Why 'LOTR: Rings of Power' Season 2 must drop the 'mystery' angle and focus on epic storytelling
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 1 left viewers divided, especially over the show’s handling of two key characters—Halbrand and the Stranger. While mystery elements are often used to create intrigue, the show’s focus on shrouding these characters in secrecy ended up frustrating some fans, especially those familiar with J R R Tolkien’s work.
As the show progresses into its second season, the writers must move away from the mystery-driven narrative that defined Season 1. Instead, they should concentrate on telling a story that honors the epic scale and rich history of Tolkien's world. The drama and tension in 'The Lord of the Rings' lie not in guessing games but in the grand, mythic struggles between good and evil, where the series should focus its energy moving forward.
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 needs to stop hiding its characters's identities
In Tolkien’s world, the idea of disguises and hidden identities is used sparingly and with purpose. For instance, in the original tales, Sauron assumes the guise of Annatar, a mysterious emissary from the Valar, but this disguise was primarily used to deceive the Elves and ultimately lead to the creation of 'The Rings of Power'.
The problem with Halbrand’s character in the show, however, was that it wasn’t just the characters on-screen who were deceived—viewers, including avid Tolkien readers, were also left in the dark.
The focus on mystery and misleading the audience detracted from what could have been a more engaging and emotionally charged storyline, especially between Sauron (as Annatar) and Celebrimbor, the Elven smith who plays a key role in forging the Rings of Power.
Moving forward, 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 needs to abandon the heavy reliance on 'guess who' tactics. Rather than obscuring the identities of pivotal characters, the show should let them be known, allowing their relationships and motivations to drive the drama.
Establishing Sauron as Annatar from the start, for example, would add layers of tension for book readers who understand the impending doom, while still keeping the narrative accessible and intriguing for those less familiar with Tolkien’s lore.
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 should focus on epic storytelling, not guesswork
Tolkien’s stories are not meant to be twist-filled psychological thrillers. The power of his writing lies in its vast world-building, epic battles, and timeless themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fight against evil.
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 1 seemed to forget that at times, opting instead to keep audiences guessing about characters’s true identities rather than letting the richness of the world take center stage. While the show did generate buzz and speculation, the mystery angle ultimately came at the cost of clarity and depth.
For 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2, the series should lean into the epic storytelling that 'The Lord of the Rings' is known for. The focus should be on the sweeping arcs of power, betrayal, and redemption that define Middle-earth, rather than distracting viewers with who’s who.
With a wealth of source material to draw from, the showrunners have an opportunity to create a story that is grand in scale, emotionally resonant, and true to the spirit of Tolkien’s work. By letting the mystery fall away and embracing the epic, 'The Rings of Power' can finally reach its full potential as a worthy addition to the legendary world of Middle-earth.
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 is set to premiere on Thursday, August 29.