Was The Rings of Power Season 1 a good fantasy series, or did it stray too far from Tolkien's Middle-earth?

This week, Jacob and Evan revisit the entirety of The Rings of Power Season 1, discussing the characters, revelations, and creative decisions that made the show's debut so divisive.

We explore Galadriel's obsession with Sauron, the manipulation behind Halbrand's true identity, and whether the series successfully portrays some of Tolkien's most established characters.

We also debate the morality of Adar and the orcs, the Southlanders' resistance, the Harfoots' treatment of outsiders, and whether the show's many storylines actually serve the larger narrative.

And before any of that, we're bringing back all 11 of our ridiculous fictional sponsors from Season 1, with Evan ranking his favorites.

Finally, we discuss whether Season 1 is worth watching, what the series gets right, and where it falls short.

Topics include:

• Galadriel's characterization and pursuit of Sauron

• Halbrand's identity and the Sauron reveal

• Adar, the orcs, and Tolkien's established lore

• The Southlanders and their resistance

• Nori, the Stranger, and the Harfoots

• The creation of Mordor

• Our favorite and least favorite moments of Season 1

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