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Originally Posted by alatar
Even in the books, Gandalf is just there to keep the 'playing field' level. He never attacks the forces of Sauron, but simply defends. He shepherded Faramir and the wounded home, and drives away fear when the Nazgul appear. Gandalf faces down the Witch-King at the Gate, but does not attack him.
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Good point, I had not thought of it this way, but I believe you are right. Even the fight with the Balrog could be thought of this way, since he is basically defending the Fellowship.
Still (and perhaps you agree), breaking Gandalf's staff goes well beyond this, implying that Gandalf cannot defend himself. I still find this hard to swallow even without the books, because in the movie, the return of Gandalf the White is certainly played up, and it makes no sense to have him sent back as a Maia with apparently enhanced powers and then have him ignominiously de-staffed by the Witch King.