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

Follow Your In Depth Podcast for more Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and discussions about the stories we love.

Are six Jedi younglings already better examples of what it means to be a Jedi than Anakin Skywalker?

This week, Jacob and Evan discuss Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 5, Episodes 6–9, following a group of younglings as they travel to Ilum, discover their lightsaber crystals, encounter Hondo Ohnaka, and find themselves caught in a dangerous confrontation with General Grievous.

But beyond the adventure, these episodes raise some interesting questions about the Jedi Order and how it prepares children for the responsibilities of becoming Jedi.

Is it ethical to train children in Jedi philosophy before they can fully understand what they're committing to? Does Hondo actually have a moral code, or is everything about profit? And are the younglings displaying more courage, selflessness, and emotional control than some of the Jedi who are supposed to be teaching them?

We also explore how Anakin's unconventional training has influenced Ahsoka, whether the Gathering is unnecessarily dangerous, and our favorite and least favorite parts of the arc.

Plus, plenty of unexpected tangents and the usual questionable humor.

Episodes Covered:

• S5E6 – The Gathering

• S5E7 – A Test of Strength

• S5E8 – Bound for Rescue

• S5E9 – A Necessary Bond

New episodes every Monday and Thursday!

Follow Your In Depth Podcast for more Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and discussions about the stories we love.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is darker than you remember.

This week, Jacob and Evan revisit the second Harry Potter story, comparing the book and movie while exploring the disturbing details and questionable decisions that make this adventure far more sinister than it initially appears.

From Tom Riddle's manipulation of Ginny Weasley to Gilderoy Lockhart's horrifying use of memory charms, there's a lot more happening beneath the surface of Hogwarts.

We discuss whether Dumbledore should have closed the school, how far Dobby's good intentions can justify his actions, who deserves the blame for opening the Chamber of Secrets, and whether Slytherin House is fundamentally broken.

We also explore the biggest book-to-movie differences, including missing characters, expanded mysteries, and important details that change how we understand the story.

Plus, Gilderoy Lockhart stops by with an unforgettable advertisement for his Memory Removal Services.

Topics include:

• Chamber of Secrets book vs. movie differences

• Tom Riddle, Ginny Weasley, and the diary

• Dumbledore's responsibility for student safety

• Dobby's increasingly dangerous attempts to protect Harry

• Gilderoy Lockhart's disturbing crimes

• Slytherin House and its legacy

• Harry's battle against the Basilisk

New episodes every Monday and Thursday!

Follow Your In Depth Podcast for more Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and discussions about the stories we love.