The Rings Of Power Season 2 Ep 1, 2 & 3 Review (Spoiler-Free)

The Rings of Power Season 2 has finally arrived, and the first three episodes have brought us back to Middle-earth in a darker yet familiar way. Improving on Season 1, this season moves away from extensive world-building and dives straight into the action, with even bigger battles on the horizon. The first three episodes feature some long-awaited moments and execute them very well despite still some small peculiar character choices. It takes about halfway into episode 2 to fully get into it, but once you do there is no looking back and the show picks up tremendously.

Let’s unpack everything that’s happened so far and break it down episode by episode.

Episode 1: Elven Kings Under the Sky

3.5/5

The first episode, much like the premiere of Season 1, has the challenging task of reintroducing the world, setting, characters, and plot. In many ways, this is executed exceptionally well. For example, the introductory Sauron focused stuff are captivating and immediately hooks viewers. At the start The Rings of Power Season 2 also delivers some brutal visuals and intense moments. We then get arguably the best performance of the episode from Charlie Vickers as Halbrand.

The Lord of the Rings movies needed an Ian Mckellen and the Rings of Power now have their Ian Mckellen type figure and that is actor Ben Daniels as Círdan. When you see Gandalf in the movies it is already known that he is wise and knowledge beyond count – he is a maiar- but despite that he still had that homeliness and feeling of comfort that was especially seen with the Hobbits. In a show that has lacked this type of figure thus far, with the closest being Sadoc Burrows (Sir Lenny Henry), Ben Daniels as Círdan is exciting.

Ben Daniels as Círdan

The best parts of episode 1 without a doubt goes to the dynamic between Adar (Sam Hazeldine) and Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) with the pair showcasing amazing chemistry. The discussions between the two provide some of the best storytelling. Sauron’s character in the first episodes is so dynamic and you see the full range from Charlie Vicker’s performance which provides an insight into the psyche of the villain.

Charlie Vickers as Halbrand

The Rhûn storyline did have some very good parts, but also slightly dragged the episode sometimes as well. Though there were some dialogue scenes, especially between Nori and The Stranger which were captivating.

So, as mentioned at the start, the first episode of  Season 2 similar to the first episode of Season 1 had to reintroduce the world and its setting, characters and plot and at some points it had been executed tremendously well, but there was one part a bit less so. The Lindon storyline in the first few episodes is a bit slow. The reasoning for choices with the characters does make sense but seems a tad excessive at times.

Morfydd Clark as Galadriel

Overall, episode 1 of Season 2 is vastly better than the start to Season 1, things are moving, with Círdan being a massive highlight despite the somewhat reminiscent plotting with the elves which luckily seems self contained to the first 2 episodes. But that’s episode 1 done, episode 2 is where it begins…

Best performance: Charlie Vickers (Sauron), Sam Hazeldine (Adar)

Episode 2: Where the Stars are Strange

4/5

Episode 2 is a very strong episode and it is probably what we have been waiting 4 years for, as Season 1 focused on world-building, character introductions, and creating a visual spectacle, the first episode of Season 2 still ties up loose ends from the previous season and sets the stage for what’s to come. However, with episode 2, the show finally feels less like a series of expositional scenes and more like compelling television. The pacing in Episode 2 is much better, as it seamlessly shifts between the different storylines, effectively advancing the story.

Morfydd Clark is subtly changing her performance of Galadriel, she seems more reserved, Clark is bringing some patience to her performance.

Benjamin Walker as High King Gil-galadThe Dwarves again in Khazad-dûm and out of all the storylines it is still the main one with all round amazing performances by everyone, especially Durin IV and Disa.

The strongest part  is without a doubt the dynamic between Charlie Vickers (Halbrand/ Annatar) and Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) who work off each-other so well and it seem like both actors know the role that their characters play. The main reason why this works so well is because as mentioned earlier- it makes sense. The show is starting to move away from over explaining and justifying things and instead we just see what book fans have wanted to see for ages.

The second half of episode 2 is some of the best moments from the show so far which was very exciting to see.

Episode 2 delivers mostly all round a great episode of storylines progressing and progressing in a way central to the threat of Sauron that will hopefully pay off later on in the season.

Best performance: Charles Edwards (Celebrimbor), Charlie Vickers (Sauron)

Episode 3: The Eagle and the Sceptre

4/5

Episode 3 is where the season fully starts to take shape and where Numenor provides probably the best ‘television’ from the Rings of Power so far. It was nice to see characters such as Eärien (Ema Horvath) Kemen (Leon Wadham) and Valandil (Alex Tarrant) taking more centre stage . It feels more like ‘television’  in regards to the fact that it feels like its own separated story and feels contained in a way that we can see the motivation of all the characters. Miriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) and Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle) worked off each other well too. It also seems like Ema Horvath Eärien is growing in her role.

The events in Númenor set up the rest of the season perfectly, and I hope they are explored further. Despite Númenor’s storyline being some of the best we’ve seen on the show, it lacks screen time. It’s good to be hopeful that this is where the Númenor story picks up, but there’s a concern it might not get the attention it deserves. However, since this season focuses more on Sauron and Eregion, Númenor might not be the priority until future seasons.

Despite Numenor being some of the best stuff so far, the heart and soul of episode 3 goes to Isildur (Maxim Baldry) who’s character shines above the rest in this episode. With his character progression throughout the episode, Isildur was definitely a highlight and it feels as if the viewer is on a journey with him too. The first few episodes noticeably do lack some action, but fear not as the Elven superhero Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova) will excite fans.

But of course, the best is saved for last: the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm and Annatar with Celebrimbor in Eregion. I was especially pleased with these moments because they weren’t overly complicated or exaggerated—they made sense, and that’s what matters most.

Disa (Sophia Nomvete) continues to be the standout Dwarf and Sophia Nomvete continues to excel in the role and providing the emotional gravitas.

Peter Mullan as King Durin III

Episode 3 is a strong episode and is paced very well, as some more background characters and storylines have taken centre stage. Episode 3 finishes strong with Numenor a highlight and episode 4 is shaping up to be an exciting episode.

Best performance: Maxim Baldry (Isildur), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Regent Miriel)

The Rings of Power Season 2 premieres August 29th on Prime Video