LotR2-TTT-Seq09

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The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears.
~Arabian Proverb


The Three Hunters and the White Wizard ride over the plains. In the distance, backdropped by snow-capped mountains, is a populated mound or hillock. Gandalf, ever the Middle Earth tour guide, tells us what we are seeing, though I fail to see any golden glint in the area.

Did you notice how conveniently the face of Gimli is hidden by Legolas’s arrows?

We see Éowyn trying to break through the fog covering Théoden, but with no result. Éowyn, by calling him “Uncle,” lets us know how she and her brother are related to this king of Rohan. Miranda Otto’s portrayal of her broken-heartedness and even despair at her uncle’s lack of response is done well. I already feel for this shieldmaiden.

Before I get too far ahead, just wanted to mention what a sweet part Paris Howe Strewe had. He plays the almost dead, the mostly dead then the all and very dead Théodred. For his few moments of lying prone he’s a member of the LotR cast, has his own fansite and in ten years or so can be headlining a fantasy convention. Anyway…

While Éowyn grieves her cousin’s death, the snake appears around the corner. As Grima peaks into the room, I noticed the skins on the floor, which is a nice touch for this more rustic set. The Worm just starts creeping me out from there, as his words seem to suggest that he may have ‘done murder.’ He continues, playing the part of the abusive stalker, isolating his mark, cutting her off from the help and possibly clearer judgment of those that truly love her. Grima even has a ring on his finger, and he too seems to want to get via control that he cannot receive freely.

But Éowyn does not fall for his lines, and flees his trap for a breath of fresh air.

She looks over the horizon, looking perchance for something to help her in her despair, and as she looks downward, there appears a knight riding a horse. Wonder where this is going?

Howard Shore’s score is chilling, as is the visual - an omen - of the banner ripping and flying off into the wind. Aragorn sees the banner of Eorl hit the ground and drag away by the wind. It’s like the riders are bringing change with them, and whether for better or worse will have to be seen, but thing’s won’t be as they once were. Great scene by PJ.

The aerial shot of Meduseld is great, and knowing that the structure actually existed is even better. PJ chose the location for the scenery, and by building the Hall of Brego he allowed the actors to better understand and play their roles. Not one sniff of CG, which allows me to stay in Middle Earth.

The tramp up the hill shows the dispirited people as they’ve lost all hope and are leaderless. The buildings and the Golden Hall are well constructed, though the roof may have been a bit brighter (though PJ may have wanted to cast a pall over the whole scene). The tops of the buildings repeatedly show ornate horse carvings.

The scene at the entrance to the hall is not to my liking. As Aragorn does not have Narsil reforged, he hands over his weaponry with nary a word or warning, as does Gimli. Gandalf, like in the books, keeps his walking stick, but there could have been more made of the scene with Hama, like the doorwarden looking at Gandalf and trusting more in him than in the decrees of the Wormtongue (as Rohirrim do not lie, and so are not easily deceived), but…

Gandalf’s quick wink and Aragorn’s knowing smile should set everyone on edge.

The four members of the Fellowship walk towards Théoden’s throne as Wormtongue continues to poison the King’s thoughts. Interesting that Théoden speaks here but not when prompted by Éowyn of his son’s death. Wormtongue presses the attack, but it thwarted by Gandalf staff. Grima’s henchmen try to grab Gandalf, but Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn make short work of them. Now, unlike in the books, it’s apparent that Grima has men on his side, and not just those whose brains are addled. But to see them attack Gandalf’s party is another thing altogether. At least Hama restrains another from joining the attack.

Make you wonder how loyal these men are to the King. How far would they follow Grima, and will they leave him when their King returns?

Also from the books Théoden needs only a breath of fresh air and some light to throw off the chains of Saruman, but here PJ has decided that an exorcism is in order. Éowyn, seeing her uncle in pain, tries to help him but is grabbed by Aragorn. The exorcism continues, and Saruman threatens Gandalf with Théoden’s death. And then Gandalf replies with something that makes absolutely no sense to me at all.

“You did not kill me…you will not kill him.”

Huh? Gandalf escaped from Orthanc via an eagle. Does this mean a bird will be involved when Théoden escapes Saruman’s control? If this makes no sense, well, then you know how I feel about Gandalf’s statement. As the exorcism drags on, we get to see more and more of Théoden-possessed’s ugly visage. Finally, Gandalf give him a shot felt round the countryside, and Saruman goes sprawling across the floor in Orthanc.

Théoden begins to fall to the floor, and is caught by his sister-daughter. The haggardness of Saruman’s control melts from his face like the sun melting snow. His healing continues as he grasps his sword, which I’m glad was included. Théoden suddenly remembers his old advisor, here treated more harshly than in the books. And here Théoden attempts to slay Grima (which is a bit problematic as I think that later he will be pleading for clemency for him) but is stopped by Aragorn, who just so happens to not be King of Rohan but is starting to act like it. But at least Aragorn is rewarded for his kindness.

I guess that this Grima, having done something to get Saruman inside of Théoden, deserves worse than the other Grima who just spun tales for Théoden’s ears. Grima rides off, and we all know where he’s going.

Where is my son?

The funeral of Théodred is touching, as is Éowyn's song as her face is clearly pained. We get to see the burial mounds covered with Simbelmynë and Théoden’s despair and grief.

Speaking of children, those two that we saw sequences ago have finally arrived at Edoras. After some food is seems that our children will be okay, thankfully. Gandalf uses the children as props, telling Théoden that he needs to ride out and meet Saruman’s forces in the plains. Why Saruman is driven by fear of Sauron is beyond me, as I thought that the two were working together, or was that another movie ? Théoden’s a bit creeped out when Gandalf lays his hand on the King’s, and that’s pretty funny. Just what are you selling, Stormcrow?

And now for the Éomer problem. He’s 300 leagues from Edoras, which is silly as you’d think that he’s find some place secure to hold up in yet be near enough to help his people if needed. And 300 leagues? Did he go to the beach or Rivendell? And if Éomer has 2000 riders, just where do all of the other warriors come from when the siege of Mundburg is raised?

Anyway, Théoden sees himself as a shield against Saruman’s aggression, and would rather wait this one out (like some large cellulose sticks we’ll soon see). Aragorn disagrees, and gets slapped down. Aragorn could have shown a bit more deference, and we just had to have Gimli belching. And does the dwarf have a drinking problem (if you remember *that* movie)?

Gandalf, realizing that he has to work with what he’s got, asks what the King of Rohan is going to do. It’s to be Helm’s Deep, and everybody’s going. Now, if Edoras has stone walls, then it would be a great defensive position for a short battle, but…I’d go to Helm’s Deep but with the purpose of fighting from the fortress, not hiding. Is Gimli suggesting that they go to Dunharrow and ride down now and then and attack the Uruks?

Aren’t these a people of cavalry? Clue!

Gandalf states that Théoden is going with the tried and true, but that it may be a trap. The wizard gives Aragorn a few last words (‘Here’s an impossible task for you. Good luck, good bye and thanks for all the fish.') Now Gandalf rides off in search of help, which to me is silly (and note that I’ve not said a word about how silly the King is being portrayed, how Éomer is treated, etc), but this is PJ’s version and not mine. I’m okay with Gandalf out of the fray but would like to see Éomer at the King’s and Aragorn’s sides.

Will Gandalf bring help in time, and will Aragorn hold the line until then? And will Gimli be able to quiet the rumblings of his stomach?

So much to look forward to…