Oh, yeah, I never got around to writing my own LotR: Rings of Power beated post.
Halbrand's reveal while partially called by me after he was very sus that other episode was still really well done in his scenes with Galadriel IMO. Stranger was always a flip of the coin between Sauron and Gandalf IMO and it was kinda funny to have that stalker trio make the same mistake lol. That said, I think I'd prefer it if he was one of the other wizards for some reason I can't really explain but he's like 99.9% Gandalf so eh. I guess the drama, at least for Galadriel and Elrond, for Season 2 will be Elrond having figured out that Halbrand wasn't who he said he was and suspecting Galadriel of having fallen because she hasn't explained the situation to anyone which I'm not particularly looking forward to.
Still enjoyed the season though! Haven't watched House of the Dragon and am unsure if I will so no comparison issues for me.
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May you find your book in this place. Formerly known as xp1337.