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. LeChvck
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    The highlight is undoubtedly the beautiful scenery and effects and it's worth a watch just for that. The acting is really good as well, the plot is interesting but a little slow for now, I hope it improves in the second part of the season.
  3. swiftouch
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    I don’t generally like origin stories but this is intriguing. There are so many! There's so much going on I’ve had to watch episode guides to keep track of it all.
  4. blufnx
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    Still waiting for it to become more engaging but I still have hope. And at least visually it gorgeous.
  5. MetacriticOnur
    Oct 14, 2022
    6
    admirable
    [ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

    adjectiv
    worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.
  6. meydianarizki21
    Nov 9, 2022
    10
    As a huge LoTR and the Hobbit fan, I absolutely love this series. I am also an avid reader and have purposely held back from reading the books because in my opinion, the books are ALWAYS better.
  7. wartext
    Nov 13, 2022
    7
    I watched it without any background knowledge of the books. I have seen the films. I went in not expecting much and wanted to make the most out of my free amazon prime trial. I quite enjoyed the show, it reminded me of the Witcher 3 game. I was expecting some extreme gender politics and left agenda rammed down my throat but I was pleasantly surprised there wasn't any, so refreshing to seeI watched it without any background knowledge of the books. I have seen the films. I went in not expecting much and wanted to make the most out of my free amazon prime trial. I quite enjoyed the show, it reminded me of the Witcher 3 game. I was expecting some extreme gender politics and left agenda rammed down my throat but I was pleasantly surprised there wasn't any, so refreshing to see in this day and age. Beautiful sets, vibrant and a decent story. Worth a watch if you are a fan of fantasy genres and rpg games.… Expand
  8. VicFerrari
    Sep 4, 2022
    6
    Mega-budget eye candy that fails to connect intellectually or emotionally. Snoozeville.
  9. 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.
  10. sageev
    Oct 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The makers of this show should be proud of the world that they have brought to life. This show actually made a wonderful story out of the Silmarelleon, which was written more as a Bible and history book. For the haters of Galadriel: she was not born the mature woman that Cate Blanchett so excellently portrayed: she was a fiery, angry warrior, and it was only the events of the Long War that tempered her.

    Also, how can people not love the Harfoots? They are very much the true ancestors of the Hobbits, and to see the origin story of Gandalf brought tears to my eyes ... This show actually explained why he adores the Hobbits so.

    And, by the Gods! Sauron! His introduction/reveal was perfection.

    All you haters, go suck a lemon. You have finally seen the history of Middle Earth brought to life and all that you can do is bring your hatred of feminists and "being Woke". Just ENJOY!    … Expand
  11. 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
  12. FrankStounn
    Sep 8, 2022
    6
    Not so bad as I expected, but the plot is boring, the main actress is playing bad
  13. Mneisme
    Oct 24, 2022
    10
    I absolutely love it. It's very entertaining. Don't listen to the negative reviews, this show is perfect. I love Morfydd Clark is amazing and too beautiful for words. All the actors and the characters they play are amazing. I love it and I pray they continue this story to it's proper conclusion
  14. noodles9
    Oct 24, 2022
    9
    Seems like the people who hate it thought it should be an exact match to the picture they had in their head. The acting, sets, and music were absolutely top notch, can't wait for season 2!
  15. erolsabadosh
    Sep 4, 2022
    2
    Mostly visually stunning and a feast for the eyes, the story and characters on the other hand didn't really grab me so I found myself losing interest between the first act of the first episode and the final scene of the second. The sweeping arial shots, beautiful backdrops and generally solid CGI had me hooked for the first twenty minutes of episode one but after that there's too much ofMostly visually stunning and a feast for the eyes, the story and characters on the other hand didn't really grab me so I found myself losing interest between the first act of the first episode and the final scene of the second. The sweeping arial shots, beautiful backdrops and generally solid CGI had me hooked for the first twenty minutes of episode one but after that there's too much of characters standing still talking to each other in over-lit static scenes for too long (the stylized modern hair cuts are an odd distracting choice). The music is really good, the acting is fine and the dialogue is serviceable but not great, it's really the visuals that kept me watching. I'm not a dedicated Lord of the Rings fan; I've only read part of the book and seen the first trilogy of films when they originally came out so I can't comment on changes for adaptation at this point, but as a casual viewer I think this show has potential and if it can achieve more character/story focus as it goes on it could become essential viewing but it's off to a bit of a slow and rambling start.… Expand
  16. 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.
  17. TrickyRikke
    Sep 22, 2022
    9
    I am loving this show so far. As a cinematic universe based off Tolkiens writings it has the look, feel, and charm of the movies that have come before it. As someone with bookshelves stocked with fantasy prose from wall to wall, I think the writing is great, the world building is wonderful, and the characters and cast are fantastic. Everything feels thought-out, natural and lively. If theI am loving this show so far. As a cinematic universe based off Tolkiens writings it has the look, feel, and charm of the movies that have come before it. As someone with bookshelves stocked with fantasy prose from wall to wall, I think the writing is great, the world building is wonderful, and the characters and cast are fantastic. Everything feels thought-out, natural and lively. If the season keeps up as good as the first half then this review will remain a 9/10.… Expand
  18. leonel5142
    Sep 6, 2022
    6
    Beautiful scenarious, but only this, the chacarters construction and person it's empty and without unic things.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. omcpero
    Oct 22, 2022
    10
    An awesome character build, music, acting. At last one great series. Could not be better
  24. Noktaerien
    Oct 18, 2022
    10
    Очень понравился сериал. История показана немного необычно, но видно что создатели старались следовать канону, насколько это возможно в их случае. Хорошая интрига в конце сезона.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. mitrandir77
    Oct 17, 2022
    7
    Amazing visuals on many of Second Age locations! Delight to watch! Some of the characters are very well written characters (Adar, Halbrand) others are not. Some inconsistencies with the books (but that's expected nowadays).
  29. FredMartin
    Sep 19, 2022
    10
    Phenomenal performance by the actors and actresses involved, and although it's not exactly complicated, i think it mostly remains faithful to the books.
  30. 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
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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.
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  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.
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  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]
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