"ALLOYED"
WRITTEN BY ELLIOT LINES / OCTOBER 16, 2022
After weeks of building up to this finale, it has finally arrived. So far the show has suffered from a pacing issue, where nothing really happens. It wasn't until the previous 2 episodes where the show really took off. Episode 8 brings more of the same that we've seen over the series, but manages to bring the story-lines that were questionable, to actually matter.
Throughout the series we've been waiting for Sauron to reveal himself, and the episode keeps you guessing throughout. It manages to successfully make you believe in one thing, only to turn the screw and bring in a real shock. The Harfoots finally get their comeuppance, giving them some actual meaning to being included in the series. But still this finale still felt lacking when it came down to the delivery, obviously clearing the path for whats to come.
There is no doubt about the look of this series, absolute stunning imagery from across middle earth, but another thing it deserves credit for is its characters. Even though the show was a little slow to get goin it is clear that they are setting up for future seasons (Does anyone remember loving Game of Thrones season 1 on first viewing, I sure didn't). This direction makes for good character bonds, even if we do know the fate of some of them. Series 2 will definately be watched, but I do question whether this has done enough to gather fans or even please existing fans going forward.