Lord of the Rings Series -- Amazon

So, still enjoying it, it is really well done, but I agree that this adaptation changes a lot of things from cannon, and I think it's ok to still like the show but be disappointed that we're not getting a more faithful adaptation.

The main reason is this is condensing the story down significantly which means we get less of the story than we would want. It makes it feel a bit smaller... for us nerds, Tolkien created a mythology that spanned tens of thousands of years, it made everything seem big, grand and epic. And this adaptation condenses thousands of years into a few days.... it makes the whole thing feel less in scope, at least to me.

I also have something of an academic curiosity for the decisions they are making. They spent like a billion dollars to get the IP, but only to the trilogy and appendices. There's lots of hints in there, which is why we're able to see what we're seeing now... And they are spending a lot of money on production value. The script is good, the actors are quite good, the scenery is gorgeous. It's an A movie quality production. So, I clearly think the intent is to do more than 8 episodes -- so why try to condense it like this? Are they going to do a time skip after the rings are forged?

There are some changes I like... They seem to be making Miriel more of an active participant in Numenor's future instead of the more passive character she is in the books. I find that more interesting.

Basically, I've made my peace with the differences - and it does mean I don't know exactly what's going to happen, which I like. I would still love to see some more expansive adaptations.

I'd like to see Beren and Luthien made into a show. I'd love to watch the Children of Hurin, and the fall of Gondolin. And so on...