Podcast of the Rings
A weekly exploration of all things Tolkien, "The Lord of the Rings", and Middle-Earth. Join Ben and Jess as they examine the books, movies, TV shows, appendices, lore, and more; all with lighthearted and unfocused joy. A new episode every Tuesday.
Episodes
DING DING!! We're pitting beloved Fellowship friends and Middle-earth heavyweights against each other and deciding who would win in an MMA match. Let us know if we got it right!
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New Line Cinema's announcement of The Hunt for Gollum as part of their official Lord of the Rings universe has sparked heated debate, and we’re diving right into it. Why do we think this spin-off is an objectively bad idea? We break down the creative, narrative, and franchise implications of this bold move.
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An OFFICIAL Lord of the Rings movie has come and gone with very little to do... and it's a shame. While Ben and Jess are able to find real positives with the animation, The War of the Rohirrim, we're still left with the feeling that the movie was just...
OK. Let's get into it.
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Available on YouTube and podcasts!
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While there isn't a lot to say that hasn't been said, Ben & Jess attempt to succinctly close out "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" season 2... and fail. BUT we share our thoughts on what it was like watching the series alongside you and look forward to what might happen in season 3 when it premieres 5 years from now.
Do you realize the series will likely conclude in 2030? Like... will we even make it til then?
Before we dive into our full recap of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power next week, we're excited to share something special with you! We're releasing our deep dive into Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1: "Winter Is Coming." Normally, this episode is part of our Podcast of Thrones, a Patreon-exclusive series where we break down every episode of Game of Thrones, and we're just about 5 episodes in.
If you enjoy this episode ...
The rings are forged, Sauron is unmasked, the Balrog is for sure awake, the Stranger is a grand elf, Isildur is in love, Gil-galad is a baddie, Elrond has had a mental break, and Arondir is just... fine? There is a LOT to unpack in the Rings of Power season 2 finale, "Shadow and Fire,' so spend 2 hours as Ben and Jess attempt to do just that.
Join us EVERY FRIDAY during Season 2 o...
In The Rings of Power Season 2, Episode 7, "Doomed to Die," Celebrimbor finally uncovers Sauron’s true identity, and Charlie Vickers delivers his best performance yet. The tension between the two characters is electric, and every actor is truly bringing their A-game in this episode. But, seriously—what was up with that kiss?
We’ll dive into the major revelations, the emotional intensity, and some unexpected moments that left us wit...
Though we're craving a bit more action and wishing this season stretched to 10 episodes, there's still plenty to love! Join us as we dive into the highs and lows of 'Where Is He?,' the 6th episode of The Rings of Power season 2.
Join us EVERY FRIDAY during Season 2 of The Rings of Power for a fresh breakdown of every episode. Available on YouTube and podcasts!
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Forbes might call this episode a "slog," but in The Rings of Power Season 2, Episode 5: "Halls of Stone," things. go. down. In fact, it may even be going down too quickly. Ben and Jess discuss the highs and lows of the episode, as well as speculate on what a Kendrick Lamar performance at the Super Bowl will be like.
Join us as we discuss every Season 2 episode of Amazon's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Available on YouT...
While we have some questions about Elrond's motives and Tom Bombadil's accent, Season 2, Episode 4 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, titled "Eldest," is most definitely keeping our interest.
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Join us as we discuss every Season 2 episode of Amazon's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Available on YouTube and podcasts!
LOOK MOM, we have a Patreon! Get EARLY ACCESS to episodes, and EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to our new p...
Eagles and Horses and Spiders, oh my! In Episode 3, Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power titled "The Eagle and the Sceptre," we discover where Isildur ended up, are introduced to an Orc family, and discover how they dealt with the actress who played Bronwyn leaving the show. Plus, we can't help but question why Numenor doesn’t do a better job of protecting its royalty... I mean, seriously.
Listen now as we break...
As Sauron's dark plan unfolds, the wants and needs of our beloved Rings of Power characters come into sharp focus. From his lingering influence over Galadriel to manipulating Celebrimbor like a master puppeteer, Season 2, Episode 2, 'Where the Stars are Strange,' is a thrilling chapter that's pushing the story to new heights. Don't miss our deep dive into this episode's biggest moments and what they mean f...
We're so back, baby!
While we're not saying the first episode is "perfect," we are not afraid to say that the season 2 premiere of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is great.
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Join us EVERY FRIDAY during Season 2 of
Season 2 of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is almost here so Ben and Jess share their hopes and wishes for this season now that there is really nothing left to do but wait and watch.
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Join us EVERY FRIDAY during Season 2 of The Rings of Power for a fresh breakdown of every episode. Available on YouTube and podcasts!
Read more
Cate Blanchett as Hela in "Thor: Ragnarok" is deliciously evil; the perfect opposite of Galadriel. Ben and Jess discuss this Marvel film, why it's great, why she's great, and how Loki would thwart any plans to deliver the One Ring to Mordor.
LOOK MOM, we have a Patreon! Get EARLY ACCESS to episodes, and EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to our new podcasts about House of the Dragon AND Game of Thrones.
Head over to our PATREON now!
Shout out to Pa...
Sir Ian McKellen in X-Men, alongside his bff, Sir Patrick Stewart, makes the film an immensely enjoyable watch. In today's era of superhero fatigue, it's surprising to think that a movie directed by Bryan Singer in 2000 could still hold up—but it does!
LOOK MOM, we have a Patreon! Get EARLY ACCESS to episodes, and EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to our new podcasts about House of the Dragon AND Game of Thrones.
Head over to our PATREON now!
Shou...
As we continue our Beyond the Middle-Earth, we take a trip to the deep south with Viggo Mortensen in "Green Book". Yes, it won the Oscar-- but did it solve racism?
Let's find out!
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LOOK MOM, we have a Patreon! Get EARLY ACCESS to episodes, and EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to our new podcast about House of the Dragon.
Head over to our PATREON now!
Shout out to Patreon Member Jesse Glaspey, aka ArsenalRoy2K, aka one of our Elven-Kings! Than...
Join Ben and Jess as they analyze The Rings of Power Season 2 SDCC Trailer beat for beat. Listen now to hear their best and worst takes on "what it all means".
LOOK MOM, we have a Patreon! Get EARLY ACCESS to episodes, and EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to our new podcast about House of the Dragon.
Head over to our PATREON now!
Shout out to Patreon Member Jesse Glaspey, aka ArsenalRoy2K, aka one of our Elven-Kings! Tha...
We continue our Beyond Middle-Earth series by watching the Pilot Part 1 & 2 of "Lost." Despite the fact that Dominic Monaghan is distracting in the show, you can't deny that JJ Abrams knows how to start the heck out of something.
LOOK MOM, we have a Patreon! Get EARLY ACCESS to episodes, and EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to our new podcast about House of the Dragon.
Head over to our PATREON now!
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A new episode ever...
Take a trip back to a time when we were proud to be American, proud of our nation's history, and proud of Disney. Join us in celebrating 2004's "National Treasure." In our Beyond Middle-Earth series, we're diving into this adventure thanks to the one and only Sean Bean.
LOOK MOM, we have a Patreon! Get EARLY ACCESS to episodes, and EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to our new podcast about House of the Dragon.
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