‘The Rings of Power’ Season 3 Review: Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Is Just Going Through the Motions

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 review reveals a show that has found its stride in what is arguably its darkest season yet. The series, produced by Prime Video, continues to deliver unparalleled high fantasy spectacle on TV, with grand vistas and thrilling battle scenes on a massive scale, all the while exploring fascinating aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium.

One of the biggest improvements in Season 3 is the reduction of unnecessary and distracting mysteries surrounding character identities. With Season 3, fans no longer have to guess which characters are who, as the identity of the Dark Wizard from the previous season and the Nazgûl are revealed and named. The narrative remains multi-layered with several storylines, but it focuses on the rings and the singular thread of Sauron's quest to forge the One Ring and conquer Middle-earth.

However, there is one notable exception to the show's improvement: the dwarves of Khazad-dûm. Previously, Khazad-dûm was centered on power disputes. This season, the dwarves' storyline feels weak and the introduction of a show-original brother for king Durin IV adds unnecessary domestic drama. This disruption to the show's flow becomes particularly evident when the season also introduces compelling marital issues between Galadriel and Celeborn.

The chemistry between Jamie Campbell Bower and Morfydd Clark as Celeborn and Galadriel is excellent. Bower's portrayal of Celeborn is not only an adept fighter but also an ultimate "wife guy," showcasing the depth of their relationship. His melancholic performance, inspired by Tolkien's own relationship with Edith, brings a stark contrast to the dark season, selling the centuries of torture and loneliness that the couple has endured.

However, Celeborn's reunion with Galadriel is filled with yearning, sorrow, grief, and hope, which adds a layer of emotional depth to this season of "The Rings of Power."

Despite Sauron being the central character, some moments of entertainment arise from his more vulnerable side. Vickers plays a cartoonishly evil Lord of the Rings, but there are instances where his true motives and feelings are revealed, showcasing a more nuanced portrayal of the antagonist. By continuously getting interrupted by diplomatic delegations from the kingdoms he wants to subjugate, Sauron's pride and insecurity shine through, providing humorous and entertaining scenes throughout the season.