Prequels can be awkward things; on the one hand we all have
this fascination with delving deeper into people and places we’ve seen yet this
can also offer fewer surprises and far less jeopardy. After all we already know
how matters turn out, a lot of things are set in stone before we start
watching. Back in 2022 when this was
first released I never got round to seeing it so now that the second season is
out, I thought I should catch up and I’m glad I did. Being set so long before the
familiar events of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films allows The
Rings of Power some breathing space. Based largely on appendices from the
original books as well I would think that only the most churlish Ringer would
chafe at what is presented here. It is one of the best prequels I’ve seen but
more than that it is also its own animal.