Costumes, sets, CGI, scripts and performances go under the spotlight – as readers weigh up the new ventures into Middle-earth and Westeros
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
