Elven Kings Under the Sky

It's clear to me that the show runners have taken on board at least some of the criticism of season 1.

They've launched into some genuinely exciting action to kick things off after the glacially slow pace of the previous series. They've ditched some of the cumbersome dialog which made the first series feel a bit too serious and laughable at times (though some dialogue is on the nose, particularly the intro for Cirdan).

They've also given some characters genuinely interesting things to do - looking forward to the continuation of the series provided the mix of action and drama continues. Optimistic for the rest of the episodes after a lacklustre season 1.

It's clear by now that if you're a Tolkien purist and demand this to be exact or close as can be to the books and lore then steer clear as the show will just annoy you.

For fans who are open to interpretation/change, who only watched the movies or those who are new to the world it's clearly a very entertaining and visually spectacular looking show.

I thought the actor playing Sauron is expecially good, worming his way into people's minds and deceiving all to achieve his ends. The visuals, as per season one, are stunning too. A lot of the criticism is based on the inaccuracies to tolkein's work so I think best to steer clear if you're likely to be annoyed by that. If you can look past it and are excited to see the main story and locations of the 2nd age brought to life then you'll enjoy it!

Loved the first episode of season 2. I have never read the books which makes the story here completely fascinating for me.

I really like the cast. Will miss Joseph as Adar but I'm confident I will get used to the recast.

The making is very beautiful. The atmosphere is on point. You feel the tension and menacing. It's very engaging.

I started this episode wondering what was the connection between Adar and Sauron and we get this covered first part of the episode. I enjoyed to see how the spirit of Sauron survived and embodied Halbrand.

Cannot fault the serie so far and i hope it continues :)

Amazing start of season 2.

All the plots are interesting now, even the harfoot's one. Very excited to know what exactly happens with the rings of power and how Sauron manipulates everyone in his way to bring his plan forward.

Acting is OK, obviously not Leo DiCaprio level, but completely acceptable for a TV show.

Visuals are amazing as usual, music is also very good, always making you remember what you are watching.

I also read every book, and as usual you cant ever compare movies to books as it "always" falls short. I believe in that case LOTR was a standout as the movies are in my opinion even better than the books.

I urge the haters to stop watching this show, as it is actually depressing having to look at your pointless critics now. If Season 1 was so bad, why did you watch until the end and why are you watching now season 2? Dont you have anything better to waste your time on?

Critics like the elves are terrible when they are clearly way prettier and knowledgeable than the other races as they should be. Critics like their ears are to big. Completely laughable.

If you are so puritan that you can not enjoy this TV show, please do not watch it and stick to the books. Do us all a favor including yourself and waste your time on something better.

I can understand that people were raging due to many atrocious aspects of the first season, like cringy writing, design of costumes, athmosphere and clunky plot holes and conviniences but although the second season is not free from those so far, I found it quite entertaining, more like Tolkien and not forced meaningfull. Therefore I am really interested how it will develop over time. Having said that praises should be rather calm because there is still a lot I did not find convincing and there is a lot to make up for. I would advice anyone to give it another chance, but do not campare it to the trilogy, because you will only be diappointed by this comparison. The trilogy was extraordinary but this show can be and become good.