Phil Merriman

Reading many of the reviews so far one is left with the impression that if you dont like the show you must be racist. I couldn't care less about the diversity issues propounded by some people however what I do have a problem with is the cliched unimaginative writing and the almost total disregard for Tolkien lore. I am happy to suspend belief in what, after all, is a complete fantasy world, but having beeen brought up loving all things Tolkien I feel this reinterperetation of his work may be a step too far. The Elves are an immortal ethereal race. Here they are reduced to very flawed and very ordinary looking humans with pointy ears. One example - the band of warriors that accompanied Galadrial in her search for Sauron were a bunch of incompetant whiners that couldn't fight their way out of a paper bag! The group were outclassed by one Snow Troll but Galadrial showboated her fighting skills and killed it off with ease. It was almost comedic. Sorry, but I find that hard to overlook. The Elves were great, beautiful blond haired (well usually) warriors. I am also struggling with the Irish Harfoots and the Scottish Dwarves - why the need impose stereotypical accents? There are a few positives that will keep me watching for the moment not least of which are great visuals and scenery. The jury is out for me but it needs to improve if I am to invest more of my time and emotions into this series.