Don’t get me wrong here. I can’t wait! But I’m starting to think that it might end (cancelled) before it gets to a meaningful conclusion.

Now I’m looking at this series from the perspective of one that has reasonable, maybe (maybe..) slightly above average knowledge of the times, history, characters, and other entwinements of the LoTR universe. But there are a couple of main reasons why I’m getting an odd vibe about RoP lately.

Watching the lastest trailer this morning, it occurred to me that it feels like 98% of what I was seeing is probably going to mean. nothing to anyone fresh off the streets.

Even in the LoTR, books and movies, keeping track of all of the characters mentioned, be it main, or those merely included as reference or lore points was quite confusing even for us seasoned fans.

The Rings of Power, from what I’m gathering in the trailers, jumps in with many many more intricate characters that while yes, are very relevant and crucial to the over arcing story, the makers seemingly expects the audience to have a decent knowledge going in of who these “relatively” unknown characters are and how they fit in. (I know that unknown thing is not going to sit well,, but, ehh)

I’m watching the trailer cheering and excited, but no one else has a clue as to wtf is happening or why, or what the significance is. Some of this stuff took literally decades to get woven together in my head.

With only 8 episodes this season, that doesn’t seem to be enough time to establish the who’s who and get the ball rolling at the same time with out feeling rushed or passed over. I know there is already talk of multiple seasons, but if you can’t grab enough people in these first 8 there might not be multiple.

Are they gonna go right to plot and leave most of the audience confused about the main players reasonings, or spend the majority of time with introductions and set up with no pay off before the break into next season?

Either way it’s bound to lose a chunk of viewers. And losing viewers is not what a show that’s expected to cost in the BILLIONS is going to stand for. Not for very long anyway.

The next thing that worries me is the fact that there is soooo much bad press and bad reviews already. Sure this is somewhat standard, but it has a wierd feel to it this time. Like more personal.. more internal. Not just fanboys whining because someone’s boots are the wrong color or something.

But I can’t really put my finger on it as to why,, but the retoric seems to be ramping up with every bit of footage released. Could just be pissing in the wind,, but it just feels like general concern. A bit of positive talk or interview would certainly help this feeling. But there just isnt much, or any of that.

And finally, the newest big news. The entire franchise,, (LoTR and The Hobbit anyway) has changed ownership. And these new owners have made it very loud and clear that they intend to scrape as much moola from the main iconic characters as possible.

The Rings of Power is not about the iconic characters. It may elude and lead to them, but does not feature many or any of the biggies these new owners are set on making money with.

It already sounds like their intention is to throw money in another direction entirely. And that would probably not mean good things for such an expensive venture as the RoP. Yes the intent before the transfer was for 5 seasons, but as of right now it is only green lit for 2.

Like I said.. I can’t wait for this show to get here, but will be watching with an uneasy eye and probably try to be a bit non committed until there is a tiny bit solid good news.