I Have Thoughts About Rings of Power — Ep. 77 of Intentionally Blank
Nov 23, 2022
37:13
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The inconsistent portrayal of time and space in Amazon Prime's Rings of Power makes it difficult for viewers to understand the passage of time and the proximity of different locations.
The show could benefit from better strategic storytelling and a more balanced approach to violence, while still highlighting strong character development and standout moments.
Deep dives
Inconsistent portrayal of time and space
The podcast episode discusses the inconsistent portrayal of time and space in the show. Characters seem to travel great distances in a very short amount of time, and the timeline of events is confusing. For example, the Harfoots march with Gandalf for what appears to be weeks, while the defense of the village couldn't have taken more than a few days. The episode points out that the show plays fast and loose with time and space, making it difficult for viewers to understand the passage of time and the proximity of different locations.
Criticism of military tactics and narrative choices
The podcast raises concerns about the show's depiction of military tactics and narrative choices. It critiques the decision to leave a well-fortified position to defend a vulnerable village, as well as the unrealistic portrayal of a cavalry charge into darkness. The hosts express disappointment with some of the narrative choices, such as the overemphasis on fan service and the need for an origin story for every element of Middle-earth. They also discuss the excessive gore and violence in certain scenes, citing examples that made some members of the audience nauseous. Overall, they argue that the show could benefit from better strategic storytelling and a more balanced approach to violence.
Positive aspects: Strong character development and standout performances
Despite the criticisms, the hosts highlight some positive aspects of the show. They praise the strong character development of certain individuals, such as Edar, who is seen as a highlight due to his intriguing arc and excellent performance by the actor. They also commend the well-executed scene featuring Sauron and Halbrand, where deception and foreshadowing are expertly employed. Another standout moment is the defense of the village, which is described as a gripping and desperate fight scene with guerrilla warfare tactics. The hosts express their interest in further exploring these characters and storylines in future seasons.
Ambiguity around character identities
The podcast episode speculates on the identity of certain characters, particularly the mysterious stranger who interacts with the hobbits. While the hosts consider the possibility of the stranger being Saruman or a different Istari, they ultimately lean towards the idea that the stranger is Gandalf due to the established bond with the hobbits. They express their intrigue in the character's development and story potential, noting their preference for more unexpected and original choices in character identities. Additionally, the hosts discuss the potential involvement of certain characters in the creation of the Nazgûl, speculating that future seasons may explore the corruption of men into the infamous ringwraiths.