I just finished Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, saw an earlier thread discussing earlier episodes, figured it’s worth discussing now that it’s all out.
Obviously spoilers for season 2.
(I’ll dump my thoughts in a comment below.)
I just finished Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, saw an earlier thread discussing earlier episodes, figured it’s worth discussing now that it’s all out.
Obviously spoilers for season 2.
(I’ll dump my thoughts in a comment below.)
Overall I enjoyed it, probably a little more than season 1,but it is still far from a great show.
Sauron and his story is easily the savior of the season, without it or with a weaker version of it this season would be a flop.
First Sauron and his relationship with Celebrimbor was done beautifully. The slow take over, giving him everything he wants, taking over the city. Then Celebrimbor and the mouse, slowly figuring it out. Slowly defying Sauron, removing his finger, it was excellent.
Then we have Sauron and Adar. It started and ended the season. I really wish Adar could have survived and lived on. I think the Orcs and the Elves could have gotten along. But… that’s the point. Adar was keeping the Orcs from Sauron, so he had to go.
And finally shout out to Durin, Disa & King Durin. I’ve always loved dwarves so I’m always going to love their stories. It wasn’t perfect and there are a lot of wrap up conversations needed, but Durin & Disa are a great couple, the relationship between Durin & Durin was well told, and the late King has a beautiful send off.
Ok. Now that I’ve spoken about the good. The bad.
The Stranger and the Harfoots. The scenes with Tom Bombadil were great, and that’s it. The aimless wandering. The Dark Wizard. Just a slog to watch.
Numenor. I don’t think I can tell you any of these characters names or purpose. A lady was in charge, but then a bird shows up so a dude is in charge, the dude is clearly a corrupt dick and then some other dude has to leave. I don’t care where he is going and I don’t know why I should care.
Isildur. I know that’s an important character later on, but I don’t think he did anything this season?
Arondir. Actually he didn’t do anything this season. I’m not even sure he had a line of dialogue apart from apologizing to the Ents. I liked the Ents.
Theo. Ok he actually didn’t do anything this season. I seem to recall he was a whole big mystery in season 1, now he’s just a background NPC.
Galadriel & Elrond. I feel like they just spent the season wandering around and reacting to Sauron & Adar. Obviously as characters I like them, but I don’t actually think we needed their POV on anything this season.
I agree in general with your points. Sauron was a compelling villain and I love how he never lies and lets people do his bidding by themselves. His manipulation of Celembrimbor was easily the best parts of the season. The dwarves come in second. I didn’t really care about the Numenorians and the Harfoots/Stranger. I’m sure they’ll have more interesting arcs on the following seasons.
Oh and Sauron killing Mirdania (Smith apprentice) by twitching Celebrimbor’s hand was beautiful. What a evil evil thing to do.