Alex Smetana

This is the WORST show on TV right now not even taking into the account the obscene budget. The dialogue is non-sensical and showcases how little the marketers *COUGH*, I mean "writers", are in tune with basic human conversation as they spend their time surrounded by fart sniffing intellectuals, celebrities, and greed. Even in a fantasy setting, the lines are so horrendously out of place, juvenile, and contrived. There are a handful of, not just 1 or 2, "wait what? How is that even possible?" moments in every single episode. Also, this version of Galadriel has to be the most insufferable, 1 dimensional, entitled, outright nasty, and painfully corny character to have been created for TV since the beginning of the streaming era. Almost nothing she says or does is remotely believable, not bathed in a petulant tone of outright meanness or superiority, or not meant to demean, properly educate, or "one up" whoever she's interacting with. It's a rusty, vanity soaked dagger in the back of Tolkien. A shameless pandering to normies that lap up their nutritionless store brand kibble media fed to them on a daily basis. A self congratulatory fornication of egos, agendas, and $. Not to be harsh... oh hell why not, but the same people loving on this show and claiming the hate is rooted in character flaws of the reviewers are likely the same people that thought Jurrasic World Dominion was wonderful. <insert seal clap> Like that unfortunate cash grab, Rings of Power insidiously rides in on the back of cherished nostalgia and intrigue all the while abusing and mutating that which carries it into a poorly conceived, barely recognizable amalgam of unprovoked errors. The real hate, the real disrespect, lies in the hearts and minds of the hack creators and the monied interests behind them who play on society's joys, divisions, and previous works of art to make a quick buck.

There is no redeeming quality to this anime other than its animation. The story completely falls apart the moment it tries to elevate itself into a forced philosophical argument of self deluded grandeur. The ending is honestly insulting for the target audience outside of teenagers who have yet to learn how festering and embedded the human condition is. There is little to no character development aside of catchy, under duress scenes that compel you to wish them well. Apparently, world class hacking in the not too distant future involves clumsily rubbing monotone touch screens on your arm. The most irredeemable character in the show, a beyond vain clown, comes out more on top than anyone, and the most rational character gets spaced. It's a ham fisted attempt to appeal to both teens and adults on the direction humanity is heading and what could possibly stem from our inadequacies either good or bad. It miserably fails at the adult angle, and by adult I mean anyone 18 and up.

Review as of Ep 2: Thus far, the series has amazing production value and stellar sets. The plot and premise are "somewhat" in line with previous canon except the last scene of Ep 2, the low point of this series as of now hands down, and Vader and Obi-Wan's awareness of each other. They're sort of spitting in the face of episode IV here on that last point. Also, the need to make it nearly G rated is extremely annoying, and the chase scene through the forest was SO cringey. MacGregor is just perfect. He's honestly spot on. He saves it. Friend's Grand Inquisitor is also amazingly executed. However, if you're expecting a methodical, somewhat serious tone along the lines of quality story telling in a sci-fi setting that we've been enjoying via Favreau and Filoni, you'll be left wanting. This has a rushed, cheesy "Disney" feel. That isn't ALWAYS a bad thing, but to dedicated fans, it generally comes off as a ham fisted cash grab and attempt to mimic Lucas's slappyness in episodes I to III. Don't do that... Chow and Harold aren't entirely ruining this, but they aren't doing it any kind of justice either. Please, just take a breath and stop shoving in as many scenes as possible in each episode, and don't take the low road of modern day attention spans. EDIT: After seeing Ep 3... I am at a loss for words. It was SO BAD. Changing from 2 to 1 star. I rescind my previous comment about Chow and Harold not ruining this. They most certainly have. I came into this series with an open mind, but Disney has proven to me once again that they just don't give a damn about what they are doing to the legacy of Star Wars.

Foundation is incredible in most every way. The effects, structural models, and artwork are above and beyond what you'd consider an average, in theater flick capable of putting forth. You find yourself, even as a sci-fi fan, repeatedly saying something along the lines of, "dang, I haven't seen that before." Amazing creativity! The dialogue is devoid of trendy cringe. The weight of each character's struggle can be felt without tugging at you for favoritism. The over arching plot, larger than the viewer realizes, leaves a sense of trepidation and mysticism as it begs a higher, out of view power. The acting is above par. The only real drawback (not a drawback to me personally, but this is America), is that it requires a devout ear. The plot makes sense, but can be difficult to follow if you have a fear of flashbacks. Crucial details can and will be dropped at any time and at a moments notice. Sorry, but no sleep watching or going hard in the paint with your preferred inebriate if you plan on truly experiencing Foundation. Sadly, this all comes with a misnomer, and by that I refer to the shameless amount of 1 star reviews and the equivalent of such across multiple platforms. Apparently, if you have read the books, and have an overtly indignant attitude, you will hate it! "They changed stuff. Flashbacks annoy me. It sucks. The End" It must be rough having to despise a well executed first season so much JUST because you read the books. I'll claim blissful ignorance on this one.