Return Minute 208 – Gollum Vs. Frodo, Again

·25 min·2 clips

Why was Gollum's iconic 'Smeagol lied' line cut from the theatrical release of Return of the King?

The episode begins with hosts Cass and Norman introducing guest Molly Knox Ostertag and setting the scene for Minute 208, which spans from Gollum attacking Frodo to the Nazgul approaching the Black Gate battle. They note the overwhelming size of Sauron's army compared to the West's forces. The hosts delve into the extended edition exclusive line 'Smeagol lied,' debating its significance and why it might have been cut from the theatrical release. They analyze Gollum's physicality and the intense filming process, mentioning that Andy Serkis's facial expressions were toned down in post-production. The discussion shifts to the hobbits' combat skills, with Sam's accurate rock throw highlighted as a canonical hobbit trait. Cass and Norman explore the psychological impact of violence on Merry and Pippin, who are far from their peaceful Shire lives. They connect this to Boromir's influence, referencing a deleted scene where he trains the hobbits. The hosts compare book and movie adaptations, noting how Peter Jackson increased tension by changing Faramir's character. They examine the ring's temptation, explaining why it affects characters like Boromir but not Sam or Faramir in the books. The episode concludes with trivia about the Nazgul steeds' chicken feet and a tangent into Tolkien's early drafts, including Strider almost being named Trotter and Glorfindel's original role. The hosts mention The Silmarillion's wild myths and promote other movie-by-minute podcasts.

As heard by us

A violent minute becomes a thoughtful look at hobbits, war, and the cost of doing what must be done.

Return Minute 208 treats Gollum and Frodo's fight as more than a burst of fantasy violence. It opens into a quieter look at what war demands from people who were never built for it, especially as the Nazgul near the battle before the Black Gate and the West's small force stands…

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Want a fantasy rewatch that treats hobbit violence as a psychological problem?

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