THE RINGS OF POWER Episode 1 Breakdown & Ending Explained - Lord of the Rings Connections & Theories

[@ThinkStory]

What did you think of the first episode? Do we toss it into Mount Doom or journey forward? Episode 2 Breakdown: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2rQY6WIh6-jsNE Episode 3 Breakdown: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnmpq2qbm7SGmc0

[@__Oku__]

Since I haven't watched any of the lord of the rings movies or read the books, I really like it so far 🤷🏾. Since I'm watching this with fresh eyes and no expectations, I have no complaints. Everything from production, to acting, visuals, sound design and dialog was really well done in my opinion. Can't wait for more.

[@jeremysmith4620]

I watched both episodes and enjoyed it. Seems like it will be fun. I don't need media to copy what preceded it and certainly don't need that as an excuse to promote rather nasty views of others like so many that have some sort of issue with this show. Movies aren't books, books aren't TV shows, TV shows aren't comics. Each type of media and the time in which it is made effects it in a multitude of ways. I don't need things to always stay the same. How dull. If I wanted nothing but the books I wouldn't watch this, post about it, or try to influence others - I'd simply read the books again. Seems like a better way to appreciate something a person claims they enjoy rather than just complain about every adaptation of it. Then again most of us know many of the complaints have nothing to do about a series of books or a TV adaptation. Keep up the great coverage of the series and can't wait to see the breakdowns!

[@seandoherty6215]

@@__Oku__ have you read the books? I would consider it a good show if it was an original IP but purposefully undoing someone else’s creation is awful. They don’t have the talent to create something original and make it successful so they used the name recognition of someone else to tell “their” story. It’s just gross

[@karolean8342]

I didn't have much expectations but I just can't watch episode 1 past the intro with Galadriel. I found myself skipping forward and couldn't be bothered to watch the entire episode. It's probably not that bad but HotD is much better in my opinion and the fact that I'm eagerly waiting for the next episodes of HotD just makes me unable to enjoy the change of tone and universe. Rings of Power is too... childish? I just can't stand watching children do things or the harfoot being hobbits more than 20 minutes into the episode. Lotr managed to have that kind of innocence in the first minutes then switch to something more interesting and darker quite quickly to retain my attention. Switching from Galadriel fighting the snow troll to homeless dirty small people or dirty human is not only boring but also insulting. Why is everyone except the elves so dirty and pathetic?

[@__Oku__]

@@seandoherty6215 Are you Okay? The Lord of the Rings books and movies remain untouched. It's not that deep, calm down. They're just telling their own story here, what's wrong with that? And what does any of that have to do with how good the show is? If you don't enjoy the show for what it is then that's fair; but everything you've said here sounds like a reach. You guys seem extremely biased. I've thoroughly enjoyed what I've watched so far, personally. And no, I haven't read the books, I already mentioned that.

[@richard1493]

In the scene where Elrond is introduced, the messenger elf refers to him as “Herald Elrond.” The first time I watched this episode was without subtitles, so imagine my surprise when I learned learned that Elrond’s first name is Harold.

[@jennifermoriarty2188]

Lol

[@aidancallahan6271]

Yo I thought the same thing! LMAO

[@jaicabryizky6987]

@@googlelord1678 yes, you are 100% correct & definitely not crazy. It was so cringey. Not even one minute into the first episode and they couldn't resist their urges to use that opening scene as vessel in which to cram their political-correctness narratives- the trusty, predictable ol' classic "Any woman/girl who crosses paths with a group of 2 or more men/boys must be subjected to an obligatory deluge of cruelty, bullying, misogyny, physically violence, and obvs probably rape too- I mean, what else would men/boys do when they see women/girls- isn't that right, Hollywood liberals?" Such a tired, weak, predictable & boring old trope that Hollywood can't let go of. Thankfully more & more people are noticing this trash & becoming vocal aabout how sick of it they are.

[@Cauldron6]

I've only ever read the Hobbit but I'm enjoying the show so much so far that it makes me want to go back and read the series and companion pieces from Tolkien. There's a lot of naysayers in the comments and while they're entitled to their opinion, but lots of folks that I've spoken to who aren't close to the source materials that are intrigued by it. It might be a bit of a deviation from the norm but I think there's lots of potential, especially for bringing in new fans.

[@RonToto555]

Dont read the books if you like this.... you will just be disappointed. Either in the books or in the realization that this is just a badly written story. With some what similar names.

[@Cauldron6]

@@RonToto555 maybe I should read them anyway and enjoy them as two different stories in two different mediums? Media can other things beside complete perfection and abject failure.

[@RonToto555]

@@Cauldron6 you are correct. Enjoy!

[@owenmccarthy0625]

0:48 “Named after my ex-girlfriend” I’m dying! 😂😂

[@Arsenefaithful]

Soo good

[@FrazzyNZ]

Don't forget that Elrond is half elf and his brother was the original founder of numenor and was human. Also Gandalf and the rest of that Astari weren't introduced to middle earth until 3rd age. But I do think the show has brought the stranger in as Gandalf. I suspect another character we have seen in episode 2 to be sauron the deceiver (in his name he is known as a deceiver due to his ability to shape shift).

[@vinvinbrabra]

What about the blue wizards? They came to middle earth in the second age. Unless you prefer the original history about them.

[@akikolehmainen88]

A lot of content aims to sell these days by explaining people why this series is awful. As for me, the first two episodes were a pleasant surprise.

[@finduzzle2991]

Well, its is an insult to Tolkiens intellectual property. That is the problem. If you are a book fan this is like someone spitting on the thing you love. If you make a show of the Silmarillion (A already existing story) Why change it? Why twist characters? Why create things that do not exist and change de course of the story so it can't become the same story as in the books. Sad that people nowaday defend something that is clearly disrespecting the author of the story. Tolkien would turn in his grave if he saw that. It just makes zero sense.

[@solaawodiya7360]

@@finduzzle2991 How is it a disrespect to Tolkien's Intellectual property when the Tolkien Estate sold them the rights? It's understandable that they have made deviations from the texts and this is largely due to the limits on rights they have. No doubt they would have done much better if they had rights to the similarion.

[@TheInternetIsDeadToMe]

Book Vs tv. It was bound to happen.

[@finduzzle2991]

@@solaawodiya7360 It is disrespectful because rights do not equal intellectual property. For example you have Peter Jackson who did everything to stay true to the books while bringing it out in the medium of a movie. He even said he did everything to catch the feelings Tolkien was trying to delver in his work. The you have this "Thing" that doesn't even want to hold up to the source material. Ask yourself this simple question and be honest with yourself...would Tolkien like this represantation of his work? Would he like the show that changes everything he worked for? Because that is what is disrespectful and if you don't see/feel it I can't help you more.

[@farhan007]

@@finduzzle2991 the source material is based on content that reads like historical non fiction. That means that anyone who wants to adapt that type of content has to do their own work in filling in the gaps with things like character development. This isn't Lord of the Rings books where it's a full fledged narrative story that follows a set of characters and their journeys along with their character development. The new series is based on literal appendixes and the Silmarillion. They have no where near the narrative structure as the original LOTR trilogy. Are you even a fan of Tolkien? Do you even know what content the show is based off?

[@gabesimon7218]

Honestly as someone who Doubted this show heavily and absolutely loves the original books and Jackson lotr trilogy, sure it doesn’t compare, but seeing this as an attempt to reintroduce the lord of the rings series to the modern age, I see it as a good thing. The first two episodes surprised me. Sure, was it perfect or completely faithful to the source material no, absolutely not. But was it nice to see the second age, one that is not very well known throughout the mass public except for the book reader, yes. It brought back memories of watching Jackson’s lotr for the first time and seeing the hobbit as well. Was the hobbit perfect or even overall great? Absolutely not. But it still struck a cord with me that sucked me back into the wonderful world that Tolkien left behind. So far this series while not perfect nor 100% faithful or accurate to the tolkiens work it was a breath of fresh air that has begun to suck me in and enjoy the wonderful unique world of middle earth that the original trilogy of Jackson and books that Tolkien had wrote. I love this world, and has always brought me happiness and enjoyment so I’m happy with this show so far as it has brought me back into this wonderful story again.

[@MyName1992]

I agree, I’m personally enjoying it. It’s nowhere near as good as the films but then the films were amazing. But I still think this series is worth a watch for sure. All this removing bad reviews and dislikes is a disgrace though. No one’s views should be censored. If they hate it because there’s a racially diverse cast then that’s wrong but they can’t put everyone that dislikes the show under that same umbrella. Everyone saying it’s strange having a black elf. I don’t understand it, I actually think Arondir played by Ismael Cruz is one of the best characters in it

[@DaVeO52]

I have watched three animated adaptations of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, 6 live action films, 1 stage play, 2 fan films, played the LotR MMO for seven years. have the Shadow of Mordor on my Steam playlist. I can handle someone's else's vision of Tolkien's works. I think this is shaping up to be a fantastic series with different flavours of Tolkien adaptations as well as establishing their own voice BASED on Tolkien's works. The dialogue and pacing will work itself out. A much stronger debut then either The Witcher and The Wheel of Time to compare recent shows of the genre, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next episode. Some GORGEOUS shots and beautiful sets and locations used. Wonderful, stirring music thanks to Bear. Well played actors and some great looking extras. Monster sfx 👍👍 Some of the dialogue needs to loosen up a bit, it's a little stiff in some cases and scenes need to breathe a bit more, but I understand these first two eps were establishing a lot and we'll probably see more eps dedicated to longer scenes with the same characters soon.

[@zyzzyx3160]

The question is: can you handle horrible writing, Mary Sue/Karen protagonist and horrible acting?

[@greezyy5654]

You came clutch with this one bro !!

[@MandEmma7]

Realz

[@jameshilsdon1494]

Centered on Galadriel's iconic quest for vengeance, a central theme of Tolkien's work, this is a beautiful and profound adaptation of George R R Martin's classic The Hunting of the Snoke. Both George Lucas and Lewis Carroll would be immensely proud.

[@sw6088]

Love the sarcasm.

[@frauleinhohenzollern]

Hahahahahahahaha

[@Cheddar_Wizard]

Once you said vengeance is a central theme of Tolkien my gut busted. Great satire.

[@F4R4D4Y]

George R.R. Martin

[@jameshilsdon1494]

@@F4R4D4Y Thanks for the correction. Great that that was your take away from the post! Actually, I should have corrected my comment after George gave up writing in order to spend his money and share random opinions more widely, leaving the completion of the work to Sandon Branderson.

[@Shamtutu]

So glad you're going to be making videos on this series! I watched all of your Westworld videos this season and they are always so well done

[@daudimasinde6280]

Have you watched Raised By Wolves? He's videos are VERY INFORMATIVE. He catches things I wouldn't catch watching the show ten times over.

[@Rizzyvoe]

@@daudimasinde6280 Lol. I didn’t want to believe it was that obvious and was hoping it was the current elf king

[@daudimasinde6280]

@@Rizzyvoe Sorry, I don't get your meaning. Could you please explain?

[@whitebeard9922]

And then Tyrion Lannister said to Galadriel: "The Baggins always pay their debts!" Gandalf Dumbledore was quite taken aback by the audacity of Tyrion. But Galadriel did not budge for she had the blood of the Dragons in her veins. She stood there until the Phoenix came gliding down above them all. She ordered," shitaaris! " and the Phoenix in its rage pooped all the droppings on Tyrion's head. Soon Darth son of Gloin unleashed his axe, Legolas son of Shrek & Fiona grabbed his bow and Aragon son of Voldemort unsheated his sword, for the Force was with them. Cersi who was standing alone in the corner, throwing surreptitious looks on Aragon, walked into the center of the room and shouted, " Its dangerous business Aragon going out your door. Look what Bezos the Balrog has done to us. Even the richest person can change the course of the story. You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to. For Bezos has ruined everything of the legacy of LOTR." Thorin Skywalker was moved by the depth of those words so he added," I, the first of my name, the bane of Saruman Potter, the friend of Celebimbor Weasley, vow to finish this quest but The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true. But the company; Amazon Prime as destroyed the legendarium of Tolkien the wise." All what we can do is stand and watch the fanbase getting annihilated by Bezos the bald monster. At this hour of hopelessness Sam Malfoy said," But in the end it’s only a passing thing, this shadow; even darkness must pass. There’s some good in this world whose name is Peter Jackson, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for." Hordor also interjected, "Hordooor?" while the wildling girl whispered in his ear, "Grooot!" Tywin Lannister snapped, " I will, very coldly tell the bald Bezos monster that you know nothing Jeff Bezos!" At the end Gandalf Dumbledore added, " I will face Bezos on the bridge of Amazon Prime and I will say to that darkness "YOU CAN NOT PAAASSSSSS"

[@dll_Rhemuth948]

I take it you have a copy of “National Lampoon’s Bored of the Rings?”

[@artemisadida]

That explains everything :)) :)) :))

[@capellozapellini6074]

Lord of the rings was never that good to begin with.

[@anikijuttusaicharan3270]

greatest comment in the history of youtube commentary 😂😂😂

[@jbox75]

Based on the fact that he landed and befriended early hobbits, can talk to fireflies and seems to fit Gandalf in every way I would put my money on the stranger being Gandalf’s arrival to middle earth.

[@theminister1154]

The real proof is these hacks don't have a creative bone in their body. "Gandalf" is just more skin for the Tolkien skin-suit. Hobbits put the lotion on their skin or they get the hose.

[@aimansuriaprakash2380]

Gandalf wasn't in the second age.

[@scambammer6102]

he even sounded like gandalf when he was whispering to the bugs

[@GothKaida]

tbh i think its either Saruman or even Tom Bombadil

[@aimansuriaprakash2380]

@@GothKaida No

[@manuelmartinsbarbosa3872]

Visuals are astonishing, it's a fantastic to watch experience. I'm slowly coming to peace with the fact it's not "tolkien's writing" and enjoying the universe we're in.

[@theminister1154]

"I'm slowly coming to peace with the fact it's not " -tolkien's- writing"" FTFY. *It's not writing at all.* It's 2022 "content creation. It's hack-ass "content creators" with no life experience pumping out "THE MESSIGE" cloaked in a Tolkien skin suit. It's a bloody abomination. *Please permit me to explain why Holywood is so bad 2022: writing is a conservative endeavor.* Small-c conservative (anti-Utopian, based in eternal human nature & archetypes.) Even small-l liberal stories need to be told conservatively to work. Perhaps _especially_ liberal stories. Utopian characters don't seem real. "Girlbosses" are just phony men. Mary Sues who never get hit in a fight don't match the experience of real women in the real world. Black people where the story doesn't support break the 4th wall, pull you out of the show, kill verisimilitude. You want black people in a Tolkien show, you set it to the South with mostly black characters. And you probably get a much better show! Nobody complains about The Wire's lack of verisimilitude. (In fact it's the best TV show ever made, full stop.) If you want examples of liberal genre fiction done well, check out The Expanse & Arcane. Leave this crap lay. No one should do a "deep dive" into a pile of shit.

[@NendoNow]

I don't really wanna watch this show, but I'll definitely watch your recaps!

[@michaeldoane218]

Me too! Hahaha

[@josephpa05]

Its not bad at all. I feel people are not giving it a chance i was one of them. Buts it was good

[@spacekitt.n]

@@josephpa05 theres so many reasons to want to hate it. jeff bezos, being ridiculously expensive, adapting material from the greatest fantasy writer of all time, etc. its cool to hate all those things so people arent giving it a chance or shitting on it before they even see it

[@RoseJetExhaust]

@@spacekitt.n sadly true. I wish people could just take a look and try to make up their own mind about it before whining incessantly along with the entire internet.

[@asellandrofacchio7263]

@@josephpa05 I watched the first episode and it sucked. Nothing works.

[@jacoblocke9113]

Wow they actually stole this from diablo3. Tyrrell fell from the sky as a star and landed in a crater of fire. And he was called the stranger.jeezuz.

[@sarveshkumarnasare1355]

Hutouch is one app that binds all devices and you will love it!

[@sherrymoore687]

I never read the books just listened to many videos of the characters, but so far I can't say I dislike the new series it's ok I enjoy looking at , perhaps it maybe disappointing to fans who have read the books but not for those who just watched the movies like myself..

[@theminister1154]

Listen to the audiobook. Sounds like you are an aural person. It is a joy ("book" not books, there's only one book: the Red Book.) Not the [Gollum Actor] one, but the originals. Serkis... that's the guy.... one is fine, but the original is where Serkis & most of the other actors took their cues from. After that you'll come to despise this abomination appropriately. In return you'll have THE REAL THING, a wonderful thing indeed.

[@mclovinator22]

@@theminister1154 why do “Tolkien Fans” try so hard to take enjoyment away from people. “Read this so you won’t enjoy this show anymore”, so fkn lame, you’re a much bigger problem than writers not exactly following an appendix of a book lol

[@frauleinhohenzollern]

@@mclovinator22 In their eyes, they're encouraging someone to explore the source material. They thought the person might enjoy the classic works of Tolkien himself rather than some bastardized side project for Amazon.... He even noticed the person said they enjoy listening to videos about the characters, and suggested Tolkiens work via the same medium, by listening to the audio book, not reading... So it's clear they actually cared enough to pay attention and make a meaningful suggestion. I see no malice or spite there. Its not like the person said they loved the show, it was a "meh, I guess I liked it". So it's not like the person tried ripping away a show the person was passionate about. He's trying to deepen their interest in Tolkien. Objectively, Tolkien writings are far more content rich than any TV show could hope to be... The irony of your comment..... You are getting on someone's case for being a "problem", but are yourself only seeing the worst in people and picking fights that aren't warranted. If there's a "problem" here, it's your comment.

[@mihaimercenarul7467]

seek a psychiatrist

[@frauleinhohenzollern]

@@mihaimercenarul7467 What's the problem?

[@mickeyhenry9824]

I think the build up was a little difficult to get into but overall I liked it. I’ll continue to watch..

[@mihaimercenarul7467]

ew

[@teaboiNO.1]

When Galadriel said “It’s Elfing Time” and then Elfed'd all over the Orcs was truly one of the moments of cinema history.

[@RebelEight-z7q]

🤣🤣

[@cive9948]

😂😂😂

[@sogggy]

7:32 Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter with a mullet.

[@acct5910]

Wow I didn't think it would be THIS bad. Maybe Morfydd hits her stride later, but so far she has been uninspiring as a main character. Are Elrond and half of the elves gay now?

[@josephpa05]

It was a lot better than I expected. U are just hating

[@yasdikei8398]

@@josephpa05 a lot better??? That is a lot worse than expected from billion dollar project and LOTR name on it

[@josephpa05]

@@yasdikei8398 a billion dollars for 5 seasons right?

[@acct5910]

@josephpa05 Nah I thought it would be decent, but after two episodes I have zero interest aside from chuckling at what the writers see high fantasy as. The dialogue is ridiculous. I will say that the green screen work is above average. Visually, I can see why the show has such a price tag. The writing and acting has been comical though, unless all of the elves are meant to be gay and weak (All EXCEPT for Galadriel and the black elf). This show feels like a giant focus group robot produced it. Shameful bastardization of Tolkiens work.

[@yasdikei8398]

@@josephpa05 wether it is 2 or 10 seasons. DUDE, IT IS A LOT OF BUDGET. How on earth you cant find a damn good writer to make an excellent story

[@BaDazai]

I liked it very much. Everyone was complaining and I was curious about how bad it would be but it was actually good and fantastical. These days people are too caught up in perfection and complaining, they've forgotten how care free entertainment should be. Don't be too serious, it's not good for your health, especially over something as redundant as entertainment.

[@DerekRabanal]

Much agreed! I’m enjoying the show so far as well!

[@napolien1310]

I have one question for you. What was your thoughts about the Ice troll scene?

[@DerekRabanal]

@@napolien1310 it was entertaining. What did you think of the ice troll scene?

[@Strawberryknight]

I am actually surprised that it is better than expectation. It is totally different to what I hear from some youtubers complaining about woke agenda. I have not seen any woke yet. Dark skin elves were mentioned in Tolkien books. So I am ok with it. I am wondering if they would corrupt and eventually become orcs.

[@napolien1310]

@@DerekRabanal entertaining!! At first it was good when the troll throw the ice rock at them and the vanguard fall was great it show the troll can think and experienced fighter, but then he jump at the Elves and they just stood there while he picks and destroy them like they were nothing until Galadriel comes in destroying the Troll with a few hits and slashes effortlessly without even looking at it, just to show how Stronk she is Really!! Those Elves were that bad!! They stood there without doing anything! She is their commander and we see no commanding where is the character struggle!! Or the character flows it would be more meaningful if an Elf died and was their reasons of their wish to go back because their search was meaningless. How is that entertaining to you!! Look at how they did it in the movie when the fellowship fought the cave troll, and you will understand how it should be, I would understand if they did it on purpose to show how impulsive Galadriel and want her to learn later but her companions already gone so what's the point.

[@paulrhome6164]

The one thing that didn't seem to make sense in the show itself is the light coming out of Valinor. The show established that the Trees are dead, so that divine light should not be there. The Valar themselves might glow a little, but that light was equal or greater to what the trees were putting off earlier. Currently, the land should be lit by the same sun and moon as the rest of the world.

[@scambammer6102]

the thing that didn't make sense was Galadriel swimming across an ocean, and then encountering a "raft" that looked like a cheap set from the props department

[@olesideburns]

I think one point to maybe hammer home more that is easy to overlook is that the Dagger was sent back as a reminder or corrupted influence Galadriel. My thoughts on the stranger is that he is the one ring. The scene with Nori is meant to feel like when Frodo picks up the glowing ring that isn't hot and is officially the ring bearer in fellowship of the ring.

[@stephenlamb3929]

It is great ! Those who hate it need to get a life. I’m no Lord of the Rings expert I just watch the movies and enjoyed them back in the day . This show is great and is visually stunning. People need just follow along see where it leads etc..

[@paulrhome6164]

Thank you. I wish the Make Arda Great Again crowd would take a hike. Once you get rid of all the arguments of it not being based on the book that it's legally forbidden to be based on, all you're really left with is people who have a problem with black dwarves. The most jarring change, the compressed timeline, is also one of the most necessary for a successful TV show. To really convey something on an elven timeline in five seasons would have generations of human characters coming and going every few episodes.

[@RedNinja115]

I’ve seen tons of people say that it’s probably Sauron in the crater, but I actually LOVE the idea of that being either Gandalf or even Saruman, itd be such a good twist imo

[@qarcon3247]

wait i thought the only choices were that he was a wizard. iirc sauron came to middle dressed as an elf

[@LMB943]

I think he is from the same race as Gandolf. He is a wizzard.

[@QartveliMamakaci2000]

Could be one of the blue wizards too, as we know they came to Middle Earth waaay sooner than Gandalf or Saruman

[@bradleywoods3742]

No it wouldn't? Gandalf came to middle earth in the 3rd age when the elves were extremely weak militarily from all the past battles and what remained of the numernorians was also a shadow of its former self, these 2 were the main military powers in middle earth (as Sauron had conquered many of the lands to the south and east). However in the second age the numenorians had a vast and powerful military, certainly the strongest during the second age. They didn't need help, as Sauron couldn't compete with Numenor. In fact Sauron outright surrendered when the numenorian army came to Mordor, thats how insane the power imbalance was. Remember Gandalf's main goal was to help the people of middle earth unite against Sauron, he wasn't strong enough to 1v1 him.

[@themanofshadows]

It doesn’t make sense to be Gandalf, he didn’t appear until the 3rd Age.

[@brentschmgbert3578]

Thank you for the recap. It has been a couple years since my last lotr watchthrough. First episode has been a bit much for me to handle tbh

[@theminister1154]

Leave this lay. Listen to the original audiobooks. Read the Red Book. Watch the Jackson trilogy. This does not exist. This is just 2022 in a Tolkien skin suit.

[@brentschmgbert3578]

@@theminister1154 and… ?

[@catgoddess1190]

The magicians, including Gandalf, were sent to Middle Earth by ship according to the Silmarillion. But it wouldn't be the first time that something was changed for a TV show from its source books.

[@willnitschke]

In the stupidest way possible...

[@catgoddess1190]

@@willnitschke LOL! 😆

[@LMB943]

@@willnitschke I think your negative and narrow mind is stupid 🤯🥱

[@farhan007]

@@willnitschke why? This method seems more intriguing. Do these alleged anti-woke Tolkien super fans even know what content this show is based off? It's based off literal appendixes and the Similatarion which reads like a history non-fiction. Anyone who wants to create a TV show based on those works has to expand and spice things up for entertainment purposes as that's the point of a TV series.

[@faintsherin4468]

@farhan Then they should make their own story then? Who is this for anyway? Your run of the mill tv watcher might like this and lickspittles like you?

[@patriciaandjeffbryantandcr8260]

I sort of took the man falling from the sky as Gandalf. Gandalf is a Maia transformed into a man/wizard. Perhaps this is why Gandalf had such affection for Hobbits as they befriended him in his early days on Middle Earth.

[@flamboyentpromotions3471]

Gandalf came to middle earth in the 3rd age so this shouldn’t be Gandalf

[@beersmurff]

@@flamboyentpromotions3471 Elrond was also not born at this time, what's your point? You think they follow Silmarillion, a book the have no rights to quote?

[@flamboyentpromotions3471]

@@beersmurff is that right didnt know Elrond wasn’t around at this time I thought Elrond was older than this,since he was around when Tom Bambadil was known by a different name, and he also fought against Sauron after the formation of the rings so how was he not alive?. My point was its too obvious for it to be Gandalf but you could be right

[@beersmurff]

@@flamboyentpromotions3471 He was alive when most of it happpens yes. But some of the things in start to mid episode 1 happens thousand years before he was born. Before Numenor etc. In the show it seems like few hundred years or less. Small stuff. Wont break the story though. But I am sure hardcore fans will pick it out 🙂

[@juggaloclownpreacher]

When Romans would come to villages to take their weapons those people would bury them in different places. After a man lost the war during that time period they probably buried some of the weapons under Barnes and different places so the elves didn't have all of their weapons.

[@clownofthetimes6727]

That barn has been here for a very long time then.

[@dll_Rhemuth948]

Returning to Valinor? No Nolder who left Valinor could return because they were held under the Curse of Mandos. So she can’t take the Ship to the West until she withstands the draw of the Ring. They’re just f-ing up everything.

[@treperry9393]

I’m pretty sure Galadriel returned to Valinor after the events of LotR, and there were other Noldor who repented and returned. I don’t remember Galadriel taking part in the kinslaying either, but i could be wrong. Stop fishing for reasons to be mad.

[@dll_Rhemuth948]

@@treperry9393 not mad…disappointed is more like it.IIRC, Glorfindel (and Luthien, but she came back as a mortal) was the only Noldorin elf who returned to ME after being in Valinor again (mostly because he got killed by the Balrog on the escape route from Gondolin). Still don’t know if it’s the same Glorfindel in fellowship of the rings as it is in the Silmarillion though. The Nolder who returned to the un dying lands, were granted reprieve after the war of jewels… So right before the creation of Numenor. So in that sense yes some of the Noldor repented and were allowed back into the undying lands but not Galadriel. The Valar refused her request. She retuned to the West at the end of the 3rd Age. And, no, she wasn’t part of the Kinslaying….she and the remaining Noldor went north and crossed the Helcaraxe into ME.

[@finduzzle2991]

@@treperry9393 Are you kidding? Fishing for reasons? This show is direspecting Tolkiens work and world and you say that? Honestly I don't get why people think it is okay to change inellectual property. hristopher Tolkien had a reason to defend the rights up until his death. That show is exactly what HE DID NOT WANT TO HAPPEN. The he dies and they spit on his wish and make this abomination of a show. It aint fishing if the fishes are straight up slapping you in the face. Sad to see people defending those actions.

[@__Oku__]

Honestly, I'm really enjoying this, I don't know what people are talking about 🤷🏾

[@xensonar9652]

You're gonna get people who genuinely don't like it, and that's cool. And you're gonna get people who decided they don't like it before watching it, became part of a subreddit or group that come together to bash it, and are too deep into that to ever let themselves like it.

[@jaystonesmith4672]

@@xensonar9652 And you’re going to get people who decided they’d love it before they watched it. It works both ways.

[@xensonar9652]

@@jaystonesmith4672 It's normal to be excited for a TV show and look out for when it starts. It's normal to not be excited, pass on it, watch something else instead. None of those two things have any symmetry with those who form a community about hating something they have not even seen yet.

[@mutlu8655]

Best message is to give 1 on imdb

[@MrNgTV-yd9tc]

The Rings of Power by Amazon Prime Video is definitely one of the series that Amazon has made. I really liked the scene where he got captured by the terrorists and then he said "It's Ringing time" and then he became invisible and then proceeded to kill the bad guys. Truly one of the series.

[@miriamzopf5920]

these kind of comments are really getting old

[@Silas-Inservio-Pax]

what are you doing? is this worth your time?

[@finduzzle2991]

@@miriamzopf5920 Better than people who praise this insult to Tolkiens intellectual property. People don't get why it is so disrespectful towards him and his son who was never willing to sell the rights to Amazon until his death because he knew it would be butchered. Have some respect for the work of this man even or especially when he is dead. He would turn in his gave if he saw what they did to his world. Sad that people think that this shit is okay.

[@victorpradha9946]

@@finduzzle2991 Well...at least it's something different from Fast and Furious, yet another Batman iteration or Mission Impossible sequel number 8, or another Jurassic Park Jaws on Land story. The visuals are really good, the costumes and sets are quite nice and at least I'm not scrolling through my phone while watching it. So I don't care that it's NOT faithful to Tolkien's vision...he never bothered to finish and publish his pre LotR materials, so he never really gave us his final vision for this stuff.

[@stargirl7646]

Thanks for the detailed breakdown! I don’t have Prime and wasn’t sure I wanted to pay to watch this yet lol

[@derekp9737]

its not worth it...its slightly better than that wheels of time which was underwhelming...this is okish...but not worth the price of prime...just binge watch it all in a day when you get a free prime account promo ;) If you liked the hobbit and the previous lord of the rings moviews these "supposably younger" versions of those characters feel misplaced and poorly selected for the roles...some of them atleast...

[@seandoherty6215]

I love how giladriel was kicking boys asses since she was a child! Go Amazon. You show those evil men!

[@ImDaBaby]

It’s not that deep bro

[@vinclord4970]

@@ImDaBaby are you calling this deep? That's as superficial as it gets

[@sneakydalek1632]

sarcasm

[@spacekitt.n]

average andrew tate fan

[@peerpetersen6161]

Well, Identity politics certainly is a reasons for them to break with the lore quite often. genders and races need to be represented equally, even though this is extremely unnatural in real life, let alone a fantasy lore like tolkiens LOTR.

[@BaDazai]

I think the Stranger is Gandalf. The way he was whispering to the fireflies is very reminiscent of how he whispered to the moth to go call foe the Eagle in T.L.O.T.R trilogy. Also, him being found and cared for by Hafoots (aka Hobits)explains his affinity to Hobits in in T.L.O.T.R trilogy. He had a history with them dating back to when he first landed in middle earth and this forged a bond with them.

[@yeoldehotdog306]

This wasn't that bad of a watch, definitely different from Tolkien's work but still enjoyable, it keeps the feel of Jackson's work. Enjoying it so far.

[@peerpetersen6161]

Except it does not lmao

[@peerpetersen6161]

To even compare this to peter jacksons work is pure blasphemie, compared to the hobbit they took changing lore aspects and cgi to a whole new level

[@Legacysong2012]

I am here extremely late, but I don't get how people would've thought the Stranger was Sauron, instead of one of the Blue Wizards or Gandalf (and it shouldn't be Gandalf). The Istari did not arrive yet, so one of them would make more sense, though the Blue Wizards are the only ones that were in the 2nd age, and that was a change Tolkien made after LoTR. Sauron was defeated but did not leave Middle Earth.

[@demej00]

I love this first season. Fantastic.

[@lassehedegaard9054]

Liked both episodes. Astonishing visuals and beautifully put together. I'm excited to see where it goes... This is Good Television, sadly, the majority of people seems not to see it like that

[@PikeBishop1]

Because we see beyond simply pretty visuals and veneer. CW level writing, terribly uninteresting and unlikable characters, lore obliteration etc. To each their own though!

[@yashsingh1631]

I can watch avtar for visuals

[@HappyMetalGeek]

Never knew stones looked down. Learn something new everyday.

[@LaMarco0]

I loved it!!!

[@megan7792]

Found it boring. Galadriel is not casted well and has a very one dimensional personality

[@kingthranduil8807]

She doesnt seem as wise and as powerful like in the films. Talks too much and argumentative. 😁

[@kyriezerlego06]

Lots of twist and everything.. This is amazing😍

[@dinotrex526]

Best explanation, the other ones are too in-depth making it more complicated. I'm no expert to all the names and characters and locations so this summary was really good. Thanks!!

[@Mako2401]

It's more of a fan fiction show than an actual LOTR show. the first episode was extremely boring and slow.

[@zasmanreviews497]

I disagree

[@zoebaggins90]

@@zasmanreviews497 you think this is accurate to the lore?

[@yasdikei8398]

You have to be a fan to write fan fiction

[@arpanbruh]

@@zoebaggins90 why does it have to be accurate when it's beautiful with good stories from the world you love so much.

[@AnnabelTheGoldsmith]

A fan of Tolkien would not write this 💩

[@joab757]

Watched 1st episode and I know everyone said it’s bad, but it’s not terrible. It’s not GoT’s, but we have to give it a little time to set everything up. The target audience may be an issue but we will see. But I am not very hopeful and that’s pretty sad. I could be wrong and I will give it a chance.

[@animejanai4657]

The target audience is for those who don't care about Tolkien's canon story or the contradictions all the changes have with the canon plot. Perhaps the showrunners and director expect 99% of the audience to have short term memories, so any plot holes or contradictions against the canon story will be forgotten.

[@ringoflynt]

I’m 50 so I remember when this was an animated series that came on TV. It was so cheesy when I look back on it 😂 One of the only times I watched a TV series as a kid from beginning to end. I couldn’t wait for the next episode. I’ll for sure watch this

[@RizztrainingOrder]

Two hours in and I'm as bored as I'd wish that I wouldn't have been. Two hours into Jacksons trilogy and I was absolutely HOOKED!

[@kingthranduil8807]

The trailer alone of LOTR got me hooked.

[@jasongoodman3546]

your work is excellent

[@samuelattias1200]

WHOA!

[@derekp9737]

Considering they spent so much money on it...the 2 episodes so far were underwhelming...especially seeing those dollar store plant decorations on costumes felt cringy...they could of just used real branches and leaves, not crappy plastick...which was so obvious...so far its a "meh"...

[@beaubeau6498]

No one gives a fuck about your feelings, Derek

[@bigcinco9361]

You did an awesome job 👏🏿🙌

[@mrawesome1688]

I just watched the first episode and I get a mixed feeling about it. It's like they took elements from lord of the rings and they tried to force the modern world and its problems in there. Also why do elves remind me more of Knights of Camelot than elves? Also the armor the elves wore look nothing like elven. This is trash comparing to house of the dragon.

[@beefexpress3]

What exactly about it was ”modern world and its problems”?

[@krioni86sa]

@@beefexpress3 Karens and leftist

[@BigDavos]

If seeing black and latinos on film in places of power bothers you that much than your the problem

[@mrawesome1688]

Well to be completely blunt, racism. It is very clear that actors of color were force into the show even at roles which did not make sense to be according to the lore of the lord of the rings. Then you have actors that look like any typical modern teenager. They didn't even try to give them a fitting hairstyle or to make them look like they fit in this world. Just don't touch Tolkien's work is way to precious to ruin it with the modern world's polution.

[@mrawesome1688]

It's not about watching black and Latinos that does not bother me at all. It bothers me watching a bad written story though where characters are out of place. Like in the real world a Latino is a Latino you don't call a Latino a Chinese that would be absurd wouldn't be? So yeah what bothers me is to push stuff by force into the story to serve some purposes and ruin the original work to do so.

[@vicoregano]

Liked the first episode but loved the second episode!!! I seem really potential with this show!

[@mihaimercenarul7467]

you are blind then

[@selina6408]

I didnt think Sadoc’s book was prophecy, but a record of past migration patterns.

[@michaelschmidt1101]

I just watched Episode One of the new LOTRs TV series... if it wasn't so boring that I fell asleep then I'd be crying bc its so bad...

[@sawboaz242]

As a person who live in foreign country, I don't mind at all. I enjoyed watching it.

[@MRCRAZYSCOTTY]

Hell ya, subscribed. Looking forward to watching your videos after every episode 🤘🍻

[@DG-no4jc]

This review makes me want to keep watching the show.

[@Duuude9448]

black elf hmmm ... then he should be half human and half Elf, his father is black And his mother is an elf! they should Explain why he is a black elf.

[@benjamintpoon]

Perhaps they should also explain why there’s magic trees, ghosts, dwarves, Orcs and goblins with a new zealand accent, gigantic spider monsters, trolls, a guy falling from the sky like a meteor, elves who live thousands of years…

[@littlezombie9621]

we all know about gandalfs affliction with the hobbits, right? this would be a pretty dope writers choice if the stranger was gandalf and really connect the dots

[@williamjohnson5229]

Gandalf doesn't arrive until the third age. Why would they change that?. absolutely no respect for the source material.

[@beersmurff]

@@williamjohnson5229 Does the Apendix say that or the Silmarillion? Very important difference as the show has no rights to use Silmarillion as source and are basing the entire show on Appendixes of Lotr and few letters.

[@alvinjohnson2402]

Hmm, it could be Gandalf and the blazing eye foreshadowing his destiny representing the eye of Sauron OR it's Sauron himself till his memories return.

[@jamesonholbrook3969]

Gandalf came to middle earth by BOAT NOT METEOR

[@acct5910]

They will say some dumb shit like “Oh this isn’t actually Gandalf, it’s the first early attempt at creating the being that will eventually BECOME Gandalf, but this isn’t actually Gandalf..”

[@treperry9393]

We don’t know that’s it’s Gandalf. Relax. There were other Istari that Tolkien retconned into the second age and it could very well be one of them. And even if it is, who cares?

[@louiserias]

I really really hope it is either Allatar or pallando, as Tolkien wrote that they came to middle earth SIGNIFICANTLY earlier than saruman, Radagast and Gandalf

[@LMB943]

Watched it and loved it. My friends loved it too.

[@minervaverdant1380]

I enjoyed watching too!

[@shiloh5199]

Appreciate your breakdown of episode 1, the boat ride into the light was a bit confusing.

[@firebearva]

Oh for the sake of lluvatar, meteor man is Gandalf the Naked.

[@paulrhome6164]

Gandalf is not immune to fire until he gets Cirdan's ring. I could see this being an earlier form, but I don't think that's a clue

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

I have never seen an elf with a crew cut before. Overall, the hair-do looks way to modern; especially when compared to Jackson's LotR.

[@danielc9967]

Well its not Jacksons LoTR is it?

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

@@danielc9967 It doesn't seem to be Tolkien's LotR either. The haircut seems 'a bit' out of place. More like an elven tactical operator. Maybe I'll watch 13 Hours at Benghazi or Black Hawk Down instead.

[@amandaarcher7919]

To be honest all the critics made me apprehensive about this show. I'll just wait untill it ends and then binge

[@neonsolace2748]

Dude the first episodes were fine af Dude haters gonna hate

[@mo-xt3ql]

I loved both episodes ...

[@elizabethtaylor8428]

I saw this and there is a teachable moment - don't write a horrible script. I found an abundance of continuity errors and plot holes. By the way, in the ending credits, Amazon made it clear this series is inspired by Tolkien but does not contain anything related to the lore. Amazon does not have the rights to the second age so the producers and show runners did write the novel Tolkien never wrote and trust me, Tolkien wouldn't write this mess. Sure it's pretty but being pretty alone is not enough if this series lacks a soul.

[@keelahrose]

Tolkien didn’t write women as main characters so of course he’d never write this.

[@voisoddrivod9480]

@@keelahrose Also never wrote about black elves or black hobbits.

[@keelahrose]

@@voisoddrivod9480 Of course not. Go cry about it.

[@jacksonwalker2667]

Im not gonna blindly hate on the show but I am worried about how the show will hold up. It was hyped up for a while so I doubt they're gonna mess it up but a part f me is nervous to be honest

[@dextermorgan6689]

It’s actually one of the worst shows I’ve seen in my life as I couldn’t watch after 10 minutes.. Meanwhile I can recite the whole LOTR franchise as I’m watching it again for the 100th time. Shows how piss poor a quality of show when I eat up LOTR content like crazy (Lore vids aswell) yet I can’t stomach this show at all. I skipped through for some orc / evil parts for there to be NONE first two episodes. I came in with low expectations only to be blown away I expected ANYTHING worthwhile.. 🤬

[@jtidema]

I don’t think you meant to say that Galadriel wasn’t afraid to back down from a fight

[@Revellius21]

I think the Stranger is one of the Blue Wizards.

[@onixgn500]

I thought that as well that he was an iteration of Gandalf. Good thinking.

[@JohnDoe-cj2un]

Tee first 2 episodes are like: They fly now. They fly now? THEY FLY NOW!!!

[@AirForceKrissy]

Your take on Gandalf is incorrect, the writers have already stated that the stranger isn’t Gandalf. The rest of the video was good tho

[@saulfloresgarcia8852]

I believe that "this Elrond" is actually Sauron...the real one? maybe trapped or worse, I think there are clues. This Elrond, is already close to the king and has schemed to be near Celebrimbor. Too much a coincidence that has forgotten Durin for 20 years.

[@theminister1154]

Halbarand is Sauron. You can stop watching now. You're welcome.

[@williamwalsh3779]

Just no. Sauron comes in the 2nd age as Annatar. Even if they depart from cannon there's no way they'd hide Sauron in Elrond. Sauron will be approached Celebrimbor and Elrond after (or while) they are making the forge tower. That forge will be used to make the rings.

[@AirForceKrissy]

What are any of y’all talking about 🤣

[@ramonmoreno152]

12:13 anybody else see inklings of Gandalf The White's staff on the deck of the ship? Also hoping the old man from the sky is one of the Blue wizards!

[@Paal2005]

It's simply Lindonian symbols. They are seen in mass in the game "Battle for Middle Earth: 2" on many of the elves buildings and ships.

[@ferrm1992]

The Stranger (Joseph Mawle) is also credited as “Oren” which I don’t know if it’s a nickname

[@beersmurff]

It's not a name found in any published sources of Tolkien, so most likely Amazon made up the nickname

[@Sixeye_]

Could be Gandalf sent back to try and stop Sauron. When Gandalf dies fighting the Balrog in LOTR, he is then sent back to the second age.

[@orochimarupr981]

He never died lmaoo

[@Kamala-4-President]

I bet the meteor man is Gandalf. That explains his strong relationship with the hobits.

[@kunalhazra118]

The story is slow. Character building isnt done properly. In the past movies lady galadriel was a magistic and wise character. In the series this character act like a angry teenage girl although she is several houndreds year old. The casting and make up isnt proper. The elves needed more attention on makeup and costume. Otherwise camera work cgi and music is superb. I am a big fan of hobbit series. I have been waiting for this series for a long time, so far its nothing like the hobbit movies.

[@ours_3920]

i enjoyed the episodes so far! found some of the evles acting a bit weird though but it's ok. amazing peter mullan ( so good that had to search who he was ) nailed the acting as dwarf.... i don't know if it's easy to play a role like that or not. but pfff loved hes acting sooo much! i haven't read the Silmarillion but over all i loved it so far!

[@mihaimercenarul7467]

ewwww

[@NdubuisiNwade]

The stranger had to be Saruman. He arrived before Gandalf.

[@matthewhannan3958]

I watched episode 1 and love it so far. Can't wait to continue!

[@2_572]

Do episodes come out every Friday?

[@joneymoonplays]

The stranger could be Glorfindel, he was reincarnated and sent back to middle earth

[@viziel519]

Elves don’t have beards at all though.

[@donalddade5643]

I do not understand all the hate... I enjoyed both episodes immensely and am looking forward to the next one with the same excitement with which I await HotD episodes. I am extremely critical about everything from the CGI visuals to the acting, to the writing, and all were very good. If Galadriel's name was anything other than Galadriel, she would be seen as a great hero, driven by an obssession (As many heroes are). As I suspected before seeing the episodes, I thought that I would forgive the divergences from canon IF AND ONLY IF it was a an otherwise compelling story. It is. Better than every other current fantasy story save perhaps HotD.

[@dann5480]

For a peasant, this series is awesome. Enjoy yourself.

[@rolandojasso9700]

I watched parts of episode 2 first and I thought the stranger was Gandalf but then I watch episode 1 and I think they even sing his name when he shows for the first time. First is female voice singing SAAAAA and then a Male deep voice sings Rooooon so I think is Sauron

[@NovRen19]

Mae g’ovannen! By Canon Those that accept Rings of Power are corrupted Those that claim to be phans must have judgement! This show is heresy. we just released our KZbin audio production on this matter. We called this heresy Jan 21, and declared it 25 March 22. Hope is kindled though, keep up the fight! "Exsurge Tolkien" is Novus Renaissances's Official Encyclical in defense of Professor J.R.R Tolkien's Legendary Middle Earth Mythology. It is one of the comprehensive responses against ROP Heresy.

[@JacksonGabbard]

"who isn't afraid to back down from a fight" ... I think you mean "who isn't afraid of a fight" or "who won't back down from a fight."

[@bat-orgilganzorig5825]

imma change my race in menu because didn't know elves live that long

[@raycdo2012]

that book was just a record who pass their territory harfoot was unknown by most creature from outsiders harfoot known as scary element said by one of travelers but the reality they just want to stick in their own kind and avoid danger from the outside..

[@nathan87dlkh]

that stranger flame beside him remind me or Flame of Anor. My theory that guy is Gandalf.

[@thereaderofbooks9199]

Just saw the 2 episodes. Don't know what to say haha. It just felt so boring. I just wanted to see more orcs, war of wrath, Ungoliant, Morgoth. The main Characters: Nori, Arondir, Meteor Man, Karen Galadriel are so boring.

[@PyroManiac944]

This post was brilliant to watch. Keep these coming.