Dream Beam

  The battle in the Southlands has begun and Mount Doom has awakened. Things get exciting this week on The Rings of Power.  The creators are making me feel sympathetic for the main baddy, while coloring Galadriel with more darkness.  Quick Thoughts on The Rings of Power Episode 6, Season 1

Despite episode 6's most glaring flaw, I'm still on board the House of the Dragon ship, thanks to the exquisite performances by Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke. The episode's greatest failing was its treatment of Laena Velaryon. Besides that and some other minor nitpicks, the 10 year time skip worked for me.  For more of my thoughts, watch the video: Thoughts on House of the Dragon Episode 6, Season 1

  Episode 5 of The Rings of Power opens strong with Poppy singing a beautiful song over an on-the-road montage. But it soon wavers into some uneven pacing and odd character choices. Let's hope Galadriel and co. make it to Middle-Earth sooner than later.  Quick Thoughts on The Rings of Power Episode 5, Season 1

  This week's House of the Dragon incorporates the woes of gay love in Westoros, adding to the " Bury Your Gays " trope for the second time in the franchise. Gender issues continue to plague our characters, but what about race? Is the show lacking intersectionality? It appears so.  Well, half the season is over and next week the show goes for the long reported 10-year time jump with new actors taking over for the older Rhaenyra and Alicent.  I'm nervous but optimistic. For my thoughts on episode 5 watch my video:  Quick Thoughts on House of the Dragon Episode 5, Season 1

I'm not a big fan of the Númenor plot line. So it's good to see Galadriel and co. set to leave the island at the end of episode 4, even though it was clumsily executed. I'm liking Adar's characterization thus far, but his orcs are not to my liking. I much prefer how they were depicted in episode 2. But overall things seem to be improving over last week's episode now that the different plots are converging. For more of my thoughts watch my video:  Thoughts on The Rings of Power Episode 4, Season 1

There's a lot to unpack this week on House of the Dragon . Gendered expectations continue to plague the Queen and Princess. The Targaryens abuse their power in bedrooms and pleasure dens. For my thoughts watch below:  Thoughts on House of the Dragon Episode 4, Season 1 .

A week after a majestic 2-episode premiere, The Rings of Power loses its footing in the third episode. I'm concerned Amazon put most of its eggs in the opening and ending of the season and that the quality will continue to drop in the middle. I wonder if J. A. Bayona is mostly to thank for the grandeur present in the premiere and now that he's out we'll be watching a more standard TV show. Perhaps the Numenor storyline will grow on me with more time. For my quick thoughts watch my latest video: Quick Thoughts on The Rings of Power Episode 3, Season 1

  I tried out a speedier pace for episode 3 of my House of the Dragon video reviews . What I do for each episode will vary each week, I guess.  Make sure to see the ending of this one for a bit of fun. Alternatively, check out the TikTok version by clicking the image above. I'm still digging the show, though I'm not too fond of how they concluded the Crabfeeder plot. For a recap and my thoughts check out the video: Thoughts on House of the Dragon Episode 3, Season 1

I'm pretty overjoyed that we to get to watch two quality fantasy shows for the next several weeks. The Rings of Power may not be as biting as House of the Dragon , but it's no less engaging. It's actually a pleasant palate cleanser from the grim world of Westeros. The Rings of Power is majestic in comparison... but there's something off about the High Elves. Listen to my ethereal musings on the first two episodes at the link below... Ethereal Musings on The Rings of Power Ep. 1 & 2, Season 1 .