Jay 40,692 Posted September 19, 2024 Share Posted September 19, 2024 So, those of you that have seen episode 6... Does it seem plausible that "The River Daughter" will be sung on-screen at some point in episode 7 or 8? Or does it maybe seem now like this might just be a little bonus song recorded for the season album and won't be in the show? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomsmoviemadness 3,755 Posted September 19, 2024 Share Posted September 19, 2024 At the moment it seems that latter is more plausable. But I think there is also plenty of opportunity for it to appear in an episode. Pretty much 50-50 I'd say right now. Jay 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 40,692 Posted September 19, 2024 Share Posted September 19, 2024 Cool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monoverantus 564 Posted September 19, 2024 Share Posted September 19, 2024 This was by far the most unintentionally funny episode for me, since in Swedish "valar" literally means "whales". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stark 581 Posted September 20, 2024 Share Posted September 20, 2024 The execution of some elements continues to be a little silly, but I really like most of this show and feel more and more secure in my reasonings to do so. The Numenor dynamic is taking the shape it needs, the Sauron side has been great all season, the world feels a lot more Tolkieny (we literally saw someone do battle with singing this episode!), the temptations are all fresh. And I appreciated how quickly the “alliance” dissolved this episode, rightly. DarthDementous and tomsmoviemadness 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ChrisAfonso 207 Posted September 20, 2024 Popular Post Share Posted September 20, 2024 I really liked the "happy kingdom" illusion Annatar conjured up for Celembrimbor - THAT is the way to show how deeply he can deceive and influence others. Of course, his subtle psychological manipulations are a big part of it, too, but after some of them being a bit on the rushed/forced side (with Celebrimbor getting suspicious and all) it was just a good way to show he doesn't just depend on lucking it through by hit-and-miss mind games. All in all I'm quite on board with the show, this season especially! I accept the extreme compression of events into a short time-span (for example like it doesn't seem like much time passes from the Elves and Dwarves "becoming friends" fast, celebrating that friendship with the Door for all friends to pass freely, not seeing much of that happen before they seem to be at odds again (thanks, Sauron)) just being necessary to show them in a coherent form at all in a TV show (barring Marian's proposition of a historical anthology series with a narrator connecting events separated by long stretches of time, which would be more accurate to Tolkien but not very general-audience-friendly). I'm just happy to see this stuff on screen in any form at all DarthDementous, Stark, Yavar Moradi and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 20, 2024 Author Share Posted September 20, 2024 These last two episodes definitely feel, at least, like they have a little more drive. That's for sure. I'm afraid it'll become drowned in a lot of sturm und drag in the coming two episodes, though. DarthDementous 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard P 4,433 Posted September 20, 2024 Share Posted September 20, 2024 Just watched episode 6 and refreshingly, I enjoyed it - I liked that it had a bit of each storyline (although it doesn't feel like Nori/Poppy are offering anything to the plot other than a dilemma for the Stranger) and with the effects of the rings taking effect, the character stuff is actually interesting, as is Sauron's effects on those around him. And the ending basically confirms - the final two episodes are where it's all gonna happen, and hopefully after a couple of calmer episode scores Bear will similarly let loose. I can't wait to hear Battle For Eregion and hopefully more like it, in context. DarthDementous 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artguy360 1,953 Posted September 21, 2024 Share Posted September 21, 2024 I finally caught up on the last two episodes. Oh man, the potential/implied retcon of Tom B. speaking Gandalf's famous lines first annoys me a lot for some reason. Now the Stranger almost has to be Gandalf, but I still so much rather he be a blue wizard. Or maybe the show just likes quoting the films as little Easter eggs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stark 581 Posted September 21, 2024 Share Posted September 21, 2024 I’m resigned to the stranger being Gandalf, unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthDementous 1,280 Posted September 21, 2024 Share Posted September 21, 2024 I also liked the episode, the acting especially was really good this time around and the scene where Durin breaks down because he can't unsee his father as the man he's become corrupted by the rings was pretty emotionally effective. Even the Numenor stuff this time around I was more invested in because I'm starting to appreciate Elendil as a character and particularly enjoyed his defiance in the face of the worst government ever, and similarly found it hilarious that succession by eagle was immediately contradicted by succession by sea monster Gandalf and Nori plotline is contributing nothing relevant in terms of plot or themes and I wish those characters had been deleted from the show so we could focus on the significantly more compelling descent of these kingdoms under the seduction and manipulation of Sauron and the Rings of Power It's crazy how this show suddenly really works when it's about its namesake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisAfonso 207 Posted September 21, 2024 Share Posted September 21, 2024 6 hours ago, artguy360 said: I finally caught up on the last two episodes. Oh man, the potential/implied retcon of Tom B. speaking Gandalf's famous lines first annoys me a lot for some reason. Now the Stranger almost has to be Gandalf, but I still so much rather he be a blue wizard. Or maybe the show just likes quoting the films as little Easter eggs? I feel they dropped too many hints for it not to be Gandalf (unless it's supposed to be "you didn't see that coming, did ya?" misdirection) - at some point it wouldn't serve any function other than being a twist for twist's sake. All with Nori saying something about him needing a "gand" to channel magic, and later replying to the Stoors' "is he an elf?" along the lines of "maybe a grand-elf"... the paths leading to "the fitting name will reveal itself" or so, like the Stranger said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 21, 2024 Author Share Posted September 21, 2024 It's almost certainly Gandalf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post crocodile 8,808 Posted September 21, 2024 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2024 I have to say I really like the guy playing Elendil. He definitely has the presence and gravitas of someone who will become a king of Gondor. He's really good. Karol DarthDementous, Monoverantus and Stark 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Meredith McKay 7,173 Posted September 21, 2024 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2024 He looks a little bit like a aging rockstar though A. A. Ron, Chen G. and Stark 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 21, 2024 Author Share Posted September 21, 2024 1 hour ago, crocodile said: I have to say I really like the guy playing Elendil I just find it funny that Lloyd Owen played a younger version (sorta) of Peter McKenzie (Jackson's Elendil: note the similarity) and of Sir Sean Connery (Henry Jones Senior): Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stark 581 Posted September 21, 2024 Share Posted September 21, 2024 Both he and Isildur’s actor have heftily picked up on their characters’ gravitas this season. Elendil exudes faithful calm now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 21, 2024 Author Share Posted September 21, 2024 It would have helped had he not been depicted as such an unfeeling father to his hot daughter, of course... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TolkienSS 477 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 From mighty Sauron having to beg a handful of orcs to follow him, to Sauron getting overthrown by a few orcs, to orcs actually hunting down Sauron to kill him, to orcs being family loving individuals, to Numenor's decay into a Morgoth cult being reduced to a "muh job" guerilla coup, to Tom Bombadil being placed into some sort of post-climate-change forest metaphor, acting as a clumsy Yoda-ripoff for please-pretend-you-don't-know-it's-Gandalf, to Gandalf having to look for his staff as one of the most pointless side quests ever, to body-positivity-Hobbit falling in love with DEI hire #57, to Afro Hobbits being even more heinous creatures than Harfoots in season 1, to Galadriel - lady of light no less - throwing herself at the orc army in support to attack Eregion, to Tolkien's quasi-Nordic mythology for old England being depicted as downtown New York in even the most remote, forlorn village of Middle-Earth - this is the worst possible realization of Tolkien's Middle-Earth you could possibly imagine. Jesus. I want to go back to 2014, when Battle Of The fucking Five Armies was considered bad film making. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Taikomochi 1,275 Posted September 22, 2024 Popular Post Share Posted September 22, 2024 From someone who is mixed on RoP, BotFA is the worst thing this franchise has produced, and it’s not even close. Please, I beg you, get some perspective. But from your complaining about DEI hires and identifying the Stoors as “Afro Hobbits”, I think it’s clear to everyone else what your post is really about. BotFA isn’t better just because it has more white people. If that is how you are going to talk about things, I’m not sure why you are still watching because your opinions are clearly motivated by things separate from quality. Why willfully make yourself miserable with something you know you will hate? You aren’t required to watch the show just because you love Tolkien. But maybe you’re just here to stir shit up? Bofur01, DrPsych, Richard P and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 40,692 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 Well said, @Taikomochi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 22, 2024 Author Share Posted September 22, 2024 1 hour ago, Taikomochi said: From someone who is mixed on RoP, BotFA is the worst thing this franchise has produced, and it’s not even close. Please, I beg you, get some perspective. Bull. Also, there's the 1980 Return of the King which as far as I'm concerned is to this series what the Holiday Special is to Star Wars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meredith McKay 7,173 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 Yeah, but it has better music than the Holiday Special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taikomochi 1,275 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 11 minutes ago, Chen G. said: Bull. Also, there's the 1980 Return of the King which as far as I'm concerned is to this series what the Holiday Special is to Star Wars. But it has When There’s a Whip 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meredith McKay 7,173 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 21 minutes ago, Taikomochi said: But it has When There’s a Whip 😉 I can feel you throbbing with excitement. Chen G. and Taikomochi 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick1Ø66 6,110 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 38 minutes ago, Chen G. said: Bull. Also, there's the 1980 Return of the King which as far as I'm concerned is to this series what the Holiday Special is to Star Wars. BOTFA > ROP ROTK '80 > ROP And it's not even close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 22, 2024 Author Share Posted September 22, 2024 Okay, what about the 1967 Hobbit? Nick1Ø66 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taikomochi 1,275 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 2 minutes ago, Chen G. said: Okay, what about the 1967 Hobbit? Chen G. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick1Ø66 6,110 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 9 minutes ago, Chen G. said: Okay, what about the 1967 Hobbit? Yep. That too. And all those Eastern European productions as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stark 581 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 I’m confident in putting TROP season 2 over any Middle Earth adaption except the trilogy. Taikomochi and Tydirium 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taikomochi 1,275 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 It’s an extremely low bar once you take out the main trilogy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellosh 4,005 Posted September 22, 2024 Share Posted September 22, 2024 I watched the tom bombadil introduction on YouTube because it's tom fuckin bombadil. (Haven't watched this show yet, only clips and trailers) 1.) why does the scene with whatever wizard that is and Tom feel so biblical? It feels like something from some old movie about the old testament. The tom bombadil chapter in fotr is one of my favorites and I know that chapter has nothing to do with this show but something about the scene just feels so off? 2.) why does he do the James Bond introduction. Bombadil. Tom Bombadil. Like holy shit can't believe that made it into the final script. Holko 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 23, 2024 Author Share Posted September 23, 2024 8 hours ago, Stark said: I’m confident in putting TROP season 2 over any Middle Earth adaption except the trilogy. To me Season Two is along similar lines was Season one: it did pick-up a bit of momentum in the latest two episodes - which was to be expected - but not much and its still a slow-going, and rather contrived affair with lots of useless magic. At any rate, its still a lookalike - less than season one, but still - and I can't see a situation where I prefer the lookalike over the real deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrPsych 35 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 I've enjoyed RoP since episode one of season 1. I find most of the criticism either 1) coming from alt-right folks who hate the show but don't want to admit why or 2) critiques of the television (vs film) format or 3) critiques of the source material. Nonsense buzz-words like "mystery box!" or "too slow!" or "too much filler/irrelevant material!" fit quite nicely into all three. Most appalling of all are the incessant comments from people who claim to loath the series so much ("I want to go back to 2014, when Battle Of The fucking Five Armies was considered bad film making" yet insist on watching it so they can tell us all how bad it is. Three words: Get. A. Life. If you don't like a show, just go watch something you DO like. However, there are 2 gripes that I think are actually legitimate. Tom Bombadil is trying to be too bad-ass. I liked him a lot in his first episode. He was okay in the second. But this third one just makes him seem like a callous hater. And definitely not the Tom of Tolkien's writings. The whole point of Tom Bombadil was that he is a character who isn't affected by the politics and Great Powers of Middle Earth. At all. I think they're angling to make him the 2nd Blue Wizard (with the first clearly being the Dark Wizard). Time will tell, but "bright blue his jacket is" seems to be the hint they're going on. I don't like this approach at all. It would have been better to have two separate characters. Second, Numenor being a modern democracy with a medieval skin on is beyond ridiculous. I GET that this falls into my category #2 above (the price of having anything made by an American company is the subtle anti-hierarchy egalitarian nonsense that permeates American politics and culture. No way around it). But it makes me laugh out loud at times. I personally like the psychological/emotional exploration of the Orcs. It's quite obvious that most (not all) of those who are critiquing it are the same folks who want to see politics and race in modern times as simple. (The somewhat shocking slur toward "Afro-Hobbits" above is enough to illustrate the simple-mindedness of these folks). The show is portraying the Orcs in a much more holistically Catholic perspective (ie, true to Tolkien's worldview). I appreciate that. At first, I disliked the presentation of Sauron. But again, it's turned into a brilliant exploration of a Catholic worldview on the true maleficence but brilliance of The Enemy. The deception/seduction of Celebrimbor... powerful. And deeply relatable. And of course, the music is the best part. I am so loving each album as it's released. A beautiful lead-in to Howard Shore's music... and I continue to hold out hope that the lines will continue to blur until some of season 5's themes can obviously connect to Shore's. I know this isn't a popular view... but I LOVE that the show can fit perfectly into PJs universe. :D:D:D Nick1Ø66, tomsmoviemadness and Bofur01 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 23, 2024 Author Share Posted September 23, 2024 3 minutes ago, jpmatlack said: I LOVE that the show can fit perfectly into PJs universe But...it really can't. Not at all, really. Nick1Ø66 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard P 4,433 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 10 minutes ago, jpmatlack said: Second, Numenor being a modern democracy with a medieval skin on is beyond ridiculous. I GET that this falls into my category #2 above (the price of having anything made by an American company is the subtle anti-hierarchy egalitarian nonsense that permeates American politics and culture. No way around it). But it makes me laugh out loud at times. My problem with that plotline is the same as Nori/Poppy - either they've got absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the rings/Sauron/Adar storyline, or they do, and it's flown sky high over my head. But what I'm finding now is that the quality of the visuals, production design, many of the performances, and obviously the music are making up for some of these narrative shortcomings. Many of the effects are quite a bit better than those in PJ's films, mainly because we're more than two decades since LotR. With the Durin (et al) and Annatar/Celebrimbor storylines getting very interesting and the battle just starting, I'm actually looking forward to the last two episodes. I don't know whether I've missed speculation of what Annatar's plan is (i.e. why he wants them to attack) or if it's still to be revealed, but it's more engaging than what was going on this time last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrPsych 35 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 3 minutes ago, Richard Penna said: My problem with that plotline is the same as Nori/Poppy - either they've got absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the rings/Sauron/Adar storyline, or they do, and it's flown sky high over my head. But what I'm finding now is that the quality of the visuals, production design, many of the performances, and obviously the music are making up for some of these narrative shortcomings. Many of the effects are quite a bit better than those in PJ's films, mainly because we're more than two decades since LotR. With the Durin (et al) and Annatar/Celebrimbor storylines getting very interesting and the battle just starting, I'm actually looking forward to the last two episodes. I don't know whether I've missed speculation of what Annatar's plan is (i.e. why he wants them to attack) or if it's still to be revealed, but it's more engaging than what was going on this time last season. So this fits into #2 & #3 above. All tv series have peripheral/unrelated storylines. Characters will eventually cross paths, but it may be seasons in. And, of course, Tolkien was trying to write an anthology of a world, so he had no interest in all of his storylines being connected. 10 minutes ago, Chen G. said: But...it really can't. Not at all, really. You keep saying this. (Over, and over, and over again). But I disagree. As of yet, I see no contradictions, and minor changes in aesthetics can easily be explained with "Well, over a thousands years passed between this series and The Hobbit". I'm curious what, beyond your general dislike for the writing (which I think basically just falls into a basic dislike for television format) do you think inherently conflicts with PJ's universe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meredith McKay 7,173 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 9 minutes ago, Richard Penna said: My problem with that plotline is the same as Nori/Poppy - either they've got absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the rings/Sauron/Adar storyline, or they do, and it's flown sky high over my head. But what I'm finding now is that the quality of the visuals, production design, many of the performances, and obviously the music are making up for some of these narrative shortcomings. Many of the effects are quite a bit better than those in PJ's films, mainly because we're more than two decades since LotR. With the Durin (et al) and Annatar/Celebrimbor storylines getting very interesting and the battle just starting, I'm actually looking forward to the last two episodes. I don't know whether I've missed speculation of what Annatar's plan is (i.e. why he wants them to attack) or if it's still to be revealed, but it's more engaging than what was going on this time last season. He wants them to attack so he can kill Adar, and take the army over as their leader. As for what Numenor has to do with everything... let's just say they are his next target... Spoiler They are eventually going to attack and capture Sauron, and he is gonna repeat his sweet talking there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Holko 10,864 Posted September 23, 2024 Popular Post Share Posted September 23, 2024 1 minute ago, jpmatlack said: beyond your general dislike for the writing (which I think basically just falls into a basic dislike for television format) Lol Monoverantus, Schilkeman and Nick1Ø66 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 23, 2024 Author Share Posted September 23, 2024 11 minutes ago, jpmatlack said: minor changes in aesthetics can easily be explained with "Well, over a thousands years passed between this series and The Hobbit". I didn't know that the indestructible, unchanging Rings of Power - the title mcguffins of the show - should be expected to change their appearance over the intervening years. But, really, it goes deeper than that: if there's nothing that's ever quite the same, then what incentive to do we have to assume that the two are connected to begin with? I'm sure Amazon would like us to think they're connected, but I refuse to give them that satisfaction. Yes, the overall look is kinda similar, and there are some very close cousins a-la Narsil and Durin's Bane. But the whole has an effect, to quote Gimli “Alike and yet unlike”. Partially because nothing is ever quite the same, partially because the overall sensibility of the storytelling is very different. Nick1Ø66 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrPsych 35 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 2 minutes ago, Chen G. said: I didn't know that the indestructible, unchanging Rings of Power - the title mcguffins of the show - should be expected to change their appearance over the intervening years. But, really, it goes deeper than that: if there's nothing that's ever quite the same, then what incentive to do we have to assume that the two are connected to begin with? I'm sure Amazon would like us to think they're connected, but I refuse to give them that satisfaction. Yes, the overall look is kinda similar, and there are some very close cousins a-la Narsil and Durin's Bane. But the whole has an effect, to quote Gimli “Alike and yet unlike”. Partially because nothing is ever quite the same, partially because the overall sensibility of the storytelling is very different. Yes, the Rings shouldn't change. But we only got a glimpse of them in PJs world anyway (during the films). And let's talk about the Wargs in PJs films that suddenly and shockingly look like a different species only a few dozen years apart... I'll never understand why he altered the design for the Wargs, but... he did. And for the serious viewer who wants 100% consistency, it definitely pulls you out of the universe. In any media, there's always a bit of squinting. But it's not enough to pull me out of the story/show. The the difference in the Wargs between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings will always bother me more than the Elven Rings (glimpsed for a second and not in detail). You don't have to want visualize this series in the same universe. That's fine. I personally find it to be a perfect fit. I'm happy to give Amazon the satisfaction! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stark 581 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 The majority of criticism of this show isn’t any of those three categories, it’s “are they messing up the lore?” Now, many of those criticisms are unfounded (I saw someone complaining about the dwarf ring making Durin greedier… which is straight outta Tolkien!), but there are a few real problems with the show, mainly all resulting from the compressed timeline (an objective mess-up of lore, even if it’s one I can fully understand the writers choosing to enact). I like this show - and if season 2 sticks the landing, then I like it a lot - but don’t strawman the criticism. Holko and Monoverantus 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meredith McKay 7,173 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 9 minutes ago, Stark said: (I saw someone complaining about the dwarf ring making Durin greedier… which is straight outta Tolkien!), Yeah, my only "niggles" with it, is that it's maybe a bit too sudden/obvious DrPsych 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrPsych 35 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 5 minutes ago, Stark said: The majority of criticism of this show isn’t any of those three categories, it’s “are they messing up the lore?” Now, many of those criticisms are unfounded (I saw someone complaining about the dwarf ring making Durin greedier… which is straight outta Tolkien!), but there are a few real problems with the show, mainly all resulting from the compressed timeline (an objective mess-up of lore, even if it’s one I can fully understand the writers choosing to enact). I like this show - and if season 2 sticks the landing, then I like it a lot - but don’t strawman the criticism. I did say that most, not all, of the criticism fall into those three categories. That said, the compression of the timeline is the cost of trying to create a mainstream tv series that interests non-Tolkien fanatics. It's unavoidable in the media format of tv series. There ARE some minor criticism that could have been different. If I'm right, combining one of the Blue Wizards and Tom Bombadil is a very bad choice. But compressing the timeline is completely unavoidable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick1Ø66 6,110 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 2 hours ago, jpmatlack said: I'm curious what, beyond your general dislike for the writing (which I think basically just falls into a basic dislike for television format) This...is nonsensical. There are lots of well written genre TV shows. Rings of Power is not one of them. And that's the problem with the show, and where most of the criticism is aimed, the writing. All this about "TV format", alt-right boogeymen and similar nonsense buzzwords, along with "critiques of the source material" are all straw-men. So go argue with the straw-men making those arguments, because no one here is. And if the creative strategy is to appeal to "non-Tolkien fanatics", they should probably rethink what they're doing, because the show has been haemorrhaging viewers, presumably both Tolkien and non-Tolkien fanatics, since pretty much the first episode. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 40,692 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 1 hour ago, DrPsych said: Tom Bombadil is trying to be too bad-ass. I liked him a lot in his first episode. He was okay in the second. But this third one just makes him seem like a callous hater. What? Tom Bombadil has only been in two episodes - episode 4, and episode 6. He hasn't been in 3 episodes. DrPsych 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 23, 2024 Author Share Posted September 23, 2024 1 hour ago, DrPsych said: Yes, the Rings shouldn't change. But we only got a glimpse of them in PJs world anyway (during the films). And let's talk about the Wargs in PJs films that suddenly and shockingly look like a different species only a few dozen years apart... Nenya gets a couple of memorable closeups in the films, and many in the show. And this is just a harbiner of more to come: when we reach the Last Alliance, and it doesn't play out like Jackson's version, Sauron doesn't look like Jackson's Sauron, the Elven troops don't look like Jackson's, the Numenoreans don't look like Jackson's... Even before that, what about the Ring of Barahir? The Doors of Durin obviously look the same - as they had in Bakshi's, being that its an illustration of Tolkien's - but what if where they're situation doesn't look a thing like the environment in Fellowship of the Ring? Stuff like Wargs I think is explicble within the context of there being different breeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meredith McKay 7,173 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 2 minutes ago, Chen G. said: Nenya gets a couple of memorable closeups in the films, But really only one of them being in the Theatrical right? Chen G. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chen G. 4,805 Posted September 23, 2024 Author Share Posted September 23, 2024 I think so. But anyway its more of a general point: Much of the show looks similar, but nothing in it ever looks quite the same. Usually, in prequels, at least something looks or sounds the same - whether its an actor reprising a part or a set being reprised - to "anchor" the connection between the two properties. Rings of Power has no such anchor: everything is slightly dicked around to look "alike and unlike." The dissimilarities are mounting: its easy to maintain an illusion of continuity at the beginning, when you're at the point in time most removed from Lord of the Rings and covering events and places never seen in those films. The further you go, closer to times, events and places seen in Lord of the Rings, the harder it is to retain the illusion. Also, in Season One New Line were sorta playing along, whereas in Season Two that's no longer the case and you can already see the impact: rather than design the Grey Havens in a "squint and you can imagine its the same place/will become the same place as in The Return of the King" they went an entirely different way with it. Still more to the point, in Season One there were A LOT of quotes not from Tolkien's books but from Jackson's scripts, whereas in Season Two there are some similarities, but by and large where there are similar lines they're from the novel: my guess is New Line pulled the plug. So, what happens when we get to Rivendell (which should be soon)? Lorien? The Morannon? When Barahir's Ring enters the storyline? Nick1Ø66 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrPsych 35 Posted September 23, 2024 Share Posted September 23, 2024 3 minutes ago, Chen G. said: I think so. But anyway its more of a general point: Much of the show looks similar, but nothing in it ever looks quite the same. Usually, in prequels, at least something looks or sounds the same - whether its an actor reprising a part or a set being reprised - to "anchor" the connection between the two properties. Rings of Power has no such anchor: everything is slightly dicked around to look "alike and unlike." The dissimilarities are mounting: its easy to maintain an illusion of continuity at the beginning, when you're at the point in time most removed from Lord of the Rings and covering events and places never seen in those films. The further you go, closer to times, events and places seen in Lord of the Rings, the harder it is to retain the illusion. Also, in Season One New Line were sorta playing along, whereas in Season Two that's no longer the case and you can already see the impact: rather than design the Grey Havens in a "squint and you can imagine its the same place/will become the same place as in The Return of the King" they went an entirely different way with it. Still more to the point, in Season One there were A LOT of quotes not from Tolkien's books but from Jackson's scripts, whereas in Season Two there are some similarities, but by and large where there are similar lines they're from the novel: my guess is New Line pulled the plug. So, what happens when we get to Rivendell (which should be soon)? Lorien? The Morannon? When Barahir's Ring enters the storyline? I get how you see it. I don't see any of the things you mentioned as worse than, say, the representation of the events in The Hobbit being completely unlike how they were shown in The Fellowship of the Ring. It just doesn't bother me. "Alike and unlike" is completely fine for me, but I get not for you. Viva la difference. Mea culpa... Bombadil was good in the first episode and bad in his second. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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