I really need a Rings of Power watch party every week. Any takers?

You can bet that I am sitting on my sofa every Thursday evening, waiting for the new episode of Rings of Power 2 to be released.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about waiting for a new episode each week rather than binge-watching an entire season in one sitting (the model Netflix employs for most of their shows). The weekly release format for Rings of Power 2 gives you time to really immerse yourselves in the story, speculate about the upcoming episodes, and revel in the shared excitement. It turns watching into an event — something to look forward to and talk about.

We are currently halfway through the series (there have only been four episodes of The Rings of Power Season 2 released so far), but I can honestly say that the show has returned with a vengeance, doubling down on the elements that made the first season a visual marvel. Let’s talk about what makes the first half of The Rings of Power Season 2 so great.

This season raises the bar in a way that feels almost impossible to top, delivering some of the most stunning visuals and detailed set designs ever seen on television.

Take "Númenor" for example. A make-belief city brought to life with its vast, sun-drenched landscapes and intricate cityscapes. Watching those scenes makes you feel like you could step right into the show. You can almost hear the waves crashing against the cliffs and smell the salt in the air.

Then there is Khazad-dûm, which couldn’t be more different but is equally mesmerising. The deep, shadowy halls of this ancient dwarven kingdom are brought to life with a dark and stygian colour palette. It is the kind of place that gives you chills.

The costumes, too, are nothing short of spectacular.

The elves' robes are impressive, capturing their ethereal nature. The flowing fabrics, delicate embroidery, and subtle, glowing colours make the Elves seem otherworldly. Even their neutral colour palette is gawk-worthy — rich emerald green and warm golden tones adorn all their outfits.

On the other hand, the Orc’s armour is a masterclass in practicality and craftsmanship. The armour is robust, heavily adorned with geometric patterns and runes, with only harsh greys and military silvers to be seen.

Even the simple yet brave Harfoots add to the richness of the world-building. Their clothes, made from natural materials and earthy tones, reflect their close relationship with the land and their nomadic lifestyle.

It is just *chef’s kiss*.

The storyline, while more cohesive than in Season 1, still has its ups and downs. The plot is undeniably dense, weaving together a seemingly endless amount of threads that sometimes feel disjointed.

The urgency of the impending war keeps you on your toes, but the show pacing can often be uneven, with certain episodes dragging as they explore subplots that sometimes don’t feel necessary. That said, when the show focuses on its central narrative — Sauron's rise, the forging of the rings, and the impending war — it shines.

The season also does well to integrate more character-driven moments, especially in the dynamics between the Elves and Dwarves, whose uneasy alliance adds a rich layer to the political intrigue of the series .

Character development is where the season tries to course-correct some of the shortcomings of the first season.

Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) is given more depth, moving beyond her singular obsession with vengeance to show moments of vulnerability and wisdom. Even sympathy at times. Her relationship with Sauron, now fully revealed, is a driving force of her storyline, adding layers of complexity as she grapples with the consequences of her past decisions. Sauron (Charlie Vickers) undergoes a fascinating transformation. He is no longer just the shadowy figure pulling strings from the dark — this season, he is portrayed with more nuance, making him a character you might find yourself actually rooting for (at times). His motivations are clearer, and his manipulations are more chilling, which adds a much-needed psychological depth to the story.

Despite these improvements, some of the dialogue remains clunky, with characters occasionally delivering lines that feel stilted or overly expository, detracting from the immersion. This issue is particularly noticeable in scenes meant to convey deep emotional or philosophical insights, where the dialogue sometimes fails to resonate as intended. Furthermore, certain characters still feel underdeveloped, and their motivations and backstories are either glossed over or insufficiently explored. This lack of depth can make it difficult for viewers to fully invest in their journeys, especially when these characters play pivotal roles in the overarching narrative.

The attempts at romance are particularly awkward, often feeling forced and out of place amidst the epic scope of the show. These romantic subplots, while intended to add a layer of personal drama, frequently lack the chemistry or narrative weight needed to make them compelling.

Instead of enriching the story, they can feel like distractions, awkwardly inserted into the plot without sufficient buildup or payoff.

However, for all its flaws, there is an undeniable ambition here — a desire to tell a story that is as sprawling and mythic as Tolkien’s own works. The show’s creators clearly aim to craft a narrative that echoes the grandeur and complexity of Middle-earth, weaving together multiple storylines and themes in an attempt to capture the epic scope of Tolkien's universe. This ambition is evident in the show's sweeping visuals, intricate world-building, and the sheer scale of its plot, which seeks to explore the timeless themes of power, corruption, and redemption.