The third season of Prime Video's "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" has become a show worth watching, according to a review from Stream It Or Skip It. While the series, set thousands of years before "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, was initially praised for its visual splendor, earlier seasons were met with criticism for their tone and pacing.
Season 1 was characterized by extensive world-building and "table-setting," while Season 2 began to delve into the forging of the Rings of Power. Season 3, however, is described as finally "cooking with the fiery flames of Mt. Doom." The plot has become more propulsive, with storylines that previously dragged now jettisoned, and a greater injection of "knotty human drama" into the lives of its Elves, Dwarves, and Orcs.
According to the review, the show has transformed into "quite the entertaining show." The narrative now focuses on the escalating war against Sauron, with his forces burning research related to the Rings' magic. A rogue Orc named Marnûkh attempts to ally with the forces of good against Sauron, while Sauron himself is actively recruiting "Ring-servants," including a resurrected Theo, son of the deceased Bronwyn.
The series is noted for evoking visuals akin to "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "sumptuous animation," while maintaining a distinct identity separate from Peter Jackson's film adaptations. The review highlights Charlie Vickers' performance as Sauron, describing his portrayal as "half supervillain, half tortured poet," and a significant improvement from earlier seasons that focused more on Galadriel, played by Morfydd Clark.
The review concludes that "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" Season 3 is "proudly an idiosyncratic, raucous, nerdy, and extremely metal show." By fully committing to its creative direction, the series has managed to overcome the cynicism of some Tolkien fans. The final moments of the season see Theo accompanying a group of Southerners to Mordor to seek Sauron's aid against their Númenorean overlords, only for Sauron to offer a Ring of Power to whichever man can outlive the others in a deadly contest.
"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" was always visually stunning, but the third season has elevated it into a show that is finally compelling. While not as serious as the films, it is described as no less magical, earning a "Stream It!" verdict.