gives me hope. It was even when Tolkien's son Christopher was still in charge of the estate, and we know his strong views on any adaptation of his father's work. I also don't doubt the showrunners love for and fidelity to Tolkien. I can't defend a show I haven't seen, and it may very well be subpar, but I don't believe it will be due to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the Middle-earth created by Tolkien.