Season 2 of Rings of Power impresses with its world-building. The show captures the beauty and detail of Middle-Earth, from the grand cities to the dark lands of Mordor. The CGI and special effects are strong, especially in the action scenes and magical moments.

Character development is another strength. Galadriel’s growth from a vengeful leader to a more complex figure adds depth to the season. Elrond’s role as a peacemaker also continues to be important. Halbrand’s true nature as Sauron is a major twist that keeps the story engaging. However, the pacing can sometimes be slow.

Some plot points take a long time to build up, with there being one or two filler episodes. This may lose the audience’s attention. The dialogue can also feel too explanatory at times, which slows down the flow of the story and its plot. The show relies heavily on CGI, which sometimes takes away from the more natural, grounded feel of Middle-Earth. Some scenes, especially in action or magic moments, feel too computer-generated and less real.

Finally, some side characters, like the Harfoots, don’t get as much development. While their stories are interesting, they feel a bit less important compared to the main characters, which is still okay. I would like to see more.

In conclusion, season 2 of “The Rings of Power” is a solid continuation of the story from season 1. It offers strong visuals, interesting character arcs, and expands on the world of Middle-Earth. Despite some slow pacing and over-reliance on CGI, it keeps the story moving forward and builds excitement for the next season.

My final rating would be a 3.5/5: a strong season with a few pacing issues, but still an engaging continuation of the story.