Tone

[doug*platypus]

Take away Sauron and the armies of Mordor, take away the need to unite and lead the nation into war, and you find yourself in no need of a King.

At the risk of being off-topic, I have to say that's a great observation, Phrim! Very realistic as well, so many great leaders in human history have been dependent on their people being in dire straits.

Aragorn was indeed a lucky guy, everything (including the deaths of Boromir and Denethor) just fell into place for him!

Aragorn was of two minds (which is an important aspect of his internal conflict, making the story that much more interesting).

Pippin and Merry wanted to go with Frodo, but even if the orcs had not captured them, I think Frodo would have given them the slip

Curse you, littlemanpoet! Just when I was starting to enjoy the movies a bit more - *sigh*. Alas, poor Aragorn!