The Rings of Power has had a mixed reception from audiences and critics since its launch last year, and after the news of yet another Lord of the Rings film, I must confess I did stifle a yawn. But The Rings of Power is a new beginning, with new names, new settings and I believe it is going better than many critics like to think.
As it is set in Middle Earth at its earliest stage, the cast is mostly young and people not familiar to the audience. This is good, they can grow with us. I like the fact that there are more women, and the casting seems quite colour blind. There are many strands to knit together, the Harefoots, elves, dwarves, the people of Luminor and others.
We have the opportunity to see why the rings are cast, why the elves are in trouble, and it is only at the end of Season One we get to discover who Sauron is. I found all of this quite enjoyable, and I have quickly warmed to the characters as well. Galadriel as a young woman has a different personality to the more mature lady, and Elrond as a young man has a twinkle in his eye and a willingness to go the extra mile for his people. The Dwarves are more than the squabbling group shown in the Hobbit, and the mystery around Sauron is fascinating.
I must say when being introduced to the world of The Rings of Power I thought at first that it would all look much better on the big screen, as the cinematography is quite outstanding. Amazon could easily do this in the future, but I doubt they will ditch their home audience very quickly. The actors are predominantly young and unknown and some of their skills seem somewhat lacking, but I feel this will improve as well.
So much care has been lavished on this detailed if primitive world, I think it is a series that will go from strength to strength, and we have already had a major twist in Series One, so can expect more from now on. I can't wait for Series Two.
As it is set in Middle Earth at its earliest stage, the cast is mostly young and people not familiar to the audience. This is good, they can grow with us. I like the fact that there are more women, and the casting seems quite colour blind. There are many strands to knit together, the Harefoots, elves, dwarves, the people of Luminor and others.
We have the opportunity to see why the rings are cast, why the elves are in trouble, and it is only at the end of Season One we get to discover who Sauron is. I found all of this quite enjoyable, and I have quickly warmed to the characters as well. Galadriel as a young woman has a different personality to the more mature lady, and Elrond as a young man has a twinkle in his eye and a willingness to go the extra mile for his people. The Dwarves are more than the squabbling group shown in the Hobbit, and the mystery around Sauron is fascinating.
I must say when being introduced to the world of The Rings of Power I thought at first that it would all look much better on the big screen, as the cinematography is quite outstanding. Amazon could easily do this in the future, but I doubt they will ditch their home audience very quickly. The actors are predominantly young and unknown and some of their skills seem somewhat lacking, but I feel this will improve as well.
So much care has been lavished on this detailed if primitive world, I think it is a series that will go from strength to strength, and we have already had a major twist in Series One, so can expect more from now on. I can't wait for Series Two.