Reflections on 'The Rings of Power' Despite Its Flaws

Watching 'The Rings of Power' TV show made me reflect much more critically on J.R.R. Tolkien's original writings regarding the making of the Rings of Power. The show significantly departs from Tolkien's source material, leading to an incomplete portrayal of major events and requiring extensive interpretive elaboration.

Unexpected Enjoyment

Despite my initial skepticism and low expectations, I found 'The Rings of Power' to be a hundred times better than anticipated after watching the trailer. I had hated the very trailer and anticipated a poor experience, but the final product exceeded my expectations, leaving me very much engaged and enjoying the narrative.

Highlights

Introduction

The introduction of 'The Rings of Power' stands out as an impressive tribute to Tolkien's world. The patterns, trees, and soundtrack set a grand and majestic tone, reminiscent of the works of Howard Shore, the acclaimed composer for the 'Lord of the Rings' (LOTR) films. While some critics argue the soundtrack does not meet Shore's standard, I believe it captures the grandeur of ring-making effectively.

Cultural Traditions

A major highlight of 'The Rings of Power' is its diverse cultural portrayal. Various races are depicted with their unique customs and traditions, such as the harfoots' remembrance of those who fell behind, customs around planting seeds for new life, and the baby blessing ceremony in Numenor. I wish these traditions had been explored more comprehensively to enhance the narrative richness.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of 'The Rings of Power' is indeed remarkable, albeit with a few personal preferences. My favorite tracks include the main theme 'Nolwa Mahtar,' 'The Plea to the Rocks,' and 'Scherzo for Violin and Swords.' Despite minor criticisms, the soundtrack truly adds to the immersive experience, contributing to the show's grandeur.

Character Portrayals

Elrond and Durin

Robert Aramayo and Owain Arthur deliver standout performances in their portrayal of Elrond and his friendship with Durin. These scenes are among the most organic in the show, highlighting the interplay between characters. Disa, the Keeper of the City's Gate, also receives an honorable mention for her performance.

Elendil

Lloyd Owen's portrayal of Elendil is noteworthy, despite his character not being the most prominent. Owain makes the most of Elendil's limited screen time, outshining both Galadriel and Halbrand. His charisma and likability make him one of the most endearing characters in the series.

Challenges and Criticisms

Soundtrack and Visuals

The soundtrack and visuals of 'The Rings of Power' are highly praised but also criticized for certain aspects. The soundtrack interferes too much with the narrative, making it a constant presence and interfering with character-driven scenes. The cinematography, while visually stunning, can become repetitive due to over-reliance on similar visual techniques. Slow motion and overuse of figure-of-speech further detract from the experience.

Exposition and Editing

The show suffers from clumsy exposition and a lack of logical editing, leading to confusion regarding time and context. Flattening of character motivations often feels artificial, with scenes and dialogues designed to inform the audience rather than drive the narrative. These issues make the experience feel more like a textbook or documentary than a human-driven story.

Comic Relief

The comic relief in 'The Rings of Power' is poorly executed, failing to capture Tolkien's subtle humor and wit. This element feels out of place and diminishes the show's overall dramatic tone.

Final Thoughts

Overall, 'The Rings of Power' can be entertaining but lacks the emotional depth and engagement of Tolkien's original works. The show is not definitive and suffers from exaggerated characteristics such as sterility and soullessness. However, it is possible to appreciate it as a unique adaptation, separate from the source material, and not let it alter one's perception of J.R.R. Tolkien.

In conclusion, 'The Rings of Power' offers many elements to enjoy and reflect on, but it is essential to recognize its imperfections and how it relates to the vast and intricate world created by Tolkien.