Paul Farquhar
Legend
Have you read WoT? Because I haven't, and, whilst I agree that season 2 was better, I still rate it below RoP season 1 (and Willow!) It really is kinda bad.That was an epic looking Balrog.
Rating the 3 more or less recent fantasy shows. House of the Dragon, Rings of Power, Wheel of Time
Best Season one.
1st HotD
2. WoT
3. RoP
Best Season 2.
1st. WoT
2nd RoP
3rd House of the Dragon
Most Improved S1 to 2
1st RoP
2nd WoT
3rd HotD (actually got worse).
Best Overall.
1st WoT
2nd HoTD
3rd RoP
RoP really dragged down by the worst S 1. WoT S 1 and HotD more underwhelming than as bad as S1 RoP. From example HotD S2> RoP S1. WoT S1>RoP S1.
If RoP turned in a mediocre S1 I would put it over HotD.
Generally rate consistency over peaks and lows ymmv.
WoT and RoP have more hope heading into S3 atm imho. HotD has issues surrounding budget, shortened seasons etc.