‘The Rings of Power’ Season 2 Episode 5 Review - More Rings, Please

How different things could have been if, at the end of the first season, Galadriel had informed everybody about Halbrand's real identity! If the characters knew that Halbrand is Sauron, their biggest enemy, then Celebrimbor wouldn't have invited him into his home, his office. Galadriel simply mentioned that they should not work with Halbrand - a warning which, according to Season 2, did almost nothing. Celebrimbor, unaware that he is shaking hands with Sauron, allows his guest to create rings for the dwarfs, and this ambitious antagonist is now actively trying to convince the ring maker to manufacture rings of power for human beings. Celebrimbor isn't on board with this idea one bit. He knows the rings would corrupt humans - they will turn into megalomaniac villains. The effects of corruption can already be seen in Númenor as the island has gotten a vile king like Pharazôn. His lust for control, and his appetite for greed, are reflected in his mad eyes. One can easily guess how terrible someone like Pharazôn would become if he were given the opportunity to wield the power of the ring.

The Rings of Power continues to have a weak pulse in Episode 5. The images have lost their magnificent spark - they look dry. You don't feel a sense of wonder while watching this fantasy series. It doesn't ignite your imagination. There is no awe, no mystery. The world appears static as if all life has been drained of energy. Most characters seem to be posing like mannequins. There is a scene in Episode 5 where mirrors expand the range of the sunlight, which should ideally leave you impressed, given it displays the dwarves' ingenuity. We, however, feel as if we are merely watching something created with CGI. Even a demonic roar in the darkness, heard by Disa, fails to fill you with curiosity. Speaking of Disa, she and her husband Durin remain the best thing about this series. Disa's smile to Durin after bargaining with a shopkeeper has more beauty and vitality than any fight sequence or magic trick. Disa and Durin light up the show whenever they appear on the screen.

Sauron, on the other hand, makes you apprehensive with his manipulative tricks. You want Mirdania to wake up and smell the coffee. Sauron's cunning actions draw you into the narrative, making you deeply invested in the fate of the good guys and creating a sense of urgency. There are not many pleasures in Episode 5. We feel a little happy when some men support their captain (Elendil), but scenes like this are very common - they reek of unoriginality. You watch fantasy for escapism, for creative possibilities, for otherworldly delights. The Rings of Power, unfortunately, traps itself within shallow confines. This show about magical rings is devoid of magic.

Final Score – [3.5/10]