Where has all the Vitriol Gone?
 

Now, I realise that basing my observation on what "Tolkien fandom" is doing solely on the activity on the Barrow-downs is a fool's errand, but... does it seem like the hate is missing for Season 2?

Well, I think interest in general is missing. With Season 1, there was a lot of pent-up interest in what The Rings of Power was going to do: some high hopes that were immediately dash, some fears that didn't quite materialize (resulting in a backlash defense that "it's meh, not terrible"), and it came in 2022 when there was still a good amount of "been stuck in Covid" in people's lives.

And... we got it out of our systems.

Of course, like I said, I'm just basing it on the Barrow-downs activity, and we've both continued the long sleepiness of inactivity and dealt this year with having to refresh the screen every other time you click a link...

But it still feels like there is very little passion (pro or con) or even disinterested attention in what is going on in Season 2. My theory, insofar as my observation might hold water, is that this is the REAL assessment of Season 1: a quick-burning flame that left little enough impression. Instead of the travesty it was called on one side, or the jaw-dropping spectacle of the defenders, it was ultimately... forgettable.

Anyone else think my tiny sample-sized observation bears water? What have you seen?

Here's the thing. Hating something takes energy. It takes investment. And having used season 1 as a trial, people might jave decided that it's not worth it to have to carry all that frustration around for a whole other season. The pros aren't worth the cons. So people just drop out. The only people still watching are those who ad initio are determined to see the likable things are are not really bothered, or at least undeterred, by the dislikable things.

Adding to what I believe are correct observations of the Downs sample, the small sample of film aficionados I know IRL. They have followed Season 1 at least for its reviews. But even they aren's following Season 2 beyond possibly a glance at the first episode. Someone (who barely even knows Tolkien) gave me the reasoning that it's so bad as a show, regardless of Tolkien content, that it's not even fun anymore to follow the progress even from the sidelines.

My conclusion is that it is a travesty. Season 1 didn't leave too little impression, it left a bad enough impression for most viewers that there is no desire to continue. And ultimately it will probably be forgotten, it will not be a memorable show, it will not make ot to the history books - but the test of history is something only time will twll.

Sorry, m'dear, but ignoring this travesty has required zero effort. I don't care about it, I don't think about it, and I will ignore it until it disappears like a cheap conjuror's trick...POOF!

I am sure, in a year or so, I may post this same sentiment again. There's just too much to do in life than worry about this monstrosity.

I have to agree with your assessment. Very few really like it, while those who hate it find that it's not worth the energy, and gradually cease to be interested.

Thus very few, if any, are truly invested in this series for either love or hatred.

I know what you mean.
It seems like Season 2 is a little better than the first season, at least in some ways.

But also, there are far less viewers this season.

For those two reasons, the wave of furious initial reactions we had the first time isn't there.

I don't think that means that the show is particularly better liked though.

As I sometimes watch Youtube videos, I've found that it's almost become "trendy" to make videos mocking The Rings of Power.

If anyone mentions Rings of Power, it's usually met with a mocking reply.

Overall, I think it's become a little less furiously hated, and become more agressively mocked by those still paying any attention.

Where has all the Vitriol Gone?
 

Though pretty much true for a large segment of Middle-earth fans, I can't really agree with the OPs thoughts. Rings of Power is here to stay. The huge Númenor-destroying wave of votriol that washed over the series starting roughly with the first teaser during Super Bowl 2022 and going all through that summer to the beginning of the first season was primarily a hatred of portrayals of 'black elves and queens, Galadriel's looks and demeanor, etc. and those critical of it being financed and done by Amazon, etc.

Once the 8 episodes aired, there were a lingering wave, and those haters who watched at first yelled out even louder even as the energy dissipated. In its wake, there were a percentage of Middle-earth fans... me included... that, despite its warts and some cringey, eye-rolling moments, didn't hate the show. Also, judging by the interest being shown in one popular well-moderated facebook group dedicated to Rings of Power, it has brought new fans to Middle-earth. At the end of the day, it is doing what all previous adaptation projects have done.

This show has its place along side the various adaptations and games that has been done. It won't be forgotten. As for where all the vitriol has gone; its still around, but they have pretty much shot their ammo and have nothing new to complain about without ... watching the show. Anyway, my 2¢.