The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power 1x8 Reaction

[@monikahanus9183]

When Halbrand goes all Sauron when he is yelling at Galadriel, at one point his eyes turn into vertical slits and get a little red.

[@catcherintherye6479]

I really look forward to when he returns to the Numenor to corrupt it.

[@matthewtopping2061]

Duh

[@janelllovell5202]

Best reactors on YT without question. You guys just enjoy the shows & don’t sit and judge something without a real reason behind it and I thank you guys for that… seriously loved this show and can’t wait for the 2nd season.

[@mark2graves-movies689]

I'm in the same boat as Adam. I haven't read any books, just watched the movies. I love this show. It's been awesome

[@Case2_0]

The Annatar, Lord of Gifts reference sealed the deal for me who Sauron was.

[@alexisbk9576]

Right! I freaked out during that part lol

[@PensandoRPG]

Was waiting for you guys. And yes. The writing is actually awesome, and you can see that every reveal was pretty well stabilished. And people don't understand that it is an adaptation. Avengers: Infinity Wars has completely different things from the comics and people don't complain. The books are the books. And the comics are the comics. Plus, only Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit are actually really cannon in Tolkien's world. That is what he wrote AND decided to publish. He was still working on the Silmarillion and decided not to publish it because of it. So, only two books are actually Tolkien approved.

[@anaw2579]

Great comment, agree 💯

[@alexisbk9576]

Agree 💯! Some people are not quite understanding that it is an adaptation. I love Tolkien and I thought the show was fantastic.

[@ketchup016]

If people don't like it, that's fine, there are adaptations of books I love that I think are crap. But I have never wasted my precious time going around telling everyone else it's crap and they should hate it. There's no joy in that.

[@wave877]

sounds like cope

[@PierceArner]

I really have to give HUGE props to the designs for pulling off the transformation sequences. They were simple, but the execution was _so_ well done that it was always uncanny when it happened.

[@raelshark]

Yeah those were really great. And at least some of it seemed to be practical...

[@PierceArner]

@@raelshark They reminded me a lot of when Frodo & Sam hid under the Elven cloak by the gate to Mordor, when it disguises itself to appear like a boulder.

[@donnypoker]

If it walks like a Gandalf and talks like a Gandalf, chances are it’s a Gandalf.

[@marisolm5384]

I will cry if it's not a Gandalf.

[@mechtime]

@@marisolm5384 I really hope it's not. He didn't come until the third age of ME. Two Istari were sent in the 2nd Age (the "Blue Wizards"). They went to "the east". It fits. I hope he's a Blue Wizard.

[@BigeggsBlackPen]

@@mechtime Lore is not matter anymore in this show dude, It's Gandalf 100%. They even add his iconic dialogue from the first film to make it obvious.

[@mr.stuffdoer8483]

@@mechtime I hope so too but it wouldn’t be the first noteworthy book lore break this show had.

[@Sif3r]

@@mechtime and one of them set up a magic cult.

[@rhochnerful]

Love that you talked about rewatching the episodes - I rewatched the whole season after the finale came out, and it was even better (and richer) the second time around. Highly recommend for anyone who has the interest/time!

[@sallycummings1453]

This show has brought me back to Lord of the Rings. Had such wonderful memories of seeing the first three movies with my late husband. After he died, it was too hard to watch them again. Still haven't watched the Hobbit movies-although have seen bits and pieces. This beautiful show has rekindled my love for these stories. Watched Fellowship of the Ring for the first time in 15yrs and enjoyed it. Can't wait for season 2.

[@dylanhansen6580]

Definitely recommend you check out The Hobbit movies; they aren’t as masterful as The Lord of the Rings movies but still really solid and completely immerse you in Middle-Earth. Also, my condolences for your husband.🙏

[@YodatheHobbit]

The people disliking this show remind me of Roger Ebert being interviewed after Return of the KIng won oscars and he said something like "I don't think in the long run these film will be considered classics or will be remembered." I can't remember exactly what it was. I think it was on Letterman, maybe Leno.

[@chewieknievel8439]

He also said a similar thing about Return of the Jedi and they didn’t really like Empire Strikes Back. Also I think people just like to hate for the sake of hating.

[@hyims1149]

@@chewieknievel8439 facts

[@alexlazzerly3677]

Rings of Power certainly isn’t going be considered a classic. It has way too many issues that the Peter Jackson movies didn’t have. And I’m not a Tolkien fanboy or anything, just a casual viewer. It was a pretty inconsistent show.

[@chewieknievel8439]

@@alexlazzerly3677, this is the first season! The introduction season! And I thought it went well for a Tolkien projects. Have you read the books? Not a fast passed page turner. They take their time building the world laying the background for the story. Fellowship of the Ring was slow passed for the first half, most of the action was in the second half. Fist seasons are always the slowest for all shows. Remember GOT first season? From here on out it may be a true classic. We have to wait to see.

[@thepiousskull]

People tried to draw similar comparisons with The Last Jedi, Wheel of Time, and numerous other bad big and small screen projects. Sometimes a show or movie of low quality is just that. Something can be of inferior quality and you can still enjoy it subjectively. People liked Michael Bay's Transformers films enough for them to gross around 3.3 billion (1.2 of which was from one film).

[@Thurrak]

I actually really super enjoy how good Adam is at editing these reactions. He throws in the music drop when nobody answers his question and it's just amazing comedic timing. So fun.

[@stealahb]

three things: 1). it's been a joy watching this season through Agustin's eyes - so to speak; 2). when the mystics called The Stranger, Sauron at the beginning, my whole heart sank but i loved the reveal of who Sauron really is; 3). that line Halbrand says, "you bind me to the light and i bind you to power" - i love that line. thoroughly enjoyed this season and your reactions to it! stay safe you three. take care of yourselves. be well.

[@eryniel95]

THIS EPISODE WAS EPIC!!!!!!!!!!! Just, the whole season, my goodness, awesome. And even when they played around canon, it kept the soul of what is. Love you guys! Can't wait for s2

[@PLF...]

Pretty much none of it is canon

[@hans471]

They completely destroyed the soul of Tolkien's world. Neither is Saron a incel nor Galadriel an idiot nor Elrond a liar 🙄

[@aegnor2102]

​@@PLF...Galadriel is canon, like Sauron

[@aegnor2102]

​@@hans471Sauron is most accurate character in the show. Shape shifting being beautiful, friendly and likeable in front of people but really manipulative.

[@PLF...]

@@aegnor2102 > the characters are obviously canon, but none of what they are doing, personality traits, even where they are is not canon. By that argument you could prove Spiderman is real because he lives in Brooklyn and "Brooklyn is a real place"

[@AtomPunk]

This episode was incredible!! Heck, the whole season was incredible! Thank you for reacting to these and making a nice space to watch and discuss them! Can't wait for season 2!

[@NovRen19]

Really, how, for The forest of Professor Tolkien is being burned before our eyes in the fires of corporations...what standard do u use to actually assess this?

[@StevenS757]

People forget that the Elven rings are able to resist Sauron's influence. This is due to the fact that, while Sauron gave the secrets of how to make them to Celebrimbor, he wasn't directly involved in their creation. Once Sauron's full plot was revealed, the elves were able to hide their 3 rings from Sauron's sight. They used them to protect their realms (Lindon, Lothlorien, Rivendell, etc) from both external threat and the passage of time. As to why Galadriel and Elrond allowed the creation of the 3 rings to move forward, the elves knew that the creation of the rings were dangerous, but necessary to allow the elves to remain in Middle Earth and help Mankind fight against the darkness. They also did not know the full extent of Sauron's plan at this point to create a master ring. The white/silver ring of water, Nenya, went to Galadriel, who wore it ever after and bore it into Valinor at the end of the story. The gold/blue ring of air, Vilya, was first worn by Celebrimbor, who later sent it to King Gil-Galad to keep it safe when Eregion fell. It was then given to Elrond by Gil Galad, and he wore it ever after and bore it into Valinor at the end of the story. The gold/red ring of fire, Narya, was given first to King Gil Galad and he wore it until his death at the battle of the Last Alliance. It then passed to Cirdan, the shipwright, who wore it for most of the third age. Near the end of the third age, Cirdan recognized Gandalf's nature as a Maiar and gifted him the ring to aid in his labours. Gandalf then bore it into Valinor at the end of the story. The 9 rings of men, worn forever by the wraiths who bore them, were destroyed when the power of the One Ring fell. As for what happened to the 7 rings wielded by the dwarf lords, not much is known of their fate. They are presumed lost, deep in the various ruined kingdoms of the Dwarves, especially Moria.

[@ringosroom6988]

Finally!!! I was waiting for Augustin to say this or at least that the 3 rings are meant to be defensive measures!

[@hollywoodguy70]

We only know the dwarves have crazy strong resistance to magic, so they were never influenced by the One Ring. I can imagine they were just passed around within the dwarven houses and lost when those dwarves died in their mines

[@cmdrvex]

Nenya was made of mithril, not silver. Why did they need to alloy the metals if they came out as separate elements for the rings?

[@StevenS757]

@@cmdrvex I was more referring to the color.

[@cmdrvex]

@@StevenS757 Fair enough, but alloyed? The rings are of singular elements .... right?

[@nugking2021]

I like to think that Halbrand meant what he said to Galadriel and that she was atleast a little bit tempted

[@TheBoxFromSe7en]

Recently came back to finish Rings Of Power, gave up on it mid season but holy shit.. The writing to wrap it up so well at the finale was genuinely brilliant. The team behind this need major props for the bravery of taking this route

[@turntheheart4268]

They totally had me fooled with the Stranger! The Sauron reveal was everything. The show is straight up BEAUTIFUL and true beauty can stand on its own, and deserves respect, canon or not.

[@thedarkknight2221]

One of Sauron’s many names is The Great Deceiver, and it is said the best lies have some truth in them, well he lived up to that title. Not once did he truly lie to any of them, and yet he manipulated them so perfectly by making all those who helped them think it was their idea. Damn Charlie Vickers was perfectly cast. As for the scenes with The Stranger and Nori, I did not think I was gonna cry this episode, but when Nori said goodbye to her family and then when Poppy ran up to her and hugged her I couldn’t help but cry. What truly is upsetting is that rather than shoot seasons 1, 2, and 3 back to back to back Amazon Studios only JUST started production on season 2 as of this video being released. And the show runners have said it will be YEARS before we see the next season. So while I’m still going to watch season 2 I’m afraid that most people will completely forget about the show by then. Like what happened to Westworld.

[@ketchup016]

Maybe but people used to wait a long time for Game of Thrones, or Sherlock, and definitely for movie sequels. They've got money to spend on marketing the bejesus out of it again whenever it comes.

[@samuraiko]

He really was, and now I'm jonesing to see him in more things. And apparently he's also a really big Tolkien fan, too, and has brought a lot of that knowledge to his performance.

[@mr.stuffdoer8483]

I’m really excited to see Charlie in S2. With his identity revealed he’ll start being more evil, I greatly look forward to seeing that, he was great in the moments he had here.

[@RobertvonHeeren]

Well, I think Ep1 of Season 2 will have a 10-15 minutes recap of the first season.

[@PLF...]

Literally everything about Sauron in this show is stupid. All lore is off, Galadriel was supposed to be the only one who wasn't fooled, yet she got the most fooled of all. He has no fair form, he was in Eregion for like a Thursday (it was supposed to be for a hundred years) - and the three elven rings were the only ones of the lesser 19 rings Sauron _didn't_ help create... Jeez it's horrible. And there is no way they will be done with another season in a year - and if they do it will look way worse.

[@victorike3102]

I’ve rewatched this show so many times and it gets better and better can’t wait for season 2

[@scarlettsugar8159]

I've been waiting for this reaction ever since Friday...refreshing and checking KZbin like a dozen times a day. lol You guys really are my fav reaction channel. Great insights, great attitudes, humor, everything. I feel like certain channels just like to hate react to stuff (which they're totally entitled to do. Whatever gets views I guess) but I really love watching people that enjoy watching what I love too. That leave me smiling and feeling good. Y'all always leave me feeling better after watching your vids. Thanks and keep up the amazing work! Can't wait to see yall hit that 100K milestone.

[@alexisbk9576]

Couldn’t agree more! Heroes Reforged always has us smiling and laughing :)

[@rolandomendoza4274]

Same here. Checking and refreshing every single day. 😁

[@skarrin]

Watching this a year late, and I just have to giggle - the explosion in Celebrimbor's workshop is SO Looney Tunes, it's delightful.

[@jareddessert9162]

Yes! Watching Augustin react to everything was the best! I teared up watching him freak out!

[@This-is-the-way786]

Great reaction guys! I absolutely love this show and the stranger & Galadriel's storyline interest me the most, I feel the most invested in them. But I also enjoyed the rest very much and I'm looking forward to more😊

[@ketchup016]

Honestly, even in the LotR movies there were storylines I cared about less than others but this show did a really good job of keeping them all either intriguing, or else heartfelt, like the Harfoots or Elrond and Durin. That made me want to see more.

[@Deato9000]

Maybe I'm in the minority with this opinion but I've thoroughly enjoyed the show and I'm really not upset about it being different from "canon". This season was a blast and I can't wait for season 2!

[@petrescucristian3820]

more people like the show from the poeple that don t like.Just the people that don t like are youtubers with a very vocal comunity

[@realtealcovers232]

Best reactions on KZbin straight up. Between this and the She Hulk finale, you guys absolutely nail it. Great takes and insight. I haven’t found a better channel for LOTR insight. Thanks for the hard work y’all!

[@peteharper2687]

Over all I loved the whole season of Rings of Power. The acting, effects and music were all stellar.

[@samuraiko]

Absolutely loved this episode, and once again, always enjoying seeing your reactions! (Agustin's nerding out is my favorite part, I'm not ashamed to admit it!) And yeah, the MOMENT that Halbrand tells Celebrimbor, "Call it... a gift...", my husband and I both went, "Yep, there's the nod to Annatar, 'Lord of Gifts'". Season 2 will likely have the power struggle of Numenor (over the course of the season), Sauron making the 7 and the 9 (though not sure yet who exactly he'll be giving them to), and MAYBE (albeit unlikely this early) Elrond leaving Lindon to go found Rivendell. As far as the Dwarves go, I hope S2 gives us Celebrimbor and Narvi forging the Hollin Gate.

[@cynthieful]

Fist of all big thank you for you guys. It's been such a joy to come to your channel and see the excitement you have for the show. As much as I try not to care about what other people think, it still takes my mood down a bit to hear other reactors say it was just "alright" and then all the haters say whatever. Anyway, your reactions have been like this comfort bubble where I can fully relive my own enjoyment with the show ♡ I fully agree with what you said about how this episode had a lot of the lotr movie feels. At this point the actors are so good at portraying their characters that they feel like them. Especially the Stranger did a phenomenal job at bringing in the wizard-like energy. And the last shot with Sauron looking over Mordor with the music felt 100% like Lotr to me. It was beautiful. Ahh what a long wait we have..

[@skarrin]

Late to finding y'all, and the comment thread - but my *instinct* says that the Stranger is one of the Blue Wizards - either Pallando or Alatar. Tolkien didn't write anything about them - they arrived, then "went East", and he never wrote any more. But if each of them has a focus - Radagast was the birds and the beasts; Gandalf was Fire; Saruman was the Works of the Enemy - then I could easily see one of the Blues being the Winds.

[@RobertvonHeeren]

This is my favorite show for the year, every plotline, every hint, every deception, every character very well thought out and written. Saw the whole season several times, at the same time, nothing has diminished in emotionality and suspense, on the contrary, I keep discovering even more details and understand many things even better. Very subtle storytelling. Simply incredible. I'm sure that despite all this nonsensical complaining by many people, this show will hold its own and will certainly not age. The paint won't flake off that quickly. In 10 years, we may see even better effects, but the development and interweaving of the storylines is and will remain sensational. And we will still fall off our chairs at what the next seasons will offer us. Even if the wait will be a real test of patience.

[@laureenchoi9652]

As someone that became a Tolkien fan after the LotR movies came out, I absolutely appreciate it when the RoP do a call back to those movies even when it doesn't match with Tolkien lore. The movies made me want to read the LotR books and do a deep dive into the Appendices, the Silmarillon and Beren and Luthien. I appreciate your RoP reactions and your insight on the storymaking process instead on cricisms on lore accuracy. Your content fills my hobbit/harfoot heart.

[@Fossil924]

Great job loved the whole season! Don't forget the captain's son isn't dead his horse was freaking out, so they let it go I guarantee the horse ran back and gets him!The show kept pushing the horse bonds with his rider narrative!

[@katiebentley5921]

I have been checking my subscriptions EVERY DAY since Friday for this reaction! 😹 Agustin’s high pitched screech at 20:57 was EVERYTHING. And then catching the call back to Galadriel’s words when she is tempted by the ring. The fangirl in me is so happy. Also the YA Fantasy reader in me who loves morally grey somewhat evil love interests stood up in the moment when Halbrand/Sauron shows Galadriel his vision for them to be at each other’s side and was like “ok but maybe we ship this?” (I had to tell her to sit back down) Can’t wait for S2.

[@kridcal0]

SAME! Hahahaah! I was like, what’s taking them so long to post?! 😂

[@Danilli29]

Amazing reactions, I got a lot of goosebumps with the reflection of Sauron and Galadriel and the Stranger saying follow your nose thing, my favourites charaters being Galadriel and Durin, overall an incredible show, one of my favourites of 2022. As you said, I hope they take their time because even with the Covid restrictions they have achieved something of excellent quality and I hope it continues like this Thanks

[@monikahanus9183]

I really enjoyed this episode. I watched it and a few days later went to a friend's house to watch it again. She hadn't seen it and another friend and I kept telling her the people who weren't Sauron were and she kept getting mad at us until of course it was announced who he really was. I think the ep gave us a different look at Sauron. Have watched it a few more times. Thanks for your reactions guys. Super appreciate it.

[@GamiCross]

"The Stranger just looks like Jim Henson to me" (The 3 give him his memories back) *Kermit flail* YAAAAY~!

[@susanwitkowski5802]

You guys are my go to for reactions and I want to thank you for all your positivity! There has been a negative response about ROP which is unfortunate. I am a huge Tolkien fan and have enjoyed this show. Looking forward to Season 2!!! Love you 3!!!

[@fingor1024]

its good to see some people enjoying show

[@alexisbk9576]

Yes! I have been waiting for this! I thought the first season was brilliant! The finale had me cheering, being in awe, and yelling at the TV lol. Thank you Heroes Reforged for being so positive with TROP. All of the positive comments on your channel, are a reflection of your positivity :)

[@keeganbate8935]

22:25 it's wild that Elrond basically confirms that, in this universe, Galadriel was a part or at least adjacent to the Third Kinslaying by her fellow Noldor that killed Elrond and Elros' people (not their parents of course)

[@gabrielriouxsmusic3211]

I can't wait for season 2! Season 1 was great and loved what they have done so far!

[@maceofbass9295]

I've really enjoyed sharing this series with you guys, and I love the energy you put into everything you do. On the subject of the show... if I can let go of my Tolkien-fan brain I absolutely love it. It's very well made, the casting and scoring are so well done, and the effects are beautiful. That said, I do hate HOW MUCH of the Tolkien's 2nd age (and now maybe 3rd age??) has been rewritten to make all of these events and characters all come together at the same time. The creation of the rings, Elendil's first military campaign in Middle Earth, the identity of the Stranger... they've taken like 3 to 4 thousand years of story and crammed it all together. And that really bums me out.

[@serenagregerson4747]

Thanks for loving the show! I do too! I'm a little sad Halbrand was Sauron. I really liked his character. What would be a cool twist though is if Halbrand died in the explosion and Isildur finds his body. Because it's like he changed overnight after Mt Doom. It would be cool if Sauron takes on different iterations and keeps the viewers guessing. Just a thought. Cant wait for season 2.

[@qcrew2938]

Love this show... can't wait for season 2!!!

[@althelas]

I love this show, the whole first season feel like a prologue and in season 2 the pace will probably pick up a bit and I hope that we don't have to wait too long until it comes out.

[@dimitrisnikoloulis4071]

'' From shadow you came ! To shadow I beat you return ''!!! Epic quote , like '' You shall not pass !!! Definately we found Gandalf here !

[@jibangkurbaishya221]

The Rings Of Power Has Literally Set The Bar For Best Visual Effects, It Will Be Very Hard For Marvel, DC, Netflix, HBO, Disney Or Any Other Movie And TV Show To Surpass What ROP Did With It's VFX/CGI...

[@SayVarRee]

The wizard fight was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Visuals were amazing.

[@daveed1750]

Really love your reaction and attitudes, guys - appreciating the show for how great it is. Look forward to watching your reactions to season 2.

[@ajimenezjr88]

I was just like Agustin! Right when halbrand said "gift" I was like oh yeah that's sauron. I just hope the environment of the second season doesn't feel detached from LOTR seeing as they will be filming in the UK instead of New Zealand

[@DCComicsGamer]

Loved the show and loved your reactions too, gonna miss them! I love you forgetting that year-long waits for Tolkien adaptations is kinda the norm!

[@itskraz3yivanhere850]

I've already done that Plex fixing name wise to show properly for LOTR haha

[@gemelwalters2942]

yea this season was great, don't care what anyone says. The actors did an amazing job as well

[@jeffreydegraw4070]

My crazy out theory was that Celebrimbor was going to be Sauron in hiding so that he literally made the rings for everyone with the plan of making the One Ring afterward. That way it would be him actually corrupting the rings but I ended up really liking the Halbrand twist. Great reaction as always guys!

[@ErikSlaby]

Top 5 character so far in this show and can't wait to see their storylines next season: Halbrand/Sauron, Elendil, Galadriel, Elrond and Durin. I think these five were easily the best five characters this season and I cannot wait for what they do with them next season.

[@AngelaSealana]

Oh my gosh I was keeled over nearly crying at how Hector kept underlining Nori's little sister's POV 🤣

[@nostalgiccollector89]

32:38 TOP TIER COMEDY Señor Navarro 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@beautybynessy6675]

Finally!!! I was waiting since Friday for you guys reaction! Hectors, comical commentary is hilarious! LOL! One of the reasons I started following you guys (subscribe)is the fact that your commentaries are on point! Your reactions I feel are exactly how we react when we’re watching these shows at home. I can’t be the only one that feels this way. I sincerely I feel exactly how you feel I can’t wait a year. I hope they do this really soon.

[@shawnthompson2303]

*I have had many names.* Mairon, Apprentice of Aule Gorthaur the Cruel Annatar, Lord of Gifts Halbrand, King of the Southlands *SAURON, LORD OF THE EARTH.* 🔥👁🔥

[@zagradisek8736]

For me who only watched the movies, the show ended up being above my expectations

[@diegorivec]

Such an enjoyable reaction, with cool analysis and all around a great positive vibe, thanks for that guys!! I also believe it's been s fantastic season, and a beautiful introduction to a show that so far, it's soooo worth it. Let's put hate and controversy aside, this is truly great and exciting and made with exquisite craft. Keep at it guys!

[@lovinlorne]

Two huge thumbs up. All I know about Tolkien is what I’ve learned from the movies, and this series fits in beautifully. I’ve enjoyed every minute of every episode, even the episodes that others haven’t. I hope they continue to have such high quality…everything going forward.

[@quirkyjoeAnimated]

"Can't believe we have to wait a whole year for season two" - it has been two years now but we're nearly there!

[@TheeJasonReyes]

I heard somewhere that the actor for the Stranger aka GANDALF didnt even know he was Gandalf at first. So as filming went on,by the end he realized "Oh shit Im GANDALF" 🤣

[@GamiCross]

Halbrand: "Call it...a Gift." (Instantly Red Flags and klaxons go off in everyone's head)

[@boubafett]

Great show. My favorite part of the season was Hector making up dumb but believable names and lore 😂😂😂

[@michaelbowen2343]

Great reaction guys :). I for one cant wait to see more of the stranger and if I am being honest I think the Gandalf clues are just red herrings and I think he is gonna end up being one of the blue wizards.

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Was very happy with the end of this season, it paid off the slow burn pretty well. All the cast was spectacular as were the visuals! Concerned how long we might have til Season 2, luckily we have Season 2 of Wheel of Time coming up to keep us in fantasy fun!

[@keplerthe3399]

I wonder how things would have turned out if she did join Sauron. Galadriel binding him to the light and her to power, would she just have become the more powerful tyrant? Or could they actually balance themselves out, would Halbrand actually enslave everyone with cruelty.

[@anaw2579]

Thanks for this guys. The ep was incredible and elevated all that came before even more. Fantastic show, super excited for the coming seasons 🔥

[@m.i.n.k.y.m.o.o.]

I thought the show was phenomenal. 🏆 “Season 2 - we’ll wait for you!”.

[@johnpalacios9392]

20:41 LOL LOL LOL . Sauron was holding onto a Wild Draw 4 the whole time.

[@kschneyer]

You guys are great! I loved watching your reaction. Personally I’m still not convinced that the stranger is Gandalf, although I agree that that last line of his is highly suggestive.

[@EvelyntMild]

Only one thing makes me think the Stranger isn't Gandalf. The three cultists said the Hermits Hat constellation is in the far east. The Blue wizards went east in the second age. Of course they may be playing the theory of proto third age wizards coming in different forms before their appearance after the war. Whatever he is, he's AWESOME!!! (and Good!)

[@Landwehr900]

Lol that they made the joke at 8:40 about the dragon helmet being a part of the lore but Reddit and Nerd of the Rings suspect it actually IS a helmet from lore, Turin's Dragon Helm.

[@willowwoodward7674]

Truly wild that you guys posted this minute after I finished the finale! Love you guys

[@rolandomendoza4274]

Great reaction as always. I've been checking everyday for your reaction of this episode. Finally it arrived and it's really awesome. Now we have to wait a year or so. 😕

[@chetanrawool]

Last night I was watching Dairy girls on Netflix and there it was Sauron himself playing pastor...cool guy. I was hoping for blue wizard but when he said follow the nose line....I am like...thats Gandalf...

[@michaeljeacock]

yeah, about that year wait. season one took 18 months and now they are moving production from New Zealand to the UK. they are expecting to get it out first quarter of 2024 at the earliest.

[@seanwingblade9657]

I’m just here for more of Hector’s Lore-Bombs. More of this, please and thank you. The people need to be educated

[@JustJohnny82]

I really enjoyed the show. I hope season 2 does come out next fall, but wouldn’t be surprised if was fall 2024

[@judyhuurman1237]

When the witch turned into the moth, is it the same moth that came to Gandalf when he was on the white tower??

[@hollywoodguy70]

I'm really glad how much we enjoyed this finale. An interesting note is that they are heading to Rhun which is where the blue wizards did their works. Since they're the only established wizards to be in the world in the Second Age, we might see proto-Gandalf and Nori eventually meet them. Gandalf the Grey was only seen later, so he'll probably ascend by the end of the series

[@rahilario]

Excellent video! I'll leave some texts that support the Blue Wizard theory, where I bring notice to the name of one of the Blue Wizards, Romestamo, which means "east-helper." And Nori's *recurring* tagline for The Stranger: "You're here to help" From Peoples of Middle-earth, "Last Writings": "No names are recorded for the two wizards. They were never seen or known in lands west of Mordor. The wizards did not come at the same time. Possibly Saruman, Gandalf, Radagast did, but more likely Saruman the chief (and already over mindful of this) came first and alone. Probably Gandalf and Radagast came together, though this has not yet been said... "... The 'other two' came much earlier, at the same time probably as Glorfindel, when matters became very dangerous in the Second Age. Glorfindel was sent to aid Elrond and was (though not yet said) pre-eminent in the war in Eriador. "But the other two Istari were sent for a different purpose. Morinehtar and Romestamo. Darkness-slayer and East-helper. Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of Men that had rebelled from Melkor-worship, to stir up rebellion ..."

[@Sir_AlexxTv]

It's a good show simply BASED on the books, I hope people sooner or later enjoy it for what it is with no useless and harmful drama.

[@robscalise]

Guys, once again thanks for a great watch along. Hector, please feel better soon sir. I could see you were distracted. Agustin, you’re so cool to be able to be entertained even though I could see you taking a breath as these writers strayed from the lore. I thinking of Mary Poppins and how the author hated the movie, yet it’s a classic for decades. This show is made for the casual LOTR fan. Adam, great work as usual sir. You guys are so funny. That thing with the Plex server had me LOL.

[@7blueblood]

8:30 I love this joke because I believe that is the Helm of Dor-Lómin!

[@SarahLandry577]

I'll miss yalls reactions! I can't wait until season 2

[@flor8567]

Getting to watch your reactions to this show have been a joy specially with a show like this. I'm very excited to see Isildur get out of his Wicked Witch of the East situation, and if Sauron will meet up with the Southlanders as they still believe he is their king. Season 2 cannot come soon enough!

[@ernestolopezdevictoria8512]

Elrond is called The Half-Elven because both his parents were also half elven. Since the fates of the two kindreds are different (the Elves are immortal and thus will exist as long as the world exist, and men are given the Gift of Death, after a short time in The Halls of Mandos they leave the confines of the world), half elves have to choose to be counted among the elves or men. Elrond's twin brother Elros chose to be counted among Men and was the first King of Numenor Tar-Minyatur.

[@reckor87]

Nori/Poppy's relationship its giving Frodo-Sam vives :)

[@hashir]

I really loved the song in the credits!

[@musicaladventure5]

Sauron really didn't lie though, and he presents a good quandary. Galadriel was willing to forgive the evil he did, when she didn't think it had effected her. And now she refuses to join him, even when she was the one that convinced him to come out of black knight retirement. (Honestly, Halbrand has been put in kind of a weird predicament XD like "oh NOW you want me to retire and ignore the issues going on middle earth?! Now, when I've been invigored again, and are back in Middle Earth. Not when I was tired and depressed back on the paradise island??.) XD

[@TheFMC510]

FINALLY!!! I was waiting specifically for your reaction!!!

[@Migzter05]

Galadriel is so ready to swallow that Sauron D. Jeez.

[@_Eternal-Darkness_]

I really loved this show, like the characters and music and settings, absolutely beautiful places in the show. I've also always liked galadriel, just wasn't a fan of the hobbits

[@MartinBryan]

Did you ever noticed that the raft , looks like Sauron‘s crown!

[@jonathanmiller7509]

Thank you so much. I really enjoyed season 1 of Rings. Far from perfect. I thought world was beautiful/ cast was great and I loved the acting in this. I thought some of the dialogue was bad-- occasionally very bad-- and the plot has some issues, but it was good. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for not being full of hate. Finished episode 8 and watched some reviews, so much toxic hate. So much vitriol. Thank you for being thoughtful and not hateful.

[@mechtime]

His advice and lore is not his "essence" in the Elven Rings. He helped them reach the skills that would create them, but never worked directly on them. The Elven Rings were "clean" of his spirit. Sauron being part of the development of the artistry, however, understood exactly their nature, and thus knew how to forge the One to have power over them. But the Three were of such potency, that he needed to transfer so much of himself from spirit into matter to control them, he permanently weakened himself, creating a fatal flaw that in the end was used to undo him (Gandalf's master plan).