There is no denying that Amazon Prime’s Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is off to a promising, immersive start. If we take the network’s short but sweet discography, quality content is an undercurrent that’s thrusting it forward in the trenches of streaming services. Shows like The Expanse (later seasons), The Wheel of Time, and even Paper Girls have a top-tier quality to them that can (and should) be viewed on the big screen. That’s especially the case for the first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings’ long anticipated prequel series.
While we cannot disclose anything plot-related, we can confirm that the series is thoughtful and considerate of the stories it wants to tell. There are a myriad of stories within this show’s expansive world, and the first two episodes are well aware of this notion. There will be a lot to discuss when the time comes and theories take a float, which says enough about the quality of storytelling.
The thing about a fantasy series is that every audience member is drawn to a different thing. The expanse of world-building is critical to an engaging narrative, and that’s always been the case with this franchise. The series understands this, and thus far, it allows the characters to take a front seat in driving the plot forward. There’s plenty that could change when the series progresses, but generally, promising beginnings as such tell us more than what we need to know.
And with The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, especially its cast is hauling trenches to create something incredible. To be so innately impressed by everyone this early on is a rarity in and of itself. Still, Morfydd Clark is an absolute marvel as Galadriel—an easy character to attach ourselves to right from the start.
We could spend hours just gawking about this series’s visual effects, which demand to be viewed on the biggest screens possible, curtains drawn, and everything blacked out as dark as possible. Brilliant shots are expected from a show like this, but the amount that we get is awe-inspiring. Truly. The production design and the years of hard work are apparent from the moment the story begins and until the credits start to role. And while we were already enamored with Bear McCreary’s original score, hearing the tracks in the scenes they belong in is an adventure for which there are no words.
In short, The Rings of Power is captivating thus far. There’s so much to be told here, and we’re waiting with bated breath to dive further into it. It’s not always easy to rewatch episodes of a lengthy fantasy series, but it’s going to be an effortless feat with this show, and surely, every rewatch will bring about further discoveries, making the story that much more enamoring.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere on Amazon Prime on September 2.
I’m so happy it’s been getting positive reviews because the original LOTR trilogy holds a special place in my heart. While I initially had my reservations, I’m quite excited to check it out now!