Rings of Power: Season Three is the most action packed, gritty, and well-executed season so far. It finally sheds the artificial sheen of its two predecessors to make the stakes and story fit into the darkest parts of Middle Earth. It wonderfully builds off Season Two’s momentum to purposefully drive towards the growing light vs. dark showdown of elves, dwarves, and men against the forces of Charlie Vickers’ snake-charmingly conniving and layered portrayal of Sauron. Owain Arthur (Durin) and Sophia Nomvete (Disa) continue to shine bright as the show’s heart, and the entire cast cement themselves in easily the best season yet.