Where the Stars are Strange

It's a paradox. The acting is wooden, the relationships are dull, the story predictable (even for a non Simallarion reader) but there's something about this show that means I can't put it down. Maybe it's the insanely beautiful visuals, the charm of Morfydd Clark and Robert Aramayo, or just the nostalgia of the 00s movies. I'm loving it and hating it at the same time. The story arcs feel like a children's tv show, but it has the refreshing effect of making me feel like a kid again. At times the hobbit and Gandalf storyline is boring, but equally an enlightening insight into hobbit life far beyond what Frodo and Bilbo provided.

Overall,I feel like if the writers notched the storyline up a few percent, we could be in for a hell of a tv show.

The latest episode of The Lord of the Rings series is dynamic and captivating. At times, it sparks the imagination, transporting viewers to new and vivid worlds, with an intense pace that keeps you fully engaged. The performances are solid, and it's impressive how well the cast brings the characters to life. The actor portraying Sauron does an exceptional job, delivering a performance that truly stands out. However, the entire cast is well-balanced, with each actor contributing to the strength of the ensemble.

The special effects are expertly crafted, enhancing the magical atmosphere without overwhelming the story. However, it's surprising to see how the quality noticeably drops in the following episodes. This episode sets a high standard, establishing the direction the series should follow to maintain its magic and energy.

There are a few frustrating things about the show, such as sometimes corny costumes, the occasional goofy but of dialogue, however there is nothing about this show that warrants the hate it receives.

90% of the people criticizing the show have not read The Silmarillion,the precursor to the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

The series does a fairly good job showing and authentic historical account of Middle Earth.

The acting in the show is superb, the cinematography is enchanting, and the writing is solid. The relationships between the characters carries the show. The show is heartfelt and yet ominous, as Sauron schemes to usurp Middle Earth.

Where the Stars are Strange is as beautiful and cinematic as all other visual depictions of Middle Earth and its characters. However, if you struggle with season long arcs that slow burn with build up to momentous events, you will probably find your patience wearing thin.

Personally I like all scenes but find some plot threads more interesting than others at this stage in the season. I think everything involving the elf and dwarf characters are the strongest for me.

I particularly like the interaction between Disa and the Durins, as these involve (by far) the most charismatic performers in the show. The more screen time Owain Arthur and. Sophia Nomvete have the better.

Morfydd Clark continue embody Galadriel perfectly and her scenes with Robert Aramayo and Benjamin Walker work very well.

I think the weakest moments, although still reasonably good, involve Gandalf and the half-foots. Never thought I'd say that in a Tolkien related story!

For me its a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.

Im only writing this because a lot of people seem to be hating on this episode when in reality its the best thing this show has produced so far. Elrond is still the best character and his scene with galadrial was really well written, sauron and kellebrimbore (howeevr you spell his name) were also excellent. Mos tof the other scenes were moderatly low quality writing but in general i would say its the best episode of the show so far, to compare it id say its on par with like the worst episode of house of the dragon.

It is most certainly better than epsiode 1 and there is still hope for season 2 of this show.