The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 - a darker start to Middle-earth

It’s been almost 2 years since we saw the beginning of The Rings of Power, Prime Video’s quest to take us into the ever-fascinating and inspiring world created by J.R.R. Tolkien. The first season was a beginning that marked where the story was going, getting to know its characters and its rules. However, like many modern shows, it had a problem with pacing and structure that when it came time for the climax, there was the terrible moment when the season was over and we had to wait to find out how the story was going to continue. Having seen the first two episodes of Season 2, we are about to enter a season where the shadow of the enemy does not take long to take its first steps.

The Seduction of Sauron

I won’t go into too much detail about the first few episodes, but I will say that we begin with a look into the past to learn a little about the history of the Dark Lord and how he got to the point where we met him in the first season. After this introduction, we pick up where we left off, with Galadriel and Elrond arguing over whether or not to use the Rings, the conflicts over the lands left in what is now Mordor, and even how the dwarven kingdom of Khazad-dûm now suffers from the advent of the Shadow of the Enemy.

We also see Nori’s journey continue with the mysterious Stranger, whose place among the Istars of Tolkien’s mythology we are still far from defining; an arc that also opens the doors to new villains and confrontations. While these episodes focus on these fronts, many of the other characters we met in the first season are far away. The conflicts in Númenor or what happened to the elf Arondir are on the sidelines for now, though we know they will be part of the story later. The rhythm in these episodes remains steady, and although the jumps go from one side to the other, for now, it is a stable start, if not entirely strong.

Something to highlight and that this second season maintains is the use of its visual effects. They look better than last season and a good effort is made to present us with a Middle-earth that looks spectacular. This, mixed with the always impressive music of Bear McCreary, and we have an audiovisual experience that manages to accompany the story.

The first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Season 2 presents us with a season opener that draws us in because of the fate of its characters. Despite everything, Sauron remains the main hook, and little by little we get to see how his shadow begins to spread across Middle-earth. We can only hope that the show keeps up this pace.

Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more. Follow us now!