Supposedly spent $120 million on the first 2 episodes. Someone should really do an audit on this show because it sure does seem like they are just stealing money.
Indeed a ton of special effects. The weird sauron amoeba effect that went on forever was probably a huge part of the cost. I say weird because it certainly seems out of place for that character and added nothing to the story.
In fact the event that triggered that amoeba scene was beyond ridiculous to me. No way such an interaction with such a character would ever be so easy.
The third episode was better.
Jmo but im really enjoying the series. I really didn't like it at all until i just changed my frame of mind.
The weird and useless deviations from cannon are extremely frustrating mainly because the deviations are unnecessary and add zero entertainment value.
However If you look st it through the lens of inspired by lotr instead of actual cannon, its very good and very entertaining.