#and believing they had de-aged since the 2nd age is easier than believing Elrond is politically ambitious

[symphonyofsilence]

Ok so...

Judging by how in recent years, the majority of adaptations and spin-offs of my favorite franchises had been, let's say, less than satisfactory, and by the news that I occasionally heard from Lotr On prime, I don't really have high hopes about it.

Obviously, with that budget, I expected it to have great visuals. And the props and the sets all do look great. Even though, I really dislike short-haired elves, and beardless dwarf ladies and blonde Elrond (and not being loyal to these book descriptions feels...not very promising.), and how elves look like normal people. (in the trilogy, you could tell an elf was an elf by the hair and make-up and lightening even without the pointy ears or the costumes.)

I'm glad that they chose to do practical effects. I'm glad that Veta and apparently Howard Shore are on board.

However, the story is the most important aspect.

And even though I think there's been an overreaction to the promo shots and we don't know anything about anything yet and we should wait until the show airs and there's a lot of toxicity in the fandom now

allow me to voice my concerns :

1. Politically ambitious Elrond trying to mend the relationship between his people and the dwarves of Khazad-dum :

No. Just no.

First of all: Elrond was the heir to all of the kingdoms of the first age, Edain, and Eldar. And he settled for just being Gil-galad's minstrel and herald. And at most, his vice-regent in Eriador. After Gil-galad's death, he could easily name himself the high king. But he didn't. He had chosen to become a healer, loremaster, linguist and establish a haven for the weary and the oppressed. And be "as kind as summer". These (not mentioned in the article btw) were important aspects of his character.

'Well going from "politically ambitious" to "humble" could be his character arc' I hear you say.

Well, you see?

We already have a character that came to middle earth seeking power, was politically ambitious, got the kingdom she wanted but at great cost, and eventually when infinite power was offered to her, she declined it. She "diminished" and went into the west. And remained...you guessed it! Galadriel!

Why would they give Galadriel's arc to Elrond?

It's super ooc for Elrond!

And there are lots of arcs you can write for Elrond he's full of potential!

The glaringly obvious one: overcoming abandonment issues.

He heals the healer inside and by the third age, he's the greatest healer in Middle-earth.

Or "belonging". As the only half-elf in Middle-earth after Elros' death. Who eventually establishes Rivendell for all the misfits!

Or both.

WHY WOULD YOU GO WITH GALADRIEL'S ARC!

And by him "mending the relationship between his people and the dwarves of Khazad-dum" do they mean the Sindar? (but weren't they Oropher's and Galadriel's and king Amroth's people?) 'Cause the Noldor didn't have any problems with the dwarves. Celebrimbor was on great terms with them.

Idk maybe I'm judging too harshly and too quickly and Elrond's political ambition is making and maintaining peace and the show creates some problem between the dwarves and the elves for him to solve but anyway talking about Celebrimbor, we arrive at my second problem.

2.Celebrimbor

Of course, we don't know anything about Helbrand yet but him "escaping from his past and bonding with Galadriel" sounds suspiciously like Celebrimbor's story. How many friends can Galadriel have who are running from the past?

This combined with giving "forming a positive relationship with the dwarves of Khazad-dum" to Elrond doesn't look good for Celebrimbor. I'm worried if Celebrimbor will be set aside in favor of the more familiar (for movie-goers) and original characters.

But again, we don't know anything about Helbrand. Maybe his story is quite different. ( I hope it's not like Aragorn's.) maybe he has a cool redemption arc. I love me some redemption arc.

3. The elf/human love story

...idk...is it going to be another Kili/Tauriel?

Plz...no.

We still don't know anything tho I think it's going to be like Aegnor/Andreth.

4. Promoting Galadriel as an action girl

First of all, anyone saying Galadriel didn't fight, end this once and for all. She did. It's canon.

"Celeborn then led an attack on Dol Guldur itself. Once the dark fortress was in the hands of the Galadhrim, Galadriel came, threw down its walls, and purified it of its evil."

"The White Council began to notice a dark shadow arising in Mirkwood. When Gandalf later discovered it to be Sauron, he urged the council to drive him out. After deliberating, the council acted and Galadriel assisted them in driving Sauron out of Dol Guldur in 2941."

Also, according to an early version of the story of her delarturd from Aman in the unfinished tales:

"Fëanor's revolt that followed the Darkening of Valinor Galadriel had no part: indeeed she with Celeborn fought heroically in defence of Alqualondë against the assault of the Noldor, "

What really is concerning is the emphasis on her character being an action girl. And her being promoted like that.

Reading her story in the second age, my impression was that she was more of a diplomat. And her power was a great, magical, innate power that she didn't lightly let loose. But everyone knew they wouldn't want her to.

Her character had gravitas. She was not some edgy, angry young warrior. (not that there is anything wrong with this sort of character. It's just not Galadriel. And It seems to be the only kind of "strong female character"™️ that you'll see these days.)

Now seeing her fighting in battles will in no way go against it, I'd actually like that if it's done right. But I'm worried about how they will handle her character. Will she be a girlboss Mary Sue? (especially since her arc might have been given to Elrond now.)

I'm worried that they might not have understanding of and appreciation for the characters.

Again, we don't know anything about the show yet. I may be wrong. Maybe the show will be great. But these were my concerns.