May 19, 2002

Rambo on the Weathertop
Bob the Builder

This article is in response to Brett C. who argued that the Weathertop sequence was "one of those rare instances where the film actually improves on the novel".

Brett, I have to respectfully disagree. I don't think it is inconceivable that the Nazguls might decide that the prey is a bit prickly and that, since Frodo has been 'poisoned' anyway, why not let time take its course?

In other words, Aragorn brandishing his sword and torch is of some concern to them (otherwise, you would be right and why shouldn't they just finish off the party then and there?), so, when Frodo is stabbed with the poisonous blade, they consider the options (costs and benefits) like any rational being:

Option 1) Zero risk (i.e. retreat) and win anyway (Frodo has been stabbed and there is no obvious way he can be cured)

Option 2) Decide to win immediately, and place themselves at some risk from Aragorn's sword and torch.

Is it then so surprising then they withdrew? It's like a predator that knows it's delivered the death blow, but doesn't want to expose itself to the desperate throes of its victim and instead waits for it to die - knowing time is on its side.

Anyway, I think that would have been preferable to making the Nazguls just a bunch of highly inflammable king dudes.