May 21, 2003

Pippin and the Palantir
Andrew

Why do people keep saying that they think the scene with Pippin and the palantir will be left out. Just because the Nazgul senses the Ring in Osgiliath, doesn't mean that we can't still have the Palantir scene. I believe this scene has other purposes besides making Sauron think the Ring is in Gondor. Its one of the biggest scenes for Pippin, and it shows how, even though he steals the Palantir, how strong he has become. And how strong the hobbits are. Gandalf himself says it, that hobbits can recover quickly, and not just anybody could withstand being in the Eye of Sauron. I would think this would be an important scene in Return of the King. This is also the reason why Gandalf brings Pippin to Minas Tirith. Unless Peter Jackson comes up with another reason, he'll need this scene to have Gandalf and Pippin going to Minas Tirith make any sense.
So I don't think the Palantir scene will be omitted. I see it as just another layer to Sauron sending the army to Minas Tirith, and making him believe the Ring is there. If anything, I think Peter Jackson will flesh this plotthread out even more than in the books, and therefore, making the Palantir scene a neccesity.