With embargo up for Rings of Power, critics have weighed in their early reaction to Prime Video’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age of Middle Earth, which includes exploring the mythopoeic stories of Silmarillion. From the looks of it, LOTR fans can sigh in relief as early non-spoiler reviews of Rings of Power episode 1 and episode 2 are filled with praises for the show’s grandeur world-building and applaud creators for setting the Lord of the Rings prequel as a series of its own instead of following in Peter Jackson’s footsteps.
Rings of Power is expected to flesh out the climatic point of the Second Age which saw the alliance of Men and Elves during rise and fall of Sauron. For starters, fans can rest assured Morfydd Clark’s portrayal as a young and fierce Galadriel and Robert Aramayo’s Elrond have won over critics, including Owain Arthur playing Prince Durin IV, Cruz Córdova’s Arondir and Sophia Nomvete’s Princess Disa. Several of the series’ characters will debut at a later point. Another entertainment journalist pointed out that the “PROLOGUE itself will destroy any awful feeling you had”. In addition, Bear McCreary‘s background score is already receiving rave reviews. The 2 hr. 29 min Album is out and also contains character theme tracks for Numenor, Valinor, Elendil and Isildur to name a few.
Some of the non-major critiques like Screen Rant’s Rob Keyes pointed out that the “pacing is off”. Furthermore, the high fantasy narrative may set itself apart, as Eric Francisco, a senior TV writer at Inverse noted – “TBD if it’ll sit alongside Jackson’s films or deserve Tolkien’s name.” An opinion that critic Lucy James also echoed saying the series does not try to take notes from the LOTR trilogy rather stands apart on its own. However, it should be noted that some early reactions contradicted the above statement claiming the series feels closely linked to Jackson’s titles. So it’s up to fans’ interpretation to decide. Readers can check out reactions below.
The Rings of Power (first 2 eps) is better than the marketing materials would have you believe but has work to do making the plot exciting. It feels massive and sets up the factions well but pacing is off. The Dwarves are already cooler than in The Hobbit! #TheRingsOfPower pic.twitter.com/crqr3wLCSh
— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) August 24, 2022
Having seen the first two episodes of #RingsOfPower, I have to admit I was surprised how much I liked it. The lush and expansive series very much breathes new life into the franchise. And it’s a show that I think people will enjoy once they allow themselves to be sucked into it.
— Stacy Lambe (@sllambe) August 24, 2022
I've seen #RingsofPower and I can say for certain you're in for a treat. Big, bold, and beautiful to behold. TBD if it'll sit alongside Jackson's films or deserve Tolkien's name, but for now it's all the maximalist pizazz one might expect from a historically expensive production. pic.twitter.com/Fgwh5L8eYC
— Eric Francisco (@EricFrancisco24) August 24, 2022
Morfydd Clark (from criminally underseen Saint Maud) shines as a fierce and ethereal Galadriel. As do Owain Arthur (Durin IV) and Ismael Cruz Córdova (Arondir). There's a lot of characters who've yet to appear but #RingsofPower has already given me "faves" I want to follow along. pic.twitter.com/yFbL5UjOiq
— Eric Francisco (@EricFrancisco24) August 24, 2022
Everything about this series is incredible. From the cinematography to the costumes to the movie quality sets. And, of course, the cast. Get ready for something special. I cannot wait to see more. Starts streaming September 2nd. 2/2 pic.twitter.com/A6gOOkSJEc
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) August 24, 2022
Okay so the first two episodes of #LordoftheRings #RingsofPower are a spectacular sight to behold. The scale, scope, ambition and grandiosity is unrivaled on TV. It also has the laborious task of introducing SO much necessary world building that it takes a bit to set flight.
— Brandon Katz (@Great_Katzby) August 24, 2022
I have seen the first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and they are a total joy. Watching it feels like stepping back into Middle-earth. I cannot wait to see where this story goes.
— Devan Coggan (@devancoggan) August 24, 2022
Two episodes of #TheRingsOfPower in and … so far, so good! The production value is pretty remarkable. One breathtaking visual after the next, and the level of detail in the costume and production design is something else. As for the story/characters … pic.twitter.com/n2HeKHdKPM
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) August 24, 2022
"Rings of Power" is a cinematic experience. In a perfect world, we would watch it on a big screen. It's pure Tolkien and yet feels very connected to Peter Jackson's movies. The FX are brilliant, the acting is superb and the PROLOGUE itself will destroy any awful feeling you had. pic.twitter.com/OQujU0qOYP
— Salem (@rodrigosalem) August 24, 2022
I’ve seen the first two episodes of Rings of Power!
I really, really dig it so far. It’s slower, and I’m savouring all the build up. Beyond a couple of cheeky nods, it’s not trying to be Jackson’s trilogy, it’s standing apart on its own, and I am so excited to see where it goes
— Lucy James (@lucyjamesgames) August 24, 2022
this is just to say that i have seen the first two episodes of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER and am battening down the hatches to prepare for my old-and-yet-also-new hyperfixation
— karen han (@karenyhan) August 24, 2022
I’ve just seen the first two episodes of @LOTRonPrime in IMAX, and my god, this is what it looks like when artists have no limits. Just incredible. #LordOfTheRings #TheRingsOfPower pic.twitter.com/ybIJbcih5m
— Kelli Boyle (@kellixboyle) August 24, 2022
I've seen the first two episodes of LOTR: The Rings of Power, and it's… interesting. A lot of setup, a lot of disparate stories and characters to flit between. Promising though.
Oh, and it genuinely looks incredible. You believe that this was the most expensive TV show around. pic.twitter.com/XeLOt21NLf
— James Whitbrook (@Jwhitbrook) August 24, 2022
I have seen the first two episodes of RINGS OF POWER. Those of you complaining about the misogyny in the dragon show should watch RINGS OF POWER. It will cleanse you like how the Ents cleansed Isengard at the end of THE TWO TOWERS. Also the dwarf princess Disa is FAB
— Diep Tran (@diepthought) August 24, 2022
I watched the first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: it’s grand, bold, and ambitious, and I absolutely loved it. The shots of Middle-earth were stunning and I wish everyone could see it on the big screen pic.twitter.com/agmGn3PrbZ
— Kat Moon 孟祥悅 (@katxmoon) August 24, 2022
I have seen the first two episodes of The Rings of Power and, as a Tolkien fan with loads of first editions of his work and his actual JRRT insignia tattooed on my shoulder, I reckon they are very good. I will say no more
— Cian Maher (@cianmaher0) August 24, 2022
From Mexico all the way to Mumbai, India – it’s raining Rings of Power since the global tour has amped up promotions with even the cast along with showrunner J.D. Payne participating in the Asia Pacific premiere. The LOTRROP team and were spotted at the NYC premiere on 23 August night where the first two episodes were screened on IMAX. Speaking of, the Rings of Power has a fan screening scheduled for August 31 in select regions.
The recent promo for Rings of Power got viewers excited to see Elrond’s arc in Second Age, to see his character growth beside Gil-Galad and the decisions that shape him to become the Lord of Rivendell. Some also believe the mysterious ragged old man from the last trailer could be Gandalf though there’s no hint from the creators suggesting the Wizard’s appearance so far.
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power releases on September 2 on Prime Video.
