Rings of Power is Back [+] Appreciation

[Zardnaar]

With the idea that they could have found a path to redemption had Adar made different decisions. They had free will, and used it to make the wrong choice.

Given that the Eregion plotline is heading for a Sauron victory, I think they have to end on a note of hope, and the Stranger making the right choice and not becoming Saruman.

It occurred to me that Gandalf says "into the East I do not go". Not "I've never been East". Maybe he does some deal with the Dark Wizard to never return to the East?

I'm thinking they betray Adar and willingly pick Sauron.

And Sauron seems to be able to over ride free will. As I understand it they go extinct.

 

[TheSword]

I'm thinking they betray Adar and willingly pick Sauron.

And Sauron seems to be able to over ride free will. As I understand it they go extinct.

Yes. Or certainly provide fertile ground for Sauron to manipulate them.

I saw the elves stabbing each other as a telekinetic thing rather than a mental compulsion. Like they were being physically moved the same way he flipped the apprentice off the walls.

 

[ART!]

To me, it's clear the RoP team understands where Tolkien's characters are deeply flawed, even if Tolkien's text never makes that explicit. Elven superheroes (including all of the prominent elves in RoP) having a pride issue makes perfect sense.

I heard a reference just the other day to Tolkien's awareness that elves had a problematic perspective in Middle-earth because of their upper-class status. I think it was in one of his Letters.

Adar (this season) has been a great character. The scene where he is parlaying with Galadriel and Elrond is probably my favorite "Sauron the Deceiver" scenes (even though he's not in it). You have three characters who all have the exact same goal: defeat Sauron. And yet, they will battle each other instead of working together. Even though they are willing to sacrifice anything to achieve that goal; in many ways, it is their willingness to sacrifice their own resources that prevents them from cooperating.

The lingering question after that meeting: is it Sauron's influence that prevents them from working together, or is it their inability to cooperate that leads to Sauron's success?

Interesting. I think some of it is just the presence of something so threatening causes people to go to lengths and make choices they normally would never dream of. And they are people in positions of power, and even with the desire to do good, power will mess you up. Add an existential threat that almost can't be fought, but maybe hubris (or underestimating the threat) makes you think you can. The result is a minefield.

 

[Zardnaar]

Yes. Or certainly provide fertile ground for Sauron to manipulate them.

I saw the elves stabbing each other as a telekinetic thing rather than a mental compulsion. Like they were being physically moved the same way he flipped the apprentice off the walls.

We his presence and rings seem to prey on those predisposed to power, greed etc.

But after a while your free will is gone so no redemption arc is possible.

 

[John R Davis]

Ep8

Very good

 

[Morrus]

Balrog. Rivendell. Gandalf.

That was a lot!

 

[Nikosandros]

Balrog. Rivendell. Gandalf.

That was a lot!

IMHO, the Gandalf "reveal" was a bit weak, but the rest of the episode was suitably epic.

As I was watching the Pelargir scene, I thought that at least Ar-Pharazon and his son will get what they deserve, but then I thought about Elendil and Isildur and what is in store for them... the whole myth is one tragedy after another.

 

[Micah Sweet]

IMHO, the Gandalf "reveal" was a bit weak, but the rest of the episode was suitably epic.

As I was watching the Pelargir scene, I thought that at least Ar-Pharazon and his son will get what they deserve, but then I thought about Elendil and Isildur and what is in store for them... the whole myth is one tragedy after another.

Well, it is about the long decline and fall of fantasy and wonder when you get down to it.

 

[ART!]

This begs the question - for me, at least: where are they going to put Gandalf during the Last Alliance?

 

[Micah Sweet]

This begs the question - for me, at least: where are they going to put Gandalf during the Last Alliance?

Perhaps the Istari will book back to Valinor after the loss of Numenor and come back in TA 1100 like in the books.