It’s fantasy writ exhilaratingly large, although at the start, what’s so impressive about showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay’s streaming effort (September 2) is its balance between the glorious and the vile, the romantic and the brutal, the euphoric and the despairing, and the grand and the intimate. ... It feels fresh and alive—and poised, consequently, to be the one that rules them all.

Fantasy is a big genre, and there's room for both approaches. And for those who've missed Middle Earth and its inhabitants, The Rings of Power should feel like a homecoming.

For now, however, it’s safe to say that Amazon throwing the weight of its coffers at this property has resulted in a perfectly winning adaptation that unfolds swashbuckling adventures with clear reverence and affection for the considerable mythos behind it.

The somewhat flawed series can't yet touch those impeccable ["Lord of the Rings"] films, but it scratches the surface. And if nothing else, the gorgeously rendered "Rings" is the most transportive current series on TV.

The first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power are visually gorgeous, densely lived-in, and awe-inspiring at times. ... There is a big problem, though. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power might have a strong start, but its plot is laden with so many moving parts and far-flung heroes, it’s easy to see the story cratering. ... Without watching beyond the two episodes provided for review, we can only be cautiously optimistic — and skeptical of what’s next.

The dialogue’s often clunky, with cod mysticisms. Tolkien purists will probably be equally aggrieved by the insertion of invented characters and storylines. But showrunners JD Payne and Patrick Mackay have taken a mass of material, originally presented as a chronicle with little in the way of dialogue or character development, and forged a compelling, coherent narrative that fills a mouth-watering gap.

The characters — including Elves Galadriel and Elrond, played by Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving in the films — are phyllo-dough thin, and the plots not much more substantial. ... The performances are serviceable but unremarkable, while the dialogue is particularly corny and inartful, with too many intoned monologues about the search for “the light” or the ever-vague nature of evil.

I love this show and every second of it. I think that the liberty the writers took in this version was performed outstandingly. The book being a recollection of Middle Earth stories wouldn't be greatly visualized if it was done word by word. Between this and the other R rated dragon show, I would rather sit and watch Rings of Power with my family, doing so slowly involving them in the universe of Tolkien.

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

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.

After having seen season 2 I can summarize in a few words: what a waste of money.

Similar to the Apple TV+ production of “Foundation”, “Rings of Power” delivers jaw dropping beauty in prop and set design, inspiring cinematography and graphics, excellence in music and audio engineering as well as editing, and the endless admirable handiwork of myriad artisans and craftsman of the modern film industry (be aware, as you watch this series, that you are witnessing the pinnacle of excellence in their capabilities). These productions are a massive feat, requiring intense labor, attention to detail and endless coordination between individuals; basically, a small miracle. As a matter of fact, “Rings of Power” could honestly be considered one of the great wonders of the modern world, if it weren’t for the production’s blatant distortion of its source material to divisive, political ends. The plot and script are absolutely horrible; making little sense and aiming for impression over substance. Relying heavily on visuals is a common contrivance in Hollywood, one that does an enormous disservice to the thousands of tradesmen and skilled laborers that work tirelessly to bring us a nearly perfect series. Characters have little depth, and are often betray their own intentions; a staple of the current day ideology in Hollywood, which claims that man is not only insufferable, but also irredeemable. However, exactly like in “Foundation”, the unforgiveable sin in the “Rings of Power” is its complete disregard for its author (Tolkien) and his legacy. In this series, activists who aren’t even English graduates or published authors, have the gall to rewrite a Hugo award winner’s timeless work in an attempt to convey their adopted, superficial morality in its stead. The result is a convoluted mess of pretenses and contrivances aimed at garnering corporate funding thru diversity, equity and inclusion. “Rings of Power” defiles the legacy of a real world hero in Tolkien, betraying its audience and undermining a cornerstone of modern day culture.