UPDATE: Season one has come to a close and I am already anxious for Season two. As I mentioned below in my initial reaction, I wasn’t sure if this series would live up to what I wanted. I didn’t need to worry. As each episode gained more and more momentum I could not wait for the next one. The season finale though was the icing on the cake. I will not spoil much here, but will only say that while watching with my family there were a few audible screams, some clapping, and several tears. There isn’t much more you could ask for than that.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Ep. 1 and 2 premier on Prime Video September 2nd. Fans of all things LOTR will find this as tasty as second breakfast. After the airing of Episodes 1 and 2 Prime Video will release a new episode each week. In my humble opinion it is the way shows were intended to be watched.
For those who sort of remember the plot of the original trilogy, or consider themselves curious bystanders it is important that you do not give up after the first episode. There is a lot of setup and character introduction in that first 60-minutes. Be encouraged though that Episode 2 offers a lot more in the way of action, humor, and excitement. The rest of us Hobbit loving maniacs are used to a lot of walking and talking, and understand the need.
It is also important to keep in mind that this series takes place thousands of years before The Hobbit, which takes place long before The Lord of the Rings. If you are expecting a baby Frodo or a teenaged Aragorn you will be miffed. Yes, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (Robert Aramayo) are here but Elves are different. They are healthy eaters and use creams and lotions.
There are several different story lines happening, and you may gravitate more to one than another. You have the hobbits who are getting ready for a migration. Galadriel is on a very important quest, as are other elvish hunters. My favorite moments by far happens mid way through episode 2 when Elrond heads to the mountain of the dwarves. The relationship between Legolas and Gimli in the movie trilogy was so very special and brought much humor. The same can be said here.
It looks amazing.
The cinematography is beautiful, and lives up to what we expect from this world. Elegant costumes and stunning makeup take us back to Middle Earth and fit nicely with the Peter Jackson films. It is always nice when we get the same epic scope in a weekly series that we would in a major motion picture.
There is a lot of expectation and excitement around this series. Now that I have seen the first two offerings I am even more intrigued, and full of anticipation. As long as the writers do not try and stuff way too much into the series we should be fine. I would rather have limited elements with a lot of meat than a bunch of thin stories which offer nothing important.
As The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power moves on I will continue to add more commentary, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts as well.
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