245 reviews
I like what I see, I dislike what I experience
Visuals, stunning. Everything looks great, outfits look great(Minority doesen't). Some scenes come out very, in a word. "Silly". They just don't fit. Dialouges, well. Let's just say subpar. The one with stone at the beggining, just. What the?
If you are more of a hardcore Tolkien universe fan and have knowledge of history of people and the lands, than you will have problems with the story. This will affect your experience and you will find changes strange and unfitting. Story is not cannon.
If you are casual viewer, I think you will enjoy this episode. It looks great, charaters feel okey. All, in all. Good enough to keep you occupied and not feel bored.
If you are more of a hardcore Tolkien universe fan and have knowledge of history of people and the lands, than you will have problems with the story. This will affect your experience and you will find changes strange and unfitting. Story is not cannon.
If you are casual viewer, I think you will enjoy this episode. It looks great, charaters feel okey. All, in all. Good enough to keep you occupied and not feel bored.
- izubi-90624
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
Tolkein-ish and somehow reminded me of a big budget version of movie Willow
So, this is a TV series commissioned by Amazon with the bulk of the story lifted from the vague appendices from the Lord of The Rings books. So lets just say that there quite a lot of room for 'interpretation' and that's not a bad thing because most people haven't read or know of the content in those appendices which is a great basis for a spoiler free experience. The acting is adequate, the costumes and visuals are stunning/beautiful, getting the pre-LOTR / The Hobbit era just right where everything seems just a tad more primitive than the settings for the books we all know and love. The first episode covers the usual drama tropes i.e. Defiance of authority and tradition, forbidden love, an unseen enemy / ominous threat, revenge and to be honest it's handled quite well.
Now for the loaded question and that is that some more cynical out there have complained that there are breaches in the canon and lore of Tolkein when it comes to the 'appearance' and 'uniformity' of groups of characters in this production; I for one don't mind this as that to me is almost incidental (hey they did it partly in The Witcher and we all loved that); for me what is important is the story, character (as in motivation and persona) and the dramatization.
This production is not a 'Wheel of Time' (awful as that was I gave up on it and could not continue) and watching the 1st episode has compelled me to watch more.
Don't listen to the naysayers who wrote off this production before they saw it months ago, open your mind, sit back, relax and enjoy a wonderful fantasy adventure.
Now for the loaded question and that is that some more cynical out there have complained that there are breaches in the canon and lore of Tolkein when it comes to the 'appearance' and 'uniformity' of groups of characters in this production; I for one don't mind this as that to me is almost incidental (hey they did it partly in The Witcher and we all loved that); for me what is important is the story, character (as in motivation and persona) and the dramatization.
This production is not a 'Wheel of Time' (awful as that was I gave up on it and could not continue) and watching the 1st episode has compelled me to watch more.
Don't listen to the naysayers who wrote off this production before they saw it months ago, open your mind, sit back, relax and enjoy a wonderful fantasy adventure.
- david-fernandez
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
No vibes yet
The story has to develop but it seems disconnected as of yet. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a high wall to scale but it doesnt even try. Will see about it in the coming episodes how it fares. Connections are developing but not that great. The makeup team seems to be trying too hard. The scale and landmarks are ok for now. The charcaters are just getting familiar. Slow start to what I hope jsut lives to the hype. This episode focusses of Galadriel a lot. Some conversations are deep and thats how it should be, when a series follows a book, dont create dumbed down versions of conversations, stick to the source. The ending was just the beginning of this series, so fingers crossed.
- moviesknight
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
An Amazingly Impressive Start
The emotional sincerity, ethereal atmosphere, and pure fantasy excitement of Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy is perfectly captured here. The characters are quickly likeable, the visuals and special-effects are stunning (completely destroying the line between film & TV production), the dialogue is poetic, and overall, it's an incredibly tight script that establishes the world, story and characters in a concise and engaging manner. It's such a joy to be back in Middle-Earth, guided by hands that are clearly pouring a lot of care and heart into this project. I can't wait to see where this show goes.
- amongpixels
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
A Shadow of the Past
As much fun as it has been to revisit the realm of Westeros, this is the show that I have been dying to see, looking forward to the imminent return to Middle-earth and its creatures. A lot of fuzz has been made about the show and the liberties taken by Amazon, and I honestly couldn't care less as it seems like the same people who want to hate on anything, and would probably have hated on the films had social media been around back then. This first episode was an epic return to this world with new introductions to fascinating characters and a looming threat.
With the great love I have for Tolkien's novels, I was ready for this to be a different tale than what he ever wrote. And while the show is definitely not a one-to-one adaptation of his stories, it feels like a piece of Tolkien writing. J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay definitely brought out the big guns and wrote to the strengths of the characters, coming up with a first episode that sets up this giant world with multiple characters that I am excited to follow over the next few weeks. The beginning was great and kinda jumped over what I thought the show was, but the fact that I'm not sure what we're going to see is actually what makes me even more excited to tune in every week. For all the pacing issues that this episode had been accused of, I saddled in for a long ride, but actually found it to be rather smoothe. Sure, there are certain scenes that could have been a little shorter, but they never bothered me as I was fascinated by all the conversations the characters had and the level of detail the writers put into the language. The Elves take up a big part of this episode, but the Harfoots get some screen time and they are adorable. I'm glad that Morfydd Clark is getting a big role that people will see, because she is a massive talent and someone to look out for. She did great as Galadriel and is a promising lead for this.
"A Shadow of the Past" is a promising start to this show and sets the stage for whatever's to come and I'm here for it. All the characters feel like Tolkien creations and the world seems as ripe for stories as it did when Peter Jackson's films came out, so I'm very happy right now.
With the great love I have for Tolkien's novels, I was ready for this to be a different tale than what he ever wrote. And while the show is definitely not a one-to-one adaptation of his stories, it feels like a piece of Tolkien writing. J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay definitely brought out the big guns and wrote to the strengths of the characters, coming up with a first episode that sets up this giant world with multiple characters that I am excited to follow over the next few weeks. The beginning was great and kinda jumped over what I thought the show was, but the fact that I'm not sure what we're going to see is actually what makes me even more excited to tune in every week. For all the pacing issues that this episode had been accused of, I saddled in for a long ride, but actually found it to be rather smoothe. Sure, there are certain scenes that could have been a little shorter, but they never bothered me as I was fascinated by all the conversations the characters had and the level of detail the writers put into the language. The Elves take up a big part of this episode, but the Harfoots get some screen time and they are adorable. I'm glad that Morfydd Clark is getting a big role that people will see, because she is a massive talent and someone to look out for. She did great as Galadriel and is a promising lead for this.
"A Shadow of the Past" is a promising start to this show and sets the stage for whatever's to come and I'm here for it. All the characters feel like Tolkien creations and the world seems as ripe for stories as it did when Peter Jackson's films came out, so I'm very happy right now.
- lassegalsgaard
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
You have not seeen what I have seen!
To all the people who are disliking the show before watching it - don't let hate succumb you to the deep depths of the Sundering Seas.
I have read LOTR many times, read Silmarillion once and love the original trilogy as the best cinematic creation of all time. But this premiere episode of Rings of Power was simply put fantastic.
First of all, the visuals. Every single scene was beautifully created. Every singe frame is a piece of art. Yes, its heavy on CGI, but there is also tons of actual scenery, clothes, armor, items, and locations that all tell a different tale.
Second, the music. Bear McCreary (with Howard Shore) has created new tunes that can be compared to the iconic themes from the trilogy. The main theme, Galadriels theme, harfoots, dwarwes, you name it. I have listened the OST non-stop since its release two weeks ago.
What surprised me the most, was the quality of dialogue. The elves do not just say "Sun is shining", no, they say "let the light of a thousand stars lighten your way". The infamous "You have not seeen what I have seen!" is the lowest moment of all dialogue in the episode and even it serves a purpose. I love how some woRds are pRonounced, woRds like MoRgoth, GaladRiel and SauRon. It makes it familiar, but unique.
When it comes to performances, I cannot praise Morfydd Clark enough. She is a force of nature, as Lady Galadriel should be. Another good one is Ismael Cruz Cordova as Arondir, the elf soldier. The harfoot hobbits come around as lighthearted and curious folk too.
I had to check who directed the episodes, since the usage of closeups, wide vistas and imaginery images was interesting. J. A Bayona does a fantastic job with making it all work together.
The premiere presents an interesting premise for things to come.
What a delightful start to the show, hoping that they can keep the quality high!
I have read LOTR many times, read Silmarillion once and love the original trilogy as the best cinematic creation of all time. But this premiere episode of Rings of Power was simply put fantastic.
First of all, the visuals. Every single scene was beautifully created. Every singe frame is a piece of art. Yes, its heavy on CGI, but there is also tons of actual scenery, clothes, armor, items, and locations that all tell a different tale.
Second, the music. Bear McCreary (with Howard Shore) has created new tunes that can be compared to the iconic themes from the trilogy. The main theme, Galadriels theme, harfoots, dwarwes, you name it. I have listened the OST non-stop since its release two weeks ago.
What surprised me the most, was the quality of dialogue. The elves do not just say "Sun is shining", no, they say "let the light of a thousand stars lighten your way". The infamous "You have not seeen what I have seen!" is the lowest moment of all dialogue in the episode and even it serves a purpose. I love how some woRds are pRonounced, woRds like MoRgoth, GaladRiel and SauRon. It makes it familiar, but unique.
When it comes to performances, I cannot praise Morfydd Clark enough. She is a force of nature, as Lady Galadriel should be. Another good one is Ismael Cruz Cordova as Arondir, the elf soldier. The harfoot hobbits come around as lighthearted and curious folk too.
I had to check who directed the episodes, since the usage of closeups, wide vistas and imaginery images was interesting. J. A Bayona does a fantastic job with making it all work together.
The premiere presents an interesting premise for things to come.
What a delightful start to the show, hoping that they can keep the quality high!
- rioksane-02950
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
Galadriel: Warrior Princess
Not so bad as some are saying, and not as perfect as others are paid to write, this LORD OF THE RINGS is really more of a HUNGER GAMES set in Middle Earth with an assortment of beautiful young men and mostly women battling for their survival...
The latter of course, as in females, provide the lion share of heroics, which angers some (woke as it's called) but watching a beautiful Elf-girl in her young Xena Warrior mode isn't so awful...
She's searching for and trying to catch and kill Sauron at the "ends of the world" which is like attempting to have Satan himself get stuck on fly-paper... The whole Good and Evil aspect is a bit too broad...
Then the pre-Hobbits having to live in secret and, when the coast is clear of danger their hidden world unfolds like those old gangster movies about bathroom-gin speak-easy joints when the cops leave, and the dinner tables go back to being craps tables...
Anyhow both of these Elf and Pre-Hobbit stories are involving enough... to see how the adventures will sustain... which is what a first episode is supposed to do: make the viewer want more...
However once they get to the human village story about some kind of poisoned water it all gets pretty dull, and, being the last tale towards the end, petering-out when it's supposed to up the ante isn't good...
Yet, overall, the infamously pricey effects are good, and it does seem like another world no matter how much they inject modern-day political themes and personalities within such an ancient setting, and doesn't ruin the thing... At last not entirely.
The latter of course, as in females, provide the lion share of heroics, which angers some (woke as it's called) but watching a beautiful Elf-girl in her young Xena Warrior mode isn't so awful...
She's searching for and trying to catch and kill Sauron at the "ends of the world" which is like attempting to have Satan himself get stuck on fly-paper... The whole Good and Evil aspect is a bit too broad...
Then the pre-Hobbits having to live in secret and, when the coast is clear of danger their hidden world unfolds like those old gangster movies about bathroom-gin speak-easy joints when the cops leave, and the dinner tables go back to being craps tables...
Anyhow both of these Elf and Pre-Hobbit stories are involving enough... to see how the adventures will sustain... which is what a first episode is supposed to do: make the viewer want more...
However once they get to the human village story about some kind of poisoned water it all gets pretty dull, and, being the last tale towards the end, petering-out when it's supposed to up the ante isn't good...
Yet, overall, the infamously pricey effects are good, and it does seem like another world no matter how much they inject modern-day political themes and personalities within such an ancient setting, and doesn't ruin the thing... At last not entirely.
- TheFearmakers
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
So much anticipation, does it live up to it? Mostly.
So the 'biggest' TV show ever made (at least in terms of cost of rights and production) has finally landed. I have given myself a while to digest what I have seen in the first two episodes before writing this.
Firstly, I am a big fan of the original source material, The Hobbit was the first book I bought with my 'own' pocket money at age eight, by ten I had read and re-read it and LoTRs endlessly.
Secondly, I am also a big fan of Peter Jackson's tireless work at adapting them into films (although the Hobbit unnecessary trilogy was slightly more annoying).
So, this had a lot to live up to.
For me it did, but not so much for others in my family. My wife and step-daughter both felt the first episode was quite tedious (even with the Snow Troll fight at the beginning). I actually enjoyed the slow pace and the sumptuous visuals.
There is such a sense of World established here, just as Jackson managed in his impressive early 2000s films. Obviously much of the design choices, and even some of the scripting have a lot to thank him and his crew for.
But this TV show is determined to be its own beast.
I think it benefits greatly from the fact that it is drawing largely from sketchy history in the Appendices, there is so much more here that we don't know about than that which we already have knowledge of.
It is possible to be grossly disappointed in an adaptation of a book when sections of your favourite parts are either excluded or radically changed.
Coming in with only a vague memory of what was in the Appendices, I find myself willing to let it all be instead of picking it apart in minute detail as I was doing for both The Hobbit and LoTRs films.
In other words, I don't think I have any preconceptions to spoil.
Go into watching this with that kind of open mind, and I think you will love it.
The second episode is a high 9 out of 10 as well, the trajectory seems very pleasing.
Also, the problems some people seem to have with casting are absurd as far as I am concerned. Tolkien was basing his world on our planet, meaning that there would be just as vast a different array of races and Ethnicities as we have now.
Just because he did not explicitly write it, doesn't mean it could not be. Also it is not like they are making such casting decisions with the big famous characters from the books, these are characters about which little was known.
But also, at the end of the day, it is fantasy fiction! How can you moan about someone's skin colour not being realistic when there are big dragons swooping about! Crazy.
Firstly, I am a big fan of the original source material, The Hobbit was the first book I bought with my 'own' pocket money at age eight, by ten I had read and re-read it and LoTRs endlessly.
Secondly, I am also a big fan of Peter Jackson's tireless work at adapting them into films (although the Hobbit unnecessary trilogy was slightly more annoying).
So, this had a lot to live up to.
For me it did, but not so much for others in my family. My wife and step-daughter both felt the first episode was quite tedious (even with the Snow Troll fight at the beginning). I actually enjoyed the slow pace and the sumptuous visuals.
There is such a sense of World established here, just as Jackson managed in his impressive early 2000s films. Obviously much of the design choices, and even some of the scripting have a lot to thank him and his crew for.
But this TV show is determined to be its own beast.
I think it benefits greatly from the fact that it is drawing largely from sketchy history in the Appendices, there is so much more here that we don't know about than that which we already have knowledge of.
It is possible to be grossly disappointed in an adaptation of a book when sections of your favourite parts are either excluded or radically changed.
Coming in with only a vague memory of what was in the Appendices, I find myself willing to let it all be instead of picking it apart in minute detail as I was doing for both The Hobbit and LoTRs films.
In other words, I don't think I have any preconceptions to spoil.
Go into watching this with that kind of open mind, and I think you will love it.
The second episode is a high 9 out of 10 as well, the trajectory seems very pleasing.
Also, the problems some people seem to have with casting are absurd as far as I am concerned. Tolkien was basing his world on our planet, meaning that there would be just as vast a different array of races and Ethnicities as we have now.
Just because he did not explicitly write it, doesn't mean it could not be. Also it is not like they are making such casting decisions with the big famous characters from the books, these are characters about which little was known.
But also, at the end of the day, it is fantasy fiction! How can you moan about someone's skin colour not being realistic when there are big dragons swooping about! Crazy.
- medwards-85263
- Sep 7, 2022
- Permalink
Good
Many reviews are giving it a bad score for being dull and boring and not understanding tolkiens work and I agree that at times it was boring , but it was still a good show. I'm still going to watch the rest of the episodes. Can understand why the show cost so much as the visuals are great. Recommend to watch it on as big a screen as you have in your home or you can afford . Acting is great. Overall rating 7.5 out of ten. One of the best Amazon original shows out there, but still not better than the Boys or Invincible , but there are 7 more episodes to the season so we'll see.
- SomeRandomDudeN420
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
Average first episode
As a massive fan of the original LotR trilogy and even the Hobbit trilogy, I was super excited for this series when it was announced. My faith in it has declined over the months with all the news about it, but I decided to watch it with an open mind.
A Shadow of the Past is a very average first episode to the series. It isn't bad, but isn't great either. The visuals, production and music are amazing, as you would expect from the most expensive TV show in history. But that being said, the characters are all bland, with the exception of Nori Brandyfoot. She's the only character I could believe actually fitted the Middle-Earth world, everyone else just looks miscast. The Elves all have modern hairstyles - it's strange seeing one of them with a crop cut or a skin fade.
The dialogue is also horrid and cringe at times, and the actors deliver these lines like they are reading off a card off-screen.
It isnt all bad, the episode was enjoyable. Like I said, visually, it's insane. The quality of the sets and with the locations they filmed, it certainly feels like Middle-Earth. Thankful the next episode was better, but so far, it's a little underwhelming.
5/10.
A Shadow of the Past is a very average first episode to the series. It isn't bad, but isn't great either. The visuals, production and music are amazing, as you would expect from the most expensive TV show in history. But that being said, the characters are all bland, with the exception of Nori Brandyfoot. She's the only character I could believe actually fitted the Middle-Earth world, everyone else just looks miscast. The Elves all have modern hairstyles - it's strange seeing one of them with a crop cut or a skin fade.
The dialogue is also horrid and cringe at times, and the actors deliver these lines like they are reading off a card off-screen.
It isnt all bad, the episode was enjoyable. Like I said, visually, it's insane. The quality of the sets and with the locations they filmed, it certainly feels like Middle-Earth. Thankful the next episode was better, but so far, it's a little underwhelming.
5/10.
- Dannyboi94
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
Interesting set up with amazing visuals
A really enjoyable premiere. Characters are both interesting and new, but clearly harken to the familiar. There's certain to be criticisms of a show that plays too-close to the fold of what has come before, but, is that always such a bad thing?
The lore seems well-established, action scenes, though certainly not the focus of the episode were engaging. Locations seen were interesting and add depth to a Middle-Earth many have come to know from previous films. The plot also seems interesting on its own, even if one were not to know any connection to previous material. It will be interesting to see how this progresses.
The lore seems well-established, action scenes, though certainly not the focus of the episode were engaging. Locations seen were interesting and add depth to a Middle-Earth many have come to know from previous films. The plot also seems interesting on its own, even if one were not to know any connection to previous material. It will be interesting to see how this progresses.
- jaredk-70888
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
Average start
It is just not what it was expected to be. It doesn't have that magic you used to feel in the trilogy, Middle Earth is simply not the same.
LOTR films are so much longer than this and I've never fallen asleep with any of the movies but this time has been different. Very dull dialogues and empty scenes.
It is true that the music is gorgeous, probably the best of the episode. Also Elrond is also a promising character that may evolve well until we get our wise Harry's Elrond we all loved so much. And that last scene... well something burned inside as saw it, perhaps there is actually some story to be told, and it is not just merchandising.
Overall not a solid start, though I hope it will strengthen along the season.
LOTR films are so much longer than this and I've never fallen asleep with any of the movies but this time has been different. Very dull dialogues and empty scenes.
It is true that the music is gorgeous, probably the best of the episode. Also Elrond is also a promising character that may evolve well until we get our wise Harry's Elrond we all loved so much. And that last scene... well something burned inside as saw it, perhaps there is actually some story to be told, and it is not just merchandising.
Overall not a solid start, though I hope it will strengthen along the season.
Not a great start, but let's see.
First of all, some of the scenery and the CGI were absolutely stunning,but some of the costumes felt out of place and didn't look really good.
The music didn't really stand out in my opinion.
Now for the rest, this is just my opinion(and a minor spoiler warning).
You would kinda hope that Galadriels company of immortal warriors, who are the longest serving company(i think) would be skillfull and smart soldiers, well nope.
You would think Galadriel would be a good commander? She force-marches a company of maybe 10 persons into the mountains,past the point of fatigue and support. TO FIND SAURON. THE ULTIMATE EVIL.
Personally i didn't like the potrayal of Elrond as a lower rank politician and the dialogue between him and galadriel was kinda cringeworthy.
The scenes with the haarfoots were just boring and felt forced.
Giving it a 5 star rating cause i dont want to be absolute and wanna see where it's going, but the first episode was below expectations. For me at least.
The music didn't really stand out in my opinion.
Now for the rest, this is just my opinion(and a minor spoiler warning).
You would kinda hope that Galadriels company of immortal warriors, who are the longest serving company(i think) would be skillfull and smart soldiers, well nope.
You would think Galadriel would be a good commander? She force-marches a company of maybe 10 persons into the mountains,past the point of fatigue and support. TO FIND SAURON. THE ULTIMATE EVIL.
Personally i didn't like the potrayal of Elrond as a lower rank politician and the dialogue between him and galadriel was kinda cringeworthy.
The scenes with the haarfoots were just boring and felt forced.
Giving it a 5 star rating cause i dont want to be absolute and wanna see where it's going, but the first episode was below expectations. For me at least.
Interesting
After i have finished now Episode 1 around 3 minutes ago, i have to say that for someone that has nothing to do with the World and works of this Universe. I liked it, it was good gave idiots like me a good start into the Series. The Costumes and the set pieces looked really awesome and the acting was quite descent even though one of the Characters gave me Neil Patrick Harris vibes, the score was very epic and some wide shots really looked beautiful. I really look forward into the Future of this work and i hope House of the Dragon gets a good competetor.
The Episode was quite okay. But you have to wonder if this Episode was really around $32Million Dollars of a Budget.
I kinda liked the Intro and the 6 minute end Credits gave me Marvel vibes.
Overall good Episode and now im going into the second Episode!
The Episode was quite okay. But you have to wonder if this Episode was really around $32Million Dollars of a Budget.
I kinda liked the Intro and the 6 minute end Credits gave me Marvel vibes.
Overall good Episode and now im going into the second Episode!
- brokenarrows-33267
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
An ambitious reminder of the wonder of Tolkiens world
I think many of us have forgotten the sheer glory it was to see LOTR back when it first came out.
The multitude of life and the beauty and horror it contained.
This series seems to remember and wants to remind us that the world of Middle Earth and beyond is a trove of stories. Both from the creator Tolkien and others who love his works.
I love this show so far. Beautiful but filled with uncertainty. I believe, given the arc Amazon is pushing over 5 seasons this will be long loved and remembered.
I leave the internet trolls to tear at it while I watch the trolls here share their world with many creatures, both ethereal and demonic.
The multitude of life and the beauty and horror it contained.
This series seems to remember and wants to remind us that the world of Middle Earth and beyond is a trove of stories. Both from the creator Tolkien and others who love his works.
I love this show so far. Beautiful but filled with uncertainty. I believe, given the arc Amazon is pushing over 5 seasons this will be long loved and remembered.
I leave the internet trolls to tear at it while I watch the trolls here share their world with many creatures, both ethereal and demonic.
- razorwirekiss-1
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
Perfection
The debut episode of Rings of Power conjures the magic that made Peter Jackson's original trilogy so special. It oozes that comforting warmth of Middle Earth and makes you genuinely fearful of the horrors that work in the shadows that seek to destroy it. The visuals are stunning; being the first ever TV show, in my opinion, to truly feel like a big-budget film. Being a kind-of prologue, the episode lays very good groundwork for the overall narrative and individual characters; whom will undoubtably cross paths down the line. I'm a kid watching the first hour of Fellowship of the Ring again. I never expected, as an adult, to have this joy once again.
- christianmsmith
- Sep 3, 2022
- Permalink
A decent start
Starts off well enough and the opening felt somewhat similar to Peter Jackson's FotR. Excellent visuals and you can tell the sets were very carefully selected and built. The cinematography is very well executed, but some of the action sequences felt a little strange specifically in the snow cave. Acting seemed a little wanting, but hopefully that I don't dwell on that the whole time. Lots of setup so I hope there's more meat later on but overall a decent start that I think Peter Jackson fans could appreciate.
Durin is by far the best actor and most Jackson like character I saw in the first two episodes. Excited to see where this series takes us but I'm cautious going forward.
Durin is by far the best actor and most Jackson like character I saw in the first two episodes. Excited to see where this series takes us but I'm cautious going forward.
Sets the tone right for the season
I always predicted this show will start by showing parts of 1st Age as a backflash in the 1st Episode (just like the original LOTR trilogy - where we started by getting a hint of War of the Last Alliance). And it did exactly that.
One of the main problems in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy (specially the last part - Battle of the Five Armies) was it lacked character building. The show has started by giving a clear sign - that they have learnt from those mistakes. Though that makes the 1st Episode a little slower in pace - but so was the Fellowship!
Few of the other let downs in Hobbit trilogy was it always gave a feeling that the Dwarfs are having a fun-ride through the evil - few areas like the Goblin Cave / Bilbo's Trolls etc made the enemies look like Cartoon villains - which wasn't the case for the original LOTR trilogy.
Few of the scenes in this 1st Episode - clearly shows that the team isn't willing to let down - e.g. The mountain Troll scene.
And then comes the highlights - a show becomes an EPIC when you have scenes which you would want to see again and again - looking for more details. This 1st Episode already has that for me! The scene where Galadriel's team of Elf warriors reach the Utumno like evil fortress - we get a feeling like the Noldor's flight in the winter storm - when the team struggles through the storm in the dark - and then the EPIC shot of the fortress suddenly showing up in between the lightnings - I can see this scene again and again.
It's not Peter Jackson's work anymore - the show has already started leaving it's own mark - we're truly in the 2nd Age - A Shadow of the 1st Dark Lord Morgoth!
The only reason I cannot give it 10 is the way it treated the Elfs - short hairs - I really can't buy this.
They also don't sound like such a knowledgeable clan in some areas.
But this is a marathon - so I do hope that the showrunners will correct those at some point.
A must watch neverthless!
One of the main problems in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy (specially the last part - Battle of the Five Armies) was it lacked character building. The show has started by giving a clear sign - that they have learnt from those mistakes. Though that makes the 1st Episode a little slower in pace - but so was the Fellowship!
Few of the other let downs in Hobbit trilogy was it always gave a feeling that the Dwarfs are having a fun-ride through the evil - few areas like the Goblin Cave / Bilbo's Trolls etc made the enemies look like Cartoon villains - which wasn't the case for the original LOTR trilogy.
Few of the scenes in this 1st Episode - clearly shows that the team isn't willing to let down - e.g. The mountain Troll scene.
And then comes the highlights - a show becomes an EPIC when you have scenes which you would want to see again and again - looking for more details. This 1st Episode already has that for me! The scene where Galadriel's team of Elf warriors reach the Utumno like evil fortress - we get a feeling like the Noldor's flight in the winter storm - when the team struggles through the storm in the dark - and then the EPIC shot of the fortress suddenly showing up in between the lightnings - I can see this scene again and again.
It's not Peter Jackson's work anymore - the show has already started leaving it's own mark - we're truly in the 2nd Age - A Shadow of the 1st Dark Lord Morgoth!
The only reason I cannot give it 10 is the way it treated the Elfs - short hairs - I really can't buy this.
They also don't sound like such a knowledgeable clan in some areas.
But this is a marathon - so I do hope that the showrunners will correct those at some point.
A must watch neverthless!
- emailmonomoyghosh
- Sep 3, 2022
- Permalink
Solidly made, visually striking, something missing
For a first episode of a new show this is a solid start. The show has already established its tone and feel. Galadriel as the central character is also established well and you get a good sense of her views and motivation.
Visually, the thing is quite beautiful. Generally speaking the CGI FX are pretty stunning. Occasionally it can look a tad cartoony, but we are dealing with some larger than life things here and so that is to be expected.
So far, it isn't quite as mind blowingly brilliant as Jackson's Lord of the Rings, but: a) that is a master work and it would be unfair to hold this or indeed any other project (including The Hobbit) up to that rather than view it on its own terms, b) this is an episodic tv show that has the benefit of having more time to tell its story and that may prove to be a real advantage, but it's not going to be as concise or neatly wrapped and a feature length film.
Visually, the thing is quite beautiful. Generally speaking the CGI FX are pretty stunning. Occasionally it can look a tad cartoony, but we are dealing with some larger than life things here and so that is to be expected.
So far, it isn't quite as mind blowingly brilliant as Jackson's Lord of the Rings, but: a) that is a master work and it would be unfair to hold this or indeed any other project (including The Hobbit) up to that rather than view it on its own terms, b) this is an episodic tv show that has the benefit of having more time to tell its story and that may prove to be a real advantage, but it's not going to be as concise or neatly wrapped and a feature length film.
- andyinwards
- Sep 2, 2022
- Permalink
What an awful show
A pretty good opener
I'm not someone who has any desire to read Tolkien and I feel very meh about the LotR movies, so I watched this as an interested relative LotR newbie.
The graphics and cinematography are stunning. Action wasn't too graphic and looked good for the most part. There's a good opening monologue lore catch-up for non Tolkien fans. The characters are pretty interesting, I'm invested in some of them already. The pacing was good but it dragged in places, the episode could have been shorter.
There were a couple of plot holes and questionable script decisions that had me raising an eyebrow. It's got some eye roll worthy tropes, but since Tolkien basically invented the tropes I can forgive that. The brief bit of romance was cringe, I hated it. Hope it improves drastically.
Tolkien fanatics will hate this but I really wasn't impressed at how blandly European the whole thing felt. Many of the sets could be from a medieval drama rather than fantasy, costume and set design feel lacking in culture and detail. If you're going to annoy the Tolkien stans by making changes to the source material, then you may as well add to the world building to make it more culturally rich. Take a leaf out of Wheel of Time's book there. I was disappointed by the lack of diversity in this episode too.
Overall I really liked it though and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
The graphics and cinematography are stunning. Action wasn't too graphic and looked good for the most part. There's a good opening monologue lore catch-up for non Tolkien fans. The characters are pretty interesting, I'm invested in some of them already. The pacing was good but it dragged in places, the episode could have been shorter.
There were a couple of plot holes and questionable script decisions that had me raising an eyebrow. It's got some eye roll worthy tropes, but since Tolkien basically invented the tropes I can forgive that. The brief bit of romance was cringe, I hated it. Hope it improves drastically.
Tolkien fanatics will hate this but I really wasn't impressed at how blandly European the whole thing felt. Many of the sets could be from a medieval drama rather than fantasy, costume and set design feel lacking in culture and detail. If you're going to annoy the Tolkien stans by making changes to the source material, then you may as well add to the world building to make it more culturally rich. Take a leaf out of Wheel of Time's book there. I was disappointed by the lack of diversity in this episode too.
Overall I really liked it though and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
- TheWheelWeaves
- Sep 3, 2022
- Permalink
6.5. I'm looking but I can't find Gold. (Spoiler free)
I'm rating this episode not the series, there's still 7 more to go and I'm hoping they interconnect and build up on what good points work here.
There is no doubt that this looks incredible, it does belong on a big screen really. But is that enough? 500m budget over 8 episodes, any TV show should look good, heck even Eastenders would look great. The acting here isn't anything note worthy, I know the Elves are supposed to be purposefully emotionless to some degree, like a Vulcan- but it's just not too fun to watch.
As a family piece of entertainment I think it passes the test, it does seem to have something for everybody.
I don't think it's anywhere near as bad as most people on here are making it out to be but I'm not feeling anything like I did when the films came out, maybe I'm just getting cynical in my older age. Personally, the best thing about this is how amazingly lush the Elven realms look. There is good use of location shots and environment and the CGI really is something- I just hope they don't go the way the Hobbit films went where you may as well just be playing a game. I want to like this, I do! Let's hope 7 more episodes find its way.
There is no doubt that this looks incredible, it does belong on a big screen really. But is that enough? 500m budget over 8 episodes, any TV show should look good, heck even Eastenders would look great. The acting here isn't anything note worthy, I know the Elves are supposed to be purposefully emotionless to some degree, like a Vulcan- but it's just not too fun to watch.
As a family piece of entertainment I think it passes the test, it does seem to have something for everybody.
I don't think it's anywhere near as bad as most people on here are making it out to be but I'm not feeling anything like I did when the films came out, maybe I'm just getting cynical in my older age. Personally, the best thing about this is how amazingly lush the Elven realms look. There is good use of location shots and environment and the CGI really is something- I just hope they don't go the way the Hobbit films went where you may as well just be playing a game. I want to like this, I do! Let's hope 7 more episodes find its way.
- benjaminchristopher
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
On the new episode of what never happened in middle earth
They wanted to create something new. Something unwritten on the books. And they failed. The series has a lot of problems. The main is that's boring. Bad actings as well. Cringe dialogs. No plot. Bad narration. Why on earth they didn't based their story on the books. There is no atmosphere. Just a tone of cgi and camera movement. You can only watch it from curiosity.
Sometimes it seem they trying to enlarge the acenes so they have enough material for all the episodes. I mean... The books are endless of inspiration material, whats happened to you guys? You just have to read the books two times in a raw and you will get all the inspiration you will need to create something atlist decent.
Sometimes it seem they trying to enlarge the acenes so they have enough material for all the episodes. I mean... The books are endless of inspiration material, whats happened to you guys? You just have to read the books two times in a raw and you will get all the inspiration you will need to create something atlist decent.
- giorgosmoustakis-05610
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
Form your own opinion!
Too many people have disliked the first episode because it's fun to dunk on films and join the crowd. I think the trailers and behind the scenes interviews have tainted the show into potentially including a woke agenda but that wasn't present in the first episode.
As a fan of the previews films I can see the immense pressure to try and build upon such a beloved world however, I genuinely enjoyed the first episode and remain cautiously optimistic for the rest of the show.
The characters felt organic and the visuals were absolutely breathtaking.
Only time will tell but the first episode is definitely worth watching!
As a fan of the previews films I can see the immense pressure to try and build upon such a beloved world however, I genuinely enjoyed the first episode and remain cautiously optimistic for the rest of the show.
The characters felt organic and the visuals were absolutely breathtaking.
Only time will tell but the first episode is definitely worth watching!
Great start, I love all the tidbits from the Silmarillion!
As a long time Tolkien fan I really enjoyed the first episode. It was slow but in a good way; introducing the characters and the world. I just loved the boat scene, with the ginger elf and what that implied!
Next, the recap of the 1st Age. I love that it was left vague, and possible to match lore even though the show don't have the rights to the Silmarillion.
Then we finally get to revisit Middle-earth! I love love love this!! So beautiful scenery. Great casting.
Funnily enough, I liked the new additions to the series almost best, such as Arondir and the Harfoots. I thought I would like Lindon best. :)
Next, the recap of the 1st Age. I love that it was left vague, and possible to match lore even though the show don't have the rights to the Silmarillion.
Then we finally get to revisit Middle-earth! I love love love this!! So beautiful scenery. Great casting.
Funnily enough, I liked the new additions to the series almost best, such as Arondir and the Harfoots. I thought I would like Lindon best. :)
- jemimahammarlund
- Sep 9, 2022
- Permalink