Even The Rings of Power Bosses Admit That Some Things "Didn't Work" In Season 1
No matter how much pre-planning is done for a series with as much heightened anticipation as The Rings of Power, it will always take time for a show to find its footing.
The first season of the Tolkien-inspired prequel series has received mixed reviews from both critics and its audience. The show has been praised for managing to bring an exceptional level of detail and quality in its recreation of Middle-Earth; much in the same manner Peter Jackson did for his films.
However, finding the right pace and narrative for the series proved more challenging according to the opinions of its critics. Now, after the final episode of season one has aired, the showrunners themselves have shared their own thoughts on what didn't work well in the show so far.
J.D Payne and Patrick McKay, who have been the writers, producers, and showrunners of The Rings Power 's first season, spoke in a THR interview about their opinions concerning the series. Of course, the topic of the fan's reception to the show was not forgotten.
The producers jointly admitted to the early episodes of the season not keeping to the appropriate level of urgency that the fans necessarily expected. Noting even in the smaller scene, it should always tie back to the larger stakes of the plot. McKay pointed out directly, that the large scale of the show may have also played an important factor in the weakness of the series, and how elements that were not so successful throughout the season, may have worked better for other smaller shows.
Nevertheless, fans of The Rings of Power will be pleased to hear that filming for season two has already begun in the UK, promising to be 'bigger and better' than its last. Again Payne and McKay commented by saying that the first season had been a massive learning experience for themselves and everyone working on the series. Suggesting the bar has to keep going up for the quality to continue improving, as well as for the series to keep progressing and growing.
It seems no setbacks have prevented them from sticking to their ambitious plans for the show going forward. The Rings of Power is expected to continue over five seasons in total, and a complete viewing time of 50 hours. Fans will have to stick with the show for its second season, to see if the series will take the time to reflect on its criticisms, and becomes a better show for it.