This LOTR Amazon series has that theatrical movie quality.

I was told by a buddy of mine that the prequel series on Amazon Prime Video “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” was created by J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay, who both don’t seem to care if their show will be a hit or a bomb, since it’s not a movie made for theaters. What I mean is that each episode’s budget is about $150 million, which would total up to $1 billion, making it the most expensive show ever produced. They don’t care about the money; they care about how the show looks. It’s passion art made by loyal fans of the J.R.R. Tolkien stories.

Two episodes (directed by J.A. Bayona) were provided, with a new one appearing every Friday, but here are some other things that go down. No spoilers, just small pieces of info.

The show introduces us to the elven Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), who believes war is returning to Middle Earth, and vows revenge on the evil Sauron for killing her brother. She needs to finish what he couldn’t. She’s young, brave, and ambitious, like most movie and series heroines. She even has a good friend named Elrond (Robert Aramayo), who tries to assure her that all evil is gone.

“Evil does not sleep, Elrond. It waits. And in the moment of our complacency, it blinds us,” Galadriel responds.

Among other story elements……

• There’s also the Silvan Elf warrior named Arnodir (Ismael Cruz Cordova), who is has a forbidden love for the human mother Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi). He must travel to the town of Horden, and she tags along with, only to find out it has been destroyed.
• Elrond must reunite with his old dwarf companion Prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur) to help build a powerful forge for the elven-smith Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards).
• The young Harfoot named Nori Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh) meets a stranger (Daniel Weyman), who came from a flaming meteor, and doesn’t speak English.
• And Galadriel befriends a shipwreck survivor named Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) on her travels.

That’s all I can provide for you. For now.

“The Rings of Power” gets complicated in its story, whether you’re an LOTR expert or not. I’m no expert, but I still admire the movies and this show for providing some dazzling worlds full of fantasy and the balance between good and evil, and for having such fine and whimsical performances from the big cast.

Among the stars, Clark, whose credits include “The Personal History of David Copperfield” and “Saint Maud,” has magnetism as Galadriel, who isn’t a cliched heroine, but rather an ambitious character worth supporting. Aramayo has youth and spirit, especially during his scenes with Clark and Arthur. And Cordova looks and feels like an action star with his consistency and bravery. They’re all charming in their own respective ways.

This show has the makings of a theatrical release, and cares more about its commitment to the story and worlds than it does on the money. I’m glad my friend informed me about it, so I had to see it for myself. We still have more episodes to see. So, let the journey begin.

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Categories: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Prequel, Series