Adar

ROP is on top of the game visually & musically speaking (it is at least expected given the $ behind it). Each & every single shot does not waste anything, you can tell the huge mgmt behind it. The pace so far has been very slow, with many conversation filler scenes; the story within the series is still on the making yet there are many interesting hints that need be developed. This episode is okay, maybe it was just us expecting it to be very much lotr-recalling, but if we detach from this perspective we'd enjoy it more. The characters are well written, I really like the development of Galadriel & Arondir; on the other hand acting-wise...not so good.

The 5 arcs story goes on peacefully & coherently, some are more boring than others yet. Lets see how it continues!

So much of the story is still being laid down for this series. We have one of the most beautiful TV shows but it just hasnt got that feel from the original movies, the grit and dirt has been completely taken from the story. So just hasnt got the same feel.

The first time that Numenor is shown on screen and that is a major point for any of the stories that are from the world of Tolkien. The characterization of Isildur hes very young in this series but how many years is this before the battle for middle earth at the end of the second age? Hes meant to be a king and found Gondor but seeing him here this is a very different take and hopefully he leaves the island to found a new city with the southlands to keep watch over Mordor after seeing the sign of Sauron is actually the mountain range including Mount Doom!

The story between Galadriel and Isildur's father was great. The connection between the Harfoots and the Meteor man is getting better and with the amount of theories that are floating around its going to be one hell of a ride by the end of the series! Then the best part of the story so far is Arondir and his fight with the Orcs in the deep south of Middle Earth. The Orcs are perfectly crafted in every way, no more CGI giant Orcs, old school makeup and acting is great to see. All expressions and movements can be seen its great to be back at seeing that. The final moments of the episode is awesome that we never got to actually see who Adar is. I can only hope that his structure is one of the Ringwraith as he stands closely to who stabbed Frodo on Weathertop. Or this could be the early introduction to the Mouth of Sauron who helping push the mythology of the character.

Overall this is a story that is growing and growing. So much of the second age isnt documented but i hope it continues to adhere to the source but crafting the best stories for everyone to enjoy.

The cinematics, visuals, and similar elements of this show continue to be fantastic. It's also at a point in the story where it's expanding into other realms and cultures (Numenor, Orcs, etc.), so this is also an exciting part of the series.

The thing that sticks out and, in my opinion, is lacking is the writing and storytelling. There's a lot of (for lack of a better word) lazy dialogue that's added to explain the deeper lore or character history. For example, Muriel asking Pharazon who the captain (Elendil) is not only doesn't make sense for the greater lore, but I think it's also a device the writers use to quickly tell the audience who the character is. There's a similar moment when Halbrand doesn't seem to know what Numenor is so Galadriel just tells him the quick backstory. Just my opinion but this feels like lazy world-building. Strangely enough, mainly because she's such an important character to both the show and in Tolkien's universe, Galadriel's storyline is the only storyline that I've completely lost interest in. I do like Morfydd Clark and think she's doing as good a job as she can, but I'm just not interested in Galadriel's storyline.

Overall, I did enjoy the episode and think there are some interesting storylines developing, but I think it fell short when it came to writing and world building.

I think this episodes has some improvement from the last two. Keeping the episode focused on only three different stories is much nicer than the back and forth of 4-6 stories in the last two episodes. So far in the series I haven't really been interested in any of the characters or story lines however the Númenóreans has so far been the most interesting setting and characters so far and this episode managed to make me more interested in Arondir. The Halfoots were much of the same, I didn't really care for it but it you liked them in the first two episodes you'll probably like them here. On episode 3 and it's still feels like there's a lot to set up, and I'm nervous the whole season will end up feeling like set up however it does seem to start to get its footing.

The introduction to Númenór as it was slowly revealed was great.

The writing and dialogue is a still not anything great however my issues seemed reduced in this episode and contains a couple stronger written scenes. The action and cgi wasn't great in its direction and I really hope they'll change the style of action in the future.

If you liked the first two episodes I think you'll like this one even more though if your like me with some criticism and skepticism I think this episode is at least an improvement from the last.

8.4/10.

Overall solid third episode. With some breathtaking cinematography, beautiful soundtracks, and an interesting plot.

I really enjoyed this episode. It started off strong with Galadriel and Halbrand arriving at the Kingdom of Númenor. That arc was the best part of the episode for me. Halbrands attempt to fit in and make a new life for himself doesn't work out since the natives are not welcoming. Galadriel travels with Elendil and finds interesting information about the Southern Lands and Sauron.

Arondir and a group of men from his company get captured and are forced to work as slaves by what I assume are Orcs. Throughly enjoyed this arc as well.

The only part of the episode that somewhat dragged is the harefoot storyline with the mysterious man. It was the weakest part of the episode for me but wasn't enough for me to dislike it. I'll want to see what they do with these characters later on.