[Bêthberry]

Finally caught up and watched this episode this evening. I really appreciate Boro's discussions as they have whetted my interest.

For my part, most of the crappier stuff in "Rings of Power" is forgiven for this depiction of Sauron/Annatar and just how he can deceive and control. In many ways, the psychological nuances create a far more convincing and fearful villain or source of evil than the Sauron of PJ's movies, or, dare I say, even how he is presented by Tolkien in LotR. Yes, Celebrimbor 's fall depicts well how evil works.

They can try to depict Galadriel as a warrior but no matter how many sword fights or knife fights or high falutin' elven leader scenes they create, they utterly breech or transgress that attempt with the utterly stupid kiss between Elrond and her. Do we get to see a kiss between her and Gil-galad next episode? Equal opportunity time, writers. imho

I've been reading recently about why or how readers come back to reread LotR, in part as a return to a sentimental or nostalgic past that is so attractive. Can't say that this Second Age offers a similar nostalgic past; it's all just how everyone royally messes up. The message of hope in LotR seems to be missing in this age.