Rings of Power

I have watched all five of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” episodes currently released as of September 26th. So far I think the show is great.

The show is unfinished as of writing this article, but the show is compelling and expansive as it tells the story of how the rings of power were created. The show follows four different subplots, each showing a different perspective of the growing danger and magical happenings in Middle Earth.

The show has received criticism for not being entirely faithful to “The Silmarillion,” the book written by J.R. Tolkein that explains the world and history of Middle Earth. I personally have never read “The Silmarillion,” but I understand why some people would be upset that something they love is being changed.

That being said, I love the show and I think it is charmingly faithful to the aesthetic of the Lord of the Rings series. What I love about the Lord of the Rings books and movies is the world of Middle Earth and the feeling of wonder that they portrayed.

I fell in love with the vast expanses of untamed wilderness and the natural beauty of elven forests, and The Rings of Power definitely delivers on beautiful scenery and breathtaking views. In one scene, two characters are standing atop a watch tower looking out over a valley, and although the view is clearly CGI, it evokes a feeling of wonder and awe.

One of the best things about the Lord of the Rings movies is the enchanting music, and The Rings of Power carries on this tradition. The show has a vast selection of wonderful music such as intense battle music, dark and menacing themes and mystical songs that bring to mind simpler and happier times. In episode five, one of the characters sings the song “This Wondering Day,” and I felt so enraptured by it that I immediately added it to my playlist.

All in all, the show is good and is putting its record breaking budget to good use. Although the show isn’t finished, I am hopeful for its success and I look forward to new episodes every Friday. For anyone who has read the Lord of the Rings books or watched the movies, I highly suggest giving the show a try. If someone is new to the world of Middle Earth I suggest watching the show to get a taste of why so many people love this world and the stories it tells.