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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User Reviews

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  1. 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.
  2. MetacriticOnur
    Oct 14, 2022
    6
    admirable
    [ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

    adjectiv
    worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.
  3. VicFerrari
    Sep 4, 2022
    6
    Mega-budget eye candy that fails to connect intellectually or emotionally. Snoozeville.
  4. 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.
  5. GotHeeeem
    Sep 4, 2022
    6
    Sad to see a show with so much funding to make a good product, instead go their own self righteous way and ruin it. Example: The strongest Mage (Gandalf), Warrior (Aragorn), Tank (Boromir), Archer (Legolas) in all of Middle Earth, struggle in one of the most epic fight scenes in the Franchise to defeat a cave troll. But here in the Rings of Power, one small elf whos not supposed to use aSad to see a show with so much funding to make a good product, instead go their own self righteous way and ruin it. Example: The strongest Mage (Gandalf), Warrior (Aragorn), Tank (Boromir), Archer (Legolas) in all of Middle Earth, struggle in one of the most epic fight scenes in the Franchise to defeat a cave troll. But here in the Rings of Power, one small elf whos not supposed to use a sword but magic, happens to all on her own with a sword and not magic, three shot an ice troll in 5 seconds as if it were a helpless baby. Well, that fight scene told me I don't need to watch any more episodes cause that girls got Middle Earth covered.… Expand
  6. FrankStounn
    Sep 8, 2022
    6
    Not so bad as I expected, but the plot is boring, the main actress is playing bad
  7. pooriaha
    Sep 3, 2022
    6
    Storytelling in first 2 episode is so weak and confusing.
    The only positive point of the series is its gorgeous visual effects.
  8. leonel5142
    Sep 6, 2022
    6
    Beautiful scenarious, but only this, the chacarters construction and person it's empty and without unic things.
  9. DariusTowers
    Sep 5, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Tengo algunas cosas para decir sobre la serie. Parto de la base de que todo lo que es efecto especial, fotografía, escenario y diseño de la indumentaria es genial. Pero es lo único bueno de la serie. La trama zafa, se siente como que las distintas tramas las unieron como pudieron y hay algún que otro agujero argumental, lo cual asumo que como son los primeros dos capítulos serán respondidos con el avance de la serie.
    El mejor arco argumental es el de Elrond y el enano, no le tenía fe, pero me sorprendió. En cuanto a Galadriel, es la clásica heroína cabeza dura, no piensa mucho las cosas, es obstinada y llega a un punto en que su actitud parece molesta. Con respecto a la parte del elfo y la humana, va bien y quiero saber para donde apunta.
    La trama de los "hobbits" es la más densa con la de Galadriel, la verdad no me interesa en lo absoluto, por lo que no voy a poner nada.
    En términos generales, más allá de todo lo que se viene diciendo de la serie y todo esto que estuvo pasando en los últimos días con IMDB, es regular. Yo le tenía fe por los avances y un poco me decepciono, aunque pudo haber sido peor.
    ¿Soy el único que tiene la sensación de que los Elfos de la serie no parecen Elfos?    … Expand
  10. 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
  11. RowanBlack
    Sep 3, 2022
    6
    Defiantly beautiful and majestic in some of the scenes. The writers are certainly going to have a challenge bringing these stories together....which is what you can expect crunching 2000 years of story together. What feels like several movies chopped up and spliced together relies heavily on the audience believing in the connections. With characters whos lives span centuries makes forDefiantly beautiful and majestic in some of the scenes. The writers are certainly going to have a challenge bringing these stories together....which is what you can expect crunching 2000 years of story together. What feels like several movies chopped up and spliced together relies heavily on the audience believing in the connections. With characters whos lives span centuries makes for difficult connections with the audience, they point out those facts several times but tend to ignore them where plot is concerned.
    I hope as the season continues it will feel more connected and personal. However, I worry that the historic weight will be to much and they will be unable to pull off a convincing time crunch to make the story resonate with fans.    … Expand
  12. ThoughtfulScore
    Sep 4, 2022
    6
    This shouldn't be shocking, but the writers at Amazon don't possess the authorial talents of Tolkien. The story isn't as well crafted as the books, or previous movies. Elves are less relatable than hobbits or humans and, since we know they're going to survive, focusing on Elrond & Galadriel maybe isn't the best choice, but clearly a lot of love went into making the show.

    The CGI is    This shouldn't be shocking, but the writers at Amazon don't possess the authorial talents of Tolkien. The story isn't as well crafted as the books, or previous movies. Elves are less relatable than hobbits or humans and, since we know they're going to survive, focusing on Elrond & Galadriel maybe isn't the best choice, but clearly a lot of love went into making the show.

    The CGI is incredible, yet the difference in technology between 2001 and 2022 doesn't completely make up for the drop off in storytelling between JRR & Amazon. The stakes don't feel well-balanced when characters get into sticky situations, resulting in diminished tension. There is still a great opportunity to tell a cool story about the forging of the rings here, and the show is extremely well executed from a technical perspective, so there is still hope.    … Expand
  13. darkistorrik
    Sep 2, 2022
    6
    A solid 6 for me. Yes, it's not what the fans expected, but it's still interesting, better graphics and special effects. Good music (just good, not the best). But it's certainly not 10/10. The plot is too simple, the series wants to please everyone, but it doesn’t work out (no nudity, not enough blood and dirt, everything is too clean, there are no emotions of the actors, except for aA solid 6 for me. Yes, it's not what the fans expected, but it's still interesting, better graphics and special effects. Good music (just good, not the best). But it's certainly not 10/10. The plot is too simple, the series wants to please everyone, but it doesn’t work out (no nudity, not enough blood and dirt, everything is too clean, there are no emotions of the actors, except for a couple)
    But I would love to watch the whole season. Perhaps it will get better.    … Expand
  14. Godfryd
    Sep 4, 2022
    6
    I'll premise this by saying that I love LotR (books and movies), but I have never read Silmarilion or other Tolkien books than LotR and Hobbit.

    For me, the first two episodes were 6/10, it's a little above mediocre fantasy. Galadriel was better than I expected, Elrond is pretty good, but elves overall feel too human - there's nothing magical about them which is a little disappointing.    I'll premise this by saying that I love LotR (books and movies), but I have never read Silmarilion or other Tolkien books than LotR and Hobbit.

    For me, the first two episodes were 6/10, it's a little above mediocre fantasy. Galadriel was better than I expected, Elrond is pretty good, but elves overall feel too human - there's nothing magical about them which is a little disappointing.
    Dwarves are fantastic, and honestly, if the whole series was about dwarves, it would be 10/10 for me. The only story part I am excited to see further. However, on the other end of the stick are harfoots, which almost put me to sleep, I wouldn't be watching at all if it was about them.

    There are many stupid scenes that don't make logical sense, but there are also some really pretty shots. Sometimes things go super fast, and people teleport all over the world, and sometimes things slow down to boredom.

    If you just want to relax and shut your brain, watching this costly fan fiction might provide some fun, but don't overthink what you're seeing.    … Expand
  15. bertobellamy
    Sep 2, 2022
    6
    Everything looks amazing, but it's kind of hard to feel drawn by this, especially when you have a more engaging story in 'House of the Dragon.' There are more interesting characters than others, and the pacing is not that good, but the potential is there. Let's see what the rest of the season has in store.
  16. Killandkillary
    Sep 5, 2022
    6
    I’m not so shocked by the review-bombing, but I am shocked by how many negative reviews refer to Tolkien as a writer who produced “timeless works of world literature” or whatever. The source material is total pablum. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with pablum but it’s kind of embarrassing when one tries to earnestly claim that said pablum is actually a rich tableau of intellectualI’m not so shocked by the review-bombing, but I am shocked by how many negative reviews refer to Tolkien as a writer who produced “timeless works of world literature” or whatever. The source material is total pablum. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with pablum but it’s kind of embarrassing when one tries to earnestly claim that said pablum is actually a rich tableau of intellectual treasures. Also, I read a review in which some dude referred to himself as a “Tolkienist” and then proceeded to type up an interminable number of sentences full of misspelled words and grammatical errors. If you’re going to feign being some kind of scholar you should probably at least hold yourself to the barest of academic standards. Seriously, complaining about this is like complaining about Mountain Dew flavors. Have some self-respect.… Expand
  17. ObjectiveKD
    Sep 5, 2022
    6
    Y'all hardcore haters need to be real: the show is not THAT bad. Now, it's definitely not perfect.

    Galadriel is an entire issue on her own, but no intellectually honest person can claim she's a true Mary Sue (it's like calling a cat a cheetah just because it has spots). There are pacing issues, which are somewhat alleviated in Ep. 2. The plot is slow so far, but we're only TWO episodes    Y'all hardcore haters need to be real: the show is not THAT bad. Now, it's definitely not perfect.

    Galadriel is an entire issue on her own, but no intellectually honest person can claim she's a true Mary Sue (it's like calling a cat a cheetah just because it has spots). There are pacing issues, which are somewhat alleviated in Ep. 2. The plot is slow so far, but we're only TWO episodes in. There is a lot of wasted screen time on awkward stares as well as pointless high-stakes situations.

    Again, this show has many issues. No show or movie is perfect. But those issues don't make it unwatchable or incapable of being improved.    … Expand
  18. 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.
  19. MadMax09392
    Sep 2, 2022
    6
    Amazing VFX , Costumes , Soundtrack and Cinematography Can't say much about the story yet and since it's adapted from an appendix that is more of an overview of the history of a Fantasy world than a story it could go both ways. Is it more engaging and well made than Netflix's Witcher Yes it is it's on a completely other level of production design.
    But a series can not rely on production    Amazing VFX , Costumes , Soundtrack and Cinematography Can't say much about the story yet and since it's adapted from an appendix that is more of an overview of the history of a Fantasy world than a story it could go both ways. Is it more engaging and well made than Netflix's Witcher Yes it is it's on a completely other level of production design.
    But a series can not rely on production value alone the future will tell what it ends up being.    … Expand
  20. raorian
    Sep 2, 2022
    4
    They completely missed the mark with galadriel, which should have been stoic and majestic. they could have made her battle oriented, but they should have given her light armor and a spear... galadriel is the worst part, but they also did a lot really well, and overall it's worth a watch. obviously not as good as lotr proper.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. Daermon
    Sep 2, 2022
    4
    This ruin Tolkiens legacy… Its not true Tolkien adaptation. Just a big budget random fantasy sh*t… :( If you need the true Tolkien lore: read the books! Far better.
  26. Prosmooth
    Sep 2, 2022
    4
    Have only watched the first episode. Just a casual Tolkien fan. Read the LOTRings once. Really enjoyed the Jackson trilogy. Hated his Hobbit trilogy. This is better than that, but not by much. It's dull. Really dull. So dull, that I'm not bothering to continue with the show.
  27. Android18
    Sep 2, 2022
    4
    Boring.. Annoying music at all times. Zoomed in close up faces so you can see every pore. This whole show is just 2020 election retold in LOTR universe. Elves are progressives who defeated Morgoth (Trump) but Sauron (MAGA voters) are coming back in 2024 to spread evil on Earth. Its so blatant its like a 13 year old wrote this fanfic. Human says something like "Our true king will be backBoring.. Annoying music at all times. Zoomed in close up faces so you can see every pore. This whole show is just 2020 election retold in LOTR universe. Elves are progressives who defeated Morgoth (Trump) but Sauron (MAGA voters) are coming back in 2024 to spread evil on Earth. Its so blatant its like a 13 year old wrote this fanfic. Human says something like "Our true king will be back soon" and calls the black elf "knife ears"... Its all so tiresome... While looking over human city in a tower one elf says "it has changed much..." the other elf says: "But the men who live here have not. The blood of those who stood with Morgoth still darkens their veins.". So basically Trump voters are demons... 1 billion dollar budget. I got bored and surfed the web at times. I tried to give it a chance... If you replaced every black character with a white character and had that scene shot 100 percent the same.. it would still be terrible. I don't care who played each character this show is just awful. Hobbit sniffs air??? The whole thing is soo goofy. Why was that goblin soo strong? I will watch next maybe 2 episodes... If something interesting does not happen I am done.… Expand
  28. desertwayne
    Sep 2, 2022
    4
    Beware! Dangerously high levels of wokeness! They should put that as warning label. Otherwise it does feel like generic fantasy with LoTR named slapped on it.
  29. rodrigo666
    Sep 2, 2022
    4
    Bad casting, flat and highly dull plot with some absurdities, and no compromise with the original material. The direction has little to do with such poor written material.
  30. 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.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2022

Critic Reviews

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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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