ROP & HOD

[Thalia]

Anyone else watching Rings of Power and/or House of the Dragon? I'm enjoying both.

The ROP intro was a little slow but by the time the Harfoots were introduced I was hooked. The elves feel a little off, I'm not sure why (no it's not the hair, haha). I loved loved loved the dwarves. Durin's speech on the lift thing hit me unexpectedly in the feels. I know jack-shit about Tolkien's lore, though I'm aware they've changed stuff (hard not to be aware really). I'm looking forward to the rest.

The only complaint I have about HOD is the distracting wigs >_< The dragons are freaking awesome.

[Ascendancy]

I've read the Silmarillion and the Lost Tales before so I have some awareness of the differences from the books, but I'm pretty laid back when it comes to book changes in general, whether its Harry Potter, WoT or LotR... I may have wished for long flowing locks of hair for Elrond, but it doesn't bother me. Lol

But actually no I haven't had the chance to watch either show yet. I am probably going to watch LotR before HOD though. I'm kind of spent with GoT and the HBO-esque-levels of HBOness in the show. I'd much rather see Hot Sauron or Gil Galad than Targaryeans whose story we know how it turns out. lol

[Nox]

We are watching both. I've not read either of the books so I'm loving it all with no bias. I love seeing Matt Smith in something other than Doctor Who and someone so completely opposite and pulling it off so well. It's really awesome to see.

And as a side note Clara's Dr Who actress premiered the same week as Matt Smith in HoD on the Sandman. Was a fun week for Dr Who fans.

[Thalia]

Matt Smith was the last time I properly watched Doctor Who and that's still kinda who he is in my head. For that reason I was NOT prepared for the brothel scene, haha. He's doing an excellent job. All the actors seem to have a lot of chemistry. 

I caught up with episode 3 of ROP today and it is just a pleasure to watch. The long episodes really make a difference as well I think.

[Jaxen Marveet]

Haven't seen either.

[Armande]

Watching both. ROP seemed slow in 1st ep (didn't really care about anyone.) But that changed in 2. Finished 3 and it's getting good.

HOD - damn, what a good show. I honestly didn't expect much. I was burnt out on the whole GRRM world. Didn't think I'd really care to watch a prequel when I wasn't impressed with the ending season. Prequels are tough. They have to tell you a new story when you already know where it goes. They need to rely more on nostalgia and "oo look! They're related to X!"

Well I am impressed. And invested. It's only 3 eps in, but I really like it.

In both cases, it's the writing that makes it work, the character as much as the spectacle. The story is revealed slowly, but just enough to pull us through, so far. This is how you do it.

And the visuals are flawless. Serious money, directing, photography and VFX. The worlds look lived in and authentic.

Hopefully, they hold up.

[Jay Carpenter]

We clearly know where all the amazon budget went. Couldn't spare a little more for WoT could they?

[Ascendancy]

I've been able to watch the first 2 episodes of RoP. I admittedly fast-forwarded through some of the storylines that I just didn't find interesting. 
I am enjoying Elrond's sass and Galadriel's RBEF (resting bitch elf face).

[Ascendancy]

I hadn't seen the second half of Rings of Power season 1 but inevitably encountered spoilers so I know what happens. 
1. Not surprising
2. I'm kind of digging this. 
3. I generally really enjoy complex villains so I'm eager to see season 2. 

Luckily, I'll probably have several years to finish watching season 1.

[Thalia]

I finished ROP today, I really enjoyed it.