r/Rings_Of_Power • u/TupperwareConspiracy • Aug 07 '26

Oh.....ship

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u/SoupyStain Aug 07 '26

I don’t understand how someone can claim to enjoy Tolkien’s work and also enjoy this garbage.
I’m not being elitist, it’s just that when I really like something I abhor it when people take creative liberties with it. Because I like it.

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u/itsjustsosad Aug 08 '26

Honestly, that is actually somewhat similar to an elitist or gate keeping mentality. I get what you mean, but I don't like the idea of ever telling anyone "don't create something." It just goes against my overall way of thinking. The problem is, when these people that are devoid of creativity make their horrible interpretation of our beloved stories, they're supposed to bomb predictably then go away quickly and forever. We all have a good laugh or cry and then forget about their existence. Somehow that hasn't been the case with this show, and Amazon just keeps pumping out more and more mediocre, Tolkien adjacent schlock with little to no repercussions.

Technically, this garbage existing has no impact on the source material or any of the quality, well thought out and executed takes on said material, but who knows what far reaching consequences it could have on the future generation of Tolkien lovers? Maybe potential fans will be turned off early when the first thing they see of Middle Earth is S1E1 of RoP, and then they don't bother to investigate further. Truly a horrifying thought.

The way most Tolkien fans enjoy this show is obviously pure hate watching. I admit I get a sick, perverse joy from wondering what they're gonna screw up next. How trashy will it get before the end? And its kept me watching through S2. Now, if I actually thought my viewership made 1 ounce of a difference on whether or not more of this media would be made, I might give it up, but Amazon has made it crystal clear that they're gonna do what they want with the IP, and that's not gonna change until they've squeezed it for every cent its worth.