Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared reemergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the farthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was my Star Wars. From growing up in rural NZ and seeing the big film trucks head off into the hills to create movie magic to collecting all the merch my pocket money could buy and waiting for school to be out in the summer because that meant more adventures in Middle Earth, Peter Jackson’s original trilogy means the world to me. As it does to millions around the globe. 

Now no matter how great a reimaging or continuation of a franchise with a big gap in between tales, it will never quite stack up to the original because of all the nostalgic memories wrapped up in it all. But Rings of Power through its engaging and layered narrative and stunning and detailed production comes pretty damn close. 

From the opening sequence you are back in Middle Earth. You can see why this is the most expensive TV show of all time; every frame is cinematic in scale, packed to bursting. The costuming, the creature design, even down to particular races dialogue, it all feels very familiar. It feels like home. 

Without giving away details, the narrative plot of Rings of Power is as you’d expect; vast yet accessible. There’s enough there even in the first two episodes to draw you deep into the story, to become hooked, and to be introduced to a raft of characters along the way.

Even though this is an ensemble kinda show with a vast cast, it belongs very much to Morfydd Clark. Having to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Cate Blanchett, Clark’s young Galadriel is filled with dogged determination to duty while also showing a softer, more human side to Galadriel. A career making, charismatic performance. 

Cinematic in scale, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power is a triumph, perfectly capturing the magic of Middle Earth with a rip roaring, binge worthy story to boot. 

★★★★