Evan King

The best word I can use to describe this show so far is underwhelming. I will admit that as a Tolkien nerd I had very low expectations going into this show, but I held out some hope despite all of the negative reviews and leaks I had heard. The first 2 episodes are slow and hard to get through as nothing of any worth happens. I get being the first episodes you have to world build, but in this case the world is already built through Tolkien’s books. There are a few redeeming qualities such as the show being visually impressive and the pure enjoyment of seeing some of the cities and places portrayed. I would say that this show mainly suffers from 2 things: trying to focus on too many characters up front, and not falling in with the world Tolkien built. If this was a new IP or show that had no existing lore, I feel most people would not have any issues. But to use the LOTR name to help sell the show and then destroy and retcon some of the lore established only upsets those who love it. The show is fine for what it is, but it is not Tolkien. And that it is its biggest downfall!