Rings of Power - Season 2 Trailer Reaction | Cautious Optimism Returns?

#RingsofPower Season 2 will premiere in August of 2024! Royen and I breakdown the first trailer and give our initial thoughts on all of it! Thank you all for watching, let us know your thoughts on ROP and this trailer in the comments below. Are you hopeful or fearful for what is to come?
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[@rileycord1248]

"1 wig to fool them all." - JRR Tolkien

[@di3486]

😂😂😂

[@mauMauthecarabao]

😁😁😂

[@anovaguy]

😂😅

[@mazzarouni5608]

And the toupee to bind them

[@AegisRick]

0 Optimism. 100 Skepticism.

[@MothGirl007]

Totally. 👍

[@stevenv2190]

Build me a wig worthy of Mordor!

[@mauMauthecarabao]

😂😂😊

[@paulafrida9515]

🤣🤣🤣

[@billymuhizi3809]

I hate these attempts at "jokes" in the comments but this was actually funny 😂

[@havoc6441]

lol

[@billm3210]

LOL

[@AlexisLopez-pb8ms]

That sea creature just wanted to make a cameo and say “the sea is always right”😂😂😂

[@lukefranklin7363]

🤣🤣🤣absolutely right

[@ChunteringBackwardsForwards]

There is only one Lord of the Wigs…and he does not share his beauty shop discount -Gandalf

[@glenncarter2494]

Honestly they should have never done this show. Do something like "The Witch King of Angmar", "The Dead Men of Dunharrow", or something with the "Men who became the Nazgul". Sauron & Galadriel story spans too many years in the cannon. I might be alone but I'm not getting burned again.

[@scotthudson8722]

“We won’t get fooled again!!!” - The Who I refused to watch Season 1.Bit I sure as hell watched videos of The Fellowship breaking it down (into little pieces). Much more entertaining! Won’t be watching S2 either.

[@finrod8432]

I would like to see a ringwraith origins story too. Done by someone who respects the material and just isn't making blatant moronic decisions

[@maudyg_22]

The channel Tolkien Untangled made a second age series respecting Tolkien and the lore. Sad to see what a good second age TV series could have been😢

[@isaacm2374]

Everyone who hates it and promises to not watch has watched the trailer and will watch every episode that will come out.

[@davidandrews2972]

I'd have liked them to base it around Umbar. That gives you the Numenorean angle, it's where Ar-Pharazon landed when he took on Sauron, and being in Harad, which is largely undescribed, you can expand on Tolkien with a fairly free hand. Added to which as it's in the middle-earth equivalent of north Africa diverse casting makes perfect sense and doesn't contradict the lore at all.

[@federicaesu8580]

Yeah, Annatar/Halbrand/Sauron can’t fool the Elves twice, but remember that Celebrimbor ignored what an alloy is, so he didn’t sound as a very smart guy

[@Makkaru112]

Meanwhile they’re so bloody ancient that their ways and understanding should be present. Their mastery internally and externally should be showcasing itself!

[@johnord684]

Second greatest smith after Fëanor and he didn't know what an alloy was

[@HXXXXWXXN]

@@johnord684 He did know, he just didn't think it would work at all combining it with Mithril

[@johnord684]

@@HXXXXWXXN No he didn't i watched it and he was shocked you could do it.

[@HXXXXWXXN]

@@johnord684 Correct. Because he didn't think it would work, he was blinded by the fact that it was too simple of a solution.

[@erikbuysbricks1562]

The reason why they ignore the source material while still seeming to really care about the show is because they want to put their own modern day voice into Tolkiens works. They want to use his amazing, and cherished creation as a Trojan horse for the story they want to tell. And the writers not being talented enough makes the problem with what their doing much worse.

[@pinkace]

I don’t see a problem with that. I already read the books I don’t want the same story again. Expand your horizons a bit try new shit once or twice it won’t hurt lol.

[@jeansalomon8225]

Sauron - master shape shifter, decides to wear a wig Elves: Who's that?

[@AlphariusDominatus]

Yeah allegedly this is full power Sauron before his body was destroyed during the destruction of Numenor 😂

[@anton6686]

lmao

[@PraetorianG2004]

Damn, you can't suspend disbelief

[@PraetorianG2004]

Damn, you can't suspend disbelief?

[@fantasynerd8]

Rings of power is fan fiction created by people who aren't Tolkien fans

[@MothGirl007]

Perfect description!

[@JaxThaStuntman]

Exactly. More like Tolkien haters*

[@pinkace]

And the problem with that is…?

[@tombombadil1262]

Why is Ar-Pharazon last, most powerful and greedy of all the Númenorian Kings riding an Eagle? I don’t think he would have Manwë’s “consent” considering he’s not exactly one of the faithful 🤦‍♂️ COME ON AMAZON WTF

[@istari0]

I saw that too and took a closer look at that particular scene. It doesn't appear he is actually riding the Eagle. My guess is he pulls out his sword because he is going to attack it. Not that that is any better.

[@tombombadil1262]

@@istari0 that may be the case but from my perspective for some reason it seems like he’s gonna ride it

[@istari0]

@@tombombadil1262 Could be. Who knows what they are going to pull out of their asses?

[@Makkaru112]

Often was the most beloved. And Númenor had already fallen quite a bod due to The Long Defeat which was Morgoth poisoning and marring the earth itself with his final essence. Pharazôn was also best friends with the head originator of TheFaithful(original Númenorean ways since the days of Elros.) forgot his name. Sirnookdage dod wonderfully explaining the real book story of Númenor in his episode reviews and post mortem of season one video. And the eagle spirit Maiar wouldn’t even be the taxi service of the faithful either. They are independent and often only take action when they see if ultimately needed and in accordance with Eru’s knowledge of the entire first song of the Ainur/Ainulindalë

[@isaacm2374]

Not sure he will ride it but Manwe is not Eru. Despite his wisdom and control he can misjudge or slow to recognise characters intentions especially those who are seen to be good but conceal their deceit.

[@ozichukwuezike1048]

Why don't you do your elvish greeting anymore? I used to love it.

[@MenoftheWest]

Good idea to bring it back!

[@markstott6689]

@@MenoftheWest Please do. 😀

[@Scar_117]

I second this

[@jubraka]

3rd!

[@tangofett4065]

You have my bow!

[@AncestorEmpireGaming]

Rings of Power is only good for two things. Making KZbin content creators money, and ruining our sanity.

[@AlphariusDominatus]

I wonder how much Yoystan got paid to promote this Season 2 of The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime, release date August 29th, 2024. 😂.. because he sure put that picture up a lot Unsubscribe

[@KendraMorgan-ob2fr]

They make it easy for use to makes them butt of the jokes

[@MothGirl007]

@@AlphariusDominatus He's been one of the ONLY Tolkien creators to keep it real, and I'm sure he's going to continue to do so. He never sold out to Amazon and I respect him for that.

[@AlphariusDominatus]

@@MothGirl007 he changed his mind. He sold out. He promoted the entire season's release date while being "cautiously optimistic" Nobody not being paid would do that. Lol.. so sorry but Yoystan has fallen to the enemy.

[@AlphariusDominatus]

@@MothGirl007 What's even worse is he gaslit most of his entire fanbase lmfao. He saw the money NoTR made and was like "Tolkien can't pay the bills, Amazon can"

[@basilforth]

THE SEA IS ALWAYS RIGHT! I mean, that's my main take away.

[@MrNoucfeanor]

Dude, why so serious? You sound like you have a tempest in you!

[@Makkaru112]

@@MrNoucfeanorthe kracken is always right.

[@aleksander8497]

Speechless when hearing that line, dumbest thing real tolkien fans could ever hear.

[@purefoldnz3070]

sounds like an american wrote that

[@jameshitt3263]

Lol. The writing... Even putting aside threadbare relation to the real Legendarium, and forgetting all controversy about skin color, and actors' wokeness, etc... Just focus on the dialogue alone-----my god it is so unbelievably stupid. I can't believe that's what they came up with for a billion dollars.

[@Scar_117]

That spinning move the dark elf does in the trailer at 01:08 is exactly what Tolkien is doing in his grave.

[@tevildo45]

Peter Jackson did this numerous times with Legolas. Let’s not pretend he didn’t

[@johnord684]

@@tevildo45 My misses calls him stunt elf

[@Eagle-eye-pie]

@@tevildo45I just watched the Hobbit, Legolas did it in almost every scene he was in.

[@IcyWun]

​@@tevildo452 wrongs don't make a right

[@Sandnan_der_gruene_Pilger]

"But they were all of them deceived for another WIG was made. For in the lands of Modor Sauron crafted his master WIG. One WIG to fool them all, one WIG to blind them, one WIG to fool them twice and in the Darkness bind them." JRRT

[@unclephillymya]

“Dark have been my dreams of late……”

[@JaxThaStuntman]

It’s ok Philly there’s still good European white men who would never forsake Tolkiens works

[@mixererunio1757]

That's why they're like that. No matter how long they'll piss on you all, you'll still call it rain.

[@whiteknightcat]

Given that the showrunners are pretty much just making stuff up as they go, trying to determine what is coming up in S2 seems kind of pointless.

[@Makkaru112]

New show runners

[@whiteknightcat]

@@Makkaru112 Oh really? Well that's a bit of a good thing. The previous ones had zero experience running much of anything, and somehow they got handed a billion dollar project to execute.

[@Alexs.2599]

@@Makkaru112 Interesting. Do we have their names?

[@crabberdabberye]

Not new show runners and we have already seen a bunch of the canonical stuff we expected. It’s just to be seen how well they actually depict these book events like Pharazons usurpation of Numenor and the fall of Eregiom.

[@Didymus20X6]

I'm not optimistic at all for this show. The first season was garbage, and unless they completely retcon the first season out of existence, they can only build on a foundation of garbage. They had their chance; they lost me already. Plus, in more than one way, Amazon has made it clear they don't want me as their customer - not just Prime Video, but also their customer service. It's a garbage company, and this garbage show certainly isn't going to convince me to shop with them ever again. Let's just say that, two years ago, I was spending upward of $5,500/year for home and business supplies and equipment from them, but as of two years ago, they will never get another dime from me. What's more, after I cancelled Prime, they tried to sneakily charge me for another month; thankfully, I had already removed my payment information from my account. This company is pure scum, and unless I absolutely have to, I will never give them another dime.

[@mrpenderz]

Fool me once, shame on you: fool me twice, shame on me - there's absolutely no way.

[@MothGirl007]

Exactly!

[@jeansalomon8225]

Somehow Sauron has returned

[@AlphariusDominatus]

And somehow Gandalf is in The Second Age. Wtf ever. This show is cursed

[@marda0maranwe]

Sauron without a wig. Elves: What’s that then? There’s someone prowling round here!" Sauron puts on a wig. Elves: Must've been the wind.

[@tevildo45]

Or maybe it’s a flashback

[@Aelin18]

Still sort of hoping that the season starts with Galadriel waking up and saying 'what a terrible nightmare I just had', and the plot actually starts with mostly canonical stuff... Nonetheless I don't think I'm going to watch this season unless my bff wants to see it or something like that

[@Makkaru112]

Maybe watch 3 Body count instead or makanai-cooking for the maiko house. Gives a better look into real geiko and Maiko with a slight twist but shows more real Japanese culture. Subtitle version for most immersion as the characters have so much soul

[@Aelin18]

@@Makkaru112 Good to know! Might check them out

[@agronopoulus]

Rings of Power is a pathetic insult to Tolkien and all of his fans! It's pure garbage!

[@user-ti4hj1fm8s]

I only watch it for the visuals tbh

[@ThaBredMan]

​@@user-ti4hj1fm8s yea I only watch it becuz I'm starved for Tolkien content.

[@user-ti4hj1fm8s]

@@ThaBredMan yeah that too😂

[@TheDubleHelix]

Weird. I’m a huge fan and don’t feel insulted at all. Maybe, just maybe, it isn’t that deep

[@ThaBredMan]

@@TheDubleHelix yea I mean I don't think it's that bad. People do have sum valid points but at least it's enjoyable.

[@TheJmlew11]

It is bizarre that a great eagle seems to be summoned whilst the kings men are in power. The eagles seemed to leave after Tar Palantir’s death in the lore.

[@Makkaru112]

Amazon hates Tolkien and the lore… 😅

[@TheJmlew11]

@@Makkaru112 It seems as though they would have things from the lore as props to get people excited as opposed to supporting the story he created.

[@Makkaru112]

@@TheJmlew11that’s right. And weaponizing the lemming NPCs against us. We will not shut up.

[@AlphariusDominatus]

They left way before that

[@jameshitt3263]

Yep, the great eagles are unambiguously good; emissaries of Manwe and Valinor. The Faithful's devotion to them is symbolic of their devotion to the Valar; therefore the eagles would have nothing to do with the King's men, and vice versa. So indescribably stupid. The producers to don't have a clue, and they don't even care.

[@AlexisLopez-pb8ms]

Better than season 1 is a low bar. But you’re right, if it’s better than season 1 it still doesn’t mean it’s going to be good.

[@palpinknose]

Halbrand/Vickers should have been a heroic Aragorn-type character

[@TheTheKraven]

I wanna see Amazon bring back those "Superfans" from season 1 that were supposed to talk about the show and hype it up. Which they never end up doing nor even afterwards.

[@biomagic8959]

it's gon be hard toping the shit(show) from S1 but i'm confident amazon will do it. 100%

[@alariaaurora8456]

At least we have one elf that looks like how elves should look lol

[@Halafas]

I have to say that despite the timeline compression and rights issues, I thought the show really felt like a love letter to Tolkien's writings. You can see attention to detail everywhere in the series, in the smallest and most surprising ways. And I loved how the series really grappled with the same things Tolkien was grappling post-LotR: the nature of evil, the nature of orcs, Arda being the Ring of Morgoth, Galadriel's changing background and making her be a bigger part of the history in every subsequent draft etc. I really liked the first season and how they decided to start from small scale stuff to introduce the world and already I feel giddy with the idea how all of this will build into the Last Alliance and the grandeur - earned grandeur - of that final confrontation.

[@Mikey2Times]

I admire your optimism... I unfortunately do not share it. The wig is killing me 😂 Edit: i believe the actors care...i also believe they are actively taking a dump on the original works and are taking care to purposely play fast and loose with the lore. I believe they care about doing that.

[@tmcgintygaming8047]

Honestly I feel a little inclined to think that Annatar won’t actually be the same actor as Halbrand in the series, and that this was shot just to ensure that the audience knew who they were showing. I see similar scenes shot for teaser trailers all the time, especially since I feel like I remember hearing about the studio hiring a secondary actor to play Sauron as well for this season

[@justjustin413]

straight up Count Olaf level disguise

[@Trekkie46]

Anyone else imagining Dark Helmet in the desert yelling, "Fooled you!"

[@ConkerKing]

Trying to retcon Annatar is just desperate....

[@izaforestspirit7811]

As a Tolkien fan I'm cautiously optimistic. I doubt that they won't stick to the lore just like they didn't in Season 1. I'll be watching it simply because my sister was part of the film crew who made the costumes for the dwarves.

[@matta2109]

I hated this show so much last season but I always looked forward to listening to you break it down!

[@chairmanofthebored6860]

Don't watch. That is the best thing you can do. Don't give them your money. I want to be surprised/not surprised by all the bs. Hate vicariously.

[@princelexvlogs]

"But they were all of them deceived for another WIG was made." But seriously, they should have let the wiged Annátar (A.K.A. Saurón) appear in the first season. I was totally frustrated they did the Halbrand thing.

[@kenpstok151]

I wish I wasn't such a total Tolkien fan because I know....I KNOW!!!! and knowing is half the battle

[@SophiesDriver]

Cautious optimism? Not from me. I'm 6 minutes into your discussion and I already have enough of ROP Season 2. Thanks, but no thanks

[@Makkaru112]

It actually got funnier. They’re actually hate watching it

[@SA-bq1us]

Amazon must of consulted disney on this production

[@rogermoreno1152]

When there’s only one place to go, and it’s down, the only question is *just how far down?*

[@knarftahw]

Cope for the Cope God Low Standards for the Shoddy Throne

[@Sauronthedeciever_]

I mean, using the same actor makes sense if this is when he reveals himself. He is a shapeshifter.

[@steelytemplar]

Yes, I don't think the idea is that he is supposed to be hiding his identity again. It's probably that he wants to look this way for whatever reason. In Tolkien's writings, iirc, it's mentioned that Sauron's death in the drowning of Numenor deprived him of the ability to take on a fair form in the future. That at least leaves open the idea that he had kept a fair form even after his Annatar deception had been uncovered.

[@Sauronthedeciever_]

@@steelytemplar That is true

[@bryanmatthews2370]

One does not simply wig out of mordor

[@Xanderman]

The first season completely destroyed all hope for the second season. I hope WotR is gonna be good this year!

[@whiteknightcat]

Odd. I thought ROP S2 was already over and done with.

[@billm3210]

Remember: "The Sea is Always Right!"

[@Anna-tj7mp]

Such beautiful source material. So much money. An elf like Galadriel who could have done OK with a good script. The writers and producers have not a clue what they doing, and nothing about Tolkien.

[@scottboyer8450]

Its a travesty; a mockery of Tolkien's works.

[@tevildo45]

Just like Peter Jackson’s the hobbit

[@tommykawaii]

@@tevildo45not actually PJ’s fault. He was conscripted at the last moment to fix what the previous director had already messed up. Not enough time to save the movies

[@raskolnikov6443]

@@tevildo45Agreed. But this is even worse.

[@tevildo45]

Then he should of walked away instead of giving us cross dressing men

[@tommykawaii]

@@tevildo45 I’m glad PJ didn’t walk away, or it would have been worse. While there was a lot of changes, some ridiculous, the movies weren’t bad per se and at least palatable, without contempt or utter disrespect for Tolkien’s lore - which PJ does respect. I don’t remember seeing any of such shit in the Hobbit movies you are claiming. And it can’t be nearly compared to the atrocity which is this other TV show, there’s a huge abyss between them. But of course, it’s a matter of personal taste and opinion. There’s people out there that even like the current shit show, but hopefully videos like this we are commenting on will help them find the real lore

[@Makkaru112]

The kraken is always right. 😅😂❤

[@craigbrowning6788]

This show is actually offensive not only to Tolkien but also to every writer in history that has talent.

[@Neon002121]

I’m very optimistic I won’t be able to bring myself to watch the whole thing.

[@pierrepaul591]

This series never took off, and you know it. Stop sounding like it's gonna happen because of your, "optimism."

[@Pan-demic]

Okay…

[@AlphariusDominatus]

Bro Yoystan got PAID for his "cautious optimism" bs

[@Alexs.2599]

@@AlphariusDominatus He did not. That is completely untrue.

[@AlphariusDominatus]

​@@Alexs.2599 yeah he did. Why would he plug the release date of this crap constantly throughout the video?

[@pierrepaul591]

@@Alexs.2599 He actually gets paid to promote shows.

[@Orangefan77]

Annatar: The Last Hairbender

[@mr.zardoz3344]

Don't feed the machine!

[@Jaytheradical]

I strongly suspect Theo's gonna grow up to be the Witch King.

[@drewboogie2849]

There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again. George W. Bush

[@CarlWheatley-wi2cl]

Why the hell would they cast the same actor as Annatar? lmao. Setting themselves up for ridicule because we ALL know that is Sauron, even those that have never read a word of Tolkien. Yet the elves miss it? Galadriel and Celebrimbor don't recognise him lmao. A different actor (in a decent wig) would have been FAR more coherent as a deception. But after the first season I should expect that NOBODY involved with this show seems to think anything through.

[@christianefiorito3204]

The building of Rivendellby Elrond comesafzer the sack ofEregion

[@garyklyce713]

I always hoped for a TV or film adaptation of the first age, but after watching season 1 of the RoP, I changed my mind.

[@thegungadfly8930]

Not Angband. Northern stronghold in the Mountains of Teeth.

[@jackhudson4816]

That trailer gives Harry Potter vibes, literally doesn’t feel like Middle Earth at all.

[@gergsbane]

If he only deals with celebrimbor it will be fine, clearly he is a little special.

[@BlyatBlaster]

I actually don’t hate this Annatar. And I think a lot of people would like him a lot more if we didn’t know him as halbrand already. Like if you didn’t already have a bad taste from Halbrand, Charlie Vickers actually looks pretty good as Annatar here.

[@pinkace]

6:57 Sauron can manipulate minds & make them all not recognize him. We already know he can manipulate the minds of elves. I don’t think retconning will be needed.

[@ringbearer1420]

If they had cast a high caliber, chameleonic actor to play Sauron it could work, but it’s pretty much just some dude. It’s not like he’s Tom Hardying it.

[@jojobookish9529]

Welp, glad to see Galadriel gets to have sensible canonical hair at least. But how in the name of Aulë are they going to do anything with the deception of Celebrimbor when they smashed the culmination of that story into the last 20 minutes of season 1? These writers do not have the experience or skills to do any of this. What the actual hell...

[@educationalporpoises9592]

I love trash. “These stories were my friends, Creatures I had known from book and film. They had voices of their own and are now lost forever. And there are wastes of reaction videos and trash reviews where there were songs and inspirations!” “AMAZON! THAT CORPORATION SHOULD KNOW BETTER!”

[@TarMody]

We've been talking non-stop about this teaser in our community for about a week. I'm amazed how you can't find anything to talk about. You may be interesting or your life energy may be extinguished.

[@maxmercer1931]

Amazon's Galadriel is , at most, 5 feet tall. Bezos is gleefully destroying a beloved cultural pillar. Fans should be trashing him during all of season 2

[@hidingtk2860]

I mean, why didn't they give him different eye color. They look the color as before. Lol, that doesn't fool anyone.

[@rosstrue3010]

We see Celebrimbor drop 9 rings into fire in the trailer. And I think he's dropping them into his forge. So why shouldn't that destroy them? If they were created in that forge, why wouldn't that be the way to destroy them? Do you think they can only be destroyed in Mount Doom? Because that doesn't make any sense.

[@coryramsey4766]

Why are they barrel whites in the trailer though they were basically souls of the people of Arnor which isn’t even a thing yet in the show . If you pause the scene where Galadriel tells them to get ready to fight you can seem them in the background

[@mauMauthecarabao]

"We ain't 'ad nuttin' but maggoty bread for three stinking days!" Is what I feel about THIS abomination.

[@Makkaru112]

“Yeeeah! Why can’t we have some meat?(substance/high quality)” hehe ❤️

[@mauMauthecarabao]

@@Makkaru112 oh it's you again 😁☺️

[@scottmusgrave5735]

This absolute travesty a series wouldn’t surprise me if the Nasgul make an appearance even before the rings are dispersed amongst men, lol.

[@Guff1e]

I hope your right and this season will be better then the first one but on the other hand "Hope is the fist step on the road to disappointment"

[@CLP99th]

Series should have never been made.

[@MothGirl007]

This!

[@AlphariusDominatus]

"Ar-Pharazon flying on an Eagle." Lmfao.. that's like Hitler flying on a winged Unicorn

[@Makkaru112]

Pharazôn was beloved. There is so much of this cultural shift and so many númenorean characters that could be shown but none… example - Tolkien untangleds remake was awesome same with council of the rings who made his own episodes in full illustration and voice acting. He gave an actual rings of power series full of integrity and when it’s finished with the next episodes it’ll become even more famous.

[@AlphariusDominatus]

@@Makkaru112 what? Lol

[@dinmavric5504]

We don't really know if he was flying a eagle, or whether an Eagle was there as a messenger from the Valar to confirm Tar Miriel.

[@AlphariusDominatus]

​@@dinmavric5504Whatever you say buddy

[@jollyjakelovell6822]

Picking up another scorpion Mr. Frog?

[@istari0]

There's absolutely nothing to be cautiously optimistic about. The only way this could be any good is if they completely scrapped S1 and started over.

[@gandalfthegrey7146]

This show obliterated any level of hope I had after watching the first episode. All I can wish for is for it to suddenly become the BEST show on television (not gonna happen) or for it to be so detrimental to Amazon’s pocket and reputation that it’s canceled (not gonna happen cuz it’s an ego trip for Bezos). So basically I have no hope. “The Shadow that bred them can only mock, it cannot make: not real things of its own.” -Frodo in The Return of the King.

[@Makkaru112]

I’ll be sad if Amazon can’t show the dwarves being immune to the rings power due to their forefathers being created by the hands of Aulë the smith himself and main architect of most of the world next to Oromë & Melkor. Life breathed into them by Eru îlluvatar as they’d awaken later on! Such lovely stories are probably going to get ignored all together when all the little things matter. If people are skipping the poetry and songs in the book then they’ll be missing ALOT. ❤

[@istari0]

The Dwarves weren't immune to the Rings of Power. It didn't make them susceptible to being dominated as Sauron desired but the Rings did increase their greed for treasure which eventually brought dragons (and in the case of Khazad-dûm, a Balrog) down on them.

[@Makkaru112]

@@istari0 yup. They were. Which is why Sauron got mad. And they became a bit more reclusive and the books state the echoes in the mountains from the nameless things I’d what drove them to become more greedy. Even dimly attacking the one ring is another example of this as it was hid literal first action upon seeing it.

[@Makkaru112]

@@istari0 nope. The balrog was there as it was a refugee from the War Of Wrath which is why once Manwë decreed after the 80 year long war ended and resulted inti the sinking of Beleriand, middle earths entire half of its landmass to the bottom of the sea: that any creature of that nature or even those like orcs would be no longer able to walk freely under the sun as it’s why it hampers them and even burns them at times. And that balrog heard and felt Manwë’s voice that’s for sure. Heck. Even when Gandalf fought with the balrog for ten days and nights the nameless things attacked them both. Wild stuff.

[@istari0]

@@Makkaru112 From The Silmarillion, Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age: "And all those rings that he governed he perverted, the more easily since he had a part in their making, and they were accursed, and they betrayed in the end all those that used them. The Dwarves indeed proved tough and hard to tame; they ill endure the domination of others, and the thoughts of their hearts are hard to fathom, nor can they be turned to shadows. They used their rings only for the getting of wealth; but wrath and an overmastering greed of gold were kindled in their hearts, of which evil enough after came to the profit of Sauron. It is said that the foundation of each of the Seven Hoards of the Dwarf-kings of old was a golden ring; but all those hoards long ago were plundered and the Dragons devoured them, and of the Seven Rings some were consumed in fire and some Sauron recovered." So, yes the Rings did affect the Dwarves but in a different manner than they did Men. And had the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm not been so consumed by greed (in this for Mithril), they might never have encountered the Balrog or at least been aware of the presence some great evil ahead of time.

[@herbthompson8937]

Ulmo...not Orome

[@Huskytabby]

Optimism is no longer a part of my expectation for this show....sigh

[@Dannywise527]

To be honest, i think this season will be much better in Character development than last season.

[@jamesschomburgk4441]

I am wondering and hoping an explanation for Sauron is another actor will play him as Annatar but he reveals himself as the Halbrand Sauron when he is 'caught out'

[@BlyatBlaster]

9:18 I’m calling it now. The “reveal” shot of Celebrimbor looking at the glowing heavenly light revealing Annatar is the first time Annatar comes to Celebrimbor. In this heavenly messenger form, “hey, I’m Annatar, I’m a herald of the Valar. Those are some cool rings you’ve got there but you know what would be even cooler? If you let me show you how to make more.” And Celebrimbor is going to give in to his hubris, just like in the books, and let Annatar in. The other elves are going to be very reluctant to start relying on the Three rings, since hopefully Galadriel tells them btw that was Sauron. And that’s why they reject Annatar and his “gift” of Ring lore. But Celebrimbor even expressed in the first season his desire to live up to Feanor and create something lasting. Which is why even knowing that Sauron/Halbrand was a sneaky little sloot and tricked them, he’s going to listen to Annatar and let his hubris get the better of him and start making more rings.

[@TheJmlew11]

I will admit that parts of this trailer did have me somewhat intrigued by the show. That said I cannot say I am all that optimistic due to the utterly weak foundation it stands on. Galadriel will have to undergo massive character changes as will Gil Galad and Sauron himself. That coupled with the confusing and poor story telling of season 1 gives me little hope for this season. But if I am wrong and it is great I will happily admit that my fears were for naught.

[@hudsonb631]

keeping the same actor for sauron is great imo

[@user-tx8ts1fw4w]

The only thing I’m looking forward to is yours and Roan’s commentary on the whole fiasco 😂

[@vortigern33]

My brother in Eru, come back to the light

[@di3486]

I hope watching reviews of this joke just for some good laughs 😂😂😂 They are fooling all of you with that wig. They know how much we hated the short haired elves so now they are pretending to course correct.

[@alexandrepereira7521]

This show will always be an afront to Tolkien and just quality fantasy in general. Only redeeming quality is the pure (unintentional) comedy it oozes. The guy that plays Halbrand looks pretty good as Annatar, were he not in this grotesque excuse for a show I think he could've pulled off a decent performance.

[@randolph84brown]

"I don't like teasers, because they tease". Nice one co-host ...smh

[@mckenanbundy3578]

I’m cautiously optimistic

[@Epic_Kingdom]

1:14 Galadriel: "Wow, he's hot"

[@jackolantern147]

The War of the Rohirim is just a few months away. I'll wait for it

[@mauramahon7685]

I bet Tolkien is rolling in his grave with what Amazon is doing.