The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (TV Series) The Great Wave (2022) User Reviews

Half part great half part average

[Dannyboi94 · 6/10 · 16 September 2022]

Episode 4 of Rings of Power is actually pretty great, for the most part. Like previous episodes, the dialogue and acting is very average and the story is muddled and confused. We are now 4 episodes in - 4 hours of screentime and yet the story is still barely progressing, I feel like at times I'm watching something pointless.

That being said, there is a lot to like in this episode, for one - the music. Bear has composed a great soundtrack for the series as a whole, but it isn't more present than it is here. There are truly some fantastic themes throughout this episode. The visuals are amazing, as usual but the standout has to be the story within Khazad-dûm. Elrond and Durin have a very good on screen friendship and both actors play well off each other. Disa is also entertaining, even though I haven't been fond of the actress during the marketing of the series. Every scene that takes place within Khazad-dûm was great and I would rather see an hour of just that than everything else that took place elsewhere in the story.

Like the past 3 episodes the characters are still what drag this down. Despite me being able to look past all the lore breaking nonesense the series has been doing so far. The Arondir and Bronwyn relationship is still as bland as it was in episode 2, Galadriel is still a grumpy college student. The problem with this show is that they are trying to balance too many characters at once. They have invented all these new characters, when they should have been focusing on the central ones, top give us time with them. We have seen them for 4 hours now, and only 3 are even remotely interesting.

I will keep up hope that the series will get better, despite this being a pretty solid episode. Maybe in the future of this series does get a season 2, they will vastly improve on everything that has made season 1 poor.

6.5/10.

Amateur hour is upon us

[CathodeRayTerrors · 6/10 · 19 September 2022]

4th episode in we are treated to some serious bad writing and even worse execution of the bad writing.

This episode really made me wonder if the writers even read any Tolkien at all. I could be wrong but I feel at the end Amazon is going to regret not getting Peter Jackson involved.

On the plus side the orcs look pretty cool and the cinematography is more than adequate. CGI looks above average as well. But the script is weak and drags on. There are also more useless, annoying characters introduced in this episode and dull filler material. Yes, only 4 episodes in and already we have an episode comprised of filler material.

Still going to keep watching.

And So It Begins

[Rainey-Dawn · 7/10 · 17 September 2022]

The first four episodes feels more like a prologue for what is to come. In my belief, I think episode 5 will be the actual beginning of the show - like reading the first chapter of a book after reading the prologue.

In this episode we have more of the same: Galadriel still brooding about in Númenor - but all that is about to change. Arondir will be released with an ultimatum for the people with Bronwyn. Elrond will uncover a secret of the dwarves.

Over all a pretty good episode that fills in gaps and leads us well into the story with a cliffhanger of great size. I'm looking forward to episode 5 - I'll be tuning in next week.

7.5/10.

Starting to hold its weight. Fire is lit.

[moviesknight · 8/10 · 16 September 2022]

They finally understand to keep few stories flowing rather than a bits and pieces of all of them. Dwarves are interesting. Once again proving the fun one of all of them. The friendship of Dwarf prince and elf is tested again and again. They are going to make a powerful dynamic in this series. For the parts of the men, they are taking slow motion in action too seriously. Every action scene need not to be slow motion. The pieces are unfolding together. I am now sure the man in the comet isnot sauron. Or is he? For the men in numenor, the queen understands. She is another interesting character in this story. The way she takes decisions is to be kept in mind. Good visuals. Maybe lighting can be better at few places. The ending of the episode is the good spark that I have on this series to light the fire which should have been lit in earlier. But better late than never.

Now we're getting somewhere

[whatithinkis · 7/10 · 16 September 2022]

It's as if a door opened and we walked through it into a reality not available before. The amazing beauty of the worlds has been there, but that alone was not enough, although it was a lot.

With Wayne Yip's excellent direction of episode 4, everyone has finally come alive and everything has begun to come together in the beauty of the stories unfolding, the writing, the acting.

When the stunning and powerful frontal shot of King Durin on his throne filled the frame, I surrendered. I realized most of the episode had passed as if in a minute and I was deep in it and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' was happening.

Might be the best episode so far

[mcemerden · 8/10 · 16 September 2022]

After what I thought to be the weakest episode yet in episode 3, this one probably is my favorite. I feel like the show finally found its footing and settled down, I thought the dialogue was better and not all over the place. Most of the storylines have me convinced now, especially Adar/Southlands and Elrond/Durin. Have to add a word for Elrond/Durin/Disa, say what you will about the rest of the episode but the scenes involving any/all these 3 have been the peaks of this show, both the acting and writing have been the strongest here son far. My biggest question mark is still the Galadriel/Numenor arc but at least its going somewhere now and the storylines will merge. Also, it was nice to finally see some other version of Galadriel that isn't always angry or lashing out even though we still got our weekly dose of it lol.

Not a fan of the slow motion action scenes though, I think it cheapens whats going on and feels more like a dream or something.

Also, I like the slow pacing but to each of his own I guess, I wouldn't want more action just for the sake of it as there isn't much going on right now in terms of conflict. I'd rather have them set up those conflicts well rather than hastily rush into them.

Another disappointing episode

[jonnyleage · 6/10 · 17 September 2022]

The Rings of Power is seemingly suffering from poor writing and character development. Although their visuals and CGI are breath taking and their plot idea has potential, I cannot help but to dislike every character. No one's story resonates with me and I do not appreciate the stakes. This is probably related to how predictable each scene has been so far. I'd like for something to shock me, get me emotionally invested.

I am also distracted by the blatant box ticking Amazon is pushing to really care about the characters. Take Bronwyn for example; the show portrays her as a fearless badass that will charge head first into a hoard of rushing orcs. Where's the backstory that reflects her bravery? For me she's nothing more than a virtue signal for GIRLPOWER.

I was very excited to finally see Sauron, even more so in Elf form -- however, the delivery was really weak. I didn't sense Adar's terror, his power; his awesome; he just seemed like another poorly written character with no depth.

TL;DR: I don't care about any character. I don't like any character. I'm routing for Sauron.

Dangerous Liasons - E04 Review

[JoshuaMercott · 8/10 · 17 September 2022]

Character arcs started to bloom in earnest this episode. My reviews of preceding episodes contain more details, which is why I chose to keep this one as concise as possible.

Director Wayne Che Yip did great work here. Writers Stephany Folsom, J. D. Payne, and Patrick McKay wrote a superb script. Outstanding cinematography as well. Thrilling scoring, editing, and sound effects. Superb hair-makeup, costume, art direction, set decoration, and production design.

Queen Regent Míriel, played by Cynthia Addai-Robinson, was alluring. Kemen (non-canonical), played by Leon Wadham, was intriguing - a relatively new entry this epi. Pharazôn, played by Trystan Gravelle, was memorable. Eärien (non-canonical), played by Ema Horvath, was curious. Galadriel, played by Morfydd Clark, was superb. Elendil, played by Lloyd Owen, was great.

Halbrand, played by Charlie Vickers, was portentous. Adar, played by Joseph Mawle, was notable. Isildur, played by Maxim Baldry, was good. Valandil (non-canonical), played by Alex Tarrant, was under-rated. Arondir (non-canonical), played by Ismael Cruz Cordova, was inspiring. Bronwyn (non-canonical), played by Nazanin Boniadi, was engaging. Theo (non-canonical), played by Tyroe Muhafidin, was great. Rowan (non-canonical), played by Ian Blackburn, was remarkable. Waldreg, played by Geoff Morrell, was excellent.

Vrath (non-canonical orc), played by Jed Brophy, was outstanding. Elrond, played by Robert Aramayo, continued to impress. Celebrimbor, played by Charles Edwards, was good. Prince Durin IV, played by Owain Arthur, was great. Princess Disa, played by Sophia Nomvete, was admirable. King Durin III, played by Peter Mullan, was great - another new entry, who would later become the first among the Dwarves to wear the mightiest of the seven rings of power that were given to his race.

All other cast and crew did noteworthy work in "Rings of Power" episode 4 now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

This episode, "The Great Wave", made me realize that I will never get tired of watching Amazon Studios' version of Númenor. We also received essential reveals for characters like Halbrand (heir to the royal Southlands line) and Adar (most probably an Elven-origin progenitor of the orcs). Speaking of, the orcs continued to impress. The writers lent them a surprising level of empathy, which I greatly appreciated - the orcs weren't always bad.

Some outstanding sequences with the broken sword of Sauron further enriched episode 4 "Rings of Power". Work also began on the later-to-become-legendary tower designed by Celebrimbor to forge the titular rings of power. They also touched upon the 'old mine', which hinted at a place where we may later get to see the Balrog. They did inform us quite clearly, though, that Durin had discovered a new ore there, namely Mithril - made famous in Jackson's trilogy.

Númenor's mysterious 'king in the tower' was revealed as well, and in its own right held portent aplenty. Before long, a Palantir (one of seven ancient scrying stones) was also revealed, thus imparting strong "Two Towers" (from Jackson's trilogy) vibes. The future of Númenor, as detailed in Tolkien's books, was given its own frightful highlight.

They also played Halbrand's cards close to their chest. His 'Hulk smash' style super-strength in episode 3 was apparently a key element to be explored as the show progressed and not to be revealed too soon.

The escape and chase scene featuring Arondir and Theo felt like an interesting throwback sequence to Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Frodo, and Sam's experiences with Saruman's orcs. Near episode's end, some enthralling hints at a 'Helm's Deep' style battle to come, and a stunning mention of Sauron from the mouth of one of the Southlands folk - enough to whet fan-appetites for days.

All these elements ideally balanced the fourth episode, which somehow managed to give nothing away while also giving a taste of things to come. This episode proved to be another superb one from Amazon. It shored up sundry foundations for the rest of the series to stand upon.

Since when did one week start to feel like one month? Asking for a friend.

Stop baiting me into thinking something interesting is going to happen

[kuarinofu · 6/10 · 18 September 2022]

Ep. 4 is perfectly in line with the others, except the ending suggests something is finally going to happen.

It would be easier for me to continue watching if the leads were relatable and the introduction had more stakes.

But since the first three showed everyday life, trying to add fluff to salvage lousy dialogue and unlikable characters, you must consciously decide to force yourself to continue watching.

Still no immersion, though. But my favorite confused extras looking straight into the camera are in place.

What makes this funnier is that there isn't much to review. The characters are being unfolded not through their hardships but their everyday routine. And the story is getting messier each episode, not even in terms of lore inconsistencies which are plenty, but through immersion-breaking reactions. Galadriel is now officially an utterly different character I have no sympathy for, but they are writing the show as I should have. She's just starting to get annoying with her persistence, which she validates. That said, most plot twists are based on the characters constantly changing their minds. It's as if they're working under the viewer and creating false expectations for the sake of false expectations, well, and based on their stubbornness, I guess. Imagine them getting into real trouble.

I've watched four episodes and still haven't figured out who I'm supposed to empathize with and when something will start happening (probably never). But I get baited every time.

Losing momentum instead of gaining it.

[bacher-98620 · 4/10 · 18 September 2022]

I'm sorry but this show is losing any possible momentum it had from the first few episodes. Even if I try to look past all of the weird writing choices, like harfoots chanting no one walks alone while leaving someone behind because they are injured.... for just one example, even skimming over that, the show is incredibly boring right now.

Nothing that exciting is happening. No characters intrigue me enough to care what happens to them. I just also feel like Galadriel is such a terrible lead. Again not even getting to weird writing with her, just her on screen presence and how interested I am in watching while she is on screen, its like a 3 out of 10. I just don't care.

Look I love this type of fantasy setting. I eat this stuff up. I consume everything I can get my hands on that is even remotely fantasy. I love it all. So yes I will watch this show to see what happens. But you are kidding yourself if you compare this to GoT early seasons or even the peter Jackson trilogy in terms of quality. Those works are miles and miles above this show. Sorry I'm don't ranting. It just irks me because they are spending so much money on this show to make something that is just flat and boring. Such a waste.

Finally.

[paul-gibbons22 · 9/10 · 17 September 2022]

I loved the first episode but apart from looking beautiful at times I found 2 & 3 a little boring with scenes feeling unnecessarily drawn out, this episode however everything starts falling into place from the off. Once again we're treated to some of the most stunning looking tv but with an added bonus of great story telling, great directing and a fantastic score which makes one scene in particular (you'll know it if you've watched) not just exhilarating but a piece of art.

I'm really hoping the rest of the series sticks with this level of writing, this wasn't just the best episode of the season by far but one of the great single episodes of a fantasy show.

9/10 CGI + 3/10 screenwriting = Average TV Series

[yetkinpulcu · 6/10 · 17 September 2022]

So let me say that the CGI is very good, at least for the Númenor and Khazad-dum part. Costumes are also excellent. But you can see that most of the money is spent to CGI+other supportive equipments but not screenwriting.

1) There is a time-lapse scene for the Elrond-Durin part, but the screenwriting is so terrible, most of the viewers will get confused. You have to tell the story way more better than this.

2) You literally left the village couple days ago. Dude, you really didn't take any food with you, Jesus. Such a bad writing!

3) I won't mention Galadriel's part again, she looks like an immature human, not one of the greatest elves alive.

There are other bad parts, but I won't take my time to mention them. You do not have to respect original LOTR lore, you can always write something new, if you are talented enough! This show reminds me the last season of Game of Thrones, where screenwriting was terrible since there was no book to look at!

This show...

[asterblasterth · 2/10 · 16 September 2022]

...shows what great writing is and basic generic writing. Great writing is the story Tolkien once wrote in his books with its intricacies and his imagination. Basic and generic writing is what the writers of this show have done. This show is a fantasy story telling which by itself is fine but it's not LOTR. It has references but it's not LOTR.

Then we have the actors well I can state that the acting isn't great and sometimes even horrible.

The mistake they have made is calling this The Lord of The Rings and telling everyone they've invested a billion dollars. Those fact alone come with great expectations and they are falling short on expectations. CGI and sets are great though.

Silence the nay sayers

[principal-94029 · 8/10 · 16 September 2022]

Ive never written a review before, nor will I again probably.

Ive read the books twice for my own pleasure and once for three sons. I love LOTR but Im no die hard.

The first three episodes have been a bit of a slow burn, but interesting at the very least. Such is the requirement for character development, contrary to the ensemble of hate spitters Ive heard over the past year.

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Was it perfect? No. But can you name a previous entry that was? They are all invariably flawed but thoroughly enjoyable. As was this. Kudos.

Lets end the venemous keyboard warriors..

A move back in the wrong direction

[jmillerjr-00983 · 6/10 · 17 September 2022]

The hope I had after episode 3 has been diminished quite a bit. I sincerely want to like this show, but sadly it is just rather boring. Every scene slogs on and I still lack true interest in anything that's going on. The only thing that keeps me going at this point is seeing how it will eventually set up the events of The Hobbitt and LOTR. But, like the Star Wars prequels, that is just enough to get me to watch and not enough for me to say I truly am engaged with the plot. We're 4 episodes in and I just don't care about anyone. I'm in it til the end, dont get me wrong, but had hoped for much more by this point.

Untangling

[bace_anti · 8/10 · 16 September 2022]

Exciting episode which shows some acceleration in the plot in contrast to the wide and tranquil exposition of the last 3 episodes. The story seems to be getting very slowly untangled but this allowed for building up the main characters.

There is still a lot of mystery left for the viewers like me who haven't gone through all of Tolkien's work. Filming and production are as beautiful as ever and I am failing to find the cause of all the hatred towards the series. I have seen far worse productions getting praised and high rated and I do not believe the current rating reflects the overall quality of the show. There are a lot of things to be improved but so far I have enjoyed the watch and am expecting an even better continuation.

Best episode so far

[RubyMouse · 6/10 · 16 September 2022]

Galadrial is slightly less annoying, Durin's anger is tempered and his aggression a little less. The visuals are great, the CGI not so intrusive in this episode and I felt more invested in the characters than previously. It still feels heavy handed in terms of the clunky dialogue and also seems very youthful in comparison to the age old themes of Tolkien. The issues the characters face and often their behaviour as well, still appear to be those of irritating and wayward teens - pouting and rebelling against authority rather than acting with the wisdom that comes with so much experience. I always felt I had a great deal to learn from Tolkien, in this, the immaturity still rankles.

Ride the wave!

[davegbrooklyn · 10/10 · 16 September 2022]

Excellent episode! Story is branching out in many directions with great characters. Setting up for interesting directions for the second half of season one and into future seasons. Direction of the last two episodes was fantastic, enjoyed all of it but now understand the world and how it impacts the current story. In terms of fantasy, it is as epic as possible while still giving intense interaction between characters with great dialogue and building the world from the point of view of some groups but mainly individuals. Well done! Looking forward to where it goes, certainly worth a re-watch or two.

So far a steady ship that i hope to take off

[ha77y73ad97 · 7/10 · 26 September 2022]

So much of this story is laying the foundations for further seasons but also has to create a story for this story. Where this seems to be falling down.

So much of the story is thoughts and feelings of things that could happen in middle earth. Compared to Lord of the Rings this hasnt moved on for a couple of episodes and we're half way through the series?

Im loving the story of the Orcs and the Southlands which seems to be the Middle Earth that i know and love. Any of the other stories that are apart of the series just dont grab my attention!

The only details that i love seeing the design of Narsil it doenst hold up to the movies again but with the story ending with the war for middle earth and Elendil wielding this so early on can only be a good sign.

No. Everything is based on convenience and lucky coincidence. This is not good writing.

[gabrielebursi · 4/10 · 21 September 2022]

The first two episodes were good, the third was terrible, and this one is as well.

The Elrond and Durin part was fine. The Arondir and Adar part is not. Good acting, but then Adar lets Arondir go with his weapons. Why? They show Adar caring about orcs and then he lets Arondir go with bow and arrows, meaning he will kill more orcs? Why? And the scenes afterwards are pathetic. The two boys go into the village with the sun. The sun goes down at exactly the right moment, what a lucky coincidence. Then, exactly when the kiddo is going to be stabbed, Arondir saves him. What a lucky coincidence. They escape and exactly when the kiddo falls, the mother arrives, what a lucky coincidence. The escape from the woods and the sun rises again so the orcs stop, what a lucky coincidence. Everything happens because of luck.

It's the same problem in the previous episode. Galadriel is saved by a ship captain friendly to elves, what a lucky coincidence. She escapes frome the guards and who does she find? The friendly captain who is immediately ready to help her, so they go to the library, and there she finds not only the meaning of Sauron's symbol, not only Sauron's plan, but also the meaning of Halbrand's medallion. How convenient is that?

This show has got two enormous problems: the terrible personality of Galadriel and the fact that reality bends around the plot, when it should be the plot that has to be influenced by reality.

Dropped.

You ain't seen nothin' yet

[boraboris08 · 10/10 · 17 September 2022]

From now on the saga begins. For those who didn't sail yet on the TV series of The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings of Power, I definitely suggest to be patient till this episode. Enjoy the first three episodes as a prologue to the odyssey.

General audience loved the LOTR for friendship, kinship, kindness, solidarity, warm heartedness, sacrifice. Those are the virtues which most of us are longing for for so many time.

I feel there is a legend coming. Thanks and kudos to "Dame" Cate Blanchett, she is the "White Galadriel" of the Peter Jackson's original cinematique trilogy. And Morfydd Clark's "soon to be a true hero" Galadriel sure will win many hearts very soon.

"Great Wave" calms power rings!

[4liReza · 6/10 · 22 October 2022]

Interesting point in "The Great Wave" is the presentation and introduction of the character of Adar (Joseph Maule), a dark elf with evil intentions. It only took a few minutes for it to become clear that he is the most interesting character of the series so far. But perhaps his decision to free Arundir (Ismael Cruz Cordova) is a bit difficult to understand. Well, yes, plot-wise Arundhir's presence is essential to the further course of the show, but what drives him to make decisions is a foundation that doesn't make sense.

The above makes this episode fun. Finally, there is still interest in the fate of the characters (some more than others). Maybe the highs and lows of this episode are just a small bump on the way to something even bigger. So, now is not the time to lose faith in the series.

In conclusion, the fourth installment of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues to show tremendous strength in terms of visual identity, but it still has a lot to improve in its scripts, direction, and character portrayal. All in all, "The Great Wave" is an episode with plenty of light and shade that promises to be the beginning of an ending for the series' most introductory installment. We hope that this work will return to the reliable path.

This episode was objectively bad

[ben_jarmin_4 · 3/10 · 16 September 2022]

What was even going on during this episode? I think the writers just think of really cool scenes they want to film and then work out the illigical events that lead towards it.

But, all the absolute boredom aside, the way you know the writers are awful is *drumroll please* deus ex machina!!!!! Generic chase scene, generic saviour, generic escape. Amazon need to replace the writers for season 2 if they want any chance of redemption from this mangled mess.

Still hate the Galadrial character too, there are no redeemable features to her.

The only interest I have is the dwarves but it is so badly written with knock off Elrond even those scenes are a snorefest.

The conversation between Galadrial and definitely not suspicious Halbrand was cringe too. You can tell the writers have no idea how to write dialogue and the attempts to imitate tolkien fail so hard.

Powerful, Sharp and Crisp.

[Gargantuan-Media · 10/10 · 16 September 2022]

No small amount of writing and acting talent converges here in episode four. A ghostly Adar slinks sorrowfully from the tunnels and darkness. Halbarad delivers Galadriel from her own brash haughtiness with a few wise words. Durin and Elrond forge a new oath. The King Under The Mountain finds his decree unexpectantly and respectfully obeyed by his fiery son. The horrifying prophecy that haunts the island of Numenor is revealed.

The Rings of Power series cast and writers have not had an easy task. In this episode, they are beginning to take this new series beyond the shadow of the very successful films that have proceeded it and make it an outstanding achievement of their own.

Yessssss! This is what I'm here for

[aquarianavenger · 10/10 · 16 September 2022]

This is really getting going now. I am very invested in the characters and the plot, they are starting to feel really fleshed out. I have enjoyed it so far, but this episode is where everything is starting to get exciting, and the point at which it feels like everything is starting to hum. I can't wait for the next episode!

Galadriel in particular is starting to feel fully realized. Also, loving the queen and orc leader, I want to know more about them. Not much about the Harfoots in this episode, and they may be the weakest part of the story so far. Hopefully, their plot will start to get more intriguing.