Drinking Contest: Any Support From the Books?

[Turin]

I remember from the FoTR EE the excellent scene where Gimli is reminiscing with Legolas after he received strands of Galadriel's hair. It was a nice poignant moment....

However, since that scene, the rest of the interaction between Legolas and Gimli has been simply farcical. Didn't PJ realise that it is not against the Law to show proper serious moments?

The drinking game is no different.

Firstly, it IS gratuitous, and I hated (and still hate) this scene. Yet another one of those cringe-inducing moments where I exclaimed: "Geez, not another comic-relief moment for Gimli? I bet I know who's gonna win THIS contest! Is this supposed to be funny? etc etc.

The fact is that the book is not devoid of humour, and is very witty in many places, especially between Gimli and Legolas. Why couldn't they use subtle, witty humour to portray the two characters, using material from the book????

... then again, I think, PJ, subtlety and wit don't go together very well!