Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Rings of Power season 2, episodes 1-8.The Rings of Power season 2 is a solid addition to Amazon’s lineup, and it’s what the first season of the Lord of the Rings show should have been. The Rings of Power debuted in 2022, and it was met with harsh criticisms — some of which were more valid than others. While the backlash regarding the Amazon show’s diversity was never warranted, the critiques of the Lord of the Rings series’ storytelling, writing, and failure to stick to Tolkien’s canon made sense. Season 1 wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t on par with other Tolkien adaptations either.

Fortunately, The Rings of Power season 2 improves upon season 1’s flaws, offering a well-crafted and gripping narrative that feels more in line with Tolkien’s canon. It’s still not perfect, but the latest batch of episodes delivers on the characters and storylines outlined in the source material. They also feel more properly paced, and this makes The Rings of Power season 2’s epic ending land that much better. If season 2 is anything to judge by, future outings of the Lord of the Rings show might get better and better.

The Rings Of Power Season 2 Improved Upon Season 1

Its Pacing, Writing, & Character Depictions Are Far Better

The Rings of Power season 2 improves on just about every detail of season 1, from the pacing to the way the show’s characters are depicted. The pacing is a notable problem in The Rings of Power season 1, as the first outing takes time to find its footing. It also must set up the characters, locations, and conflicts present during the Second Age of Middle-earth. This is necessary, but it doesn’t exactly make for a gripping start to the story. Fortunately, The Rings of Power season 1’s ending is solid — and the series just gets better from there.

Gil-galad, Galadriel, and Elrond all begin to feel like the characters described in Tolkien’s writings during season 2.

The Rings of Power season 2 also makes better writing choices, especially when it comes to Tolkien’s characters. Gil-galad, Galadriel, and Elrond all begin to feel like the characters described in Tolkien’s writings during season 2. Unfortunately, all of them feel a bit lacking throughout season 1. Galadriel isn’t the competent leader she should be, leaning far too heavily into the character’s flaws. Meanwhile, Gil-galad doesn’t come off as clever or fierce, though he’s characterized this way in Tolkien’s books. Even Elrond is something of a pushover in season 1.

Fortunately, The Rings of Power season 2 finally gives viewers the versions of these characters they’ve been waiting for. All three Elves feel far more worthy of respect in this outing, showing their true strengths in the face of Sauron’s return. And even characters like Nori Brandyfoot and the Stranger feel more relevant to the Lord of the Rings series’ central narrative in season 2. They actually seem to serve a purpose, and the episodes don’t dwell on their storyline for far too long. Season 2 strikes a good balance, and it finally gets to the point of the show.

The Rings Of Power’s Main Story Was Exactly What The Show Should’ve Always Been

Season 2’s Eregion Plot Delivers On The Series’ Promise

Perhaps the best thing about The Rings of Power season 2 is that it finally delivers on the series’ central promise. As the Amazon show’s title suggests, it’s supposed to cover the most important development of the Second Age: the creation of the Rings of Power. In doing so, the series also promises to expand on Sauron’s character and his first rise to power. As season 1 keeps Sauron’s whereabouts and identity a secret, it doesn’t properly utilize this premise. It only begins to towards the end, when Sauron reveals himself and the Elves forge the Three.

The Rings of Power season 2 digs much more deeply into the main story, as it spends a lot of time in Eregion’s forge with Celebrimbor and Sauron.

Fortunately, The Rings of Power season 2 digs much more deeply into the main story, as it spends a lot of time in Eregion’s forge with Celebrimbor and Sauron. Viewers get to see firsthand why Sauron is called the Great Deceiver, and they witness his transformation into Annatar, the Lord of Gifts. These are elements of Tolkien’s lore that are satisfying to see on-screen, and Charlie Vickers’ performance makes them a highlight of the latest episodes. By focusing so heavily on Sauron, The Rings of Power manages to make him a more compelling villain.

Charles Edwards also shines as Celebrimbor, and his season 2 storyline perfectly sets the stage for The Lord of the Rings. Although the Lord of Eregion falls for Sauron’s deception initially, he even predicts the Dark Lord’s downfall in The Lord of the Rings during the season 2 finale. And of course, Celebrimbor crafting the Rings of Power for Dwarves and Men directly leads into the Third Age’s narrative. It also fulfills the Amazon series’ premise, making season 2 a much more satisfying outing than its predecessor.

The Rings Of Power Season 2’s Canon Changes Are Still Proving Divisive

The Rings of Power season 2 may have advantages over the prior outing, but it’s far from a perfect adaptation of Tolkien’s works — and its canon changes are still proving divisive. Perhaps the biggest point of contention is the kiss that Elrond and Galadriel share during The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7. Although it’s treated as a diversion tactic by the show, viewers aren’t happy about the slightest sign of romantic tensions between these characters. After all, they don’t have such feelings in Tolkien’s canon, and Elrond later marries Galadriel’s daughter.

The confirmation of the Stranger’s identity in The Rings of Power season 2’s finale also breaks Tolkien’s canon, as it suggests Gandalf is around during the Second Age of Middle-earth. Gandalf isn’t supposed to arrive until the Third Age, and what we know of his early days doesn’t match the Amazon show’s story. The series likely wants to expand on the Istari by including Gandalf and Rhûn’s Dark Wizard. However, the Stranger’s narrative has proven divisive ever since the show began hinting that he was Gandalf the Grey.

Changes like these aren’t sitting well with diehard Tolkien fans, many of whom desire a more faithful take on the author’s works.

The Orcs attacking Eregion with the intention of stopping Sauron is also a Rings of Power creation, though it’s one that approaches these villains from a more interesting angle. Still, changes like these aren’t sitting well with diehard Tolkien fans, many of whom desire a more faithful take on the author’s works. The Rings of Power season 2 may improve on several fronts, but it still faces a challenge when it comes to Tolkien’s canon. Hopefully, things will also improve on this end heading into later seasons.