Review: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

The biggest series Amazon Studios have ever produced, and the highest budget television series ever made, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power delivers in spectacular and awe-inspiring fashion; eventually.

The ensemble series follows the weaving narratives that encompass Middle Earth and beyond, spanning Adriatic paradises to Orc chain-gangs, glacial mountains, flourishing Dwarven caverns and provincial villages plagued by the inescapable reputation of their past. The series promises the inevitable return and ascension of Sauron, who’s presence echoes throughout and instigates Galadriel (Morfydd Clark)’s relentless and obsessive search.

spanning Adriatic paradises to Orc chain-gangs, glacial mountains, flourishing Dwarven caverns and provincial villages

The series pays visual homage to, and further illustrates, Peter Jackson’s extensive cinematic depiction, however, rarely relies upon its groundwork. It instead feels closer to Tolkien’s work, with its depiction of ineffable magic and the Orcs inability to be exposed to sunlight. Alongside this, the fictional universe is unrestrained by the source material being the sprawling and ambiguous appendices, of which can be elevated and reimagined unlike the specificities of an actual novel, of which the more territorial fans would inevitably guard from interpretation.

Despite the expanse of the world, and how deeply explored the various cultures are within it, the ‘Harfoots’ (Hobbits), inevitably claim the beating heart of the series. With their primitive and close-knit travelling community, they provide a grounding and endearing escape for the audience, acting as a reminder of the incorruptible good within the world. With their bramble entangled hair, the Harfoots provide an emotional core that’s not reliant on the aspirations of ambitious characters seeking mythic status. This is especially poignant through the extremely welcome presence of Lenny Henry as Sadoc Burrows; the leader of the group, and Markella Kavenagh’s performance as Nori Brandyfoot, whose innocent excitement is mostly boasted through the actor’s impossibly wide and curious eyes. Alongside this, the Harfoots brilliantly showcase how diverse the series is, a quality that was remarkably lacking from all the film adaptations.

the Harfoots provide an emotional core that’s not reliant on the aspirations of ambitious characters seeking mythic status

All but a few performances within The Rings of Power are notably spellbinding, with the added pressure of the series recasting roles of which fans of the films will have become accustomed. This is most recognisable with Galadriel, a prominent Elven role previously performed by Cate Blanchett, who Morfydd Clark powerfully portrays in the series. Aided by the dichotomy of the actor’s youthful face and judicious gaze, she perfectly inhabits the somewhat immortal and ageless nature of the role.

Unlike its counterpart House of the Dragon, The Rings of Power is rarely gruesome, nor does it have a narrative preoccupation with regal succession, however unlike the HBO series, its pacing is at times slower than a Harfoot’s cart. The culmination of which, so far, is in the events of the sixth episode, of which more than justify any investment. The intensity, tension, excitement, and beauty all of which had been present but not showcased, finally are unleashed in full force in the true cinematic fashion we’ve come to expect from an adaptation of Middle Earth. With some moments, such as the swarm of grotesque orcs charging through the picturesque landscape, illuminated by the partial sunlight through the woodland canopy, consolidate the series as objectively beautiful and force the audience to consider that perhaps we’re too used to the unearned and instant gratification other series provide?

The intensity, tension, excitement, and beauty all of which had been present but not showcased, finally are unleashed in full force

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is an entirely recognisable, however extremely fresh, return to the visual depiction of Tolkien’s work. The series has been elegantly forged into something that can be enjoyed by those previously unexposed to the franchise, even if it initially takes a little more effort than desired. Ultimately, even if you don’t give a Hobbit’s hole about Middle Earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power more than deserves your time.