So, the final episode was a mixed bag like the rest of the series.
- The “Wizard” storyline ended pretty much as I expected (disappointing, lazy, and predictable). The story of the Istari belongs to the Third Age. There is no narrative reason for the writers to cram them into the Second Age (especially given that they already have too many other storylines to properly unfold). (But it looks like the proto-hobbits won't be around for next season? Or is that too much to hope?)
- The Durin III conclusion made no sense. (He single-handedly managed to bury the balrog with a swing of his axe? And since the dwarves now know that a balrog lies beneath Khazad-dûm, why would they later “dig too deeply” and release it in 1980 of the Third Age?)
- The Númenor storyline feels forced and under-explained. (You would have no idea of the central role that the “fear of mortality” vs “faith” plays in the conflict between the “Kings’ Men” and “the Faithful.”)
- The Adar story was a surprise and I found it moving.
- A solid ending for Celebrimbor. (I like how he manipulated Sauron into killing him, thereby ending his torment.)
- Sauron/Annatar is a joy to watch whenever he's on the screen (the actor Charlie Vickers really captures the essence of the character).
- And … how the hell is Gil-Galad the High King of the Elves? He’s portrayed as an indecisive doofus in the series.
Sadly, The Rings of Power is not what a series that aimed to tell a story about some key events of the Second Age – as described by J.R.R. Tolkien – would look like. It is no wonder that people who actually like the writings of Tolkien find it so disappointing.
Finally, I assure you that this almost certainly will be my last post on this frustrating television series for some time (at least until the third season is imminent).
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