LOTR: Rings Of Power Showrunners Discuss "Patently Evil" Backlash To The Show

The Lord of the Rings TV series, The Rings of Power, had a strong start but it hasn't landed with everyone. Some have criticized the show, for a number of reasons, and showrunner J.D. Payne says he can't understand how anyone denouncing the show thinks they are fighting a good fight.

"The spirit of Tolkien is about disparate peoples who don't trust one another and look different from one another finding common ground in friendship and accomplishing big things," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "That's the spirit we've tried to inculcate into every single comma and period in the show. That this aspiration would be offensive to people and enrage them … it's very hard for us to understand. What are they protecting? I don't see how people who are saying these things think that they’re fighting for good."

Payne pointed to a quote from Galadriel in Rings of Power episode seven where she says every war is fought from without and within, and he believes this applies to the people criticizing The Rings of Power.

"Even if you're fighting for something you think is good, if you do something worse in that fight, then you become evil," he said. "I don't see how people who are saying these things think that they're fighting for good. It's patently evil."

The Rings of Power premiered in September and has two more episodes to come before wrapping up on October 14. Season 2 began production this week in the U.K., marking a big shift from Season 1 that was produced in New Zealand. The ancient elf Cirdan is joining the cast for Season 2, but as of yet there are no further details on what to expect from the sophomore season.