Michael Engle

Rings of Power feels like a mutated version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. While I don’t mind diversity inclusions, like the portrayal of a Black elf, it’s worth noting that Tolkien originally described elves as being pale. I understand how some might see criticism of this as racially motivated, but I also get the frustration from Tolkien purists who want to stay true to his original vision. The show seems to have strayed from that vision in favor of political agendas, and I can’t help but feel like it’s aimed at pandering to a small group of viewers rather than honoring the heart of Tolkien’s work. I’m disappointed that I won’t be watching Rings of Power anymore. After two seasons, I just can’t keep going. One glaring issue is what they’ve done with Galadriel’s character. Instead of being portrayed as the wise, powerful, and noble figure Tolkien wrote, her character has become unlikable. In the original works, Galadriel’s strength comes from her wisdom, intelligence, and deep understanding of the world, not from being a warrior. She was one of the most powerful elves in Middle-earth, known for her leadership and magical abilities, not for wielding a sword in battle. Tolkien never wrote Galadriel as a “tough feminist fighter” in the way modern media often depicts strong female characters today. Her power was more spiritual and mental, with her role in The Lord of the Rings emphasizing grace and wisdom rather than physical combat. Instead of pushing everyone into a gender-neutral mold, why not focus on the strengths women naturally have and highlight those in her character development? Galadriel should embody resilience, leadership, and deep insight, not the action-oriented traits we see in this adaptation. Ultimately, Rings of Power feels like it has strayed too far from Tolkien’s path. Rather than staying true to his world and characters, it seems like a cash grab that prioritizes modern political agendas over storytelling. For these reasons, I won’t be continuing with the show.