Rings of Power Season 3 Should Finally Feel Like The Lord Of The Rings We Love

Rings of Power has yet to really feel like the Lord of the Rings we know and love, but that should change with season 3. The Prime Video series has been subject to heavy criticism since its 2022 premiere, due largely to its significant changes from Tolkien canon. This has continued now for two installments, but such adjustments may be more avoidable in Rings of Power season 3.

The last time we saw the Second Age characters of Rings of Power season 2, they had just escaped the fall of Eregion following Sauron’s deception of Celebrimbor. All the Rings of Power have been made, though the Dark Lord has yet to funnel his power and evil into the One Ring. Once this happens, Sauron can begin controlling those who wear the Seven Dwarven Rings and the Nine Rings for Men. Rings of Power season 3 should explore such events, ultimately shifting the series’ tone and appearance.

Rings Of Power Season 3’s Middle-Earth Will Look A Bit More Familiar

Rings of Power is set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, several thousand years before the events of Frodo’s story in The Lord of the Rings. This, combined with The Rings of Power’s complicated, condensed timeline, means this spinoff series doesn’t feel much like the world of Middle-earth we are used to.

However, this should change going into Rings of Power season 3. At the end of season 2, we saw Elrond and the Elves, who had fled Eregion, arrive in a valley that would ultimately become Rivendell. Additionally, Nori’s return to the Harfoots indicates that she and her people will soon establish themselves in the Shire. Finally, Sauron’s emergence as the Dark Lord indicates that Barad-dur will soon be erected in Mordor. As a result, Rings of Power‘s map of Middle-earth will finally begin to look like it did in Frodo’s time.

The Time Jump In Rings Of Power Season 3 Is Desperately Needed

It has officially been revealed that Rings of Power season 3 will pick up after a time jump, and this is pretty great news. Though it was necessary for Prime Video to condense the timeline of Middle-earth’s Second Age, the story has, unavoidably, suffered because of it. The transition from a time of peace to a period of war and destruction has simply been too fast.

A time jump going into Rings of Power season 3 will help balance out the show’s timeline issues. It will allow us to see Rivendell after Elrond and his people have begun to settle in, and to experience a Middle-earth already impacted by Sauron’s return. It should feel darker and more desperate, effectively setting up the aspects of the story that are more familiar to Lord of the Rings fans.