90 reviews
Watchable, tolkien adjacent fantasy
- johndavidson-1
- Sep 7, 2022
- Permalink
Better than the first episode, but still missing something
Adrift is a better episode than the choppy first, it is paced better, acted a little better and sets up the story going forwards. Like episode one, Nori is still the highlight so far, and I though the scenes with Elrond and Durin were pretty funny and well done. The scenes in Khazad-dûm were the best part of this episode, and they very much felt like they belonged in the Hobbit Trilogy. The sets and quality of the visuals during these scenes were fantastic, so props to the guys responsible for carrying these few episodes.
That being said, Galadriel is still boring, as is the elf warrior guy - Arondir and his weird relationship with Bronwyn.
We got an opening title, with was ok, but getting to hear Howard Shore do some more LotR music was a joy, and it's glad to see he hasn't lost his touch. The rest of the music, done by Bear McCreary is also very good, but this should be expected by the guy who composed the music to a much better Amazon show, The Outlander and the video game God of War.
Adrift was just fine, not great, not bad. I do hope the episodes get better going forwards, but I think Amazon should have released 3 episodes instead of 2, because I'm still not invested in these characters or the story.
That being said, Galadriel is still boring, as is the elf warrior guy - Arondir and his weird relationship with Bronwyn.
We got an opening title, with was ok, but getting to hear Howard Shore do some more LotR music was a joy, and it's glad to see he hasn't lost his touch. The rest of the music, done by Bear McCreary is also very good, but this should be expected by the guy who composed the music to a much better Amazon show, The Outlander and the video game God of War.
Adrift was just fine, not great, not bad. I do hope the episodes get better going forwards, but I think Amazon should have released 3 episodes instead of 2, because I'm still not invested in these characters or the story.
- Dannyboi94
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
Hopeful
First two episodes are good. On a technical aspect, it is quality. A lot of convenient things happen in both episodes, but I'm not gonna complain much about that. Budget is ironically the best thing about the show. You can tell every shot doesn't waste anything. Also liking the story arc of the elf archer that acts like a side mission in a videogame. In conclusion, the show does a good job of balancing like 5 story arcs. Some arcs are more boring than others, but they are entertaining in the grand scheme of things. Morfydd Clark as Galadriel is definitely the standout from the cast and her story proves to be the most important of the bunch while the other 4 or so help the main story in ways we are yet to see. Just hopeful that the season gets better as it goes on.
- TheFirst01
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
Really enjoyed this episode
Out of the two I watched, this one was my favorite so far. I enjoyed all of it. I was so immersed at the end that I did not wanted to end. I could watch the whole series in a single watch. It was that good and intriguing for me. I'm not saying it was perfect, but none of the nowadays TV shows are, so looking for perfection will be waste of time. The journey we're about to experience in the next 6 weeks will be very emotional and unpredictable. And I'm all here for it. Again the visuals, the music, the dialogues and acting was great. Any objective person will find something to like in the series. I just don't get the over-reacted hate. I believe over time, this series will be better appreciated and received. People seems to not be ready to tone down the negativity and just enjoy any series for what they are.
So far, quite impressive
Unlike Jackson's LOTR, this story is not linear. There promises to be a lot of things going on.
Realizing that I watched Episode One three times, and yes, I noticed something more each viewing.
I'm now in the 36th minute of Episode Two, on my first.
What I'm pointing out, and what I fully expected, is a lot of information, and a lot to absorb.
I have found a series of essays, on different subjects for the Rings of Power. These gave me much insight of the show.
For example, just from the First episode I rushed to think the the Stranger in the flame was Gandalf, arriving. Wrong.
I do believe for those who will dedicate the time (such as those who are willing to watch the Twelve hours of the Trilogy) there will be much reward.
Though, I'm having a difficult time accepting Elves with short hair.
Realizing that I watched Episode One three times, and yes, I noticed something more each viewing.
I'm now in the 36th minute of Episode Two, on my first.
What I'm pointing out, and what I fully expected, is a lot of information, and a lot to absorb.
I have found a series of essays, on different subjects for the Rings of Power. These gave me much insight of the show.
For example, just from the First episode I rushed to think the the Stranger in the flame was Gandalf, arriving. Wrong.
I do believe for those who will dedicate the time (such as those who are willing to watch the Twelve hours of the Trilogy) there will be much reward.
Though, I'm having a difficult time accepting Elves with short hair.
Second episode is MUCH better
So I gave episode 1 a 5/10. I thought it was messy and confusing. But this. This is good! The characters spring to life. Disa is freaking wonderful and the stranger is super mysterious (of course I'm 99% sure of who it is). There are some interesting character interactions. Especially the relationship between Durin and Elrond and how wonderful it is to see Moria in all its glory, although it's likely only gonna be for a short time.
I feel a lot more immersed in the character development and the stories. It makes me forget that the elves look a little weird. Especially Celebrimbor. He's a lord among elves, the master smith and he looks like a maester from Game of Thrones. That's sad. And I still think it's sad that Theo's (among others) sword would've looked so much better if they didn't have those unnecessary hilt guards on top of already existing hilt guards. So I have grievances with the costume and prop design, but as long as the show is good, its possible to see past that.
I feel a lot more immersed in the character development and the stories. It makes me forget that the elves look a little weird. Especially Celebrimbor. He's a lord among elves, the master smith and he looks like a maester from Game of Thrones. That's sad. And I still think it's sad that Theo's (among others) sword would've looked so much better if they didn't have those unnecessary hilt guards on top of already existing hilt guards. So I have grievances with the costume and prop design, but as long as the show is good, its possible to see past that.
- joelmester78
- Sep 3, 2022
- Permalink
An in-depth episode review. Summary: The plot thickens, some imperfections in the previous episode are course corrected as the action increases.
- quiqueperezsoler
- Sep 2, 2022
- Permalink
Leaves the viewers wanting for more!
I've given my feedbacks for the 1st Episode - the only let down I felt was the Elfs - short hairs - less knowledgeable - stays the same for this Episode too - hope the showrunners correct this soon!
Now the +ve's!
The pace has certainly picked up! 1 problem with picking such a large time duration of the 2nd Age would've been that - you would want to show as many details as possible - but that would make the whole show so boring!
But the showrunners have handled that so well. They picked up Galadriel's journey to be the center of the season - which is turning out to be really interesting now.
Gladly looking forward to see how Galadriel's character transforms from a young Elf warrior to such a strong Elf witch - that we've all seen in Peter Jackson's trilogies!
Highlights: 1. The worm The showrunners are certainly making the budget count. We got a glimpse of it in the maps in the 1st Episode - and this Episode shows the horror of it live 2. Moria Glad to see Moria in it's glory days. Another area where fans like me will look forward - how the mines transform into a living hell with Durin's Bane - as we saw in LOTR 3rd Age.
Now the +ve's!
The pace has certainly picked up! 1 problem with picking such a large time duration of the 2nd Age would've been that - you would want to show as many details as possible - but that would make the whole show so boring!
But the showrunners have handled that so well. They picked up Galadriel's journey to be the center of the season - which is turning out to be really interesting now.
Gladly looking forward to see how Galadriel's character transforms from a young Elf warrior to such a strong Elf witch - that we've all seen in Peter Jackson's trilogies!
Highlights: 1. The worm The showrunners are certainly making the budget count. We got a glimpse of it in the maps in the 1st Episode - and this Episode shows the horror of it live 2. Moria Glad to see Moria in it's glory days. Another area where fans like me will look forward - how the mines transform into a living hell with Durin's Bane - as we saw in LOTR 3rd Age.
- emailmonomoyghosh
- Sep 3, 2022
- Permalink
A significant step up from the underwhelming pilot
Actually found quite a bit of enjoyment out of it. Prince Durin and his wife were great additions and I loved the dialogue between them and Elrond. Nori continues to be my favorite character so far, and the scenes she had with that strange man from the fireball were fascinating. Arondir and Bronwyn grew on me this episode, and I even found Bronwyn's son to be entertaining. Some really good suspense moments throughout as well. Low point for me is Galadriel's story line. I don't find her likeable at all, and have no idea how she is gonna turn out to be the Galadriel we all love from Jackson's films.
I was so surprised by the difference in quality from the first and second episode, that I checked the writer for the 2nd, and low and behold, she was previously a BCS and BB writer. Doesn't surprise me that I found this episode to be much stronger.
It was a very good idea for Amazon to drop both episodes because if they dropped that 1st episode only, then I probably would've let this go by the wayside.
I was so surprised by the difference in quality from the first and second episode, that I checked the writer for the 2nd, and low and behold, she was previously a BCS and BB writer. Doesn't surprise me that I found this episode to be much stronger.
It was a very good idea for Amazon to drop both episodes because if they dropped that 1st episode only, then I probably would've let this go by the wayside.
Another great episode
- rationalnerd
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
What is the fuss about Mithrandir
Do you know why a ship floats, and a mast cannot?
More stuff that happens, not because believable characters or situations would dictate they happen, but as excuses for some "moment" to occur.
By this point in The Lord of the Rings, Merry and Pippen have gotten mischievous with fireworks and Farmer Maggot's crops. Sam has rushed to Frodo's defense and ventured further than he's ever been. Gimli has taken brash action. Boromir has made the case for using the weapon of the Enemy. And Frodo has agreed to take the ring to Mordor.
Characters displayed their character, we knew the stakes, and we knew what needed to be done.
But none of the Rings of Power characters have shown any real character (Disa may be the closest). There's no real sense of what's at stake (other than, "A bad guy might be out there") or any real compelling reason to watch.
There's more nonsensical behavior and lines that are inappropriate for the characters delivering them--an elf describing care by referencing an aging parent, a dwarf using an expression about a barking dog, detailing a tradition to a group of people that would already know the details of the tradition full well, etc., etc.
Depending on the scene, Galadriel might be a fearsome warrior, or she might be warry of a handful of shipwrecked humans. Depending on the scene, helping people is just part of who the halflings are, or avoiding anyone else at all costs is who the halflings are.
I don't feel like I'm watching characters with real personalities. The characters aren't doing anything because they have personal motivations, they are doing things because the writers need a vehicle for the next cliche.
That said, I chuckled at one point during this episode, which is the first time that's happened so far.
By this point in The Lord of the Rings, Merry and Pippen have gotten mischievous with fireworks and Farmer Maggot's crops. Sam has rushed to Frodo's defense and ventured further than he's ever been. Gimli has taken brash action. Boromir has made the case for using the weapon of the Enemy. And Frodo has agreed to take the ring to Mordor.
Characters displayed their character, we knew the stakes, and we knew what needed to be done.
But none of the Rings of Power characters have shown any real character (Disa may be the closest). There's no real sense of what's at stake (other than, "A bad guy might be out there") or any real compelling reason to watch.
There's more nonsensical behavior and lines that are inappropriate for the characters delivering them--an elf describing care by referencing an aging parent, a dwarf using an expression about a barking dog, detailing a tradition to a group of people that would already know the details of the tradition full well, etc., etc.
Depending on the scene, Galadriel might be a fearsome warrior, or she might be warry of a handful of shipwrecked humans. Depending on the scene, helping people is just part of who the halflings are, or avoiding anyone else at all costs is who the halflings are.
I don't feel like I'm watching characters with real personalities. The characters aren't doing anything because they have personal motivations, they are doing things because the writers need a vehicle for the next cliche.
That said, I chuckled at one point during this episode, which is the first time that's happened so far.
- bradclayton
- Sep 6, 2022
- Permalink
Why so much hate?
I was watching with open mind, maybe not as faithful adaptation but story based on work of Tolkien. And I think it was biggest mistake of Amazon, trying to promote this show as 100% word to word from a literary source.
So as fantasy show it is really good show. I just hope I could tune down Galadriel, she is just unrealistically annoying right now.
Dwarf's city it is just pure magic that bought my heart. Fairy tales, that pleasing as a part of a story, and visually fitting.
Also Sea worm, as great as worms from Dune. That tells me that era of Television more and more pushing away audience from movie theaters.
I really hope people would gave a fair try before just come and gave "1" out of hate.
So as fantasy show it is really good show. I just hope I could tune down Galadriel, she is just unrealistically annoying right now.
Dwarf's city it is just pure magic that bought my heart. Fairy tales, that pleasing as a part of a story, and visually fitting.
Also Sea worm, as great as worms from Dune. That tells me that era of Television more and more pushing away audience from movie theaters.
I really hope people would gave a fair try before just come and gave "1" out of hate.
I figured it out
What is the things that bothers me greatly while watching the two episodes.
I understand that there should be some introduction of character to establish some sort of backstory, but the more and more characters we get, it seems to be clear that they serve as one use only to get something for the main protagonist.
So far "something is happening to somebody" and I am missing the connection of ep2 side story for Galadriel, or what's the purpose other than fill some screen time. I am completely amiss of the Elrond plot line which gave us some spectacular and breath taking scenery but it is just so uneventful.
Only side story that intrigued me is the Stranger and I guess we will get everything connected to the Rings of Power eventually, until then, I'll reserve my judgement.
I understand that there should be some introduction of character to establish some sort of backstory, but the more and more characters we get, it seems to be clear that they serve as one use only to get something for the main protagonist.
So far "something is happening to somebody" and I am missing the connection of ep2 side story for Galadriel, or what's the purpose other than fill some screen time. I am completely amiss of the Elrond plot line which gave us some spectacular and breath taking scenery but it is just so uneventful.
Only side story that intrigued me is the Stranger and I guess we will get everything connected to the Rings of Power eventually, until then, I'll reserve my judgement.
Dwarves and a more coherent story make for an improvement
- Ar_Pharazon_the_golden
- Sep 2, 2022
- Permalink
Adrift...
- aurimasvisockis
- Sep 3, 2022
- Permalink
I think we've done here
The second episode included all the negatives, which I assumed would be the theme - the absence of any immersion and the confused acting.
They had a little more to show this time, and the dwarves were kinda cool. But closer to the end, red flags started showing - the pacing in some scenes made me want to fast-forward since there was nothing to latch onto.
I gave this series all I could at this point, and since it could not hook me in two hours, I don't think I should continue.
Don't get me wrong. I do not just hate for the sake of hate. I came open-minded and ready for something different, but there is nothing here.
This series has everything money can buy but talent, immersion, interesting characters, and mysterious adventure.
They had a little more to show this time, and the dwarves were kinda cool. But closer to the end, red flags started showing - the pacing in some scenes made me want to fast-forward since there was nothing to latch onto.
I gave this series all I could at this point, and since it could not hook me in two hours, I don't think I should continue.
Don't get me wrong. I do not just hate for the sake of hate. I came open-minded and ready for something different, but there is nothing here.
This series has everything money can buy but talent, immersion, interesting characters, and mysterious adventure.
Magnificent!
This series has met all my expectations. All this millionaire investment resulted in the largest TV production ever made. The photography of this series is beautiful, the soundtrack is magnificent and the mix of CGI with practical effects went really well here. Juan Antonio Bayona was a great choice to direct these first 2 episodes. He used a lot of those aerial images, which had already been established in this universe by Peter Jackson, but it looked really good here. The direction also left a movie atmosphere, especially in the first episode, the feeling is that I was watching a Blockbuster! In the second episode there's a sequel involving Galadriel that is breathtaking! I'm really looking forward to the next episodes!
- davianjos-26860
- Sep 2, 2022
- Permalink
Pleasantly Surprised
- alexcoughlan-82019
- Sep 3, 2022
- Permalink
Weak tea
Neither better nor worse than the first episode.
Most characters continue to be quite uninteresting if not unlikable.
4 story arcs is too much to handle for these writers. The episode is quite poorly written. The dialogue seems off and the subtext is unclear: The characters simply send mixed signals - not because they are nuanced or multi-dimensional, but because they are porly written. Stone face / unhappy face Arondir seems worst, and Nori seems best. But generally speaking none are convincing.
The Tolkien lore is smashed to pieces, but that was clear from the first episode. So I was willing to give this episode a chance on its own terms. But it is simply uninteresting and unengaging. It's a very expensive piece of fan fiction made by casual fans who don't really care about the lore.
The CGI locations look nice, but you should expect that from the most expensive TV series ever. A lot of the characters look too "clean" and unnatural, almost like cosplayers. I get no sense of real metal, leather and silk. Everything looks like plastic or CGI. The dwarves were almost good, but they ended up looking a bit too much like a guy in a costume (kind of like a Santa Claus costume).
The score is forgettable and I really hope Howard Shore didn't put too much effort into it. If the LoTR trilogy soundtrack is a 10 then this is a 4 or 5.
All in all a very weak episode, and I'm pretty sure I won't watch any more episodes. As a Tolkien fan it hurts to see what they have done. And as a busy person it feels like a complete waste of time. It's 1 hour of boredom, so I'd much rather watch three episodes of Seinfeld.
Most characters continue to be quite uninteresting if not unlikable.
4 story arcs is too much to handle for these writers. The episode is quite poorly written. The dialogue seems off and the subtext is unclear: The characters simply send mixed signals - not because they are nuanced or multi-dimensional, but because they are porly written. Stone face / unhappy face Arondir seems worst, and Nori seems best. But generally speaking none are convincing.
The Tolkien lore is smashed to pieces, but that was clear from the first episode. So I was willing to give this episode a chance on its own terms. But it is simply uninteresting and unengaging. It's a very expensive piece of fan fiction made by casual fans who don't really care about the lore.
The CGI locations look nice, but you should expect that from the most expensive TV series ever. A lot of the characters look too "clean" and unnatural, almost like cosplayers. I get no sense of real metal, leather and silk. Everything looks like plastic or CGI. The dwarves were almost good, but they ended up looking a bit too much like a guy in a costume (kind of like a Santa Claus costume).
The score is forgettable and I really hope Howard Shore didn't put too much effort into it. If the LoTR trilogy soundtrack is a 10 then this is a 4 or 5.
All in all a very weak episode, and I'm pretty sure I won't watch any more episodes. As a Tolkien fan it hurts to see what they have done. And as a busy person it feels like a complete waste of time. It's 1 hour of boredom, so I'd much rather watch three episodes of Seinfeld.
Dwarfs greatness
No reviews yet?
- doenerfabi
- Sep 1, 2022
- Permalink
A Live Theater
Lets start with everything is visually pleasing, the places the cgi and such. It still gives of cheap theater cosplay vibes and stiff acting. Im not hating the show and im not loving it for the time being. Besides the acting the plot seems kinda dull, its not seamless and it feels like something is missing. Ive tried to be as unbiased as I can and left the Peter Jackson movies behind.
The pace of the show is somewhat off and the wacky humor? Like a bad marvel movie sort of. The cast diversity doesnt matter at all, I just think they got a few wrong choices there, mostly the elves. Might be the bias and comparison from LOTR coming in here. But the elves doesnt feel special in anyway here. Just men with pointy ears and long lasting lives. Thats my 2 cents, enjoy the show.
The pace of the show is somewhat off and the wacky humor? Like a bad marvel movie sort of. The cast diversity doesnt matter at all, I just think they got a few wrong choices there, mostly the elves. Might be the bias and comparison from LOTR coming in here. But the elves doesnt feel special in anyway here. Just men with pointy ears and long lasting lives. Thats my 2 cents, enjoy the show.
Keeps getting interesting
What i feared going into the first episode was put at ease with the second. I feared that we as the audiance would not be able to care or connect with the characters. But as this episode proved for nori(personally) and Durin, i'm hopeful. This episode was visually stunning, the dialogues good and the score as beautiful as the first episode. My only fear is to see where the show is going. I feel like something is missing but u cannot tell what exactly. I feel as if we don't spend enough time with the characters, but there is room for improvement in the next episodes. I'm excited for more. Only complaint is the pacing (kinda), and i'd say i prefer the first episode still. Anyways, go in and watch the show with an open mind, you'll not be disapointed.
keeps getting better
What i feared going into the first episode was put at ease with the second. I feared that we as the audiance would not be able to care or connect with the characters. But as this episode proved for nori(personally) and Durin, i'm hopeful. This episode was visually stunning, the dialogues good and the score as beautiful as the first episode. My only fear is to see where the show is going. I feel like something is missing but u cannot tell what exactly. I feel as if we don't spend enough time with the characters, but there is room for improvement in the next episodes. I'm excited for more. Only complaint is the pacing (kinda), and i'd say i prefer the first episode still. Anyways, go in and watch the show with an open mind, you'll not be disapointed. Let it the time it needs to breathe. We've grown to be very impatient. For instance the first episodes of game of thrones were kinda slow paced, and most people connected with the characters only deeper in the season. Give the show some time, it has all the good signs for being a great story.