Partings (S01E05)

A showcase of breathtaking sets, impressive landscapes and solid music that seeks to build on the success of the films once again. In terms of characters, drama and plot development, it's still a bitterly hard slogging average. (16/04/2023)

Kudos to the creators for achieving something rather unexpected. Despite a lackluster story, weak dialogues, and particularly poorly developed and cast characters, they've somehow turned me into a fan of Adar/Sauron. Adar is currently the only character I find intriguing. Who else is in the mix? There's a strangely comedic duo with an elf and a dwarf, an incredibly unlikeable elf (with an equally stiff performance), a blacksmith I've never heard of (translation: never read about), an almost drooling Maia, and that unsavory gang from the South. However, to be fair, I must admit the creators provided some humor that had me laughing until I cried. A standout scene: soldiers standing at attention, powerful music swelling, and then... an unlikeable blonde woman slowly steps onto the deck of the ship. I nearly wet myself. So, as I mentioned, Adar held the fifth episode together for me. / Lesson learned: Adar could score some points by starting the OLM movement. (26/08/2023)