LotR2-TTT-Seq17

[alatar]

Originally Posted by Essex

I think this is how PJ saw it though, with Aragorn being the true leader at the battle for Helm's Deep.

Aragorn, to me, seemed the tactical leader - the leader on the ground - while Theoden called the shots from a higher (literally) position. Plus each had command of specific troops. Note that Theoden tells someone to do something, Aragorn just does it. And Theoden does call the retreat, and Aragorn complies (as he does with the whole 'retreat to Helm's Deep dilemma'). I didn't see any problems here.

My main reasoning behind thinking PJ saw it that Aragorn was the leader in this defence is Theoden's line to Eoywn later that he did not lead the defence of helm's deep himself.

whoops - realised Ive posted to the wrong thread- this happens later - silly me

It gets weird. Aragorn does help, but later, in RotK, Theoden seems not to appreciate the help that he himself recognizes. Leaving Eomer out is one thing, but also left out was the bonding between Rohan and Aragorn. Aragorn fights for Theoden, and Gandalf in some way brings help (though not as much as in the books) yet Theoden is reluctant to return the favor, at least early in the movie. As you always say, it's the little things that open the bigger plot holes.

[Elladan and Elrohir]

Well, considering their portrayal of Theoden, it wouldn't surprise me at all that he just doesn't even realize Aragorn's relation to Gondor, at least not till 'Gorn runs through the doors with "Gondor calls for aid!"

[alatar]

Another thing that came to mind is that we really don't see the bond between Eomer and King Theoden. Sure, there's that 'the King stands alone' line, but we don't see these two (to this point) really interacting. What better place to show that Eomer was a 'king's man' all along than at Helm's Deep? Also, we would then see why Eomer would be a worthy successor - not just that he carries a big stick.

But that may have been too much for the audience, and so we have what we have.

[Elladan and Elrohir]

That's absolutely true, alatar, and that's something I think we definitely should have seen at some point. The relationship between Eomer and Theoden is vital to a full portrayal of both their characters, and that element is totally missing in the films.