The Rings of Power: A New Standard for Television and Media

Few series have dared to challenge the creative and technical milestones set by Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Amazon's The Rings of Power, however, isn’t merely attempting to follow in those footsteps—it’s carving a new path. For television (and arguably for modern film and media as a whole), this series is becoming what The Lord of the Rings trilogy was for cinema: a revolutionary benchmark for what can be achieved in visual storytelling.

From its breathtaking scale to its masterful cinematography, The Rings of Power embraces the warmth, awe, and scope of Tolkien’s world, bringing it to life in a way that feels monumental. It pushes the limits of what audiences have come to expect, not just from television, but from visual media in general.

One of the strongest aspects of The Rings of Power is its story. While some critics and purists may balk at changes and additions to Tolkien’s canon, there’s no denying the brilliance with which this narrative is crafted. The dialogue, rich and lyrical, feels as though it could have been lifted directly from the pages of The Silmarillion. The series succeeds in capturing the timeless gravitas of Tolkien’s themes—light versus darkness, hope versus despair—while still creating something fresh and resonant for today’s audiences.

The scale of production is nothing short of extraordinary. Few television shows have dared to aim this high, and fewer still have succeeded. Much of what The Rings of Power accomplishes would be considered ambitious even for feature films. The locations, set design, and visual effects surpass so much of what hits the big screen today, proving that episodic storytelling can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with blockbuster cinema.

Critics of The Rings of Power have argued that its heavy reliance on CGI diminishes its cinematography. One such claim; “CGI HDR stills aren’t cinematography. Return of the King’s lighting of the beacons or Gandalf’s ride through Minas Tirith blow this away”—reflects a common misconception: that CGI is inherently lesser than practical effects.

But this view fails to recognize what cinematography truly is. Cinematography is the art of visual storytelling. It’s not just about practical effects or CGI; it’s about how these tools are used—how lighting, framing, movement, and composition all work together to serve the narrative. CGI, when combined with thoughtful craftsmanship, is as legitimate a tool as any other. And in The Rings of Power, it is used masterfully, enhancing the story in ways that were previously unimaginable.

Take the vast landscapes of Númenor or the forging of the first Rings of Power—these scenes rely on a blend of CGI and traditional techniques to evoke a sense of wonder and scale that rivals anything in Jackson’s films. They’re not just visually stunning; they’re emotionally resonant, drawing the audience into the grandeur and drama of Middle-earth. I am not saying the show is better, but I'm also not saying that it's lesser.

At its heart, The Rings of Power is a love letter to Tolkien’s world. It is not perfect—few things can be when tackling something so monumental—but it is bold. It takes risks, it challenges expectations, and it redefines what can be achieved in television. For those willing to embrace its differences and innovations, The Rings of Power offers something extraordinary: a chance to experience Middle-earth in a way that is both familiar and entirely new. Trust me when I say that if you can put whatever's holding you back aside and watch it genuinely, you will feel that unique sense of wander that only Middle-Earth can evoke.

One thing is certain: The Rings of Power is here to remind us of the limitless potential of storytelling, and the many ways that modern media can bring these timeless tales to life.

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-By Richard Kent FM