Where has all the Vitriol Gone?

[Alassë Estel]

Originally Posted by Formendacil

Now, I realise that basing my observation on what "Tolkien fandom" is doing solely on the activity on the Barrow-downs is a fool's errand, but... does it seem like the hate is missing for Season 2?

I know what you mean.
It seems like Season 2 is a little better than the first season, at least in some ways.

But also, there are far less viewers this season.

For those two reasons, the wave of furious initial reactions we had the first time isn't there.

I don't think that means that the show is particularly better liked though.

As I sometimes watch Youtube videos, I've found that it's almost become "trendy" to make videos mocking The Rings of Power.

If anyone mentions Rings of Power, it's usually met with a mocking reply.

Overall, I think it's become a little less furiously hated, and become more agressively mocked by those still paying any attention.

[Snowdog]

Though pretty much true for a large segment of Middle-earth fans, I can't really agree with the OPs thoughts. Rings of Power is here to stay. The huge Númenor-destroying wave of votriol that washed over the series starting roughly with the first teaser during Super Bowl 2022 and going all through that summer to the beginning of the first season was primarily a hatred of portrayals of 'black elves and queens, Galadriel's looks and demeanor, etc. and those critical of it being financed and done by Amazon, etc.

Once the 8 episodes aired, there were a lingering wave, and those haters who watched at first yelled out even louder even as the energy dissipated. In its wake, there were a percentage of Middle-earth fans... me included... that, despite its warts and some cringey, eye-rolling moments, didn't hate the show. Also, judging by the interest being shown in one popular well-moderated facebook group dedicated to Rings of Power, it has brought new fans to Middle-earth. At the end of the day, it is doing what all previous adaptation projects have done.

This show has its place along side the various adaptations and games that has been done. It won't be forgotten. As for where all the vitriol has gone; its still around, but they have pretty much shot their ammo and have nothing new to complain about without ... watching the show. Anyway, my 2¢.