#Dilly Brandyfoot

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It's midnight of Rings of Power season 2 release day! In celebration, have a poll!

*Grouped together because there's more than 10. Specify in the tags! Also, since this blog is made for elevating artists on tumblr, link your favorite RoP art piece!

[gnomescarfcomics]

Rings of Power: Episode 3 - Adar

Rewatch mini review. Chaotic and out of order.

Southlands: Arondir's plotline is the strongest here. It's straightforward (something this series sometimes struggles with) and impactful. The orcs are cruel, intimidating, and intriguing. I love their costumes and prosthetics. And this series actually did a better job at showcasing their aversion to sunlight than the films ever did.

I love the scene with Arondir and the tree, and Revion's line: "It has earned its place in these lands!" This series really is at its strongest when it slows down for visual storytelling and focused character moments. And the action at the end of this episode is well done and creative.

The other plotlines are where this episode becomes a little weaker.

Harfoots/Harfeet: I love the Harfoots, but I understand why other people don't. They kind of distract from what's essentially the "real plot" of the first season. And their rules about leaving people behind, while I think it makes sense in context, does come off as overly cruel and could have been toned down a bit while still keeping the conflict.

Numenor: Speaking of toned down, Galadriel, who I also love, does come off as overly confrontational for the sake of conflict in this episode. In a way, it reminds me of what was done with Faramir in the movies. I understand why they did it, but they didn't have to go as far as they did. I think the hatred for Galadriel in this series is completely overblown though. She does end up showing humility and compassion when she slows down and allows herself to think.

Her harshness is clearly meant to be seen as wrong and not her true self. "Nothing is evil in the beginning." One of this season's major themes is darkness of the heart and soul, and that no one is immune to its corruption. Could it have been executed better? Yes. But there's intention behind it that becomes more obvious if you pay attention to the rest of the story.

The whole Numenor plotline is the one that gets a little convoluted. The mark of Sauron/map of Mordor, the sigil of the King of the Southlands, Halbrand being a "low man", the rather vague estrangement between the Numenoreans and the elves, the king exiled in his own kingdom, the guilds of Numenor, Isildur's pull to the Western shores, the judgement of the Valar, the significance of Elrond's brother…

It's all just so much. I have no trouble following it, but it still feels overwhelming. Hearing that this was originally supposed to be a 10 episode series makes sense. Numenor really should have gotten its own episode to help slow things down, or maybe we just need an extended cut. It's practically unheard of in the world of television, but it's a worthy Lord of the Rings tradition.

Overall, I still love the episode, mostly due to the characters and the themes that prevail despite the plotlines going in too many directions. Halbrand's charm is fun, and the darker side of his personality is intriguing (whether or not you know the final outcome). Nori and Poppy are just a delight in general. Elendil was perfectly cast. Isildur gives off a youthful carefree energy while also having a subtle calm intelligence to him. Galadriel is stubborn and rather bitter, but cracks in her hardened shell begin to show when she's in her element and at ease. Arondir is a gentle soul rather than just being a skilled fighter. They're all great.

This whole season ends up being about the dangers of mistrust and making assumptions. And while this episode goes a little too far in places, it still works for me.

[theartistcuriosityrocks]

The Rings Of Power moments of magic Advent Calendar 2022!! My illustrations of all the faces, colours, sounds and wonder that captivated me as an Autistic ADHD sensory seeking visual thinking artist.

Day 14 is Dilly Brandyfoot’s huge wide eyes at the deliciousness of the blackberries

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[attheexactlyrighttimeandplace]

Episode 8 season finale promo stills

[sayruq]

dilly and largo helping poppy with her cart during the song 🥺