3 Reasons Families Will Enjoy Rings of Power, Season 2

1. It's a Continuation of Tolkien's Tale

The Rings of Power serves as a prequel to the original Lord of the Rings tale, drawing from J.R.R. Tolkien's books and their "appendices" -- the detailed background information Tolkien included at the end of his novels to enrich the world of Middle-earth. (His books were published in the 1950s.) The movies were blockbusters at the box office. They were The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).

More than 100 million viewers tuned in to the first season of Rings of Power, which centered on Galadriel, a young elf determined to track down the evil Sauron despite the king's proclamation of peace and her fellow warriors' belief that "evil is gone" from Middle-earth. Galadriel's resolve stems from Sauron having killed her older brother. "Evil does not sleep," she declares in Season 1.

She confronted Sauron at the end of Season 1 but did not kill him. At the beginning of Season 2, he goes undercover as a seemingly innocent villager.

The Rings of Power also sheds light on the origins of the rings, exploring how they were forged and who was responsible for their creation.

It's scheduled for five seasons and cost an estimated $1 billion.

Photo Credit: ©Prime Video

2. It's a Fun, Tween-Centric Fantasy

The Rings of Power provides families with a rare gem in 2024: a high-quality fantasy television series that avoids the explicit sexual content and strong language commonly seen in similar genres on HBO, Netflix, and other streaming platforms. (I screened the first three episodes.)

That does not mean that Rings of Power is suitable for young children. Its inclusion of demonic-looking orcs, intense battles, and gruesome deaths could give many kids nightmares — and perhaps a few adults, too. Even I had to look away during an episode that involved the orcs surrounding and brutally attacking a major character.

Still, if you and your children watched the Peter Jackson-directed films, you'll probably be OK with Rings of Power. 

Prime Video's Rings of Power explores a vibrant Middle-earth with a rich cast of characters. The Harfoots, ancestors of Hobbits, live a nomadic life searching for a stable home. The dwarves thrive in the kingdom of Khazad-dûm, where Prince Durin IV and Princess Disa lead with pride. The elves, like Galadriel and Arondir, are depicted as brave and noble beings, intricately connected to the fate of Middle-earth.

Photo Credit: ©Prime Video

3. It's Rich, Immersive, and Good vs. Evil

Rings of Power demands your full attention—and it's not a series you can half-watch while scrolling through your phone. In fact, the series is so immersive that you may feel compelled to rewatch an episode or two to catch the intricate details and subtle storytelling nuances you might have missed the first time. Each scene is rich with visual splendor and narrative depth, making it a show that rewards careful and engaged viewing.

Thankfully, each episode begins with a recap video to bring you up to speed.

The series continues Tolkien's exploration of the struggle between good and evil. (Tolkien, a devout Catholic, played a significant role in C.S. Lewis embracing Christianity.) The first season even gave us a Genesis-like Garden of Eden, with a fall and a redemption to follow. 

In one episode of Season 2, a Middle-earth citizen warns a fellow traveler that darkness is threatening the kingdom. 

"That way lies death," he says, pointing behind him.

In another scene, one man tells another that everyone has committed bad deeds but that good can overcome evil. "Find forgiveness," he says. 

Rings of Power is not a strictly Bible-based series, but it nevertheless offers Christian families a valuable opportunity to engage in discussions about faith and spiritual themes.

Entertainment rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Family-friendly rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. 

Photo Credit: ©Prime Video