TV Show review
September 1, 2022 · TV-14 · Returning Series · Action · Drama · Sci-Fi · Fantasy · Adventure
Stream on Prime Video · Ads
Based on 3 seasons · through October 3, 2024
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is an Amazon Prime Video series set in Middle-earth's Second Age, thousands of years before Tolkien's novels. It follows an ensemble including Galadriel, Elrond, Durin, and new characters as Sauron rises, rings are forged, and kingdoms like Númenor face threats, with the Southlands becoming Mordor. Through seasons 1 and 2 (reviewed through late 2024), it delivers large-scale battles, political intrigue, and alliances with major timeline compression and original storylines. Prominent diverse casting across fantasy races and updated portrayals of characters like a more combative Galadriel stand out as noticeable production choices.
Why 75%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Woke representation / casting
Audience-visible diverse casting places actors of color as elves, dwarves/Harfoots, and humans in a world based on Tolkien's fair-skinned European mythic inspirations; includes female dwarf Disa without beard, creating clear mismatches with source descriptions that viewers notice immediately.
65%
Woke political dialogue
Dialogue stays within fantasy bounds of power, betrayal, and heroism; rare lines on unity across groups are framed by creators as inclusive but lack explicit modern ideological language or lectures.
10%
Identity-driven story themes
Recurring focus on alliances and fellowship among elves, dwarves, men, and Harfoots against evil draws from Tolkien but is amplified by production emphasis on diverse representation and "overcoming differences" messaging in marketing and interviews.
40%
Western institutional / cultural critique
Portrays classic struggle against dark lord tyranny and corruption of power; contains no modern activist critiques of institutions, gender norms, capitalism, or Western traditions beyond standard fantasy evil.
10%
Woke character or canon changes
Extensive alterations to Tolkien canon including Galadriel's warrior arc, new characters like Adar and the Stranger's placement, compressed centuries-long events into short span, and reimagined Sauron interactions; these changes were widely reported and debated as significant departures.
70%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Heavy and sustained criticism from fans, YouTubers, and commentators accusing the show of pushing DEI casting, race-swapping, and agenda over fidelity; review bombing, social media outrage, and public statements (e.g., Elon Musk) treat it as identity politics intrusion; progressive defenses focused on racism claims but anti-woke complaints dominate relevant discourse.
80%
Creator track record context
Showrunners McKay and Payne emphasize inclusive themes in public comments aligning with Hollywood norms; director Sanaa Hamri has spoken on diversity in industry; overall reflects typical modern studio approach without extreme personal activism from key figures.
35%
Production
