*****The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power*****

147,176 Views | 1847 Replies | Last: 21 days ago by maroon man
cbr
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Dead horse but the mordor transition was hilariously awkward. Adar looks up…..camera narrows in……opens his mouth as if to speak those epic, unspeakable syllables ….. here it comes……….

And suddenly

Southlands

Southlands


Mordor




Lol, wtf?
An L of an Ag
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Solid 6/10 here as well. I'll keep watching and definitely want to see where this goes, but wow does it seem to be straying off the path, to put a harfoot take on it.
redline248
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One thought I had...maybe Galadriel and Halbrand happen upon a previously unknown settlement of woodland elves established by Celeborn as a hidden refuge.

I mean, would it shock anyone if that happened?
aggietony2010
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cbr said:

Dead horse but the mordor transition was hilariously awkward. Adar looks up…..camera narrows in……opens his mouth as if to speak those epic, unspeakable syllables ….. here it comes……….

And suddenly

Southlands

Southlands


Mordor




Lol, wtf?


In short, how to make your billion dollar fantasy epic feel like a budget production in 3 seconds.
An L of an Ag
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Lois: Peter, there's no android in "The King And I"!
Peter: There is in Peter Griffin PRESENTS "The King And I"!

With respect to Middle Earth, this is increasingly the vibe I'm getting from this series.
Definitely Not A Cop
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Sorry if this was brought up last week or if I missed something, but I'm confused as to what the point of the "key" was originally designed for. Sauron built a key for a dam that also turns into a sword? Why?
redline248
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For cool cinematic sequences
The Porkchop Express
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Definitely Not A Cop said:

Sorry if this was brought up last week or if I missed something, but I'm confused as to what the point of the "key" was originally designed for. Sauron built a key for a dam that also turns into a sword? Why?


Yes
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Definitely Not A Cop
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redline248 said:

For cool cinematic sequences


Ok, I mean I assumed that, but was just wondering if there was something more to all-evil Sauron investing in vital infrastructure in the southlands with death star-like design flaws.

Like, if he knew that eventually someone would be digging tunnels into volcanoes, why build the damn with the secret release in the first place? Why not just build the tunnels?
redline248
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I get it. I asked the same question pages ago. The lack of discussion means no one know and no one cares.


The only possible reason I can come up with that makes any sense is to use it as a last resort to wipe out an enemy army that has gained a foothold down in the valley.
Definitely Not A Cop
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It doesn't really bother me, but this show especially can be confusing on this stuff because some of the ideas have been thought out by Tolkien for 40 years, and some were designed because explosions are cool. And I'm fine with ideas being thought of because explosions are cool the majority of the time, as long as it doesn't look cheesy. The volcano erupting was badass. I do appreciate the insight of the people who are really into the deep stuff, and I don't want them to think I'm making fun of Tolkien.
rynning
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DallasTeleAg said:

Apparently I'm not the only one who finds it goofy that they're about to take a multiple month long ride on horseback with Halbrand dealing with a septic wound. What?!
Yeah, of all of it, I was shocked to see Halbrand on his death bed, then get up and walk around (while everyone hails their king because he's done so much for them), then jump on a horse to go riding for several hundred miles.

On the other hand, maybe he had unexpected strength because he's not who he says he is, and everyone overlooks it because they desperately need a leader.
Brian Earl Spilner
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I think it's becoming more and more probable that either Halbrand or The Stranger is Sauron, which I would find kinda disappointing. Mainly because they were the theories thrown out since episode 1 and wouldn't be that much of a twist. I'm kind of hoping we still haven't met him and he's been secretly pulling the strings behind the scenes.
aggietony2010
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So who is Elven Eminem supposed to be, if not Sauron? He even had a staff with an eye.
redline248
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I sort of had the idea that the 3 white cloaks will catch up to meteor man in Greenwood the Great, show him his "truth" and start the corruption of the forest into Mirkwood. Could make sense why Sauron eventually builds Dol Guldur there (I know that's not until 3rd age).

Why else are those folks following him?

Edit: he feels like he's actually good inside and just doesn't know his power. Gandalf said he himself was one of the most dangerous beings around.
Lathspell
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It's hard to discuss because of how the writers are deviating from the stories or throwing logic out the window.

Gandalf says he's the most dangerous being in Middle-Earth after he returned as Gandalf the White. I, as do many others, believe Gandalf the White was no longer an Istari but was actually returned by Eru Iluvatar himself to be much closer in power to his true Maia self, and more directly interfere with Sauron's plans. Basically, he was more powerful than even Saruman was as the leader of the Istari. At this time, he and Sauron are the most dangerous beings in Middle-earth because they retain more of their Maiar power than any other.

The only other powerful Maia on Middle-earth that I know of were those who were there in rebellion, and were therefore inherently bad. The Balrogs, corrupted Maiar by Morgoth, and Sauron. I don't think Sauron is just trying to be a good guy in Middle-earth. His mere presence in Middle-earth is a rebellion against Eru Iluvatar.
AtlAg05
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Don't you go forgetting about the MOST powerful……Tom Bombadil!!!

Hey dol! Merry dol! Ring a ding dillo!
powerbelly
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AtlAg05 said:

Don't you go forgetting about the MOST powerful……Tom Bombadil!!!

Hey dol! Merry dol! Ring a ding dillo!


Too OP to even participate in the war of the ring
Beat40
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powerbelly said:

AtlAg05 said:

Don't you go forgetting about the MOST powerful……Tom Bombadil!!!

Hey dol! Merry dol! Ring a ding dillo!


Too OP to even participate in the war of the ring


Goldberry had him whipped.
chase128
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AtlAg05 said:

Don't you go forgetting about the MOST powerful……Tom Bombadil!!!

Hey dol! Merry dol! Ring a ding dillo!


Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow;
Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow!
aggietony2010
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Man, I didn't think that anything would top how stupid the last 5 seconds of episode 7 were.

And then I watched the last 5 seconds of the 'bama game.
Faustus
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Brian Earl Spilner said:

I think it's becoming more and more probable that either Halbrand or The Stranger is Sauron, which I would find kinda disappointing. Mainly because they were the theories thrown out since episode 1 and wouldn't be that much of a twist. I'm kind of hoping we still haven't met him and he's been secretly pulling the strings behind the scenes.


Im hoping it's Durin's wife Princess Disa. Surprise! You've been sleeping with Sauron.

Although that probably wouldn't go down well either.
KCup17
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Aggie football is not entertainment but torture…
Chipotlemonger
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chase128 said:

The Collective said:

Proc92 said:

Nori is a bad clan member. And I guess the harfoot's best trait is always sticking together, unless you have a minor mishap or mistake leading to your family being left behind.


They are really tight and helpful to each other, unless your wagon needs a wheel repair & then you are fooked.
Or if you get attacked by bees. Remember how funny that was? Haaahahahahahahaha let's make a song about it.


I loved this most recent episode. So good.

But yes I thought back to this stupid part of the show. It sticks out like a sore thumb, what drugs were the writers and producers on for that crap?
Chipotlemonger
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Also, now that I've caught up and seen the discussion, I too was perplexed by the final scene in episode 7. Seemed so lazy.

And TCTTS it's kind of crazy that you didn't know who Isildur is from the original trilogy. That Elrond Isildur scene happens I believe twice on screen and is thoroughly talked about. Also, the gif lives on in history and I feel like it's hard to miss when hanging around the "Entertainment board crowd", either here or online elsewhere.

I always knew Aragorn as Isildur's heir more than any of his other namesakes.
TCTTS
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As I've said multiple times now, A) I haven't "hung around" fantasy show/movie threads in my entire time on TexAgs, until now, B) I haven't seen the movies in well over a decade, if not in 15+ years, and C) I can never, ever remember most fantasy character names anyway.

Again, this franchise is simply a casual enjoyment for a lot of people, including myself, and it's weird how weird you guys think it is that I or anyone else wouldn't remember a cameo character's name from a 20-year-old franchise at that. I saw each movie once in theaters and then I saw each extended edition at some point in probably the mid-00s. So how the hell would I remember that character's name, a name I've never seen repeated or heard in any medium (meaning it's not even remotely common), including in real life, since.
redline248
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b/c you're supposed to better than that!

Duh
The Porkchop Express
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TCTTS said:

As I've said multiple times now, A) I haven't "hung around" fantasy show/movie threads in my entire time on TexAgs, until now, B) I haven't seen the movies in well over a decade, if not in 15+ years, and C) I can never, ever remember most fantasy character names anyway.

Again, this franchise is simply a casual enjoyment for a lot of people, including myself, and it's weird how weird you guys think it is that I or anyone else wouldn't remember a cameo character's name from a 20-year-old franchise at that. I saw each movie once in theaters and then I saw each extended edition at some point in probably the mid-00s. So how the hell would I remember that character's name, a name I've never seen repeated or heard in any medium (meaning it's not even remotely common), including in real life, since.


Learn to read.
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CoppellAg93
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TCTTS said:

As I've said multiple times now, A) I haven't "hung around" fantasy show/movie threads in my entire time on TexAgs, until now, B) I haven't seen the movies in well over a decade, if not in 15+ years, and C) I can never, ever remember most fantasy character names anyway.

Again, this franchise is simply a casual enjoyment for a lot of people, including myself, and it's weird how weird you guys think it is that I or anyone else wouldn't remember a cameo character's name from a 20-year-old franchise at that. I saw each movie once in theaters and then I saw each extended edition at some point in probably the mid-00s. So how the hell would I remember that character's name, a name I've never seen repeated or heard in any medium (meaning it's not even remotely common), including in real life, since.
I'm in the same camp as TC here.

I've seen the trilogy many times and consider myself fairly knowledgeable on all things LOTR, but having read the last couple pages of comments, I just realized ...

1. Galadriel is Cate Blanchett's character from the trilogy - caught Elrond immediately - guess I didn't remember the name in LOTR
2. Hadn't caught that Isildur is the name of Elendil's son - not sure how I missed that. Now remember the connection to Aragorn - but not sure I would've on my own.

Getting old sucks.
bobinator
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FWIW, I'd guess the vast majority of viewers are like TC.

My wife and I even did a LOTR rewatch last year and she didn't remember anything about Isildur when we started this show.
The Porkchop Express
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Not to talk ill of TC while he's probably just waking up, I'm just surprised he hasn't read a lot of classic books that are the foundation for entire genres of not only books, but movies as well. I get people not reading ASOIAF because it is both lengthy and unfinished, but Dune and LOTR/The Hobbit are staples on any reading list for any male kid growing up.

And it's not like LOTR was just some run of the mill fantasy movie that came out 20 years ago. It's maybe the best adaptation of book to film ever, done in incredible, risky fashion with dozens of standout performances and tells an incredible, multi-plot story that you would think any fan of that sort of story telling would naturally just want to explore more of the world.


That is the disconnect though on the characters. Reading the books puts those names into your brain, and your memory keeps them there. That's where a lot of the magic of LOTR or Dune or Game of Thrones comes for book fans - the things we've dreamed about and imagined suddenly breathed into "real life".

I know I've talked to some of you before about the incredible feeling at the end of the first FOTR trailer seeing the Fellowship coming up the hill and there's a real Gandalf, Legolas, Gmili, and the rest. For someone who didn't know the story already, it's just a look at the actors / characters. For a fan of the books, it's magic happening.


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Claude!
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Also folks, keep in mind that TCTTS is the same man who didn't know what Cruella wanted with those Dalmatians. Forgetting who Isildur is doesn't really top the list.
The Porkchop Express
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Claude! said:

Also folks, keep in mind that TCTTS is the same man who didn't know what Cruella wanted with those Dalmatians. Forgetting who Isildur is doesn't really top the list.
Thought Isildur was upset because he gave his promise ring to Morgoth and that cheap **** turned around and gave it to Sauron
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TCTTS
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I read scripts. Hundreds if not thousands of them. I read non-fiction books, and then I read script after script after script for my job, as I've done since my early 20s. I've never really had the time to read novels for fun/pleasure. It's as simple as that.
Beat40
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I am currently doing a reread and am in Return of the King right now. Just finished up the House of Healing.

I will say, as I was reading the chapter Minas Tirith all the way through House of Healing, I kept thinking about this show, the Numenorians, how they built the stronghold of Gondor, and the people of Gondor descending from Numenorians. It was really fun to read Aragorn as Isildur's heir and his declaration of that through the Paths of the Dead and in the Pelennor fields.

I know there are some squabbles with this show, but man, on a reread and getting to put some faces and actions to the great people who made Gondor, it enhances the story for me a little more. It's as you said, the screen making the words you read come to life is a cool feeling.

But the way, the run of Book V - chapters Minas Tirith through The Black Gates might be the best run of chapters in fantasy writing history.
 
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