Two years ago, Prime Video unveiled the first season of the show, based on the popular writings of Christian writer J.R.R. Tolkien. The bar was set high in delivering a show worthy of generations of fan expectations, boosted by two Peter Jackson big-screen trilogies. As the eight-episode season premiered, however, legions of enthusiasts tuned in to see the origins of the events leading up to Sauron’s rise and the forming of the rings. Although the series portrayed the battles of the book series for dramatic effect, it was still a rare fantasy offering that parents could watch with their teenage children.

“The Lord of the Rings,” although not as explicit of an allegory as Tolkien’s friend C. S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia,” has still been a source of inspiration and admiration of Christians and religious scholars. They point to strong themes of innocence embodied in the selfless and heroic hobbits as well as the temptation of power wielded by the rings as lessons that can engage the soul and the mind. Tolkien described the stories as “a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision.” Gandalf, Frodo, and Aragon have all been regarded as Christ figures, through their death, resurrections, Gandalf’s transfiguration, and becoming saviors in their own way.

For the Hall H presentation for the second season of “The Rings of Power,” showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay and cast members Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Maxim Baldry, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Sam Hazeldine, Ema Horvath, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Charlie Vickers, Benjamin Walker, and Daniel Weyman arrived to debut the new “Comic-Con” trailer which pulled no punches in delivering what the fans have been waiting for.

The trailer (embedded below), showed glimpses of new creatures, a darker tone as the forces of darkness continue to advance against Middle Earth, the core group of heroes uniting to fight, and the introduction of fan-favorite character Tom Bombadil. More than anything, Sauron was the focus, as his intentions became all the more clear.

“Sauron sees himself as master of all of Middle Earth,” Galadriel announces ominously. “He seeks to rule it not only through conquest but by bending the minds of all its peoples to his own. And for that, he needs not armies, but rings.”

In addition to fighting the physical war, a spiritual war is fought for the minds and hearts of the heroes, especially as it pertains to the rings forged to protect them. As each wearer becomes comfortable with the power, it’s much more uncomfortable to let go of it.

“These rings may be how he attains power,” Elrond says. “They must be destroyed.”

The trailer was so dramatic and action-packed and shown in pristine HD glory with body-shaking sound that they showed it again, along with some behind-the-scenes footage. If season one was a good introduction to the new characters and settings, season two looks like it’s going to go bigger and deeper into the “Rings” universe.

Moderated by Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community,” “Avengers: Endgame”) who injected a good deal of humor and enthusiasm, the cast members and showrunners answered as many non-spoilery questions as possible, both among themselves and the audience, before being interrupted by an orc who introduced his “master,” Adar.  He reappeared later for the group photo, adding a cool touch to an exceptional season two launch.

“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” season two premiers August 29 on Prime Video. The official synopsis follows:

In Season Two of “The Rings of Power,” Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without an army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle- earth to his sinister will. Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. As friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good—Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots—will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all: each other.

The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is produced by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay. They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, and Gennifer Hutchison, along with co-executive producer and director Charlotte Brändström, producers Kate Hazell and Helen Shang, and co-producers Clare Buxton, Andrew Lee, Glenise Mullins, and Matthew Penry-Davey. Additional Season Two directors include Sanaa Hamri and Louise Hooper.