Part 5/8:
Many long-time fans felt alienated by the show's creative direction, which they perceived as bastardizing Tolkien's universe in favor of modern sensibilities or political messages. This disconnect was reflected in the poor viewer engagement metrics; with only about 37% finishing the series in the U.S., it's clear that the show did not meet expectations.
Additionally, the show's perceived underperformance has led to concerns about declining interest going into season two. With warning signs flashing, some insiders expect a significant drop-off in viewership, which could spell disaster for Amazon's investment.