I’m not a hardcore Tolkien reader, so I’m not bothered by incongruent details I don’t know. Likely, that is why I’m able to enjoy this series on its own merit.
The casting is perfect. The visuals are stunning. I care about each of the storylines. I don’t even mind that it keeps switching because I want to know all the character’s fates.
The Lord of the Ring series gave us moments of hope and humor, that are lacking in this series. I do miss that. But overall I’m thrilled with the adventure and the characters.