Review: Even in Tolkien’s Middle Earth, You Can’t Escape Immigration Restrictions

Amazon’s The Rings of Power series is a fun fantasy show that offers an escape from most things about 21st-century America—except its regulatory burdens.

Set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, the show serves as a prequel to the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Its primary plot points lean heavily on the fantastical elements of Tolkien’s universe. We see the creation of powerful magic rings and the origin stories of the heroes and villains who will pop up in the author’s more famous works. Overall, it’s a refreshing break from more dour and cynical prestige fantasy shows such as HBO’s House of the Dragon.

Even this ancient action-adventure romp can’t escape incorporating some modern political themes. In one early episode, we see the protagonist, elf warrior Galadriel, contend with the racist immigration rest