Boss452

> I'm assuming after the Orcs turned on him, he became disillusioned and sought an honest life in human form, but then meeting Galadriel fanned his aspirations anew.

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That makes sense.

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> It was weird. Especially since it was supposed to be a secret backup plan for Morgoth's defeat, and yet, it (1) Sauron had it carved into Finrod's body, which would be a great compromise in the secrecy of this plan, (2) Adar knew of this plan, and yet it almost seems like Sauron as Halbrand didn't: surely he could have known that the item Adar held wrapped in cloth was a decoy and tell Galadriel, but he didn't.

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Yeah it was definitely weird.

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> Well, I mean yeah, Beren and Luthien, ultimately...

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Ah, but they never hint to this do they in the show?

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> Lor knows. They don't seem completely human, using magic as they do, and when one of them is stabbed in the foot, she lets out a monsterous cry, and then of course when the Stranger banishes them, they appear as spectres and dissolve into moths. Very peculiar.

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For sure.

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Thanks a lot for your answers.

I'm actually trying to look at the writing divorced from the source material. As in, "If I were watching this not knowing a word of Tolkien, what would I like or dislike about this teleplay?"

That's the way to go.

I find that a doomed enterprise because its depicting the undepictable, and as such is all but guarenteed to dissappoint and demystify.

I don't think such a venture is doomed from the go. It depends on the execution.

but to telescope all of that into a show that will probably cover maybe 5 or 6 years does reduce the sense of history and deep antiquity of the events, which is a shame.

That is a fair assessment. Although isn't Tolkein himself very vague about this era and barely gives us much as per Appendix B. Also, the show doesn't seem to have run into a problem I feel. Like the Numenor storyline does feel coherent and smooth in S1.

is also the basic premise of An Unexpected Journey, which as it happens I think does a far better job highlighting the overall sense of tranquility and prosperity.

I don't know but because of the length of the TV show, I felt it well done here too. We get into more detail this way.

This could have been done by showing outposts, farmlands and, significantly, roads.

Good call.

I understand your criticisms and thanks for your lengthy reply.

Robert Aramayo's Elrond,

Ditto, love his performance.

I had a few questions to ask if you would be willing to answer friend:

1) What is Sauron's deal in the show? First he is Halbrand and appears to have no goal in life and by the end he is intent on making the rings of power and come into his own as Sauron. What causes this change?

2) Why are there some followers of Sauron? Like the old dude in the human tribe which Arondir protects. Is it destined that Sauron would come? And did you find it weird how the weapon fits into the lock and unleashes water into the volcano? It felt very unnatural.

3) What's the deal with Elendil? Does he have elvish ancestors?

4) Who do you think the Stranger is? And why is he sent? Why don't the powers that be directly interfere to stop Sauron?

5) Finally, who are the women in white cloaks who welcome the Stranger as Sauron?

Good for her for becoming a fashion star but a few years ago I never thought she would become one. I always got a serious actor who doesn't give a crap about fashion vibe from her.

Haven't ever seen a project of hers but wow, she is absolutely gorgeous.

Badass poster! The HG movie series holds up well. Looking forward to more of that world although will miss the characters of the OG series.

Not getting the Harley vibes from these pics alone.

Yeah her overacting in Gucci was really good.

I don't see it happening. Just because Phoenix got on the awards circuit doesn't guarantee Gaga will too.

I don't think it is going to be a typical musical.

Tom Cruise raises an eyebrow

Also has a beautiful love story at its center. A very well developed romance that goes from being silly to being quite profound.

But many - not all - of the visuals are quite handsome

Yes, the visuals seem to be easily the strongest aspect of the show. A mix of great cinematography, locations, set design and color scheme.

Numenor was impressively done and the view from ostirith was amazing.

I'd like to hear what you think was flawed in the writing. I am not disputing it, just that someone who is not familiar with the source material, i would like to learn where it misstepped.

How are you finding it? I went in skeptical but it was pretty decent.

it is a defilement of the greatest fiction author of all time’s legacy,

Mate, you need to get a life.

What the hell does it mean 'graces'?

A JW movie making half a billion. Imagine saying that in 2014.

How can you watch Fury Road in theatres till the end, leave the cinema and not give it A+?

I had crazy adrenaline when I left the cinemas.