Where Is He?

I'm watching this series understanding that it's mostly fan fiction - taking the world created by Tolkien and playing "What if?" That's fine - it's a world that deserves more exploration and flesh but the least they could have done is understand the essence of the world.

The elves deserve so much more. The LOTR movies actually were a good representation of them. Slightly otherworldly with their heightened senses, aloof demeanor, and a deeper connection of time and place. There is nothing in ROP currently differentiating humans from elves beside ears and hairstyles. The series would be so much better if they respected what the races actually were and what they weren't. But I suspect getting into the headspace and physical dimensions of foreign beings might be too much to ask when the writers are humans trying to appeal to other humans.

The greatness of Tolkien was that he could think like the beings he envisioned, embracing their strengths and weaknesses, knowing that they all had something to offer the world and were all connected to the world in their own unique way. I don't get how with all the money spent they didn't get writers who knew the difference and knew elves would never panic unless something supernatural was causing it. They also don't break twigs walking through a forest.

And settling down with the Mrs isn't a motivation of Orcs.

I think the overarching narrative is picking up great momentum now with multiple compelling storylines. Everything builds towards a finish that promises momentous events to come.

The most interesting plot naturally surrounds Sauron, the rings, and the fate of Eregion. However, some of the best character moments involve the dwarves. The standout performer for me is Owain Arthur who shows great range again.

Events in Numenor are predictable but satisfying. Lloyd Owen is great as Elendil. How this all ties in with the above plot threads will be interesting.

Visually it is splendid as always.

For me it is an 8.5/10, but I round upwards.

Total filler episode. If you skip this and only see the previous and next episode, you won't miss a thing. I like the series more than your average watcher but unfortunately this one feels like they already had told everything they came up with and had to fill in the space with something before the grand finale. Annatar is unfortunately boring in this form and does not have any depth in it. There was so much potential but I guess they did not have the capacity to bring in any extra action before the season end. Nori and their crew is somewhat non-existent in this episode and does not bring anything new to the story. Nothing material happens with Tom Bombadil either which is a shame.

Finally, the episode we have been waiting for this season! This episode checked every single one of my boxes. Magic? Check. Good Dwarf scenes? Check. Sauron using powers? Check. Cool Numenor stuff? Check. Epic visuals? Check. Orcs being orcs? Check. Wizards? Check.

I was telling my wife after watching, this show is the first show I have been excited for since Game of Thrones. It has all of the things that I want out of a fantasy show. Is this show perfect? No. But this episode was pretty close to a perfect one. It was awesome front to back.

Sauron is officially my favorite bad guy. He beats Darth Vader now. Forgive me friends, forgive me for saying it.

This episode is the payoff we've all been waiting for! The pace is relentless, and the tension is off the charts. Sauron is finally making his move, and the stakes have never been higher. Just when you think you know what's coming, an unexpected twist takes the drama to a whole new level. The action is heart-pounding, and the emotional depth is incredible. This is storytelling at its best, with characters that you can't help but root for. Get ready for the most thrilling phase of the show yet - this episode is just a taste of the rollercoaster of emotions and excitement that's about to come. Don't miss it!