Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power premieres on August 29 on Prime Video and offers a mix of epic imagery and complex character arcs, even if some storylines seem less compelling.

The season shines when it delves into Sauron’s dark plans and the creation of the Rings, with standout performances from Charles Edwards as Celebrimbor and Charlie Vickers as Sauron. Edwards, a seasoned Shakespearean actor, brings depth to Celebrimbor’s tragic journey, while Vickers relishes the role of a manipulative villain.

However, as the plot deviates from Sauron’s machinations, it loses momentum, particularly in the subplots involving Númenór and Isildur. The scenes in Númenór, despite their stunning visual impact, are not as exciting as in other fantasy series, and characters like Queen Regent Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) and Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle) fall into broad archetypes.

Meanwhile, the Harfoots provide a welcome lightness to an otherwise heavy season, capturing the core values ​​of Tolkien’s work. Despite the somewhat uneven pacing, the gorgeous battle scenes, detailed sets and use of music help maintain the show’s epic feel.

Although The Rings of Power may be a little weak in terms of pacing, it remains overall a visually impressive addition to the Tolkien universe.