Could this be the Star Wars of our time?! . . . .  no. Definitely not.    Together, Richard and I discuss the final episode of The Rings of Power and, yet again, it's mostly a ranting session. It seems as though this entire venture has been set up as a cinematic prequel to the Peter Jackson films, and - if that's the case - it's supremely disappointing.    It's clear that the writers don't trust their audience. Between the wizard dual and the way in which Galadriel has done nothing essential to the plot, there seems to be a sense that, as long as they're writing about something "worthwhile", quality doesn't matter. There also seems to be some attempt to articulate a theological vision, but it's lacking. The pacing is arrhythmic and strange. Seemingly there is some effort to be reminiscent of medieval storytelling, but it falls short.    Also, what's with all of the sympathy for the devil? This, above everything else, is a departure from Tolkien. This seems to be an issue of art vs propaganda disguised as entertainment.    Will we watch season 2? We'll see . . . maybe we should just focus on Andor.