Session 7-11: Frame Outline

MithLuin

MithLuin

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Our next session will be held on Thursday March 28th at 10 PM Eastern time.

We will be coming up with the 13 episode points for the Season 7 frame.

Our earlier frame discussion is summarized here:

Session 7-04: The Frame for Season 7

Our next session will be held on Thursday November 2nd at 10 PM Eastern time. We will be choosing the Frame Story for this season. A few things to consider when suggesting frame story ideas: 1) The theme for Season 7 is HOPE, specifically amdir --> estel. The frame story for Season 6 ended...
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Recall that we have decided on a White Council meeting in Eregion.
 
Do we want to introduce the frame in episode one? I ask because it is a bottle episode that establishes the characters of Húrin, Huor, and Handir. The driving force of the season, the formation of the Union, is not set in motion until episode two. Who would know the story of their time in Gondolin besides Glorfindel? Why would Glorfindel expound upon this event? If Glorfindel features prominently in the frame, why is the shifting stance of the Gondolindrim not given and shown over the course of the season? Galadriel convenes the White Council, and she is introduced in episode two.
 
Of the Edain said:
Do we want to introduce the frame in episode one? I ask because it is a bottle episode that establishes the characters of Húrin, Huor, and Handir. The driving force of the season, the formation of the Union, is not set in motion until episode two. Who would know the story of their time in Gondolin besides Glorfindel? Why would Glorfindel expound upon this event? If Glorfindel features prominently in the frame, why is the shifting stance of the Gondolindrim not given and shown over the course of the season? Galadriel convenes the White Council, and she is introduced in episode two.
Click to expand...
We do have scenes in Episode 1 already set aside for the frame (our bottle episodes are bottles except for their frame: see Episodes 4, 7, and 10 (I believe) of Season 6). It's also worth noting we don't have a strict attachment to the idea of frames as one character telling the story to another, since Season 3 (Seasons 1 and 2 did have a more traditional frame story of that sort, partly because the stories of those seasons were inherently more heightened and nebulous): we create the frames to have parallels between the First Age and the Third Age, and to comment on the themes of the story (see again the frame for Season 6, where we frequently reference and discuss the main story, but rarely if ever have a character actually tell the story of the season as a lead-in to the episode).
 
One option is for the frame to open in Gondor. I think the ascension of Ecthelion II and Thengel to the rulership of Gondor and Rohan, respectively, must be considered at the council. The two may feature in the frames of future seasons, so we may want to show them on screen. The mortality of men is a significant theme in episode one. I think that the events in Gondor embody this theme.

Here is how I imagine the teaser of episode one. There is an establishing shot of the Shadow in the East over the shoulder of Minas Tirith. I think this shot of the long shadow of Sauron lowering over Minas Tirith pairs well with the establishing shot of Tol Sirion. Sauron has taken the Tower of Guard that stood there. Someone is walking across the courtyard towards the great hall of the citadel. The doors open, and in walks Thengel. The slumped figure of Turgon, Steward of Gondor, is seen seated at the far end of the hall. On his right is his heir, Ecthelion II. A little way off, on his left, is an embassy from Rohan. The hall is somber. News has come of the death of Fengel King. Thengel is to return to Rohan and assume its kingship. The steward solemnly releases him from his service. Thengel is dutiful, but he is reluctant to return to Rohan. Ecthelion II, coming forward, clasps Thengel’s hand. In parting, each takes an oath of friendship to the other.

That said, we may not want to go to Gondor. Denethor II is twenty-three.
 
I really like the fact that Elrond drives the frame story, especially taking into account he was raised by Maedhros (so surely he was told the story of the Union of Maedhros and the Nirnaeth when he was a kid). Glorfindel was in the Nirnaeth but the Gondolindrim did not take part on the planning.
I would pair episode 1 with Elrond and Aragorn (and Glorfindel!) in Rivendel preparing to go to the Council. Although Hurin in Gondolin is eager to go into the world, but Aragorn needs to 'pushed' by Elrond.

I think it's early to go to Gondor (the Council will talk about them but we may not see them), unless they feature in the episodes where Galadriel meets the humans east of the mountains.

Could the discussion about the One Ring be paralleled with the Plague? The Council can talk about war with Sauron, building Amdir, and then Cirdan mentions the Ring, which could be devastating and remind everyone the power of the enemy. Saruman claiming it's been destroyed can also work like the arrival of the Easterlings building false hopes.

(One of the problems this season is to keep the uncertainty of the end, since viewers may know that Saruman was a traitor, Sauron was not defeated in battle, and the White Council knows how the Union of Maedhros ended...)
 
Notes from the Session:


Point of View Character: Elrond (with opportunities for 'guest' point-of-view characters...up to 4)

Characters involved in the final White Council meeting:
  • Saruman - At the 3rd Council, Saruman agreed to military action against Dol Guldor because he was alarmed that Sauron was searching the Gladden Fields. Time to fortify and protect our havens; the Ring has passed down Anduin to the Sea
  • Gandalf - Now is the prudent time to act; Sauron is only going to get stronger
  • Elrond - Rivendell does not have the strength to hold off Mordor; Gil-galad's heir...but let's wait for the moment to arrive. When Elrond talks to Aragorn and tries to get him on board, Aragorn's reluctance/I'm-not-ready attitude makes it clear to Elrond that now is not the time.
  • Círdan - Is this the time to leave? I can make a fleet of ships if they are needed.... We cannot solve the problems of Middle-earth, so perhaps it is our time to go. Also brings up the Rings of Power.
  • Galadriel - Cautious skepticism. What can be done? We *just* attacked, and what good did that do? New approach needed; she can keep Lothlórien safe
  • Celeborn - Yes dear to Galadriel; vetoes any involvement with Dwarves. More hesitant to go toe-to-toe with Sauron himself than Galadriel. Hesitant to field an army of Elves. Some shade towards Gandalf's involvement at Erebor.
  • (perhaps) Radagast - arrives late
Characters present at the gathering, but perhaps not part of the actual meeting:
  • Glorfindel
  • Arwen
Aragorn and the Dúnedain are taking the role of security, as rangers patrolling Eregion, and thus can interact with those present in the gathering.


Who calls this meeting of the White Council?
  • Galadriel, at Gandalf's urging (or Gandalf, with Galadriel's support). Saruman is once again resentful of the Galadriel-Gandalf collaboration.

Things that can happen at this Council:
  • Gandalf can be smoking by himself, and have an altercation with Saruman that is very similar to the one from the second White Council meeting.
  • Círdan says: "Elder Days are gone. Middle Days are passing. The New Days have come."
  • Everyone walks away from this Council trusting Saruman.
ACT I
  • Galadriel invited everyone here to discuss the situation with Sauron being openly declared in Mordor.
  • Gandalf is urging military action, but has no military.
  • Círdan asks if Sauron has found the One Ring. The answer to that question would certainly change the urgency of what to do!
  • Council discusses importance of keeping the Ring away from Sauron. We should search for it!
  • Saruman convinces everyone that the One Ring has been permanently lost. Relies on the implication that he has this information from some other source in the West. Desperate move to keep his own options open.
ACT II
  • Gandalf redoubles call for military action, since the ideal time seem to be now;
  • Elrond seems to be on board, as the heir apparent of Gil-galad.
  • Galadriel objects to whack-a-mole tactics
  • Celeborn raises his concerns with military action.
  • Questions of Gondor, Rohan
  • Dwarves???
  • Círdan urges the ship building option.
ACT III
  • Elrond can invite Aragorn to take part in this council (after hearing Gandalf's call to arms). Aragorn turns him down, saying that he is not ready and now is not his time. Elrond is surprised by this, but recognizes that there's a clear indication that the time is not yet here, and therefore withdraws his own support for military action at this time.
  • Elrond and Arwen discuss his change of mind. Elrond recognizes that the Elves do not have the strength to take this on. But that doesn't mean there's not a way forward. We have to see the opportunities to hope.
  • Final decision of the Council - Elrond saying that the time has not yet come, but we will be vigilant so we will know it when we see it. Galadriel and Saruman will fortify their strongholds. Círdan will build ships.
  • Gandalf and Saruman conversation (telepathic). Elrond is present, but not privy to the conversation. Saruman is gracious, having gotten what he wanted. Gandalf may be resentful, but is lulled by Saruman's voice (just this once).
  • End on note of Estel
 
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