“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” features a diverse cast of characters, including new additions like Arondir and Isildur, alongside returning characters like Galadriel and Elrond. The series explores the conflict between good and evil, with Sauron’s rise to power and the formation of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. The introduction of Tom Bombadil and the “Dark Wizard” adds depth to the narrative, while the fate of Númenor remains uncertain.

Explore the newly-expanded cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power truly expands on the lore and scope introduced in the first season. The series continues to explore the growing tension between good and evil, while introducing several new characters that elevate the stakes of the story. Notably, the introduction of Tom Bombadil—one of Tolkien’s most enigmatic characters—adds a rich layer to the narrative that many fans of the books had been longing for. His whimsical, all-knowing nature provides a fascinating contrast to the rising darkness.

Season two upon the foundation laid by it’s predecessor, diving deeper into the rich mythology of Tolkien’s Middle-earth while introducing several new storylines and characters. The second season continues to explore the rise of Sauron, the formation of the Last Alliance, and the growing tension between the various factions of elves, men, and dwarves. What’s immediately striking about this season is its commitment to expanding the world, both geographically and thematically, offering a broader look at Middle-earth during the Second Age. However, while the scope has expanded, the series at times struggles to balance its sprawling narrative with its character development, which occasionally feels thin despite the intricate world-building.

The performances in season two are a mixed bag. Morfydd Clark as Galadriel remains a standout, capturing the depth of a character torn between her duty and her personal vendetta. Her arc, as she grapples with the consequences of her decisions, provides some of the most compelling emotional moments of the season. Galadriel’s confrontation with Sauron (Charlie Vickers), now revealed as Halbrand, takes center stage, but the chemistry between the two characters often feels lacking, perhaps due to the writing rather than the actors themselves. Ismael Cruz Córdova’s portrayal of Arondir continues to add a unique dimension to the show, but his storyline, while visually impressive, lacks the emotional heft that his character deserves.

One of the most exciting aspects of season two is the introduction of Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear) and the Dark Wizard (Ciarán Hinds). These characters bring a fresh energy to the narrative, especially Bombadil, whose whimsical nature and mysterious powers contrast sharply with the more serious tone of the series. However, their introduction also highlights one of the show’s weaknesses: pacing. At times, The Rings of Power seems to struggle with how much to reveal about these new characters, leaving their arcs feeling incomplete or rushed. The Dark Wizard, in particular, has an intriguing but underdeveloped storyline that leaves viewers craving more clarity about his motivations and impact on the larger story.

Technically, The Rings of Power continues to shine. The production design, costumes, and special effects are once again top-notch, and the breathtaking landscapes of Middle-earth are beautifully realized. The show’s visual splendor remains one of its greatest strengths, with each episode offering awe-inspiring moments that transport the viewer to Tolkien’s world. However, this visual richness sometimes overshadows the narrative. While the show is visually stunning, there are moments when the spectacle takes precedence over the plot, leading to pacing issues and a lack of narrative momentum, especially in the middle episodes of the season.

The themes of power, corruption, and identity continue to play a central role in season two. The series does an admirable job of showing the moral ambiguity in Middle-earth, particularly through characters like Elrond (Robert Aramayo) and the dwarves of Khazad-dûm. The relationship between Elrond and Durin IV (Owain Arthur) remains one of the most engaging parts of the show, offering a balance of lighthearted friendship and political intrigue. However, some of the subplots, particularly those involving Númenor, feel meandering and could have benefited from tighter writing and clearer focus.

As the season builds towards its conclusion, the stakes are raised significantly, with the looming threat of Sauron becoming more palpable. The climactic battles and emotional confrontations are well-executed, but they sometimes lack the emotional resonance expected in a story of this scale. The introduction of the Balrog towards the end of the season promises an exciting third season, but it also feels like the show is leaning too heavily on spectacle to carry the narrative forward.

The season finale may feel satisfying; however, the complex storylines, while attempting to tie various threads together, still struggle due to the fragmented nature of the show. The characters are each on their own isolated journeys, and because their paths rarely cross, the emotional stakes are often lost. This disconnect makes it difficult for the audience to invest fully, as the relationships and conflicts feel loosely connected rather than tightly interwoven. The ambition of the show is clear, but in its vast scope, the lack of meaningful character interaction hampers the depth it seeks to achieve.

Overall, season two of The Rings of Power is a visually stunning, ambitious continuation of the story, but it struggles to maintain narrative consistency and character depth amidst its grand scope. While there are many standout moments and performances, the series feels uneven at times, with pacing and tonal issues that detract from the overall experience. Fans of Tolkien’s work will appreciate the world-building and attention to detail, but the show still has room to grow in terms of storytelling and character development.

TCG Score: ☆☆☆½ [3.5/5]

Cast & Character Guide:

New And Returning Characters In Season 2 of Prime Video’s

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of power

Galadriel (Morfydd Clark)

Morfydd Clark plays a much younger version of the High Elf Galadriel, who was portrayed by Cate Blanchett in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films. Clark’s Galadriel began The Rings of Power series with the aim to avenge her brother’s death after he died fighting Sauron. Thus, she searches for Sauron across Middle-Earth before realizing that, in that search, she has helped resurrect him. Clark’s portrayal continues to bring intensity to the role as Galadriel grows more complex with each passing episode. Clark played Georgiana in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016), Beth in Crawl (2019) and Clara Copperfield in The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) alongside Dev Patel.

Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova)

Arondir is a new character, an elf written into the show. He is a Silvan Elf, who is more interested in nature, versus the High Elves, who value status. The Silvan Elves’ community later becomes Mirkwood and Lothlórien. In the first season of the series, Arondir was in love with Bronwyn (Nazanin Bonialdi), a human. Córdova played Manny in In the Blood (2014), Lino in Miss Bala (2019) and David Rizzio in Mary Queen of Scots (2018).

Elrond (Robert Aramayo)

Robert Aramayo’s Elrond is a half-elf who works under High King Gil-Galad (Benjamin Walker) as a statesman. In Season 1 he was sent on a mission to meet with his old friend the dwarf Prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur). Hugo Weaving portrayed the older Elrond in Jackson’s film trilogy. Aramayo portrayed Sergeant Major Atkins in The King’s Man, Daniel in Antebellum (2020), and Turk in Nocturnal Animals (2016).

High King Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker)

High King Gil-Galad formed the Last Alliance of Elves and Men which clashed with Sauron’s forces ahead of Frodo Baggins’ (Elijah Wood) journey thousands of years later. He rules the elf kingdom of Lindon. In the beginning of Jackson’s Fellowship of the Ring, Mark Ferguson portrayed Gil-Galad for a few moments. Benjamin Walker played Abraham Lincoln in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012), George Pollard in In the Heart of the Sea (2015), and Zeke Sikes in Shimmer Lake (2017).

Sauron — formerly Halbrand (Charlie Vickers)

Season 1 revealed that Charlie Vickers’ Halbrand, who was a castaway of sorts when he first met Galadriel, was actually Sauron. Now unmasked, Sauron will bring his full force to a major battle between good and evil in Season 2. Sauron’s master was the evil, godlike Valar called Morgoth, whose defeat was chronicled at the beginning of Season 1. Vickers played Clem Hart in The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart on Prime Video. He also appeared as Guglielmo Pazzi in Medici.

Eleanor ‘Nori’ Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh)

Nori is a Harfoot, a nomadic type of hobbit. Bilbo and Frodo Baggins are, of course, also hobbits. In Season 1, Nori encountered a stranger who fell from the sky. She made it a mission to help him find others like him. Markella Kavenagh played Claudio in My First Summer (2020), Jane Cotter in True History of the Kelly Gang (2019), and Cindi in Romper Stomper.

Poppy Proudfellow (Megan Richards)

Poppy is a Harfoot friend of Nori’s who often accompanies Nori in her adventures. Megan Richards played Mimi Brooks in Wanderlust and Audrey Steele in Doctors.

Durin IV (Owain Arthur)

Prince Durin IV is the son of King Durin III (Peter Mullan) and friend to Elrond. Durin IV and his father rule the dwarf kingdom of Khazad-dûm, which later becomes the destroyed mines of Moria where Gandalf battles a Balrog. Owain Arthur played Jimmy Clacy in The Palace and voiced Castello in The One and Only Ivan (2020).

King Durin III (Peter Mullan)

King Durin III is father of Prince Durin IV, ruler of the dwarf kingdom of Khazad-dûm, and eventually, in Tolkien’s lore, the first bearer of the mightiest of the seven Dwarf Rings. Mullan’s decades-long career includes several Ken Loach films, roles in Children of Men, The Magdalene Sisters, Ozark, Westworld, and many more.

Princess Disa (Sophia Nomvete)

Princess Disa is Prince Durin’s wife and the first female dwarf to be portrayed in work based on Tolkien’s source material. Sophia Nomvete played Jenny in Mafia Mamma (2023) and appeared in an episode of Wednesday on Netflix as Connie Jorgensen.

Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards)

Celebrimbor is a master elven smith whom Sauron tricks into forging the rings of power. The character originates in Tolkien’s books. In the Shadow of War and Shadow of Mordor video games, Sauron, in disguise, encourages him to make the powerful objects. Charles Edwards played Martin Charteris in The Crown, Sir Joseph Simpson in The Duke (2020), and Dr. Macdonald in The Terror.

The Stranger (Daniel Weyman)

The Stranger is a mysterious figure who, in The Rings of Power, falls from the sky on a meteor. He is later revealed to be one of the Istar, also known as Maiar, powerful beings sent down to Middle-earth to help fight Sauron. As of the finale of Season 2, The Stranger’s identity is confirmed as Gandalf. Daniel Weyman played Max Thorndyke in Silent Witness, Dr. Kenny in Gentleman Jack, and Adam Wainwright in Foyle’s War. He also appears as Rick Madoc in The Sandman.

Adar (Sam Hazeldine)

Adar, the elven Orc leader, was portrayed by Joseph Mawle in Season 1. The role was recast with Sam Hazeldine for Season 2. Hazeldine has appeared in Slow Horses, Peaky Blinders, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel (2021), and The Sandman.

Isildur (Maxim Baldry)

Isildur’s failure to destroy the One Ring after cutting it off of Sauron’s finger allows the villain to rise once more in the Third Age of Middle-earth. He is portrayed by Maxim Baldry in The Rings of Power. In Jackson’s films, Viggo Mortensen’s Aragorn is descended from Isildur, and his ancestor’s failure defines Mortensen’s character for much of the series. Maxim Baldry played Viktor Goraya in Years and Years, Ed in Last Christmas (2019), and Liam Donovan in Hollyoaks.

Elendil (Lloyd Owen)

Elendil is Isildur’s father and the first High King of both Arnor and Gondor. He ensured the alliance between humans and elves in the fight against evil. Lloyd Owen played William Heelis in Miss Potter (2006), Nate in Apollo 18 (2011), and Henry Jones, Sr. in The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones.

Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear)

Tom Bombadil is a beloved character from Tolkien’s novels who was not featured in Jackson’s films. He dresses in brightly-colored clothes and sings nonsensical songs. He is one of the eldest beings in Middle-earth, dwelling in the forest, and has a range of powers that make him “Master of wood, water and hill.” Rory Kinnear is known for playing Bill Tanner in the James Bond movies Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2007), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021). He also appeared as Detective Robert Nock in The Imitation Game (2014).

The “Dark Wizard” (Ciarán Hinds)

Ciarán Hinds joined Season 2 as a “Dark Wizard” character. Hinds was nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA for his role as Pop in Belfast (2021). He has appeared in Munich (2005) from director Steven Spielberg and in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2 as Aberforth Dumbledore. He also played Mance Rayder in Game of Thrones.

Narvi (Kevin Eldon)

Narvi is a character introduced in Season 2, and Kevin Eldon appeared as Dr. Butts in My Lady Jane, Sir Thomas More in 3 Body Problem, Devlin in Hijack, and The Apparat in Shadow and Bone. He also played Goldcloak in Game of Thrones.

Queen Regent Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson)

Queen Regent Míriel is the daughter of King Tar-Palantir and the heir to the throne of Númenor. She rules as Queen Regent in Season 1 and is blinded while abroad before returning to Númenor. The ambitious Chancellor Pharazôn is her cousin. Robinson has appeared in The Accountant (2016), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), and Colombiana (2011).

Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle)

Pharazôn, later known as Ar-Pharazôn, is the Chancellor of Númenor, a cousin and advisor to Queen Regent Míriel, and an influential voice to many common Númenóreans. Ambitious and prideful, he is likely to become a more prominent figure in Season 2. Trystan Gravelle is known for playing Christopher Marlowe in Anonymous (2011) and Clifford in Beast (2011).

Círdan (Ben Daniels)

Círdan is one of the wisest and most clairvoyant of the elves, and by the time The Rings of Power takes place, Círdan is one of the oldest and most important elves in Middle-earth. He is played by Michael Elsworth in Peter Jackson’s films. Ben Daniels played Father Marcus Keane in The Exorcist, Adam Galloway in House of Cards, and General Merrick in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016).

Rían (Selina Lo)

Rían is the daughter of Belegund and the cousin of Morwen. Lo is a former martial arts champion, and she appeared in Boss Level and Hellraiser on Hulu. She also played Xu Lian in One Child on the BBC.

Mirdania (Amelia Kenworthy)

Mirdania is a character created for The Rings of Power and does not appear in Tolkien’s work. She is an elven smith who learns her craft under the tutelage of Celebrimbor. The Rings of Power is one of Kenworthy’s first breakout television roles.

Estrid (Nia Towle)

Estrid is a non-canonical character created for the second season of The Rings of Power. Towle appeared in Rocketman (2019) and Persuasion (2022).

Merimac (Gavi Singh Chera)

Merimac is one of the Stoor hobbits, distinct from the Harfoots. In the TV series, they live in the desert regions of Rhûn. Singh appeared in The Undeclared War and The Lazarus Project.

Theo (Tyroe Muhafadin)

Theo is Bronwyn’s son, and he discovered Sauron’s broken sword in Season 1. The Rings of Power is Muhafadin’s first major role.

Eärien (Ema Horvath)

Eärien is Isildur’s sister. She is very ambitious and has an affinity for architecture. Emma Horvath played Maxine Laret in The Two Hundred Fifth (2019) and Jenny in Don’t Look Deeper.

Kemen (Leon Wadham)

Kemen is the son of Chancellor Pharazôn and is enamored of Eärien. Wadham portrayed Darryn in The Brokenwood Mysteries.

Valandil (Alex Tarrant)

Valandil is a friend of Isildur and Ontamo and a Man of Númenor in the Second Age. He became a noteworthy member of the Sea Guard. Alex Tarrant is also known for playing Kai Holman in NCIS: Hawai’i.

Gundabel (Tanya Moodie)

Gundabel is the leader of the Stoors, or non-nomadic Harfoots. Tanya Moodie played Agatha Wilson in A Discovery of Witches.

The Balrog

The fiery Balrog makes a return at the end of Season 2. The creature was first seen in The Fellowship of the Ring when Gandalf battles the Balrog in the Mines of Moria.

The Rings of Power: Season Two brings forth an epic, visually stunning continuation of the Tolkien universe, filled with moments of grandeur and personal drama. The new cast members blend well with the returning characters, adding depth and intrigue to the ever-unfolding narrative. With the show’s strong production values and commitment to expanding Tolkien’s world, The Rings of Power remains one of Prime Video’s crowning achievements. Though pacing may remain a minor issue, the sheer scale of the story and its impeccable performances are more than enough to captivate audiences as the series marches toward an inevitable showdown.

you can Stream all episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power are AVAILABLE on on Prime Video Now.

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THE RINGS OF POWER SEASON 2 REVIEW & Cast List. WHO’S WHO IN THIS SEASON?