[Diamond18]

Finally got around to watching the EE. I'm torn between loving the new and extended scenes, and wishing they'd had the sense to use those scenes instead of some of the ones they did! I also loved the "Sons of the Steward" scene, as it just works to improve Boromir and Faramir. Some people still think Boromir was made out to be mean and evil in FotR and this is more reinforcement that he's not that at all. I love the interaction between him and Faramir. It was nice to get to see Faramir <I>smile</I>, and play the role of little brother/unappreciated son. "Remember this day, Little Brother, today life is good." I love the fact that Boromir is simultaneously his best friend and his rival (though not of Boromir's doing) and that now that Boromir is dead, he's lost the beloved brother but still has to deal with the rival of his memory. That was one thing I loved about Faramir's situation in RotK, and I enjoy seeing it in TTT. It even, in retrospect, adds to Boromir's death scene. I remember that when I read the book and got to the parts with Denethor and Faramir, it changed my perception of his character and made subsequent readings of his death more emotional. His death in the movie is plenty poignant as is, of course, but it's still very good to add on the events that led up to it.<P>However, the scene does not quite mesh with the Council of Elrond in FotR. Then, Boromir talks about the dream that led him to Rivendell, yet in TTT it seems as if it's nothing but Denethor's idea based on rumors. But technical details don't bother my that much, as a viewer, I still appreciate the characterization in the scene.<P>I recall that the first time I saw the Theatrical version, around the part where the camera shows Faramir sitting by himself looking pensive, I thought "Where's the flashback? Where??" It just begged for some kind of explanation what he was thinking about, and I'm glad to have it now, though it irks me that they left it out to begin with. If you're going to bother giving Faramir all this indesciveness and baggage, you might as well explain why!<P>Of course I love any and all added scenes with Merry and Pippin. <P>And I thought Éowyn's funeral song was quite well done. Fitting. This isn't an episode of American Idol.