Would Saruman have been a reliable ally?

[Andsigil]

Gandalf is among the most far-seeing and subtle thinkers in Middle Earth. I'm not sure how or what, but I think he would have found a way to get Saruman's help while relegating him to a position where he couldn't damage the cause.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Andsigil

Gandalf is among the most far-seeing and subtle thinkers in Middle Earth. I'm not sure how or what, but I think he would have found a way to get Saruman's help while relegating him to a position where he couldn't damage the cause.

Also, I think Gandalf was in a position to recognize true repentance, and would not have been deceived by falsity on Saruman's part. And as long as the Palantir of Orthanc was not available to Saruman, it's unclear how he would have been able to jeopardize the Quest in a meaningful way.

[Tuor in Gondolin]

It is interesting to speculate what kind of "great sevice" Saruman
could have rendered. Perhaps helping to protect eastern Rohan so as
to release more forces for the ride to Minas Tirith, say 8,000 vs.
the 6,000 brought.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Tuor in Gondolin

It is interesting to speculate what kind of "great sevice" Saruman
could have rendered. Perhaps helping to protect eastern Rohan so as
to release more forces for the ride to Minas Tirith, say 8,000 vs.
the 6,000 brought.

Since Saruman knew so much of not only the Ring, but also of Sauron (through study of his works and mental communion via the Palantíri), I think he would have been of much help in devising military tactics for the West that would have been likely to divert his attention from Frodo and Sam.

[Faramir Jones]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Since Saruman knew so much of not only the Ring, but also of Sauron (through study of his works and mental communion via the Palantíri), I think he would have been of much help in devising military tactics for the West that would have been likely to divert his attention from Frodo and Sam.

I agree that Saruman would be a powerful ally; but as has been pointed out, he would not be trusted by most by the time of the parley at Orthanc. Certainly the Rohirrim were angry at his attempts to subvert their king and his family, not to mention the loss of life and property. Why should they, to give an example, trust Saruman?

There's also the attitude of the Gondorians. Isengard was still Gondorian when Ruling Steward Beren gave him the keys of Orthanc. Later, Saruman declared his independence, renouncing any obligations towards Gondor. I don't see any of the Stewards, much less Denethor II, believing in any professed repentance, not just because of what he did to Gondor, but also, as I mentioned, what he did to Gondor's close ally Rohan.

[William Cloud Hicklin]

Originally Posted by Tuor in Gondolin

It is interesting to speculate what kind of "great sevice" Saruman
could have rendered. Perhaps helping to protect eastern Rohan so as
to release more forces for the ride to Minas Tirith, say 8,000 vs.
the 6,000 brought.

Theoden left no able-bodied Riders behind; he knowingly and willing left Edoras open to attack and destruction, which would in fact have happened but for the Ents' unforeseen appearance and their destruction of the Orc-army in the Wold.

[Lotrelf]

I think Gandalf would go according to the theory "Evil kills Evil"(not a proper quote really). Perhaps Saruman's Orc Army would be help??

[Faramir Jones]

Originally Posted by Lotrelf

I think Gandalf would go according to the theory "Evil kills Evil"(not a proper quote really). Perhaps Saruman's Orc Army would be help??

But could you trust such an army? The problem is that we don't have any evidence of any orcs that aren't evil. For example, are there any good orcs, or at least some that want to live in peace, and won't bother other people as long as they themselves aren't bothered?

[Pervinca Took]

There are the smaller orcs in the forced march to Udun, who just want to get the march over and escape the whip. Whether they are not inherently cruel, or are simply at that point under the command of larger and certainly brutal orcs, isn't completely clear, though.

[Lotrelf]

Originally Posted by Faramir Jones

But could you trust such an army? The problem is that we don't have any evidence of any orcs that aren't evil. For example, are there any good orcs, or at least some that want to live in peace, and won't bother other people as long as they themselves aren't bothered?

When Gollum being evil could serve good, though, not willingly. couldn't Saruman be the same? His "voice" is said to be cruel(?) and poisonous(use of words is not clear, hope you got my point. ). Not saying, Gandalf had to "trust" the Orcs, but they, with Saruman's help, could turn them against the Army of Sauron. Aragorn looked into Palantir and that was enough for Sauron's world to turn upside down. Perhaps, knowing they are going to destroy the Ring, Saruman would have betrayed them, sending his Orc-battalion to fetch the hobbits. For his own salvation, i.e. FREEDOM from evil, he might have come to good. If, according to Gandalf, Gollum had chances(very little)of redemption and survival, Saruman would have too. But, sadly his fate was not to turn good and understand goodness of Good side, and evil of evil side. He died like that. What a tragedy!