Rings of Power is Not Very Good: Breakdown and Analysis - Part 1: A Shadow of the Past

[@voltron5128]

I don't know why I get a kick out of watching Rings of Power reviews....it's so bad I just can't believe it. Anywho these break downs are the best I've seen on YT....it really does the trick for me

[@chinchilla415]

The sea is always right!

[@jacob9538]

the reviews of RoP deserve way more views than the actual show.

[@admina.r.9727]

Schadenfreude

[@JeffreyAllanBackowski]

I like to watch negative reviews of shows I never plan on watching.

[@-MrFozzy-]

I love watching in depth breakdowns…positive or negative….hopefully just impartial…with occasional dunking and humour

[@SJARFan]

Also anyone else notice how these elf’s struggle to walk in this blizzard, almost dying. While Legolas, being a proper ethereal being, is able to not only easily walk in his own mountain pass blizzard but walk on top of the snow! Did these guys even watch the first movies in their research….at a minimum?

[@cy-one]

Lol, imagine believing the creators of ROP put any effort into the show that wasn't self indulging :D

[@Truffle_Pup]

@@cy-one I imagine they had brainstorming sessions til 6.30pm every day, then had cake and balloons til 7.15, then everyone high fived and went home with a big smile on their faces, turning up the next day at around ...10ish? Maybe? and then talked about the latest Netflix til lunch. then Got right back to brainstorming again, with a few half hour meme breaks. That's the impression I get at least.

[@stefannydvorak7919]

The watched it and decided to make something better, more representative of modern audiences. Isn’t your mind blown by this subversion of expectation?!?!??

[@cy-one]

@@stefannydvorak7919 ... represent the world we live in today... :D

[@Truffle_Pup]

@@stefannydvorak7919 A story that was purposefully written with intent to be a representation of old Gaelic/Celtic mythology, being remade to be more representative of a modern diverse audience. Is that what you meant?

[@derekbryan28]

Just dawned on me the "general of the northern armies" is leading 8 elves and needs to go thru a half elf non lord who doesn't get invited to council meetings to set up a meeting with the king? Is the "northern armies" 8 elves? What exactly is the chain of command like there? And loved your review. The youtube critics are proving that bezo's investment has ironically found a way to be entertaining. lol

[@DaDunge]

Maybe the're the only ones left?

[@grandarkfang_1482]

@@DaDunge what a great commander.

[@DaDunge]

@@grandarkfang_1482 No but that was never the point either. Galadriel is clearly meant as a Byronic hero or even antihero. As someone who stared so long into the abyss that it has started staring back into her.

[@RoninDave]

@@DaDunge did they all die or desert? By the sound of it no one had seen orcs in a long time so who would they have been fighting except boredom and Galadriel's terrible leadership?

[@Loll0saurus]

Just dawned on me that the whole title is probably there just to make you think of Maximus and how cool he is.

[@thoronbar]

As one of many viewers deep in the lore of the books, I really enjoy how even somebody who hasn't read them still understands the overarching ideas. Speaks well to much of Jackson's adaptation carrying grand themes through.

[@jeremymott]

The fact that he understands the story that Tolkien wrote better than the idiots who decided to ok all the crap in this show is sad

[@faceitgm]

I appreciate how you are evaluating the show on its own merits rather than how it accurate it is to canon. Not that I dislike comparing it to the books, but I've already seen enough content to know that this diverges almost entirely from the original lore

[@johnord684]

What merits lol.

[@paulgibbon5991]

@@johnord684 An adaptation can be a poor adaptation but still good in its own right. "The Shining" probably being the quintessential example.

[@brentpnw9091]

I agree. This is the way. Even a show that strays from the lore can be entertaining if the writing is solid. This show is somehow able to be unfaithful to the lore, contrived, nonsensical, and boring all at the same time. It’s impressive, really.

[@veracyning5572]

"2 pairings between elves and men ended in death" Well... yeah, kinda? They also ended in Elrond, Elros, the defeat of Morgoth, and the founding of the line of Elendil. Beren and Luthien were also reborn, and Earendil became a star soooo... actually, no, what's their point? Nobody was killed for that reason. Sigh. Also they forgot Idril and Tuor, so there's been 3.

[@lolloblue9646]

You expect the writers to give half a damn?

[@_Feanor_.]

There has been 3, but Arwen and Aragorn hasn't happened, so technically it has been at this point in the timeline. Although I hate having to point out that this show got something right. No matter. The show immediately fumbles on the second line about those pairings ending in death. Sure, Beren and Luthien died, twice. But Idril was elven and Tuor was said to have been given immortality. If that is true they should be alive in Valinor. But it is not confirmed if they did or not. It's also not that profund of a statement. Guess what, humans are not immortal and die. So the elf in the relationship would at some point lose their partner and there would be death. And the elf would continue living unless they were slain. It's not like if an elf enters into a romance with a human they lose their immortality or can chose to do so. Arwen only could do so because she was part human to begin with. Elrond chose an immortal live, but his children can chose not to like his brother Elros did. Although seemingly his children did not get a choice. Already hated when Jackson did this in the Hobbit with a dwarf/elf romance. Something like that was clearly meant to be incredibly rare and special and wasn't supposed to happen in every movie/show.

[@beannathrach2417]

I don't know if it's made clear, but Elrond is Galadriel's son in law. He is also a son of one of Middle-Earth's power couple from a family of power couples. His ancestors include Men, Elves, and Maia. Two of his ancestors did a successful Orpheus and Eurydice.

[@olthac]

And his brother is the one who began the lineage that would lead to Aragorn.

[@xurmisalwaysright2460]

Also, She was one of the Noldor that, alter the first kinslaying and the curse of manwé, not repended and when onwith her uncle Feanor, while her own dad returned to the Valar and got pardoned. So Gil-Ghalad could sent her west, she could'nt enter the west cause of manwé's curse... It is only after "she past the test" in LOTR, she is forgiven and could go west.

[@2for3Hottacos]

Galadriel was pardoned after the death of morgoth

[@icewaterchrist]

Morgoth never died.@@2for3Hottacos

[@yaboye3791]

​@@olthac The fact that Aragorn married his cousin is peak euro behaviour 💀

[@HateshWarkio]

The fact that the Rings of Power don't even really explain that the Trees of Valinor are the only real light source because they and the elves predate the Sun in this world (technically the Sun was created from the last remnants of those Trees), is astonishing btw The light of the Trees appears in LOTR, it's in the vial with which Frodo and Sam defend themselves against Shelob which is even more interesting because Shelob's ancestor destroyed the Trees

[@DaDunge]

They should have had Galadriel remind Elrond of these facts.

[@vulpinedeity3379]

The moon from one, the sun from the other. The Silmarils were made from their light too, and the trees could've been restored if Feanor had allowed them to be broken.

[@jeremymott]

It actually ticked me off that they didn't

[@limlaith]

I love you for this comment. Just thought you should know. ❤💕💘

[@sarahgould5435]

Well...sort of. One or two vessels removed from the actual trees, and the trees themselves are never mentioned in LOTR, only the Silmaril bearer Earendil, who also has two non-Tree-sourced lamps on either end of his ship, if memory serves. Since the phial is from the light of the star that also has those two lamps, it is, at least, probably not unmixed light of the Trees. They might honestly have been pushing their rights by bringing up the Trees at all.

[@adamheywood113]

Watching people's analysis of this snoozefest has been way more entertaining than the snoozefest itself. Thank you for your sacrifice.

[@flumbofrommelkont6863]

Damn this Nori character looks interesting. I wish we'd find out some things about her. Like she could be brave, curious, clumsy, and doesn't follow the rules, for example. Oh well, shame we didn't have a scene establishing that in this episode.

[@averagesnailgodpraiser3840]

Morgoth didn’t have a single size, when he first took form he was about the height of a mountain which isn’t helpful, but by the end he had wasted enough of his power that he was the size of a large troll

[@johns1625]

Taking his descent into arda way too literally and never is it ever said how tall or big he was besides towering over Fingolfin.

[@jeremymott]

He did however get a quick height change when his feet get hacked out from under him after he gets captured

[@ozyly-esehembo]

One of the main reasons he lost power was he spread his power into every atom of middle earth, manly minerals. Sauron based his ring off of that but instead of spreading he focused it into that one thing, witch was gold and had a already a very tiny and I meany TINY amount of Morgoths power and he used that as a base for his power as well.

[@intboom]

​@@johns1625 I still love how his attempts to dominate the mundane world by fusing with it led to him becoming mundane in return

[@outrider44]

In all of Tolkien's romances between Elves and men, the parties in question meet and fall in love as adults. You never have the situation where the elf is watching the parents and possibly grandparents grow up, fall in love, and then watch their future love interest grow up. Arondir is creepy...

[@freman007]

Finrod: I won't always be here for you. Galadriel: You're immortal, bish.

[@candaceswart8228]

I don't know why nowadays we have to make woman characters literally unbeatable, practically Godlike. It takes away any relatabilty and emotional connection we have with her. That's what I loved so much about Aowen..she wasn't the best fighter, she got scared, hurt and vulnerable yet still fought and won against the king of the Nazgels, not because she was an unbeatable warriors, but because she was determined to save her uncle. Can directors and writers just take notes from LOTR.

[@ollievendor7413]

To be fair, the male characters are also invincible. Like the dwarves in the hobbit. No real danger. They were all cartoon characters.

[@poissonsumac7922]

Pull the lever Kronk! +Rings of Power falls into the abyss+ RIGHT LEVER!!

[@sevynwarr]

The thing that gets me about the interactions between Galadriel and Elrond is that Galadriel is Elrond’s mother in law and has been for centuries at this time in the timeline. Also Galadriel CANNOT return to Valinor, because she has been banished. She is only forgiven and allowed back when she resists taking the ring from Frodo when he offers it to her.

[@OmoyeUduehi-c5g]

Exactly!!!!! OMG! You made exactly the point that struck me. It is SO weird and stupid.

[@TomBombadil676]

the guy litteraly states, in the first min, that he does not care about accuracy and adaptation tho.

[@jimmydasani8922]

@@TomBombadil676 the point here is that the writers of the series clearly dont know or dont care about the lore to lotr universe

[@TomBombadil676]

yeah but so does he ; how can he complain about it mere seconds after claiming it doesnt matter??? @@jimmydasani8922

[@_Feanor_.]

"She is only forgiven and allowed back when she resists taking the ring from Frodo when he offers it to her." Which this series ruins by the way. And I mean not the fact that they try to send her to Valinor at a point where she wasn't yet allowed to return. It cheapens that moment where she resists in Lotr, because Sauron already tempted her in this series and she already resisted. Combined with the fact that chronologically she uses some of the wording that Sauron used on her on Frodo "fair as the sun and the sea" and "stronger than the foundations of the earth". I understand that the writers only wanted to lift some member berries from Lotr, like the Gandalf "follow your nose thing" (even though he knows he has to go east already), but I'm still amazed they didn't think beyond this. This series takes place before Lotr and is basically a prequel. Making using these lines really awkward.

[@ericsbuds]

Tolkien's writing is another level. Its beautiful. If you ever find yourself becoming interested in reading, you're gonna really enjoy those books.

[@nuuuuuuuut]

Some people cannot create mental images and for them reading by and large isn't very enjoyable

[@Sourdust-eo4oz]

@@nuuuuuuuutYes, they're called "idiots".

[@dudder2008]

"So in middle earth there is a correlation between temperature and level of evilness " does that mean that since balrogs burn hot AF that they are actually misunderstood paragons of goodness ?

[@Florjb0rjTheFloorboard]

Obviously

[@treya5303]

I do believe at this time, bad weather was associated with Melkor’s corruption. There were no seasons.

[@AnnieLeonhartAOT]

Does this mean Sauron was just giving Gil-galad a big warm handshake?

[@hypers829]

Yes, the people in middle Earth even use Evil to refrigerate their food.

[@shadowdemon2272]

"Galadriel's" story would have been so much better if they would have added a scene where Gil Galad confesses that her title as Commander of the Norhtern Armies was given to her as a nominal title to placate her, not because she was considered worthy or competent. Explains his frustration with her, the troop's frustration with her, brings her down off of her pedestal a bit, and gives her actual motivation to push back and prove herself. I'll take my millions now please Amazon.

[@emhullum4120]

Or...just don't fucking ruin the character at all. i have never seen such a thorough character assassination. Even Luke Skywalker wasn't as bad as what they did to Galadriel

[@Ash-lp1fl]

But that would go against MA GURLPOWER! REEEEEEE!!

[@JeffreyAllanBackowski]

Galadriel should've did a topless scene.

[@christopherulbrich2014]

​@@emhullum4120 well Luke was worse. I mean Luke believed in the good in Vader even though Vader killed his mentor (and his aunt and uncle indirectly), tortured his friends and cut of his hand. Yet TLJ wants to tell us he would try to kill a child in his sleep because he might become evil? Oh and after that he decides to go into hiding because he is a pathetic looser who can't live with his failure and wants to die. Galadriel became this stupid female mary sue protagonist without personality.

[@LadyDoomsinger]

@@Ash-lp1flNot really, though - as many modern writers are quick to forget; Female empowerment stories traditionally focus on a character who starts out oppressed, undermined, or disregarded, who then through their own virtue and will manage to overcome this adversity, prove themselves capable either to themselves or their society, or both, and somehow have whomever dismissed them at the start "learn their lesson" about underestimating a person based on their gender (or other traits) - or, in the case of an antagonist, get their "comeuppance" at the end. This is a story model as ancient as the "Hero's Journey", relying on the "underdog" motif to appeal not only to women, but to any person in the world who has ever felt powerless and/or excluded from the "in group". Yet for some reason, modern writers seem to believe that skipping straight to the "powerful" part of the fantasy, without the "overcoming adversity" part does the job just as well - when in reality it only makes the character LESS sympathetic, since now it's not a story about an underdog proving they can stand up to oppression, but a story of the bully doing the oppressing of others.

[@Frimbertrips]

Wait... wai'wai'wai'wai'waaaaaiiiiit.... They... were on this quest to find Mr. Evil Mc'Dude for how long? Centuries. Plural. I always love that kinda thing; when a story just throws a big number on something and says 'it's fine' like adding time to an endeavor automatically makes it more meaningful. There's a point when it goes from making characters look dedicated to making them look unintelligent. For someone to give up on something they've been doing for two-hundred+ years is not so simple as a spat in the cold. By this point this team has been through absolutely everything the world has to offer. They should be unbreakable, unshakeable and loyal to an absolute fault and putting an end to that relationship in such an anticlimactic way not only does the whole thing injustice, but implies elves are stupid. Just. Straight stupid. Smooth brain. Go home. Bad Elves. Normal real world people have made more strides in similar settings with similar objectives in less than half the time. Why can't a team or super smart immortals do it given four times longer. It just sucks all the believably right out of the setup. Their own ineptitude is a plot hole. @_@; (If I am understanding this right)

[@TheMadmatt7]

So happy I stumbled across your episodic reviews. Thorough, entertaining, pithy, laugh out loud funny, not too long, not too short. And I don't have to endure the utter misery of watching ROP. My hat's off to you, mate!

[@markmathisen3908]

Man does this channel need more exposure! This should be one of the top reviews that come up. Awesome job! 👍

[@redleaf101]

Agreed. Well edited, good tones, good inflections. Critical but fair. First episode I was ok, I think I like it. By the 4th episode, I mentally checked out. Make more reviews! New films, old films, independent, dark, weird, I'd watch them all. =) p.s. Really enjoyed your Blade Runner 2049 review =)

[@zardox78]

38:33 "This scene does not advance the plot or characters in any way, so I have absolutely no idea why it wasn't cut." Dude, that's _old_ media thinking. In Current Year it's not about "What can we cut to make this more concise?" It's about "What can we fill out our required run-time with?" It's like some lazy kid getting told he has to write a thousand-word essay. You're not gonna find many contractions in there.

[@DaDunge]

21:00 They're also suposed to be elven warriors. These are suposed to be the equals of Legolas, 8 of them should have made minced meat out of a troll.

[@thibaultl1956]

A humble beginning for a really nice channel.

[@GilesMcRiker]

You prresent a compelling objective analysis us that is meticulously backed up by supporting facts and logic, however because your conclusions do not sufficiently accord with those promoted by Amazon, I must nonetheless reject them as flawed, incorrect and clearly motivated by a toxic, racist and misogynist agenda

[@creatrixZBD]

Lol you almost had me there :)

[@matwatson7947]

Damn right. That's why I sadly can't agree with him either

[@faceitgm]

Chefs kiss for this comment

[@EchoBre]

😮😮😮

[@TheCrazyHedgehogLady]

You win the internet with that comment! 😆

[@razmossis]

I was like you on the book topic. Until I started a few months ago. The Hobbit, LOTR, and now Silmarillion. Bro, do it. It becomes extremely entertaining, and the added depth of lore is several levels more incredible than was possible to depict in the movies. The weight of Aragon’s story is so much more impactful in the movie after reading the books. Watching the movie after reading the books, makes the movie better. (Not for The Hobbit though lol - except for the scenes that were actually in the book, which turned out great; and for that reason).

[@Lovemy1911a1]

That's awesome man. Glad you got into the books and enjoyed them so much. I think they are some of of not the best fiction I've ever read.

[@Guilherme-ow3wb]

Same here. Never read the books before (Tom Bombadil always caught me) but after being utterly distraught at how bad the show was, I rewatched the movie trilogy and then tried the boosk again and now I'm reading them like crazy, they are that good - though the initial parts can be very slow, but once they arrive at the inn is smooth sail. I love how the Council of Elrond is much more detailed. Wished the movies had given it more time. In the movies Pippin and Merry just joined as comedy and is all accepted without question. In the books Elrond doesn't wish for them to go and they go through many possible candidates to join the Fellowship, and a lot of reasons why they shouldn't too, then Merry and Pippin are accepted as Gandalf suggests it would be better to accept them for their true friendship to Frodo, the Ringbearer, and that could prove more vital than having more warriors considering their quest.

[@rangerstedfast]

Seconded

[@NoxAtlas]

Same, I'm not a very passionate reader but after watching how Tolkien fans debunked and destroyed Rings of Power and provided more backstory, I got more interested in the lore. I'm gonna start reading all of Tolkien's works, but instead of starting with LOTR, I'll read the books in chronological order (meaning I'm gonna start with the Silmarillion and LOTR will basically be the end). I thought it makes more sense to start with the very beginning of the world. It also makes it easier to understand the references Tolkien loves to make to his other works

[@charleskinsey6528]

@@NoxAtlas How did it go? I read LoTR and the Simarillion years before the movies came out, and I would be interested in impressions from someone doing the reverse.

[@jrfour2408]

I think what annoys me most is that rather than trying to craft a good story, they just threw a half baked pile of 'trying to be game of thrones' at a wall and called it a day. What a waste.

[@RationalOrc]

I love the idea of someone using their plate metal boot to climb a mountain. Let's just ignore the amount of strength required to climb mountains in full armor and consider how absolutely nightmarishly freezing the metal would feel against your body.

[@clarechaddon2545]

It is really interesting seeing this show from the point of view of someone who hasn't read the books. As someone who knows the lore, I am able to fill in the gaps on my own. I didn't realize how confusing this show could be to someone who doesn't have the background knowledge.

[@randomft]

From my limited understanding of the books, and from having listened to people who have read the books, it sounds like that doesn't make the show any more coherent.

[@clarechaddon2545]

@@randomft Not by much. They deeply messed up the lore. The parts I am able to infer are smaller things, like what the Two Trees are and their significance.

[@ethanhunstiger4868]

The show is a paradox. They made changes that wouldn’t be popular with those who know the background lore, but also rely on the audience knowing that information.

[@CelebrianUndomiel]

@@randomft It makes it even less coherent, because Tolkien's lore is constantly contradicted in addition to everything else

[@dancingdragon3]

It was very confusing! Elves bully each other? Elves are older than the Sun? Why don’t all the elves go back home if they want? I had to watch so many podcasts to make sense of it all.

[@triggerfairy4070]

Considering how blandladriel turned out as an adult. Im guessing Blandladriel was already a Karen as a kid so she is generally unliked by the other kids.

[@ethanwatschke6470]

Am I the only one who was perplexed by the water in Galadriel's waterskin not freezing when the stronghold is cold enough to keep the flames from emitting heat? Their physics just switch over the course of like two minutes

[@ferrishthefish]

I'm willing to bet they wanted the evil castle to be 'bone-chilling' but lacked the ability to convey it properly. So instead of dialogue that makes any sense ("The very air is frozen." "Nay, tis a fell air that chills deeper than any cold"), the writers thought the best way to convey 'bone-chilling' was to say the place was cold without using typical cold-sounding words ("Hand is passed feeling." "No, this place is so evil our torches give off no warmth."). Like you can see the hamster wheels turning to avoid saying "cold."

[@chrisv384]

food and especially water is always magic in all fantasy worlds. Huge logistic problems you might say..

[@GrumpyDad77]

Big ups to this show for introducing me to this channel. Easily the most comprehensive breakdowns available.

[@marijeangalloway1560]

I do think the lore is important to a great extent, though I understand some departures from it may be necessary for storytelling or cinematic purposes. But stray too far from it and it's no longer Tolkien. This is not an adaptation of Tolkien as it has virtually nothing to do with what Tolkien wrote. And it is full of absurdities. For example, Galadriel and her obsessive campaign for revenge on Sauron. She has 8 people with her; what are they going to do if they find Sauron? He's this ultra-powerful supernatural being; it would take an enormous force to subdue him. And it's not like he can be killed; he can't.! He is a. Maia, a divine angelic being (though fallen and corrupted) who was created directly by God. He is therefore absolutely immortal; if a body he inhabits is slain, he can make himself another. Even after LOTR, he is not killed, only reduced to a weak and permanently disembodied spirit that can never again take shape or regain power. But this series seems to think he can be hunted down and killed, and that Galadriel, a 1000s year old Elf, actually believes this! The writers of this show do not understand the world Tolkien created AT ALL.

[@randomft]

This is why I don’t care about the accuracy to the source material. Everything you just said is a flaw with the show even if you take it as a standalone. It isn’t bad due to being unfaithful to Tolkien, although I totally sympathise with people who care about that because it absolutely is unfaithful, it is bad on it’s own grounds.

[@herzkine]

Thing is the basically have to make up their own lore then, based on other Films at least...i doubt this one is consequent even. Well all being said, personally, it amo g the better of horrible stramibg series and not as cringy done as the Hobbit

[@freman007]

@@randomft Yes. The things that make RoP bad are things that would make any series bad. That they are also bad compared to the original works of Tolkien is just icing on the cake.

[@triggerfairy4070]

Knowing how hyper competent Blandladriel is...Sauro gonna got his clapped

[@tompatompsson]

"Both ended in death" Yeah and both also became heroic legends and the people involved are not viewed with contempt but instead with some reverence. The story of Tuor and Idril resulted in Tuor becoming accepted by the Noldor as kin and being the "hero" who got the Valar to participate in the War of Wrath which ended Morgoth, thus saving the Elfs and Men of ME. As for Beren and Lúthien well, it's a legend known to all.

[@shamrockdragon7634]

Great video! Definitely going to watch the next episodes. One thing, Galadriel doesn't show compassion for the soldier who falls down until after her lieutenant calls her out. He wanted to stop immediately when the soldier falls, and Galadriel insists on continuing, only stopping and going to the downed soldier when no one else listens to her.

[@randomft]

This is true, although when she was saying "no we must keep moving" she was unaware that the guy had fallen over. If we are being overly generous, what we are shown is that she didn't notice, rather than that she saw but did not care.

[@shamrockdragon7634]

@@randomft so we can add to the list that she is unaware of the state of her soldiers, despite being their commander and therefore should be keeping an eye on all of them to make sure they stay together in a snow storm were visibility is limited.

[@lolloblue9646]

Girlbosses™ can't be bothered with such minor things as people under their wing

[@robloxplayer0003]

The absolute funniest thing about the bullying scene is that it takes place in VALINOR. That would be like there being a mob in heaven or something similar. It just fundamentally makes no sense.

[@Br4dSp34d]

First time here and clicked because I love a good Rings of Power analysis video. The Emperors New Groove is my favorite Disney film so this has been beyond a pleasure to watch. Liked and subscribed

[@normalgraham]

So the basic problem with this series, as far as I can tell, is that its characters are written as though they came from our world. All their politics are reflective of our own, all their behaviors and thoughts parallel our own. The thing about setting your work in the past or in another world is that, unless you have a firm grasp of history and culture, you have no idea how to properly distance yourself from the modern world. These characters bitch and moan at each other like modern people, ignoring that for many historical cultures (and those present in Tolkien's own work) respect and articulate diplomacy were the dominant form of social currency. Simply being "right" all the time doesn't make a compelling character. If you read the Lord of the Rings, part of what made Frodo such a great character was how he'd wow people with his courtesy, not his "zingers." He was a fundamentally decent guy, but unlike in the movies he also wasn't naive. He knew immediately that Gollum was attempting to manipulate him and didn't fall for it for a second. That's how you write a Tolkien hero. They're savvy but with good hearts, and they're informed by tradition as much as individality. Notice how the Mary Sue hobbit in this show is brave and curious when the fun of Bilbo and Frodo was that they weren't either of those things, and neither were any of the other hobbits. They just wanted to enjoy their suburban lifestyle. But when modern writers decide to tell a story their mind immediately jumps to "ok, so there's this character who's smart and funny but they don't believe in themselves even though everyone else can see that they're the most amazing person in the world." The moral of the story is always that the protagonist is perfect, because modern writers childishly assume that their characters are meant to be reflections of morality rather than reality.

[@tomatosoup1304]

The most unrealistic part of this series is how Galadriel is treated. She’s a powerful being and older than most people, half the characters that tell her off are much younger than her and would never even think to say something to her

[@wherearetgepoank1117]

I wish that everyone involved in the show was strapped down clockwork Orange style and forced to watch all of your videos. I would pay money to watch them watch you. I love that you have nothing to bring in terms of the written lore. This shows clearly what I’ve been saying this whole time, that even on its own, the show is a dumpster fire A biblical proportions. Take my subscription hero

[@CptAvenger]

Galadriel's fighting skill is reminiscence of Steven Seagal's in that they NEVER lose a fight or have any trouble with defeating their opponents regardless of the situation. Both characters are cringeworthy!

[@troffle]

I am playing this series again for my housemate to hear. Because she's not willing to watch the show, the same way she's not willing to watch anything after season 2 of "not-Star Trek: Discovery". She heard the phrase "for Elves who are supposed to be the oldest, wisest and fairest of all races, one would assume that the wisest of all races would be somewhat unlikely to produce children who bully each other" and instantly said "J.J. Abrams's Vulcans bullying Spock" and suddenly something in my gut just hurt.

[@AliciatheCho]

On Galadriel being bullied: the show wants us to believe Galadriel was bullied but that’s not how it’s written. Another instance of disjointed narration. It’s clear she and the other kids are familiar but not on friendly terms. For start, how do they know she is making boat unless she told them? Why would she do that? Why would she try to prove “she’s right” to people who she already knows resent her? The way Galadriel almost pulverized that boy’s face tells us says she’s familiar with a mean right-hook. And if you know someone will kick your ass, you aren’t likely to bully them. As such, Galadriel told the kids about her boat-making and what it will do. They might have asked what she was up to or she went out of her way. Either way, it makes more sense to interpret this scene as her showing off how much better she is. Sinking her ship then becomes knocking someone prideful down a peg or two. It’s just a paper boat. Tomfoolery no doubt but largely harmless. It’s not like they throw stones at her and none of the kids proactively attack her. Responding with violence is grossly disproportionate to the offense, signaling poor emotional regulation and a sense of entitlement. This isn’t justice. It’s narcissistic. It’s sadism. The top traits of revenge-seekers. And Finrod never chastised her, explicitly saying, “Hey, I understand you’re upset about the boat but violence was inappropriate. I’m disappointed in you.” So we can say this “daughter of the Vilden House of Finarfin” grew up indulged and petted when she needed a firmer hand. Little wonder then, as an adult, Galadriel responds very poorly to grief and trauma.

[@wrayday7149]

The funny thing about the boat scene is the ship didn't turn around.... it's not like they didn't notice her doing it or missing afterwards. Then again, maybe they just knew she would float because she is such a witch.

[@MWcrazyhorse]

In reality in Tolkien's lore Galadriel was not allowed to go to the undying lands, because she had a prideful heart. Fitting.

[@TristouMTL]

Wow, thank you for this! It's perfect -- you are so sarcastic and funny and 100% accurate and observant. So much fun to watch! Keep it up, this is just wonderful!

[@nikolatasev4948]

Well, concerning the Galadriel/Elrond interactions - pretending to be a friend of people with awful character is a great skill for politicians, diplomat and managers. And probably the reason why Elrond was deemed skilled enough to find workers by any means necessary. The whole Nori and Galadriel mess could be partly intentional. The creators think the female millenial or gen-Z audience would see themselves in them, "Sure, I'm a rebel, a rulebreaker, no-nonsense, impulsive, but good-hearted, I know I'm right but nobody believes me, I'm so misunderstood and unappreciated". Nori is supposed to be the more relatable part, while Galadriel would be more of the power-fantasy. Both are just exceptionally poorly written. I sure hope few people see them as role models.

[@MrRedd-rp2uk]

Just started reading the books. Literally in the first few pages of the prologue it states that Harfoots are the most likely of all Hobbits to settle in one place for a long time. Literally the opposite of how they are portrayed in the show

[@Guilherme-ow3wb]

About the barn scene, the bad writing is even more evident. Arondil and Brownyn seem to try to hide their romance, yet seems everyone knows anyways. But the worst part is the first boy talking about Theo's father and her mother with the elf. Breaking into someone's place to steal, that sure is the best of times to bring the subject up, uh? It definitely wasn't to make sure to the audience that Theo is only raised by his mother and dad ran away. Then let's go back to the cow part. It's so convenient the cow appears exactly there. Everyone is so passive and reactive to stuff happening. If the cow isn't there at that exact moment Arondir leaves town and this whole arc would never happen.... Not to mention Arondir immediately sees it as the action of evil and not just an animal getting sick, you know, as they do very often... This should've been rewritten as Arondir wanting to investigate the already mentioned poisoned grass before leaving and calling Brownyn to help - as it had been already established she was good with plants and herbs and stuff, so there would be a legit reason for her to go with him, on top of being alone with him... also shows Arondir as humble in coming to ask for help to a human. Then the part they go together, as it is, Brownyn has no reason to go, and Arondir even says it'll take 1-2 days to go to the next village. So they just walk for 1-2 days, without carrying food, on foot and sleeping on open sky? Then next ep Brownyn goes back, takes another 1-2 days, again without supplies, sleeping on the open, but now knowing there might be danger nearby - and she goes back alone as Arondir goes down a hole by himself when he had a whole regiment of elves with him in the town... Let's not even mention that Brownyn didn't even talk about leaving to her son, he just happened to of course, conveniently eavesdrop. Otherwise imagine him wondering where is his mother, and how he took care of himself... Horrible, horrible scenes.

[@TVeldhorst]

And they do nothing about the poor cow...

[@ClassTimeWithKai]

I can't believe it's been two years since he started covering rings of power. I absolutely love his videos, is in-depth review analysis, his ability to break down by certain things cannot happen or should not happen is on the level that I have never seen before. This guy is a God at movie/show reviews and analysis

[@ABCish]

After watching some of this (thanks for taking one for the team), I think you have every right to say "you have not seen what I have seen" 😳

[@creatrixZBD]

31:00 she also has no knife in her hand when swimming, and no pockets 😑

[@Guilherme-ow3wb]

We can guess where she hid it 🤣

[@PrometheanRising]

I know you aren't doing lore, but I somehow failed to notice how ridiculous Galadriel's claim that Elrond doesn't know evil like she knows evil is.

[@saffymae4761]

good fucking lord you sound more exhausted and put out in this breakdown than in any of your other videos. you have my utmost respect and deepest condolences for trudging through this. youre a braver man than i, truly. i couldnt get through episode one.

[@ellie23662]

I’m dead 😂😂😂 you should have your own TV show with you analysis and commentary…the best in YT 😂😂

[@etl0789]

These reviews are incredibly good, probably the best I've seen for rings of power.

[@michaelsnow3536]

I knew from the start that this show would be garbage from one second of the trailer. Galadriel jumps from one point on the cliff to another, using her dagger to hold her position and looks upward, hopefully. Why? The cliff is not collapsing, there was no need to make this desperate move. Also, reapplying what carrying equipment she has left here would be very difficult assuming she abandoned it when she jumped like that. Also, the rest of her crew seem to be climbing with their equipment rather aptly, so I'm left to assume she just wanted to be dramatic, which is rather confusing.

[@Zajin13]

What Finrod said doesn’t even make sense if we take into account that he could be killed because at that time „death“ is for elves just rather „annoying“ because they simply respawn in Valinor and, if the Valar allow it, they can even return to Middle Earth

[@Zajin13]

@@NeoVandole yeah, like i said, their souls return to Valinor, which the halls of Mandos are a part of. And technically they can return from there back to Middle Earth if the Valar deem it necessary or how do you explain Glorfindel going after the Ring Wraiths like a boogeyman when he died in the First Age during a battle with several Balrog?

[@mikehipps1015]

Not sure why this channel doesn't have more subs. Excellent video!

[@skatman3278]

Really started it hoping for the best. I've watched every episode several times and then watched the Nerd of the Rings recaps. Tried my best to ignore all of the negativity and stay positive. But my god. Its just awful. Even ignoring the tedious and predictable casting choices following the, by-now, standard box ticking exercises by TV and Film, it's simply not good enough. The biggest issue for me is just how decidedly low budget and small it looks and feels. Someone I know said that the costumes look like something from an episode of Hercules and Xena in the 90s - which I honestly struggle to disagree with. The overall quality of the props and settings are apalling. The armour looks utterly shite. So does most of the scenery on a more micro level - towns and villages and the Elven tower looks like a shit scene from The Crystal Maze. The only place that looks really great is Khazad-dûm and Lindon looks at most 'OK'. And I just cannot get over how empty it all is feels. Halbrand is supposed to be the King of the South Lands, but the king of what and who, exactly? We've so far seen a single village containing no more than a few hundred people at the absolute most. Like where are all of the extras? Go back to the LOTR films and the sense of scale portrayed by even Rohan or The Shire dwarfs this. Hell, even Bree does. I almost feel like someone has had Amazon's pants down over this because there's absolutely no way this could have been the vision at the start? The decision to make Galadriel a warrior princess is ridiculous, as is her decision to jump in the sea, the fact that a random wreck with a few survivors is in the same area, the fact she went to Numenor at all, her attitude and every time she speaks while she was a guest at Numenor "ThErE iS a TeMpEsT iN mE!", the ridiculous scene of her riding on the beach while holding a shit in, the ridiculous scene in the prison, the ridiculous scene when dueling the Numenorian volunteers, the idiotic dodge(s) of the arrow(s), her frankly disturbing speach to Adar, and her ability to take a pyroclastic cloud straight to the face without blinking. And I've probably missed some. The plot, and holes in said plot, are some of the worst I've ever seen on any TV series or film. The size of the boats carrying the Numenorians are at meme levels now and the speed at which they get across the ocean, up the river, and across the land in 2 days(!) is, frankly, laughable. The decision to, in advance, build a damn to block all the water, then knowing exactly where to dig trenches (despite nobody saying how that message is passed to Adar - can't have been from Sauron given we know Adar and him weren't exactly on the best of terms) and the inability of the Elves (who are known for having unbelievable eyesight) to spot hundreds or even thousands of Orcs digging said trenches right through the middle of the territory they're keeping watch over. The Harfoots "our hearts are so big we'll leave people to die because of a stranger". The lack of any standing Numenorian army (hence looking for volunteers). The decision to send the Queen Regent on a dangerous expedition is utterly bonkers. The shortness and overall weakness of the Numenorians. The only dynamic I actually enjoy is Elrond and Durin. The rest is boring. It's totally and utterly shite and I'm not sure how much longer I can keep forcing myself to watch it in the hope that it suddenly improves. It's such a sad state of affairs made worse by the people that keep ignoring all of the above to try and support it.

[@nukclear2741]

Speaking of, even Nerd of the Ring is not really happy with the show. A lot of what you said is something he brought up in his season 1 review.

[@gagalum3044]

tf just now realised this man has 1.6k subs after watching every review those vids are s tier quality love it keep it up

[@TheBelieveit1]

If you found the age gap between Don Lemonlas (Arondir) and Strong Independent Woman #30 (Bronwyn)....well strap in. Don Lemonlas claims in a later episode to be from Beleriand, this puts his actual age into a greater perspective as Beleriand was the western most region of Middle-Earth during the First Age. Yes, "was". It no longer exists. It got completely wiped off the map. This happened in the Year 587 of the First Age during the War of Wrath (the war against Morgoth). Only a small section of it remains, which is Lindon. The rest has been completely engulfed by the sea in it's destruction. This would mean that at bare minimum, Don Lemonlas was born in 587 of the First Age. Morgoth would be ultimately defeated 3 years later in 590, and thus brings the end of the First Age and the beginning of the Second. This is where Ruins of Power really had to fuck around with their chronology because we are indeed seeing characters and events out of place and time, but I see no reason to play nice with the showrunners here. Given by the end of this series the only measure of time we can assume all the events take place in are at least a month. The Rings of Power were forged in the year 1,500 of the Second Age. So if we are being charitable, Don Lemonlas is at minimum 1,503 years old. Depending on whether he was born in the First Age before or after the destruction of the Trees though would create an even bigger rabbit hole as technically Year 1 of the First Age wasn't the start of the First Age itself, just the marking of when the sun first rose. It's unclear how much of First Age involved Years of the Trees, but let's just say that Valian Years (which are about 9.7x longer than a solar year) we're looking at some redonkulous potential age gaps here, especially as he was a Sindarin Elves (meaning his people never actually left Middle Earth with the rest to colonize Valinor) so who knows how old he truly is. For the sake of fairness though, Arwen was about 2,700 years older than Aragorn so......

[@Tar-Elenion]

The First Age begins when the Elves awake at Cuivienen.

[@gretarefsdal6680]

I really appreciate the approach of analyzing (I too couldn't care less about adaptation arguments) and the excellent teller voice. I keep rewatching these, and The Little Platoon, rings of power videos as comfort and relaxation videos...

[@michelletewhata7768]

Omgoodness I have never laugh so bloody hard literally tears coming out of eyes, listening to you get so frustrated halfway through the commentary, Galadriel jumping into the ocean 😂😂😂😂😂😂 brave, clumsy and don’t follow rules’ omg thank u for making my day,I needed something like this.

[@ConspiracyQueryDotNet]

So glad he chilled out a bit on the Disney movie cutaways in the more recent videos lol. "By all accounts it doesn't make sense" every few minutes starts to grind my gears. Everything else in these videos is great, though.

[@TheBelieveit1]

Honestly I do have to appreciate your approach to the review. There are plenty who have that are fans of the books and so can explain why nothing in the series works, but as it's stuff I, as another fan of the books, already knows it ends up being repeatative. So hearing it from a more normie perspective (as you're basing your understanding purely on the Peter Jackson Films, your perspective is more in line with general audiences. And again, that I like because if it makes no sense from that point of view then it just shows how not only did this show fail to please Tolkien fans but failed general audiences and potential new fans. After all the show will try to reference things in the deeper lore from the books, but as they didn't have the rights to that material, they can't elaborate further. This is a two fold problem. 1, because they can't elaborate further, the references won't make sense to anyone not familiar with the deeper lore and only confuse them. And 2, those who are familiar with the lore will only become more aggravated as these references stand to highlight the serious lore breaking they're doing to the point it's no longer Tolkien. So again, I really appreciate your review. The only references anyone is going to understand are the borderline plagiarism done as "call backs" to the Peter Jackson films and the only ones that's going to appeal to are the mouth breather audience members high on 'member berries.

[@peterackerman2799]

"I guess this is what happens when Americans adapt something." My actual reaction: "Ha HA ha-ha ha... ouch."

[@Henrique-hl3xk]

This is Pure Gold!!!!! The editing is Just amazing!! Congrats from Brazil

[@berengustav7714]

"Evil sorcerer Sauron" What Bugs me is that adaptations of Tolkien's work keep failing to mention that Sauron,and the wizards are literally minor gods called Maiar (singular Maia. And Balrogs. Giant eagles and the giant spider are also pseudo-Maiar.

[@BWMagus]

Because it's not necessary. I mean, I get it, I like the lore too, but at least for movies and TV, it's just extra info that would effectively be fluff. No mention of Illuvitar either, but it's not needed.

[@berengustav7714]

@@BWMagus That's fair,Jackson still chose to depower the Wizards and the Dark Lord thoroughly,by failing to mention that Gandalf the Grey defeated the Nine on Weathertop. And even though The Nine are amped closer to Mordor,the Witch King might be a Match for Gandalf the White. The Dark Lord caused the Storm on Caradhras,and he caused earthquakes.

[@BWMagus]

@@berengustav7714 He did. But I think it was needed, for various reasons, mostly related to the form of media, and the time constraints.

[@jerome1lm]

Weird that the elves did not run a 'man over board' maneuver instead of letting one of them drown. I don't know.

[@AndreLuis-gw5ox]

Go to elf heaven or turn around to save the insane witch? I can understand they moving forward

[@Me-pe5xl]

This review is hysterical! I have actually LAUGHED out loud at multiple points throughout these videos.

[@Truffle_Pup]

Imagine thinking you were going to watch a show about a badass Galadriel Xena Warrior Elf Princess kicking orc ass and just getting Victoria Coren Mitchell 2.0 for 8 fucking hours. At least VCM 1.0 has a decent poker face. Love the vids btw RFT, I saw your most recent one and just had to watch more from the beginning - I am not disappointed. Subscribed and Liking all with Bells On. All the Kronking best.

[@Buford_T_Justice1]

Holy crap dude this is so GREAT! I caught your two The Hobbit videos and enjoyed them immensely. I had seen those movies and your analysis was hilarious. Now I went back into your playlist and am dying 20 minutes into your Rings of Power analysis. I didn’t watch the show and find it EVEN MORE entertaining having you tell me they/them’s story with your jokes. I dodged a bullet skipping ROP but found a gem with your channel. SUBBED!!!!!!!

[@BoxBishop]

really nice and chill video, you got a new sub after corelating evilness to room temperature (around 11:00)

[@picivyvortac2641]

I like your perspective as a movie fan but not book fan. It helps dispel the argument against dissidence that says "they'd not be satisfied with any changes to the source material anyways."

[@apalsnerg]

I don't understand why they were talking about Morgoth and the trees darkening but didn't mention Ungoliant. He might have tapped the trees, but it was Ungoliant who drank their light. It grinds my gears to present the lore half-assed like this.

[@vampirewarioo8483]

I was looking forward to see something about her too :(

[@RoninDave]

Galadriel gets two introductory scenes and she is a terrible person in each one. She's a violent child who can't handle teasing and later she's a military commander who can't handle reasonable suggestions.

[@Danielhuren]

hearing someone that does not know the lore behind the trilogy and the world actually puts into perspective for me just how much of a bastardization of tolkiens work this show is especially since from what i understand Tolkien viewed the books as just him setting a story and playing around in the world he had already painted the broad strokes of and as an explanation for the hobbit which he actually never intended to be part of his legendarium but he liked the idea of making a story set in the later years of his world

[@Danielhuren]

also in lore the elf that got slammed into the wall would probably live but he wouldn't be walking and the elves wouldn't have bin surprised by it in the first place elves of this era were much stronger and grew weaker over the millennia's between the forging of the one ring and LoTR trilogy as the light of the valar faded and is even mentioned in the movies when the real/better galadrial says she will diminish and go west after her scene with frodo

[@Danielhuren]

also galadrial at this point in the story isent like a few century's old shes literally over 3000 years old and shes portrayed like a fucking 15 year old child

[@mharris6221]

I absolutely love your channel! Please keep reviewing things! I'll keep watching!

[@NewDawnRS2499]

LOTR Fellowship of the Ring budget: 93 million LOTR Two Towers budget: 94 million LOTR Return of the King budget: 94 million 281 million dollar budget combined for these 3 films Hobbit Unexpected Journey budget: 200 million- 315 million Hobbit Desolation of Smaug budget: 217 million- 250 million Hobbit Battle of the Five Armies budget: 209 million- 300 million Total budget combined for the Hobbit movies: 626 million- 865 million Total budget of the LOTR movies and the Hobbit movies combined 1.146 billion Budget of the Rings of Power: 1 Billion dollars The LOTR Movies and the Hobbit Movies combined cost slightly more than the RoP but are drastically better and actually used their budget properly

[@faebrookeglen5169]

I can't wait to see the character trait list by the end

[@Dare_To_Game]

Great channel. I found you through your recent Battle of five armies video, and i really enjoy your style.

[@crazydudeofcrazyness]

first time viewr of the channel here, my only note is tht it took my 10 mins before i noticed that instead of simply a cursed Kronk it was Ysma imposed onto Cronk. And that makes it more cursed. I love it. That is all

[@DaDunge]

40:45 That's not true Beren and Luthien both died but Tuor and Idril lives forever in Valinor. Tuor is the only human who has ever allowed to go there.

[@Omega0850]

Watched this one after the summary of a later episode, and i now understand why they HAD TO get rid of Celeborn: They could not have created a believable romance between her and any other character, because she is so insufferably arrogant and selfish.

[@Freeseraphim]

now that every part is there it's time for 2nd binge!

[@doornik1142]

The portrayal of child elves is especially jarring if you've read the Silmarillion. Elves aren't perfect by any means but casual bullying was not something that just happened back then.

[@setlik3gaming80]

KZbin suggested your channel. Excellent analysis 👏🏻 👍 🖖🏼

[@jamesrobin2857]

The elves hair will never cease to bug the F*CK out of me.

[@djwallace4542]

Excellent video. However I was shocked you thought Bronwen was in her early twenties. The actress is 45! She would be thrilled to hear she passes for half her age.

[@phoeniqs]

Thanks!

[@JamesMC04]

Galadriel - unlikeable - obsessive - selfish - definitely not a team player - severe PTSD - patronising - entitled Arondir - intelligent - not emotionally intelligent Theo - rude - badly brought-up About Hordern: is it simply a coincidence that Sir Michael Hordern voiced Gandalf (superbly, BTW) in the BBC 1981 Radio dramatisation?

[@daltooinewestwood6380]

I was already really into the “emperors new groove” bits that you do because of your channel logo, but the “you should’ve thought about that before you became peasants” killed me

[@mostlyholy6301]

Why would they change Galadriel's motivation for coming to Middle Earth? She went to Middle Earth because she wanted a kingdom to rule over of her own, the whole point of her arc is that she had to learn humility, that is why the Valar did not let her go back home. But now she went purely to hunt down Sauron, so the Valar punished her for... trying to do good? Are the Valar evil in this version? Stupid change!

[@kesselknut]

Dude, your approach to a joke like ROP is unique, knowledgeable and humorous! I love listening to your opinions and conclusions. I am desperately waiting for your final take on the hobbit. While this is hopefully in the making I'll enjoy the complete ROP review for the hundreds time. 😅 Please keep on doing what you are doing!

[@disintegratesintobinary655]

12:45 I actually have no trouble believing that Galadriel could single-handedly kill a snow troll. She is one of the greatest and most powerful of the elves. Elves (especially of the Noldor) of the first age were insanely powerful and displayed many feats like slaying balrogs or killing many trolls in battle. Although one could argue that the power of the elves have diminished in the second age, I don't find it hard to believe that one of the greatest elves could kill a snow troll. In fact I have a harder time believing that her company had such a hard time dealing with it in the first place. The troll encounter in Moria is not the same, legolas is just a (highly skilled) regular elf, certainly not one of the greatest to ever exist, the power of the elves have greatly diminished at that point, and he was no Noldor elf. Compare that to Galadriel, which arguably contends for the title of the greatest elf.

[@rastifan7863]

Aahh my side. This is spot on and as hilarious as Morfydd Clark's acting. Why do you only have 5.37K subscribers? You defiantly got another from me.

[@Demortixx]

Notice how browyn is the only peasant who isn’t dirty and ragged

[@AlexLawngtv]

Keep it up! I'm circling back for a second watch of your series, and you're not even done yet