[HCIsland]

I think Aragorn seeing Saruman's host shouldn't down played. It was necessary to have the information relayed to Theoden. It was far more dramatic with Aragorn then a nameless scout. It prevented the introduction of yet another character in a movie that is already chock full of new ones. It allowed us another view of the approaching army which builds up the tension. This shot is far more effective with Aragorn there because we get to see his reaction as opposed to just showing the army for no apparent reason. This is all about building the tension at Helm's Deep.<P>Another neat thing it did was set up a very nice shot with Legolas giving Arwen's Star to Aragorn as viewed by Eowyn. Not a word was exchanged between Aragorn and Eowyn, but that shot showed unequivocally where Aragorn's love lies and the fact the Eowyn knows it. This was accomplished in about a two second shot. Talk about efficiency. <P>Aragorn falling off the cliff accomplishes a lot. It wasn't just gratuitous.<P>H.C.