The episode was awful and downright boring. Not that I need action scenes in each episode, but this one fell flat on all accounts. Dialogues - 0, Lead characters making logical decisions - 0. Every episode passing my abhorrence for Galadriel in increasing.
Just horrible.
The plot armour is THICK on this show. Wow, people die, lose legs and are burnt to a crisp but the worst thing that happens to the main characters is that they go blind and they get a gash to the stomach I guess? (But not too bad that they can't walk, talk or even ride, but bad enough to need help from the elves?) Oh, and Isildur is obviously hiding underneath some rubble to be found by his horse Brego style. Idk, I'm still kinda disappointed watching this show. It started out so good! But then it's just been plot holes and plot armour and boring dialogue that leads nowhere. I really hope the finale actually goes somewhere... and doesn't just leave us with a cliffhanger.
The only good thing about this episode is the balrog at the end haha
Writing is absolutely trash. After first 10 minutes of fellowship of the ring I felt more attached to Gandalf and Frodo than I do with any of the characters in this show after 7+ hours. Even the cgi is below average. To save this show they need to bring better writers onboard for season 2.
This show is melodrama through and through, so I can understand why some people can't get into it, but hot damn I love a well cooked melodrama. This is my jam.
Gosh, I hate plot armor. It's a motherf*** pyroclastic flow! Yet, all main protagonists escape (more or less) unharmed. Fantasy world or not - I don't feel treated in a serious way. They added the eruption only because it looks good and it was a great cliffhanger last episode. It looks awesome indeed, but it's all show and no substance. They refuse to go through with the inevitable consequences. Cowards! Who says that everyone needs to live? (Bronwyn even saved her infamous Met Gala dress - no blood stains, no burns).
Likewise, I don't like the scene between Elrond and Prince Durin. They try to negotiate an alliance. They talk and talk and talk. But nothing results from all the dialogue and multiple episodes. Instead, another miracle/vision saves the story: leaf and metal tell you what to do. Why should I pay attention to all the dialogue, the characters, the father/son conflict, the character's needs, hopes and attitudes? In the end this part of the story is (pre-) determined by a miracle/vision. The Prince does what the leaf tells him. [They did something very similar back at the islands with Galadrial. All her behavior (and bossy misbehaviour) had no consequences whatsoever. In the end it was a vision (and again leaves) that suddenly forged an alliance between Numinor and Galadriel.] That's not good story telling.
The score is again back to mediocre. It was suitable for last episode. But it's annoying in this episode. Music just won't stop. It doesn't help that this is a boring orchestral score - couldn't they come up with something more unique? The music often subdues everything else. And when they chose to focus on actual noises it's totally over-dramatic (like when the boy draws his sword when the Orcs approach. That's not how a sword sounds like when you draw it out the scabbard). I'm not even sure whether the dialogues between the Prince and King or between Galadriel and the boy are actually any good - I'm just annoyed by the melodramatic music during these scenes.
I still don't understand the whole Halbrand story. How did he end up as Lord/King? He used to be a random guy on a raft, a drunk prisoner, a thief and showed interest in becoming a blacksmith. Galadriel noticed that he can pick up a sword elegantly. That's all? That told her that he's a capable soldier? And now it feels like he's somehow (almost) the most capable soldier in the ranks of a FOREIGN army? [Strange enough that Galadriel - previously hated by almost everyone in Numinor - is suddenly accepted as a peer in battle.] In a very expensive armor tailor-made for him? Even a Lord? A King? And nobody questions this? People asked King Charles III. after his proclamation "who voted for you?", and I ask: what's Halbrand's merit or legitimacy? Is that something we have to accept because it was predicted in yet another vision (I somehow missed this part if there was such an omen)? His legitimacy surely can't be based on the coat of arms he carries around, can it? Anyone could have picked this up.
And I still don't know why nobody is alerting the elves. They deal with the drwarves. They deal with the bad omens they observe (like the dying tree). They send Elrond on away missions. I understand this. But all of this is not yet closely connected to the main story. Why does nobody send a messenger to report that Galadriel is back and she and Arondir fight Orcs and witnessed the "birth of Mordor"? Wouldn't that represent the more pressing issues for the elves? Remember: Arondir wanted to alert the other elves when he was caught in that trench. Has he forgotten what his plan was? Not saying that the metal/forge story might not eventually become handy in a war with Sauron and his Orcs - but shouldn't this story connected with the events in the Southlands aka Mordor? And wouldn't that help to convince the dwarf King to help them? It feels like no message is relayed simply because the writers wanted another episode to tell the father/son conflict. Why all that conflict between the King and his son when we already know that the common external threat represented by Sauron will eventually unite elves and dwarfs? It's all so predictable and artificially dragged out by not sending a messenger.
All what I said before sounds very negative. I still enjoy this episode. It's certainly not spectacular and lacks (like the whole show) complexity, but it's still nice to look at.
7 episodes down and I still don't care about a single character or plot point.
I think this episode was fantastic. It was an roller coaster ...
We are reaching the end of the beginning.
Another really good episode even without lots of action. This was more about characters. I enjoyed the scenes between Elrond and Durin the most as it was a great display of their friendship. And for once I even liked the Harfoods. We witnessed the birth of Mordor which I also found very intriguing.
I am eagerly looking forward to next weeks season finale and I am already dissapointed knowing it will be a year until it continues.
This episode is absolutely littered with overused catchphrases and dialogues.
This episode had a lot to live up to after last week, and while it definitely wasn’t as good as the last week I would still consider this one of the better episodes of the season. I thought the balance between the different stories and characters was probably the best its been, and part of that is because the different plot lines are starting to come together more. The Durin and Elrond stuff is the most removed from the rest of the show, but I think that story and those characters are strong enough to stand alone. Particularly in this episode there were some really great moments between Durin and his father. I still had my issues like the plot armor allowing for pretty much every major character to survive the Mount Doom eruption, but all in all this is one of the best episodes this season and I’m liking how these last two weeks I’ve felt classic LOTR vibes from the show.
After the storm in last episode, this episode is relatively very calm. But lot of happenings.
Firstly stranger leaves the harfoots, who was chased by annatar and 2 others. The storyline of dwarf kingdom was excellent. Feeling sad that a prosperous dwarves kingdom will become ruins once balrog is out. I was surprised that dwarves kingdom was so much prosperous before the events of lord of the rings. The southlands is converted to mordor and became home of orcs. Now we can see orcs gaining strength, which were weaker in earlier episodes. The massive orcs we saw in lord of the rings are about to come. I like adar as a whole, he has typical villain attitude, he helped to fill the gap till sauron makes entry officially. But I want adar to continue.
Story is going at a steady pace. Sad that only one episode is remaining.
Finally halbrand is more of looking like sauron.
I'm very happy with this finale. Season 1 was a mixed bag for me with some pretty disappointing episodes. Morfydd Clark had problems carying the show as the main role but characters like Elrond, Durin, Disa, Adar and The Stranger saved the first season for me. Season 2 should learn from episode 6 and 8 from this first season. If they can maintain that quality for most of the episodes it can be great.
durin and elrond kinda gay ngl
Seems we won't get answers this season about "metor" man, who is he, about those 3 woman in white dresses, who are they, what they want, about where is Sauron...
In the scene where Durin is talking to his Father, is that a boom mic that appears at the top of the screen?
It was a slow start to the series but it definitely is getting better.
This is not good it should be directed for adults and very slow
That was better than the last episode at least.
Again, I enjoyed the Elrond and Durin-parts very much. Definitely could do without the hobbits. And the Numenor-Galadriel-Southlands parts are somewhere in the middle. At least, we know how Mordor came to be.
But it's best to suspend any disbelief at Galadriel (or anyone else's) survival facing a pyroklastic wave without any scratch. Not even her hair's singed.
It's a bit ridiculous, though, that no one sends any messengers to elves or other major parties on middle-earth. What was Arondir's function back in the beginning, again? Now, he'll just stay with Bronwyn and they'll live happily ever after (and hopefully to never be seen again)?
There are good parts here, but the writing is sloppy, the characters poorly fleshed out, some plotthreads don't make any sense. And honestly, we're supposed to believe that a being that can create life out of death is Sauron? No way.
At least I always get a good little nap in during this show.
My god is this boring. Nothing happens. People joked that the LotR movies were nothing but walking but this series takes the non action to another level.
And we're back to boring episodes again. Does this show really only have one good episode?:joy:
I was really expecting a disaster like that to kill off more of the main characters, at least that annoying Halbrand dude. Sad to see him still alive :pensive:
This was good. Nothing really impressed me here, and I think this episode was slower than it needed to be. Pacing this slowly would work well in a movie, but not a TV series. Also, how some things occur seem a little bit cheesy, and one of them significantly so, so it definitely is a step down from some prior episodes.
Great plot work though, the buildup is great and I'm really anticipating this finale.
One final note, it's nice to see who we think the main antagonist might be. We didn't see much of his palms, or his knees, but his arms did seem to be a bit heavy at times.
There were quite a lot more survivors than one would expect! That doesn't seem realistic but of course this is a fantasy show (it does feel too obvious though... :o).
It's also triggering me a bit that they're saying "he's gone" while no one bothered to check his pulse... (he's likely gone but why not give it a quick go instead of just standing there looking at him).
"I will not risk dwarven lives to help the elves cheat death." Sucks but sounds fair tbh.
"I am sorry my son. But their time has come." was a bit harsh though :o Disa was so furious! And Durin crying was heartbreaking.
It sucks that the queen lost her sight but she's taking it well and she might yet recover (probably unlikely but who knows...).
"How long have we been clear of it?"
"I see."
"Do you?"
"Only grey."
Galadriel telling Theo about her husband and the dancing showed quite a different side of her :) I really liked the scenes with her and Theo!
And what an honour that Theo may keep Galadriel's sword!
It's unfortunate that Durin and his father have those big fights... :o
That giant and his magic really seem to improve. He's still not mastering things yet though... The Harfoots don't have it easy atm - it's a constant up and down for them!
Captain Elendil really did not joke when he said that the bond between a horse and the rider it rides to war with is unbreakable! That's quite remarkable and reminds me a bit of HTTYD tbh :)
Isildur's death really hit his father hard though... :o
"I should've never pulled the elf on board. I should've left her in the sea where I found her."
However, I feel like there's still hope for Isildur. It feels like his moment is yet to come.
"Do not spend your pity on me elf. [...] For they [orcs] do not know what they have begun."
And we finally got to see why it isn't a good idea to dig deeper. That really is the place where Gandalf mentioned that the dwarves were too greedy and dug too deep which unleashed some evil things.
Lust but not least: It looks like we just witnessed how Mordor was born...
Great episode that carries the plot forward. Yes, the main characters have INSANE plot armor and maybe the creation of Mt. Doom and Mordor could have been done a little more creatively but whatever. I love the way the relationship between the Durins and Elrond is expanding, and the rest of the cast is developing great. Wonder how the season will end since like this doesn’t really set up anything to come that can be solved in one episode
Galadriel walks over to Míriel and kneels down.
Míriel touches Galadriel's tearful face.
Míriel:
Do not spent your pity on me, Elf.
Galadriel: You have not seen what I have seen!
Mírie:
Save it for our enemies.
Galadriel: You have not seen what I have seen!
so... celeborn is dead. i was wondering when/how they would mention him. now i am thinking if celebrían exists in this show, and where she would fit.
Also I think now it's clear Halbrand is the disguised Sauron!
Review by ladysherlockianBlockedParentSpoilers2022-10-07T19:10:16Z
Things are really rotten in the land of Middle-Earth as anything which might have been a success turns quickly into ash, sometimes quite literally. Galadriel waxes a bit melancholic and when she rescues Theo, she talks of some philosophical subjects to him, such as not to take too much joy in slaying when you are a soldier because you may turn to the dark side then or how to understand what is the good in having one's home destroyed like it happened to Theo. She seems a bit on the mend as far as her awful character is concerned but it is not enough yet to make her the Galadriel we know.
The hobbits reach what is to become Mirkwood and found some trees destroyed and the area is rather desolate which is bad since it is here they used to stock up for the winter. The Stranger heals the tree and the next day the hobbits wake up to a bountiful gardens and orchards so they gather a lot of vittles; it goes litterally to ash later on, as Nori attracts the attention of the creepy sauronists who burn the entire Harfoot camp in retailiation when her dad wants to defend her. Nori's dad gives the Harfoots a pep-talk that they always stick together and help each other which sounds really nice, but nothing so far seems to corroborate that. Finally, Malva and Sadoc agree to accompany the girls, who want to warn the meteor men about the sauronists. Maybe they want to make up for the past behaviour towards Nori.
I didn't like the Elrond and Durin plot in this episode, whereas Durin the king takes a right decision not to re-open the mithril mines and risk the safety of his people to help the elves (as was the king's duty to put his people first and protect them), Durin jr. disobeys his father by re-opening the said mine in secret and goes there to dig with his best buddy Elrond, which is quite irresponsible as he is the heir to the throne and is risking his life because the piece of mithril healed the leaf; but what is even worse, he disobeys his father and his king in what could be construed as high treason. Things get even worse when his father tells him a story of how his mother worried because he had been a sickly child and how he saw the future king in his baby son, but Durin jr. answers that by offending his father with cruel words. No wonder the king removed Durin from succession. And Disa turns Lady-Macbethy, telling her husband that he is destined to be the king and the mithril mines will be theirs. I really disliked Disa in this episode, as she tries to instigate Durin jr. against his father and finally succeeds. Gone is the gentle peacemaker from the early episode, and now we have a power-greedy Disa :( Durin the king was right in his decision, as we get a glimpse of the balrog when he throws away the leaf. I hope the showrunners won't have him awake too early (though obviously they don't care about chronology a whit so probably they'll do somthing just like that).
As far as smaller plotlines are concerned:
- Theo returns to the Numenorean camp and find his mother and Arondir alive, well and apparently not even scratched; Brownyn's dress must be fireproof, I want that; Galadriel gives him her sword and now he wants to become a soldier;
- Halbrand is found seriously wounded but Galadriel says he could be healed with elvish medicine so they leave together and ride towards the sunset (well, not literally but you get the meaning) with the remnants of the Southlanders hailing him as their king; they intend to go to Pelargir which is called an abandoned Numenorean outpost but wasn't it actually inhabited by the Black Numenoreans by this time?
- Tar-Miriel takes part in a rescue mission of some peasants from a burning house and loses her eyesight as a result, which seems a huge overlook and dereliction of duty on the side of Elendil and other commanders not to have protected their queen and instead let such a situation to happen. Miriel vows revenge on everyone who caused the situation in Southlands and promises to return with Numenorean army.
- Adar appears at the end of the episode and names the country Mordor (I still cannot forgive Adar for not having killed Galadriel so that she could reincarnate into the book!Galadriel);
I saved the worst things until the end, but these are really bad and turn the future of Middle-Earth upside down:
- Isildur is apparently dead (though his horse doesn't want to leave for Numenor and Elendil has to let it loose so maybe it senses Isildur)
- Celeborn is also dead, killed in some unnamed battle according to what Galadriel tells Theo.
This is a neat cut since the showrunners deprived their version of Middle-Earth (since it is obviously not Tolkien's) of the ancestors of both Aragorn and Arwen, respectively. Just imagine how the Third Age and LotR would look like without these two.