Part 8/10:
The backlash is palpable. Fans who hold Tolkien’s work dear feel betrayed by the series’ portrayal of Middle-earth, describing it as a departure from the rich lore for the sake of modern narratives. Even casual viewers have tuned in out of curiosity but found the series boring or poorly executed, further deterring actual engagement.
This disillusionment explains the drop-off reflected by piracy data: viewers are not only skipping subsequent episodes legally but are also actively avoiding the series altogether. The combination of poor storytelling, perceived political messaging, and departure from core themes has alienated many longtime fans and newcomers alike.