• "Where is He?" Review - Season 02, Episode 06
    Sep 19 2024

    Where is that big bad Sauron guy hiding out now? Hey, where is he?

    Episode Takeaways:

    • The episode serves as a stepping stone to the finale.
    • Galadriel's confrontation with Sauron reveals deeper themes of power and choice.
    • The manipulation of characters like Celebrimbor and the dwarves adds complexity to the narrative.
    • Ellen Deed's judgment reflects the struggle between loyalty and truth.
    • The orcs are portrayed with more depth, challenging traditional views of them as mere villains.
    • The significance of Mythril in the dwarven storyline is crucial to the plot's progression.
    • Despite knowing the lore, the podcast hosts express curiosity about how the events will unfold.
    • The dynamic between characters showcases the emotional stakes involved in their decisions.
    • The episode sets the stage for a climactic battle in the upcoming episodes.
    • The exploration of themes like gaslighting and manipulation adds a modern twist to the fantasy narrative.

    Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

    Where Is He? Galadriel considers a proposition. Elendil faces judgment. The Stranger finds himself at a crossroads. Sauron’s plans bear fruit. Directed by: Sanaa Hamri Written by: Justin Doble Starring: Charlie Vickers, Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, Ciarán Hinds, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Charles Edwards, Jack Lowden, Sam Hazeldine

    The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkien Estate & Prime Video.

    All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast

    Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

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    22 mins
  • ”Halls of Stone” Review - Season 02, Episode 05
    Sep 12 2024

    The rings for the men are nearly here, leaving us with just THE ONE RING to be forged.

    Episode Takeaways:

    • The series' pacing is picking up with the introduction of the Rings.
    • Corruption is a central theme, especially regarding the Rings' influence on characters.
    • Character dynamics in Numenor are complex and filled with conflict.
    • Sauron's manipulation of Celebrimbor is a key plot point.
    • The lore surrounding the Dwarves and the Balrog adds depth to the story.
    • The creation of the Rings has significant implications for the future of the series.
    • The characters' motivations are often driven by power and ambition.
    • The podcast hosts appreciate the behind-the-scenes content following the episodes.
    • There is a sense of urgency as the series approaches its climax with only a few episodes left.
    • The hosts express a desire to rewatch the original Lord of the Rings movies.

    Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

    “Halls of Stone”

    When Durin grows suspicious of the Dwarven Rings, Celebrimbor must reassess his priorities. Amidst Númenor’s shifting currents, Elendil searches for hope.

    Directed by: Sanaa Hamri, Louise Hooper Written by: Nicholas Adams Starring: Charlie Vickers, Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, Ciarán Hinds, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Charles Edwards, Jack Lowden, Sam Hazeldine

    The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkien Estate & Prime Video.

    All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast

    Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

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    31 mins
  • ”Eldest” Review - Season 02, Episode 04
    Sep 8 2024

    We meet Tom Bombadil in the latest episode, a character we quickly attach ourselves to.

    Episode Takeaways:

    • The episode introduces new locations and characters in Middle Earth, expanding the story's scope.
    • The lighting and visual effects are praised, although some viewers had difficulty seeing the night scenes.
    • The conversation between the elves is noted for its distinct speech patterns.
    • The episode sets up intriguing storylines for future episodes, including the encounter with Tom Bombadil and the journey to find Theo.

    Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

    Episode Title synopsis Directed by: Sanaa Hamri, Louise Hooper Written by: Glenise Mullins Starring: Charlie Vickers, Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, Ciarán Hinds, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Charles Edwards, Jack Lowden, Sam Hazeldine

    The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkien Estate & Prime Video.

    All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast

    Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

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    27 mins
  • “Elven Kings Under the Sky," “Where the Stars are Strange," “The Eagle and the Sceptre" Reviews - Season 02, Episodes 1-3
    Sep 4 2024

    We discuss the three-episode premiere of The Rings of Power Season 2 and catch up on where our key characters were left from last season.

    Episode Takeaways:

    • The first three episodes serve as a prologue for the season, reintroducing characters and setting the stage for the main storyline.
    • Sauron's long-term plan is to obtain the rings, leading him to the One Ring.
    • Elrond takes on a more active role and forms an alliance with Galadriel.
    • The show explores the challenge of depicting the passage of time and the controversy over humanizing orcs. The portrayal of orcs and the humanization of characters is a topic of discussion.
    • The political machinations in Numenor and the story of Isildur and Beren are intriguing storylines.
    • The struggles of the dwarves to grow crops and the mystery surrounding the stranger and the dark wizard add depth to the show.
    • The mixed reviews indicate a range of opinions about the show's quality.
    • The decision to have multiple seasons shows confidence in the show's potential.

    Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

    “Elven Kings Under the Sky"

    Dir: Charlotte Brändström, Writers: Gennifer Hutchison

    Sauron bargains with Adar. The Stranger and Nori venture into new lands. The Three Elven Rings face judgment.

    “Where the Stars are Strange"

    Dir: Charlotte Brändström, Louise Hooper Writers: Jason Cahill

    Darkness falls over Khazad-dûm. Sauron and Galadriel each seek new allies. The Stranger and Harfoots encounter a growing threat.

    “The Eagle and the Sceptre"

    Dir: Charlotte Brändström, Louise Hooper Writers: Jason Cahill

    Isildur and an old friend reunite. Arondir grapples with change. Míriel faces rising opposition. Annatar counsels Celebrimbor.

    Starring: Charlie Vickers, Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, Ciarán Hinds, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Charles Edwards, Jack Lowden, Sam Hazeldine

    The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkein Estate & Prime Video.

    All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast

    Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

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    39 mins
  • ”Alloyed” Review - Season 01, Episode 08
    Oct 14 2022

    Season 1 of The Rings of Power comes to a close with a number of vindicating reveals, some tearful goodbyes and the show’s title being justified.

    Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

    Movie/Episode Title Season One Finale. New Alliances are forged. Directed by: Wayne Che Yip Written by: Gennifer Hutchison, J. D. Payne, Patrick McKay Starring: Morfydd Clark, Tyroe Muhafidin, Maxim Baldry, Alex Tarrant, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Anthony Crum, Megan Richards, Markella Kavenagh, Daniel Weyman, Robert Aramayo, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Nazanin Boniadi, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Charlie Vickers, Joseph Mawle

    The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkein Estate & Prime Video.

    All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast

    Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

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    34 mins
  • ”The Eye” Review - Season 01, Episode 07
    Oct 12 2022

    In the penultimate episode of the first season, things are rough for everyone in Middle-Earth as they deal with the ramifications of the volcano erupting.

    Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

    The Eye Survivors of a cataclysm try to find safety; the Harfoots confront evil; Durin is torn between friendship and duty; Adar considers a new name. Directed by: Charlotte Brandstorm Written by: John D. Payne, Patrick McKay Starring: Morfydd Clark, Tyroe Muhafidin, Maxim Baldry, Alex Tarrant, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Anthony Crum, Megan Richards, Markella Kavenagh, Daniel Weyman, Robert Aramayo, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Nazanin Boniadi, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Charlie Vickers, Joseph Mawle

    The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkein Estate & Prime Video.

    All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast

    Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

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    19 mins
  • ”Udun” Review - Season 01, Episode 06
    Oct 1 2022

    Everyone loved this action-packed battle episode.

    Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

    Udun Adar and his army march on Ostirith. Directed by: Charlotte Brandstorm Written by: John D. Payne, Patrick McKay Starring: Ismael Cruz Cordova, Joseph Mawle, Nazanin Boniadi, Maxim Baldry, Morfydd Clark, Tyroe Muhadfidin, Charlie Vickers, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Geoff Morrell

    The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkein Estate & Prime Video.

    All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast

    Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

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    34 mins
  • ”Partings” Review - Season 01, Episode 05
    Sep 25 2022

    Galadriel sets sail after putting on a kick-ass fight, and our halfling friends find themselve in a world of trouble.

    Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

    “Partings” Directed by: Wayne Yip Written by: John D. Payne, Patrick McKay Starring: Ismael Cruz Cordova, Augustus Prew, Simon Merrells, Moryfydd Clark, Charlie Vickers, Lloyd Owen, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Trystan Gravelle, Maxim Baldry, Anthony Crum, Alex Tarran, Ema Hovath, Sadoc Burrows, Beau Cassidy, Markella Kavenagh, Daniel Weyman

    The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkein Estate & Prime Video.

    All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast

    Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

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    28 mins