burgeoning friendship between Isildur and Arondir all offer compelling storylines that hint at the potential for greatness. As the series progresses, it will be crucial for the creators to find a way to marry the epic scope of the story with the emotional depth that made the first season so engaging.

In the end, The Rings of Power Season 2 is a reminder that while the road may be ever winding, it is the characters who walk it that make the journey worthwhile. As we await the next installment, one can only hope that the series will find its footing and deliver on the promise of a truly unforgettable adventure in Middle-earth.