The Rings of Power : Season 1

Total Score: 42/100

January 2, 2025

So, we just binged The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power – Season 1, and wow… that was rough. I mean, I went in with hope – it’s Lord of the Rings, right? But somehow, this show managed to miss nearly every mark. It felt like watching a really expensive fanfiction unfold in slow motion. There were moments where I thought, "Okay, maybe it’s about to get good," but it just never really did. The visuals are stunning, don’t get me wrong. It’s clear they threw a ton of money at the production – the sweeping landscapes, intricate sets, and glowing magical artifacts all looked like they were pulled straight out of Middle-earth. But beautiful scenery can only carry things so far when the rest of the show feels… empty

Plot score: 3/10

The plot of The Rings of Power feels like it’s constantly circling without really landing anywhere meaningful. There are multiple storylines happening at once, but instead of weaving together naturally, they feel disjointed and dragged out. The pacing is glacial, and it often seems like the writers are stretching thin material over too many episodes. What should have been an epic, gripping prequel to The Lord of the Rings feels more like a slow-moving side quest that doesn’t know where it’s headed.

Characters score: 4/10

The characters in The Rings of Power feel like they’re meant to be iconic, but most of them come off as flat or inconsistent. Galadriel, who should be a commanding and intriguing lead, often feels one-dimensional – driven, but without much emotional depth. The rest of the ensemble lacks the kind of chemistry and memorable dynamics that made characters in The Lord of the Rings trilogy unforgettable. There are glimpses of interesting personalities, but they rarely get the development they deserve.

Visuals score: 9/10

If nothing else, The Rings of Power looks breathtaking. The production design, costumes, and CGI are top-tier. The sweeping landscapes, intricate elven cities, and dwarven mines are stunning to look at and feel worthy of Middle-earth. Every frame looks like a piece of art, and the attention to detail in set design is undeniable.

Pacing score: 2/10

The pacing is one of the show’s biggest issues. Episodes drag on without much happening, and the slower moments aren’t filled with enough character development or engaging dialogue to justify the runtime. Scenes that should last a few minutes feel unnecessarily stretched, while important plot points are glossed over. It often feels like the show is stalling, hesitant to reveal its hand. By the time something significant happens, you’re already halfway through the season. The sluggish pacing makes it difficult to stay engaged, leaving even the most patient viewers frustrated.

Dialogue score: 4/10

The dialogue in The Rings of Power tries to be poetic and profound, but more often than not, it falls flat. There’s a lot of heavy-handed exposition and attempts at grand statements that don’t quite hit the mark. Characters talk around the point rather than to it, making some scenes feel needlessly convoluted.

Music score: 7/10

The score is one of the stronger aspects of the series. It captures the spirit of Middle-earth with sweeping orchestral pieces that elevate certain scenes. The music is grand, atmospheric, and often beautiful, helping to at least create the illusion of something epic happening – even when the plot doesn’t deliver. That said, while the score is effective, it doesn’t reach the iconic level of Howard Shore’s work on the original films. The music supports the show well, but it never quite feels like it defines it in the same way as previous Lord of the Rings soundtracks.

Emotional Influence score: 3/10

For a show set in Middle-earth, the emotional weight is surprisingly light. There are few moments that truly tug at the heartstrings or inspire awe. While there’s plenty of spectacle, the emotional connection to the characters and storylines just isn’t there.

Direction score: 5/10

The direction feels uneven throughout the season. There are moments where the grandeur and scale shine through, but for the most part, the series lacks a strong, cohesive vision. Some scenes are beautifully crafted, while others feel meandering and aimless.

Bingeability score: 2/10

Despite the gorgeous visuals, this is not an easy show to binge. The slow pacing, lackluster plot, and forgettable characters make it feel more like a chore than an exciting experience. Even fans of Tolkien’s world might struggle to sit through long episodes without feeling the urge to check their phones or take a break. There’s little incentive to keep watching beyond curiosity about how it ties into The Lord of the Rings. The show often lacks the hook that makes you want to hit “Next Episode” immediately.

Overall Enjoyment score: 3/10

The Rings of Power is a visual feast but ultimately a hollow experience. The stunning production design can’t mask the weak storytelling, sluggish pacing, and underdeveloped characters. For die-hard fans of Middle-earth, there might be enough here to warrant a watch, but for most viewers, it’s likely to feel underwhelming and frustrating.