With Season 2 wrapping, Rings of Power looks for the Season 3 greenlight

As a seasoned gamer and Tolkien enthusiast who’s spent countless hours navigating the perilous landscapes of Middle-earth, I have to say that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has been an absolute thrill ride. This series takes us back to the roots of the saga, delving deep into the lore and politics of Middle-earth before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring.

It’s common for popular TV shows to revolve around a will-they/won’t-they dynamic, but Amazon Prime Video’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” introduces that tension in an unusual way – by shrouding a distinctive relationship in mystery. As for Season 2, it centers around the rings crafted for the races of Middle-earth. With the second season of this series adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s worlds and works recently concluded, let’s summarize the current state and what we have learned about the rest of the story.

“For the Dark Lord on his dark throne.”

Here is a review and I will warn of spoilers for both seasons ahead.

With Season 2 wrapping, Rings of Power looks for the Season 3 greenlight

By the end of Season 1, the legendary “Three Rings for Elven Kings, under the sky” were crafted in Eregion. Sauron, the Deceiver, was exposed by his most tenacious pursuer, and Mordor, a land shrouded in darkness, became Sauron’s stronghold. The characters were plunged into deep sorrow; from the Southlanders who had their homes destroyed in Mount Doom’s eruption to the Numenoreans, whose kingdom was at risk of losing its ruler. The Harfoots dispatched one of their own to aid a Stranger in searching for his kin, while the prince of Khazad-Dum was banished by his king.

In Season 2, we delved deeper into the dangers posed by the rings, yet also highlighted the incredible feats achieved through their power. Galadriel was awestruck by the revitalization of Lindon as she employed the Ring of Adamant to mend one of its grandest trees. King Durin III utilized one of the seven dwarven rings to safeguard his realm and boost its prosperity. A shadowy presence persistently urged the completion of the nine rings, destined for the human race. Simultaneously, there were those who recognized the true identity of this enigmatic figure. The elven blacksmiths of Eregion were informed that he was Annatar, Lord of Gifts, and presented himself as an emissary of the Valar. Given that the Valar are celestial beings who serve the creator in Tolkien’s writings, it wasn’t surprising that he was treated with reverence. However, those who knew Annatar beyond the workshops called him Sauron and pleaded earnestly to warn their kin against collaborating with this individual.

During this period, not only did numerous circles of power arise and spread, but also, the city where they are crafted faced imminent peril. Adar, one of the earliest orcs, mobilized an army with ambitions to siege Eregion, aiming to seize the dark lord. The elves residing within were rightfully fearful as the attack commenced; however, there was no tale more tragic than that of Celebrimbor. Believing he served a noble cause under Annatar, he was deceived into viewing the world as balanced and prosperous. Upon realizing the ruse and shattering the enchantment, he lamented his ignorance and the destruction of his city, striving to rectify the situation. Regrettably, the season’s most significant triumph occurred when he perished defiantly, having ensured that the nine rings destined for “mortal men bound to die” remained out of Sauron’s grasp.

It seems appropriate now to wrap up the recap and delve into my reflections on how this season unfolded. There’s an undeniable air of despair that pervades this second installment, which Galadriel herself in her later years refers to as a “prolonged defeat.” Eregion lies in ruins, the throne of Numenor is seized at the moment of coronation, and a significant character from Season 1 succumbs to her injuries before the narrative continues, leaving those who cherished her heartbroken. A sworn enemy turns into an ally, only for one of the leaders to be brutally murdered by his own troops. This season echoes the sentiments expressed in Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, where “there remains much that is beautiful, and even though sorrow now tinges all affection, it may yet grow stronger.” The Harfoots’ encounter with their long-lost kin and their subsequent adoption is one heartwarming storyline. Another is the transformation of the Stranger into the Grand-Elf and Gandalf’s consultation with a cheerful companion named Tom Bombadil. Celebrimbor wept for Eregion, but I couldn’t help shedding tears when Elrond ceased questioning Galadriel’s intentions and returned her ring to her. King Durin caused me concern until the moment he bestowed his own ring upon the son he had previously cast out, and the battle theme of Khazad-Dum is as moving as any other in cinema or television.

“This quest stands upon the edge of a knife.”

After recalling recent events, it’s hard not to ponder if the show will proceed with seasons 3-5 as planned. According to Variety, while the showrunners JED Payne and Patrick McKay have been preparing the next season’s story for months, some fans are speculating and worried because an official greenlight is yet to be given – considering that the second season was ordered years before the first aired. However, during Prime Video UK Upfront presentations in London, it seems that studios usually only showcase shows to buyers if they intend to continue them. Given that the series ranks among the top 5 for the streamer, there’s clearly an audience interested in more stories. Furthermore, writers for Season 3 have already been brought on board.

There are many significant plot points left unresolved in the grand narrative: For instance, we’re yet to discover which kings will fall under the influence of the nine rings and transform into Ringwraiths. The Harfoots and Stoors have come together and there’s speculation about them establishing The Shire. Pharazon has seized the throne but hasn’t launched an invasion, potentially leading to his kingdom’s demise. Elendil and Isildur are still apart, with a lot of character development required before Isildur wields his father’s sword shards against Sauron. The Last Alliance between elves and men is yet to materialize, and the most crucial event – the forging of the One Ring in Mount Doom – remains untold.

Tune into The Rings of Power on Prime Video now.

2024-10-08 16:32