This show, of course, is the Amazon entry among many adaptations of J. R. R. Tolkein’s seminal creation, Middle Earth. Different pieces of the Middle Earth mythos have been licensed by different entities over decades, leading to quite a patchwork of success or failure. Amazon wants to get in on the enduring popularity in a narrow sliver of time that someone else hadn’t already licensed.
As I understand it, this little sliver of time deals with the initial rise of Sauron and how the Rings of Power were created. We see younger versions of several familiar characters, and there’s early development of relationships that will play out later.
The cinematography and music are wonderful. I am finding the writing also excellent. Two main themes that stick out are race relations and political complacency. Both of these are worth exploring in our modern world, where a tide of fascism seems to be rising everywhere.
For the latter, we see Galadriel as a hot-headed young warrior who refuses to believe the evil of Morgoth is truly gone. Her king, Gil-Galad, orders her to return to the mythic West. It’s a well deserved reward, yet also a convenient way to silence Galadriel’s warnings.
For the former, there are many illustrations of racial tension. Humans regard the Elves as an occupying force and are glad to see them leave. At least, until goblins start to turn up. Another Elf and Dwarf, longtime friends, find themselves at odds as the Dwarves are keeping a secret. And the Harfoot people, Hobbit ancestors, seem to be hiding from races bigger than themselves — which is just about everyone. It’s ripe ground for story, and I look forward to seeing what the writers make of it.
If you’ve been watching Rings of Power, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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