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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Guardian readers

‘I expected both to be cheap cash-ins’: readers’ verdicts on House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings

Milly Alcock as Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon and Morfydd Clark as Galadriel in The Rings of Power.
Milly Alcock as Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon and Morfydd Clark as Galadriel in The Rings of Power. Composite: HBO, Prime Video

‘I can barely remember anyone’s name’

The Rings of Power looked amazing, but I can barely remember anyone’s name. It feels like not a lot has happened over the first two episodes. Much of it seems to be filler, with lots of Galadriel swimming and staring into the distance or Elrond breaking rocks. I also don’t understand the political situation of Middle-earth. What are the relationships between men and elves like? House of the Dragon, I feel, is more of a success. The narrative scope is narrower and I can grasp the relationships and political consequences of the characters’ actions. I have been impressed by the acting in the first episodes; The Rings of Power is quite hammy by comparison. Paul, 38, teacher, London

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