[+] The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - SPOILERS ALLOWED

[MarkB]

Does anyone else think it was kind of convenient that “the Stranger" both apparently caused Largo's injury and ingratiated himself with his family by helping them out of that little jam in which they happened to find themselves?

If he appeared to be in any way coherent and deliberate in his actions, sure, but as it is, it'd be tough to see him undertaking that degree of complex planning.

 

[John R Davis]

Hmm. Wizards are cunning

 

[Ryujin]

Does anyone else think it was kind of convenient that “the Stranger" both apparently caused Largo's injury and ingratiated himself with his family by helping them out of that little jam in which they happened to find themselves?

I'm more thinking that he might not have any idea of his power or limitations in his new human body, and so might be wrecking mayhem inadvertently.

 

[MarkB]

I'm more thinking that he might not have any idea of his power or limitations in his new human body, and so might be wrecking mayhem inadvertently.

Yeah, for him to have intentionally pre-planned it, he'd need to have had a detailed awareness of (a) the Harfoots' migratory nature, (b) the specific make-up of Nori's family group, and (c) the whole "those who fall behind get left behind" mentality, meaning that nobody else would volunteer to help out with their wagon.

And sure, he could be a sufficient master-manipulator to have set all that up, all the while pretending to be barely comprehending of his surroundings - but if he really is that good, then basically nobody stands a chance against him, and that's no fun narratively.

 

[Hriston]

It feels like they're building up to a climactic season denouement in the Southlands. I'm guessing that Galadriel, Halbrand and Arondir manage to get their respective stuff together in time to muster some small counter-force, maybe sufficient to save the villagers who took shelter in the elven watchtower, but otherwise it will be a complete rout, with the orcs moving in and taking over entirely.

I think Galadriel will succeed in getting Elendil and Isildur to come along for this adventure, although probably unlooked for at the eleventh hour after what seems like a hopeless defense of the villagers in the tower.

 

[MarkB]

I think Galadriel will succeed in getting Elendil and Isildur to come along for this adventure, although probably unlooked for at the eleventh hour after what seems like a hopeless defense of the villagers in the tower.

"Look for me at dawn of the third day... tides and weather permitting."

 

[Hriston]

If he appeared to be in any way coherent and deliberate in his actions, sure, but as it is, it'd be tough to see him undertaking that degree of complex planning.

The Stranger appears to be one of the Ainur, who have a degree of prescience due to their familiarity with the Music. This was how Gandalf knew to send Bilbo along on the Quest of Erebor. So it isn't so much a matter of complex planning, but more like hitting beats you half remember are there.

I'm more thinking that he might not have any idea of his power or limitations in his new human body, and so might be wrecking mayhem inadvertently.

That's just what someone would want you to think if they didn't want you to know they were really the dark lord.

 

[Ryujin]

The Stranger appears to be one of the Ainur, who have a degree of prescience due to their familiarity with the Music. This was how Gandalf knew to send Bilbo along on the Quest of Erebor. So it isn't so much complex planning, but more like hitting beats that you half remember are there.


That's just what someone would want you to think if they didn't want you to know they were really the dark lord.

... or it might just have been coincidental events and have nothing at all to do with The Stranger, except giving him a narrative reason to help.

 

[Hriston]

... or it might just have been coincidental events and have nothing at all to do with The Stranger, except giving him a narrative reason to help.

As an audience member, it didn't look merely coincidental.

ETA: I think we were shown quite clearly that the two events are connected.

 

[Dioltach]

Hmm. Wizards are cunning

Don't you mean "subtle"?