"The Rings of Power" is operating with an ensemble cast to rule them all. Sure, a few characters, like Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), Sauron (Charlie Vickers), and Elrond (Robert Aramayo) get extra attention. In reality, though, there are a lot of faces vying for some screen time — and the list of characters keeps expanding with each season.

One of my favorite new additions to season 2 is the moody Irish actor Ciarán Hinds. Hinds is already known for his role in another fantasy franchise, "Game of Thrones," where he played Mance Rayder. One area of the fantasy landscape that he hadn't entered yet, though, was Middle-earth -- that is, until he joined Prime Video's show, donned some elaborate robes, grabbed a fancy staff, and set up shop as a "Dark Wizard" in the series' storyline in the easter region of Rhûn.

Hinds' new character doesn't show up until early in season 2, where...