The "Kiss Debate" in The Rings of Power: Drama, Distraction, and Perspective

The kiss between Elrond and Galadriel in The Rings of Power has sparked a surprising amount of online chatter, with critics labeling it unnecessary, awkward, and even damaging to the narrative. But the uproar reveals more about viewers’ preconceptions than about the actual storytelling at play. Let's break it down.

"The kiss was unnecessary and unrealistic."

This critique centers on the idea that there were countless other ways Elrond could have passed the pin to Galadriel without a kiss. The most common suggestion? A simple gesture like kissing her hand while slipping her the pin. But this alternative misses the entire point of the scene. Elrond kissing her hand—or using any subtle method involving her hand—would have drawn direct attention to the very thing he was trying to hide. By kissing her unexpectedly on the lips, the shock of the moment became the focus for everyone watching, both in-universe and out. It was a bold, dramatic choice, not an oversight.

"It's just weird because Elrond marries Galadrie's daughter"

This argument seems rooted in a rigid view of relationships, one that conflates a platonic kiss with romantic intent. The show’s context makes it clear: this was not a romantic kiss. It was a distraction, meant to protect Galadriel and ensure her escape. The outrage over the familial connections feels disproportionate, especially given Tolkien’s own works, where characters often share deeply personal bonds that don’t conform to modern expectations. Not to mention that the characters themselves are not biased nor burdened with the overview of their stories.

Also, consider this: if The Rings of Power does show Elrond and Celebrian’s eventual relationship, will this two-second moment with Galadriel really overshadow that entire storyline? It’s a stretch, to say the least.

"The Kiss ruined the episode for me"

If a fleeting, clearly non-romantic kiss between two characters can completely overshadow the larger stakes of an episode, the problem likely lies with the viewer, not the show. Was the kiss shocking? Yes. Was it unnecessary? Eh, perhaps. But to let such a small moment dominate the conversation about an episode packed with tension, character development, and pivotal plot points seems trivial. A single decision doesn’t diminish the quality of an entire episode—unless we let it.

Here’s the reality: The Rings of Power isn’t aiming for subtlety here—it’s aiming for drama. The kiss achieved its purpose in the narrative. It shocked not only the characters in the scene but also the audience, ensuring that the pin passed unnoticed and the moment carried the weight it needed. The complaints that "there were other ways to do this" are valid but overlook the fact that this way had the most impact. It was surprising, bold, and memorable—qualities that are often the hallmark of good drama.

At the end of the day, the reaction to the kiss has been hilariously out of proportion. A platonic, two-second kiss has become the center of a debate that overshadows the episode’s strengths and larger story. If we’re seriously letting something so minor derail our appreciation of a pivotal moment in the narrative, maybe it’s time to reevaluate our priorities as viewers.

This is Middle-earth, where elves and dwarves forge alliances, wizards fall from the sky, and the fate of entire worlds hangs in the balance. Maybe, just maybe, we can focus on the bigger picture—and stop letting a perfectly crafted moment of drama send us spiraling. Grow up.

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-By Richard Kent FM