April 17, 2004

U: Umbar
Elendur

I've mentioned the dead army in several A-Z posts, but I think it deserves one more go-over.

The dead army should have helped take the Corsairs of Umbar's boats. This should have been shown on screen, since everyone, even people who haven't read the books, could tell the boats had been taken. The scene where the King of the Dead demanded Aragorn to release them would have gone there. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli would have no trouble manning the boats because the Grey Company would take Elrond's place.

Now most of you are probably thinking, "Of course, he wants it exactly like it is in the books." Yes, I do. But not just because it's in the books. The scriptwriters obviously have to make changes. But please, make changes for the better! If the Dead Army comes to the Pelennor, they win automatically. The charge of the Rohirrim, the defense of the gate: None of it matters. They win the battle anyway because of the invincible army.

"Behold! upon the foremost ship a great standard broke, and the wind displayed it as she turned towards the Harlond. There flowered a White Tree, and that was for Gondor; but Seven Stars were about it, and a high crown above it, the signs of Elendil that no lord had borne for year beyond count."

-Elendur