WOMS: The Rings of Power

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Now before you start rioting, I realise that The Rings of Power is not a book. However, I’m sure most of you are wondering what my thoughts are regarding the new mini-series since it is obviously a new take on the lore of Middle Earth, and I have established myself as quite the Tolkien nerd.

It may disappoint you then to know my levels of Tolkien-obsession are nowhere near the depths of someone like Stephen Colbert. In fact, and I am reluctant to confess this—I have never fully read through The Lord of the Rings.

While I’ve read The Hobbit ages ago, I’ve never sat down and journeyed through Middle Earth with the Fellowship, no matter how much I wanted to follow them on their quest to rid themselves of the One Ring. It was a strategic choice I made early on when I began writing my own fantasy novels, which are heavily influenced by Tolkien’s magnum opus. I found myself struggling between regurgitating Middle Earth lore to establish the foundations of my own mythopoeia, and this was only from watching the films. Thus, I abstained from what my heart greatly desired, and after years and years of waiting, of fleshing out my own mythopoeia—I can say I’ve passed the test.

via GIFER

That’s right, I’ve read through The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers and have officially started The Return of the King.

I don’t think I need to waste everyone’s time with another full blog post once I finish ROTK to share my review of the novels, and can just go ahead and say now that they’re all around some of the best books ever written. And I daresay, they’re even better than the films.

Why do I say all this? Because I don’t necessarily feel qualified to review the series if I’m not as steeped in Tolkien lore as Mr. Nerd of the Rings over here educating the populace on YouTube. Honestly, anything I know I’ve learned from him beyond the smidge of reading I’ve completed.

However, in my defence, I am borderline obsessed with the films. Oh, who am I kidding? I am obsessed with the films. I slay at LOTR Trivial Pursuit, and my friends and family who have challenged me can attest to my prowess. My own husband refuses to play with me now, but I digress.

That said, as this is a mini-series, I think my knowledge of the films coupled with my small amount of reading of Tolkien lore can suffice. And what is the Internet if not an opportunity to pollute the world with more self-entitled opinions?

While I think it’s too early to tell if the show will or will not be a success—give them a moment, for pity’s sake people, we’re only two episodes in—I was pleasantly surprised by the premiering episodes.

I think going into this my number one concern, whilst obviously worried about the overall storyline, was will they capture that rich depth and stunning visual artistry which defined the Peter Jackson films? Will it look like Middle Earth?

Being somewhat of filmographer in my early twenties, I can honestly say one of my biggest complaints was how aesthetically different the cinematography was for PJ’s Hobbit films compared to his Lord of the Rings. After countless of hours studying the film appendices and debating with my equally nerdy sister (the astrophysicist one), I’ve concluded it is due entirely to their use of the [then] new RED Epic cameras in those films. For me, there’s an authenticity, a grittiness, about film (the actual film in a camera) that up until that time hadn’t been achieved yet by digital film. Nowadays, I heard filmmakers have learned from their mistakes and have altered their lighting techniques to be more digital friendly, and films these days aren’t coming out looking too saturated, so I’m inclined to believe I think PJ in all his innovation and being before his time did his best. (Yes, I’m avoiding the other obvious problems with the special effects and overall characterization of Thorin, but I need to move on anyway.)

Thus, I dreaded seeing the same visual quality of The Hobbit captured in The Rings of Power, that almost garish and cartoonish look and feel. Knowing they shot the entire series in New Zealand (as they should since it literally is Middle Earth), and teamed up with Weta to reuse a lot of the same designs, props, and sets as the films, I held on believing I’d be proven wrong. With the release of the title teaser trailer for The Rings of Power, there wasn’t much to go off of as far as determining whether this new series would look and feel like a true, iconic representation of Middle Earth. As the subsequent trailers released, I grew more apprehensive. Already, it was looking again too much like The Hobbit and not enough like The Lord of the Rings.

Then they released their San Diego Comic Con trailer, and by golly! They’d done it!

With the release of that extended, three minute trailer, I was finally excited for the premier of The Rings of Power. Amazon’s millions seemed to have paid off.

As I watched the first two episodes, I found myself marvelling at the skill in the conceptual design, sets, costumes, and effects—just as I had watching The Lord of the Rings. It was simply beautiful, just as good film should be. My awe was unconsciously observed as I was soon swept away back to Middle Earth on another quest, this time with a younger, fiercer, more stubborn Galadriel as she hunted down Sauron.

Since their limited on what lore they can use having no rights to The Silmarillion, I am enjoying their allusions to the greater history of Arda, even if they’re taking artistic license and altering a few characters’ storylines.

What then did I not like? Is that what you want to know? Do you wish me to bash this toddling series?

Well, you’ve come to the wrong place. Not because I’m as enamoured with The Rings of Power as I am (and may forever be) with The Lord of the Rings. Rather it is because they are artists creating the best they hope to achieve through their craft. Just because something is not to my taste doesn’t mean I should disrespect their efforts and hard work.

That said, there are areas of…concern I bear. Namely, that of the painting Elrond as a politician and the absence of Celeborn, but again, we have six episodes to see where the showrunners are taking us.

Sure, I’m still skeptical about the show. Who wouldn’t be? But I will be the first to say the premier definitely whet my appetite for more!