ThisRings of Powerreview contains spoilers.
Including this character also helps to expand the world of the series and vary the tone a bit more.
But the nature of Bombadil offers a fresh new feeling to the show.
Here Bombadil has been reinstated but it is the Stranger who is rescued.
Its still the same scene, and its fun to see.
Tom Bombadils appearance is not the only bit of Tolkien lore coming under the spotlight in this episode.
The Stoors are the ancestors of Gollum, as well as of Merry and the Brandybucks.
Were reasonably confident that the Stranger is actually Gandalf at this point.
That means the show has an almost clean slate to do what they want with him.
This is sincere praise of the writing of the episode.
Without Bronwyn, even his characterization as a romantic hero has been taken away.
For long-term Tolkien fans there is something really exciting about seeing one of the lost Entwives in person.
We do have one tiny quibble, though.
Winterbloom is very literally named, as she is covered in pink blossom while Snaggleroot is not.
This episodes biggest weakness is the sheer volume of Tolkiens stuff all thrown in together.
We can see what the thought process was behind it.
Dont get us wrong its wonderful to see so much of Tolkiens lore brought to life.
Weve finally had a chance to see Tom Bombadil, and barrow-wights, and Entwives depicted on screen.
We would not want to get rid of any of it!
The episode has some major strengths, though.
Both the inclusion of Bombadil and some of the writing elsewhere in the episode lifts the tone.
And hearing Tom Bombadils song over the closing credits is just lovely.
Rating:
4 out of 5
