The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

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Season 1
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
3.0

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 2938 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 711 out of 2938
  2. Mixed: 141 out of 2938
  3. Negative: 2,086 out of 2938

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  1. QlachPL
    Dec 27, 2022
    6
    After two Episode i am so extremely exited. The show is unhurried, wonderful atmosphere reflecting the Middle-earth fully. Very good acting, Morfydd, Markella and Ishmael - bravo. Extremely interesting montage combined with sound design gives us the atmosphere from Peter Jackson's LOTR. Soundtrack could be better
  2. Ltlombardi
    Dec 3, 2022
    4
    Didn't like the music, the scenery. It does not look like the movie series,. unfortunately.
    It's also too slow. But I did find myself wanting more.
  3. Dee-Jay_Deli
    Nov 21, 2022
    5
    Update after the end of season 1: Yes, the review bombing and hatred directed towards the show is absurd and exaggerated. But after the conclusion, much of the criticism is justified. Maybe not the vitriol, but the show isn't well-written, the narrative not compelling, the characters, mostly bland and unsypathetic.

    As beautiful as it is, and as well-produced it may be...the core    Update after the end of season 1: Yes, the review bombing and hatred directed towards the show is absurd and exaggerated. But after the conclusion, much of the criticism is justified. Maybe not the vitriol, but the show isn't well-written, the narrative not compelling, the characters, mostly bland and unsypathetic.

    As beautiful as it is, and as well-produced it may be...the core narrative and characters are boring. The few highlights of the show are often butchered with poor editing, leaving the audience confused.

    At the end of the day, it's just "not good" and "fine" at best.    … Expand
  4. KJ_20
    Nov 12, 2022
    6
    Amazing cinematography cant save the Rings of Power from its bleak, dull and unlikeable plot and character arcs. 'Udun' is the only episode where the series really shines. Overall, it could have been much better. Entire characters could have been dumped or significantly changed, and some storylines feel to dragged on to satisfy the viewer. The scriptwriting is even worse. It's a real pity.
  5. Voodoo123
    Oct 15, 2022
    5
    I enjoyed watching season 1 for the sheer spectacle of its budgetary prowess but couldn't help feeling it was such a shame so much of the established visual style was sacrificed for diversity casting - I mean unattractive actors? Black elves, hobbits and dwarves? Adventurous alpha female hobbits??? It's just not honouring the original content. Entertaining as a a standalone fantasy butI enjoyed watching season 1 for the sheer spectacle of its budgetary prowess but couldn't help feeling it was such a shame so much of the established visual style was sacrificed for diversity casting - I mean unattractive actors? Black elves, hobbits and dwarves? Adventurous alpha female hobbits??? It's just not honouring the original content. Entertaining as a a standalone fantasy but deeply flawed production to have discarded the well established visual style of the cinematic lotr universe. The soundtrack was superb.… Expand
  6. Laemoth
    Oct 15, 2022
    5
    After seeing it all, All I can say is...Meh.
    The beginning was really promising, but promises shatters against a story that has nothing to tell, with characters that constantly act inconsistently or even contradictory, storylines abandoned and events that happens almost comically (without wanting it).

    Not as bad as many says, but definitely a lost chance.
  7. MetacriticOnur
    Oct 14, 2022
    6
    admirable
    [ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

    adjectiv
    worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.
  8. Murphyslaw
    Oct 11, 2022
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I watched up to episode 6 and don't think I have any wish to continue. This feels like a generic tv show filled to the brim with mediocrity, with very little of the magic in the books or the movies.
    The music is ok, the visuals are nice and the acting from certain individuals is relatively good. I particularly enjoy the scenes with Elrond and Durin. The actress playing Galadirlel also seems to know her salt, it's just unfortunate she got stuck with such an unlikable, wooden, and single track character. I'd put a lot of the other cast in the same boat unfortunately. Good acting, badly written character. Sadly none of that makes up for the terrible writing and absolutely massive plot holes. Not to mention, despite the universe this is set in, in the end everything just felt... small.

    SPOILERS!

    Episode 6, a massive charge of horses is seen bolting at top speed to their destination to apparently save the village which is under attack. How on earth did they know it was under attack? Were they just running their horses hard for no reason and just happened to stumble across this? Why would they be doing this to their horses if they had no idea where they were immediately going, what they were up against, or even WHY they were charging in the first place? This scene just starts this way, there is no context given to explain ANY of the actions from the cavalry.

    Even worse is this sadly seems so easy to notice and fix. Add a scene before the charge. They are scouting/slowly making their way inland. They see a commotion in the distance. Galadriel has them prepare to charge, she spies orcs with her elven eyes. (she spotted land an hour before humans could see it not 5 minutes earlier in the episodes -_-) It is as if no one proof read this. This was a one and done, shipped out the door 'perfect' as is.

    This is but one example of many. Actions are taken that make no sense. Characters feel wooden and on rails. And the audience is left to fill in TOO many blanks (if that is even the writers intent and it's not just purely bad writing) The other elements of the show are then sadly left to pick up the pieces.

    TL;DR Not worth watching. For the massive amount of money they have spent on this, you'd think they would have hired competent writers.

    P.S. It is unfortunate this has been hounded by alt right extremists and this toxic "anti-woke" crowd, as it reduces the value of fair criticism. For what it is worth, I think Ismael Cruz Córdova is doing a fine job and I LOVE the woman playing Durin's wife, Sophia Nomvete. She had sass!

    Despite trying to give them leeway and not be a purist when it comes to established canon, I still can't stand what they did to hobbits or harfoots. Genuinely hate it. Ugh    … Expand
  9. hammbone18
    Sep 4, 2022
    4
    I don’t remember/care about what happened in the show. The only character whose name I remember is Galadriel. This show is pretty blah and mediocre at best. Feels like it was written in a Tuesday afternoon meeting, in a stuffy conference room. That is probably the most honest review I can give so far.
  10. jovincen
    Oct 2, 2022
    6
    I think this series is a solid 6. Plot is a bit slow and boring, action is exaggerated and drawn out and the payoffs are too small.
  11. BrianDavid94
    Sep 30, 2022
    5
    5 episodes in and it doesn't seem like it's following the lore. Big budget company just in it for the money. Still decent but a big let down.
  12. RageoftheGODs
    Sep 20, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I’ll start off by stating I’m not a Tolkien lore or Lord of the Rings fanatic. So, I really don’t know if the show is staying true to the lord or not. I’m reviewing the show so far (through episode 4) simply for the writing, acting and visuals. The first thing to mention is the visuals are very well done. The world looks amazing and the character costumes (for the most part) all look great and believable; especially the orcs, the look awesome. The acting is fine, but the quality varies from character to character. The main character, Galadriel, is the one I like the least. She’s very bland and boring and not very convincing. Adar is the character I’m most interested in so far, he hasn’t been in the show much but he has been the one I’m most interested in. Durin and Elrond are also good character. Most of the others are forgettable. The plot so far leaves much to be desired. We’re 4 episodes into the show and I still really don’t feel like I’m being “pulled in” or like I have that feeling where I can’t wait till the next episode because I have to know what happens. Overall, it’s been a very slow progressing season so far with too many characters I really just don’t care about and not enough really happening to keep me invested and want to keep watching. 5/10 so far.… Expand
  13. Okicritic
    Sep 19, 2022
    4
    After watching half of season 1, it's clear the show is rich in style and poor in substance. Each episode barely moves the plot along, several characters feel completely unnecessary, the star character is insufferable, and the dialogue is borderline cringeworthy. The writers need a major course-correction in season 2 if this series has any hope.
  14. SeekDWay
    Sep 18, 2022
    4
    Average at best with too much appropriation and watering down of Tolkienian lore.
  15. bjmetacritic
    Sep 16, 2022
    5
    Halfway through season 1, I think we have a fair picture of this show.
    The Good
    -CGI and practical effects are mostly good. -The portrayal of the dwarves is mostly good. The Bad -The pseudo-Tolkien dialogue comes off as amateurish and breaks immersion. -The portrayal of Galadriel as a rude, impulsive super-soldier is annoying. -The elves do not look or act like the elves in the books,    Halfway through season 1, I think we have a fair picture of this show.
    The Good
    -CGI and practical effects are mostly good.
    -The portrayal of the dwarves is mostly good.
    The Bad
    -The pseudo-Tolkien dialogue comes off as amateurish and breaks immersion. -The portrayal of Galadriel as a rude, impulsive super-soldier is annoying.
    -The elves do not look or act like the elves in the books, which makes it feel like generic fantasy. -The hobbits are insufferable. -The plot moves at a snail's pace.
    -There are obvious plot holes and inexplicable decisions.
    The fact that I'm still watching means the show has some appeal, but there is a lot of room for improvement. I hope (but do not expect) that they will learn from the season 1 feedback and course-correct in coming seasons.    … Expand
  16. Paper_Kay
    Sep 14, 2022
    6
    It's very very pretty to look at and I do enjoy LOOKING at it, but the narrative is awful, the plots are off, characters are unpleasant or unconvincing (Has that guy who plays that elf with dark skin and blue eyes ever played anything that isn't sulking and brooding in EVERY scene? It gets really old, dude, pouting isn't character depth). Namely, everyone is a major downer for some reason,It's very very pretty to look at and I do enjoy LOOKING at it, but the narrative is awful, the plots are off, characters are unpleasant or unconvincing (Has that guy who plays that elf with dark skin and blue eyes ever played anything that isn't sulking and brooding in EVERY scene? It gets really old, dude, pouting isn't character depth). Namely, everyone is a major downer for some reason, depressed, depressing and unpleasant. There is no excitement, no joy, adventure, passion, a sense of wonder - everyone just whines, sulks and whines some more. Still, at least it's better than watching House of Dragon, where ugly people do even uglier things to one another.… Expand
  17. PotatoQueen32
    Sep 14, 2022
    4
    Pretty uninspired show, it feels like it was written by total amateurs trying to emulate other better shows. The acting, costumes and writing are comparable to CW shows and the writing alone is on par with GOT season 8. Amazon spent a lot of money just for pretty cgi but skipped out on everything else. It shows when all the 10 scores (ha!) can only talk about its graphics. If Amazon wantsPretty uninspired show, it feels like it was written by total amateurs trying to emulate other better shows. The acting, costumes and writing are comparable to CW shows and the writing alone is on par with GOT season 8. Amazon spent a lot of money just for pretty cgi but skipped out on everything else. It shows when all the 10 scores (ha!) can only talk about its graphics. If Amazon wants to do better they should hire seasoned writers… Expand
  18. GamingUnites
    Sep 14, 2022
    5
    A prime example of big business throwing money around to buy the rights to an IP they have no intention of respecting for the mere purpose of trying to 'buy' fans as if they are livestock; cattle to be herded into their corporate pastures so they can be milked like cash cows.

    Apart from the very high production values, this is a decidedly mediocre series made far worse due to its    A prime example of big business throwing money around to buy the rights to an IP they have no intention of respecting for the mere purpose of trying to 'buy' fans as if they are livestock; cattle to be herded into their corporate pastures so they can be milked like cash cows.

    Apart from the very high production values, this is a decidedly mediocre series made far worse due to its cultural insensitivity. Plot holes, nonsensical character behaviour, Marvel-esque (but executed poorly) action sequences, shallow characters and ofttimes woeful, secondary-school-level writing make this a great disappointment. There are even several instances that outright copy notable moments from the original trilogy of movies in a weak, vapid attempt to awaken the affection and nostalgia people have for those wonderful films in a vain push to buy goodwill. And we're only 3 episodes in. It's pathetic.

    A wizard getting angry and rising to his full height whilst the world dims around him? Check. People bickering and fighting while a lone, brave, quiet voice grows in power until it causes them all to turn in stunned silence? Check. It's so weak and derivative.

    If you enjoy dialogue that is constantly vague and constantly says cheesy things similar to, "Sometimes the wind that seeks to extinguish a flame, ends up inflaming it' then you'll be right at home here.

    Oh, and a note on their casting choices:

    If it were any other region's folklore that was being made into a TV show, people would be screaming for the creators to show respect and cultural sensitivity but it's based on white European heritage so it must, apparently, be abused and vandalised.

    Listen here Amazon (Disney etc,..), if you want to create worlds that fit into your cultural agenda then go ahead...but could you at least consider doing so by creating something new? Is that too much to ask? To ask for creative people to, er, you know, create? Don't just attempt to ride on the coattails of established IP's and their fandoms whilst not honouring the works in question. It's artistically bankrupt, creatively cowardly and outright dishonest.

    You can't take something people love, change it drastically and subsequently complain when they're not happy. As for those who complain the negative reviews are from bigots, well, how comes HotD is doing fine? That's as diverse as it gets. How comes there are even reviewers who said it's mediocre?

    Oh, and if you loved Cate Blanchette's ethereal, graceful and yet subtly powerful and awe-inspiring Galadriel then you'll probably be as crestfallen as I was to see the character reduced to what the modern world apparently refers to as a 'Karen'. It's as if they deliberately want you to dislike her, tremendously. She's almost always irritable, distrusting, constantly acting hard done by and treats people as if they're servants no matter how helpful and patient they are being.

    I know it's many years before the Galadriel we know from Jackson's trilogy but still, she's horrible.

    In summary, they had no intention of keeping to the feel of the original books and movies. They wanted the money-making potential of the IP, but nothing else. They also seemingly wanted the material, story and characters to fit their 'culture-war' agenda and so hired writers (I use the term loosely) based on that rather than talent. This is the result. A creatively poor mess with mixed up priorities.    … Expand
  19. Zaine6
    Sep 13, 2022
    5
    It's serviceable at best which isn't ok for such an IP and budget. This isn't just another show, this could should of been THE show of our life time. Additionally none of the changes that were made were necessary and just a slap in the face that takes us out of the immersion.
  20. Horsedog5
    Sep 12, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show is super slow to develop. There are not a lot of actionable scenes. I am hoping that it will get better but so far I am an episode 3 and it is a struggle to keep going… Expand
  21. robert-omb
    Sep 12, 2022
    4
    Flimsy cardboard cutouts set in a diorama of superficial beauty. Inconsistent tone, inane dialogue, disregard for the source material, and an aura of soullessness. It's bewildering how something so expensive could feel so cheap. Stick with Peter Jackson or read the books.
  22. TheLee
    Sep 8, 2022
    5
    Visuals are top notch. Too many characters. Really hoping they pick it up in episode 3
  23. ckgamer
    Sep 2, 2022
    6
    its certainly better than what I expected without the sjw elements could be much better and get 8 instead of 7 I gave it 7 instead of 6 because of the very good cinematography and visuals ... like I said its better than what I expected though I'm anti sjw so I can only give it 7

    Well scew sjw and woke I’m giving it 6 anyway **** hate sjw terrorists
  24. FrankStounn
    Sep 8, 2022
    6
    Not so bad as I expected, but the plot is boring, the main actress is playing bad
  25. Dodger
    Sep 7, 2022
    4
    The only thing going for this show at the moment are the visuals. The dialogue/script in genuinely aweful, every conversation is so stilted. I think everyone else have covered the issues with character developemnt the story and pacing so i'll leave that bit to them.
  26. NirvanaCrux
    Sep 7, 2022
    5
    Amazon Prime’s Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power is a truly beautiful experience that puts television programming on a cinematic scale. The show’s characters and story are authentically J.R.R. Tolkien in the best possible way. The first two episodes reeled me in and I am looking forward to premiere of the third episode on Friday. This show will appeal to lifelong fans of all ages who’reAmazon Prime’s Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power is a truly beautiful experience that puts television programming on a cinematic scale. The show’s characters and story are authentically J.R.R. Tolkien in the best possible way. The first two episodes reeled me in and I am looking forward to premiere of the third episode on Friday. This show will appeal to lifelong fans of all ages who’re readers and viewers of both the books and Peter Jackson’s timeless trilogy.… Expand
  27. PatrykKeska4
    Sep 7, 2022
    4
    For now 4 stars this is the most what I can give.
    Ofcourse when we gonna ignore source material and Tolkien work, and treat this series as generic fantasy show.
    pros : * for soundtrack, not all of them but I belive it can be epic. * Dwarfs - yes dwarfs, atleast Amazon know how to create dwarfs, how to create location and right vibe. Still has nightmares after what netflix did with    For now 4 stars this is the most what I can give.
    Ofcourse when we gonna ignore source material and Tolkien work, and treat this series as generic fantasy show.

    pros :
    * for soundtrack, not all of them but I belive it can be epic.

    * Dwarfs - yes dwarfs, atleast Amazon know how to create dwarfs, how to create location and right vibe. Still has nightmares after what netflix did with Witcher series and dwarfs.

    * CGI, open world , some location feels a little bit plastic but overall we can see what costed a lot in this series. Honestly i preffer more dark and dirty characterisation

    cons:

    * a completely unsuccessful casting, most of the characters are not fit. Honestly I'm surprised, i thought it will be complete disaster but some characters are better than in trailers.

    * Logic - actually lack of logic,

    * Garadiel - Most annoying and wooden played character

    * poor dialogues - mother of god... Someone try to force make epic elvish Proverbs which actually has no sens at all...

    * for now poor writing - what can I say.
    I fell asleep in the first episode. Episode two is way better and this is the reason why Amazon dicided to release two at once, otherway most of the reviews should be around 1/2.

    * Actually there is no middle earth here, I'm mean this vibe which Peter Jackson bring on the screens.

    * Costimues - yes, When I did put a CGI and locations in pros, I'cant say same about outfits.All of them looks "clean" and feels plastic...

    * I did complain about casting, from a view an actor fitting to the role, right now i have even worse feeling about species overall looks except dwarfs.
    Don't get me wrong, But Elves should looks epic like "higher class" than humans. Exactly how Jacson show them. Most of them looks exactly like my neightbours... Most funny is there is one Elves which facial structure
    is right for Elvs and this characters is Arondir. Still i wish we had Elvs with long blond hairs.

    * diversity - yes... Best way to ruin the show becouse you have to mix everthing and evryone... Is it that hard to respect lore, and give everyone a right respect ?
    There is a lot of ways to do it right. I don't want to see "myself" as an Elf or Dwarf BECOUSE I don't have attributes which are specific for this species... Is it that hard to do it ? Where most of "diversity" beliver see the problem. EVERYONE DON'T HAVE TO FIT EVERYHERE... We all are diffrent and this make us special.    … Expand
  28. Iyunzusto
    Sep 6, 2022
    5
    It's actually pretty entertaining and an absolute feast for the eyes. There's a decent amount of suspenseful writing.

    As for the diversity issue, here's the problem. It's that it feels inauthentic. It's forced. And that takes you out of the immersion which compromises the experience. People are not racist for questioning black hobbits. Why are black people black? It's a defense against    It's actually pretty entertaining and an absolute feast for the eyes. There's a decent amount of suspenseful writing.

    As for the diversity issue, here's the problem. It's that it feels inauthentic. It's forced. And that takes you out of the immersion which compromises the experience.

    People are not racist for questioning black hobbits. Why are black people black? It's a defense against equatorial sunlight. So why would there be black hobbits and white hobbits originating from the same northern-europe-analogue climate? Also why, if they're an insular society, are the black people still black and the white people still white? You mean they haven't cross bred for thousands of years?

    So because it's not believable, it comes across for what it really is - the ideological efforts of the casting team to inject diversity and inclusion for the sake of diversity and inclusion. Instead of thinking about the plot and characters, now I'm thinking of some diversity officer on the production team listing quotas for black hobbits.    … Expand
  29. leonel5142
    Sep 6, 2022
    6
    Beautiful scenarious, but only this, the chacarters construction and person it's empty and without unic things.
  30. asm9855
    Sep 6, 2022
    5
    So far, really good. Good acting, engaging fight scenes and CGI. I’m hooked!!
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Jo Livingstone
    Sep 16, 2022
    80
    Adar’s début drips with signifiers. ... When Adar informs Arondir in Episode 4 that he has been told many lies, some that “run so deep even the rocks and roads now believe them,” it is still a thrill. Tolkien succeeded in creating a mythic world, one that has now grown vast enough through acts of typological repetition and imitation to conquer television, too.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Chris Barsanti
    Sep 16, 2022
    63
    With war brewing and the forging of the rings seemingly still far off, the first half of The Rings of Power’s first season constitutes little more than stage-setting for the struggle to come. Given the lack of quests and central commanding figures, it often makes for less-than-gripping drama. However, given that there are four more seasons already planned, and potentially dozens of new characters to be introduced, the slow and throat-clearing build is possibly a good sign.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Sep 9, 2022
    90
    The Rings of Power is a reminder of what drew many of us to epic fantasy in the first place: wonder. ... This series set in an ancient realm displays one dazzling and painterly landscape after another. Power also doesn't skimp on action. [12 - 25 Sep 2022, p.10]
    Read full review
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