Performer of the Week: Charlie Vickers in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Our pick for Performer of the Week goes to Charlie Vickers as Sauron in The Rings of Power. Check out our review of the first three episodes here.

The introduction of Annatar, the "Lord of Gifts," is a pivotal moment in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium. Sauron’s guise as Annatar allows him to exploit the Elves' goodwill and desire for the enhancement of their crafts and realms. By presenting himself as a helpful and wise figure, Sauron manipulates Celebrimbor and the other Elven smiths into forging the Rings of Power, which ultimately serve his own dark purposes.

Celebrimbor's initial enthusiasm and his declaration that “our work begins now” highlights his naivety and trust in Annatar’s supposed benevolence. This trust is a critical element, as it allows Sauron to set his plans in motion. The Rings of Power are crafted with great skill and magical potency, and while many of them are created with good intentions, the One Ring is secretly forged by Sauron himself to dominate and control the others.

The creation of these Rings marks a crucial turning point in the history of Middle-earth. It leads to the eventual corruption and downfall of many Elves, Men, and other beings, and sets the stage for the epic struggles depicted in "The Lord of the Rings." Annatar’s deception underscores a recurring theme in Tolkien's works: the danger of unchecked ambition and the seductive nature of power.

Vickers brings a complex layer to the character of Sauron, especially with his portrayal as Annatar. His performance is crucial in depicting Sauron’s manipulative and deceptive nature.

In "The Rings of Power," Vickers' Sauron (Annatar) embodies both charm and a hidden menace, reflecting the character’s duplicitous role in manipulating Celebrimbor and the Elves. The nuanced performance helps to explore Sauron’s ability to present himself as a benevolent figure while secretly advancing his dark agenda. This portrayal deepens the storytelling by showing how Sauron’s deceit leads to the creation of the Rings of Power and his broader influence over Middle-earth.

Vickers’ portrayal adds a compelling dimension to the character, making his eventual reveal and the unfolding consequences all the more impactful.