I don't know if it's great TV or not, but it's hitting the spot for me. Visually it's stunning and the story is.....well, I don't know if it keeps to the Tolkien line (in terms of his 'legendarium', I think it's called) but I'm not purist enough to worry too much about that, and it's working perfectly adequately to have caught the spirit of his work in my book.
Young Galadriel is terrific (and I never thought anyone would equal Kate Blanchet in the role, but she's giving her a good run) and little Nori is growing on me after a slightly shakey start.
Seems churlish, but I'm not going to shy away from the almost inevitable comparison with Jackson, and I'm saying that (with the acceptance that it's a bit apples and oranges) I think I actually like this better. It just feels good; it's got the vibe if you're with me.
Happy bunny to have the rest of it to look forward to.
