I also enjoyed Brad Dourif's performance greatly. I have no problem with the tear. I have, however, no fixed interpretation of the tear. I look upon it as a striking reminder that Wormtongue once was an ordinary man, maybe an unsympathetic one, but still a regular guy with a thing for a woman he could never have. Now he suddenly finds himself next to an evil wisard looking over the army that almost certainly will destroy his country, which he has betrayed and left for good. The tear may be of fear, or sorrow, or longing. It is a delicate hint of emotion in an extreme situation that we may think Wormtongue did not quite suspect to arrive so soon or, indeed, at all. <P>I also liked the decision of having Wormtongue speak that paragraph to Éowyn, which was a mixture of Aragorn's thoughts and Gandalf's line from the book. It makes him much more dangerous, as it implies that he all too well knows and understands the characters of those he is playing against. Watch how Éowyn, as if in a trance, stands perfectly still until he touches her. Only then does she break away in disgust. It adds a manipulative side to his character that makes him a more worthy opponent to our heroes. I would have liked to see even more of him, though.
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