Thomas Brooks

Two episodes isn't enough to judge a whole series, but I want to make a few points based on them. The issue isn't with casting diverse actors; I didn't find it at all distracting. What WAS distracting were the plastic leaves in everyone's hair that look like they were bought at Micheals and spray painted gold, the costumes from Joann Fabrics and the cardboard armor. The picture quality is fantastic, which is unfortunate for those who made these decisions for the show's non-cgi components. The writing is downright corny and pseudo intellectual. It feels like a parody. Don't get me started on the first adult elf we see looking like discount Homelander, complete with a modern haircut. The editing was offbeat and created poor pacing. Some positives were that there were some charming performances, such as those by Elrond and Durin, which began to draw me in before we cut back to GaladriELLE tugging on a rope attached to nothing for five minutes while floating on a raft with not-Aragorn. The Harfoot storyline is interesting, and despite being costumed in faux wood armor (seems like a great way to get swords stuck in you) Arondir actually acted most convincingly like an elf, with a stoic and wistful demeanor. I feel like the most care went into the sets and landscapes, and I would have found it more enjoyable to watch an hour of the scenery with some music. I hope the show is able to find its strengths and prove people wrong. I'm not hopeful.