Ask Thorin (2017)

In the first episode of "Ask Thorin," we are introduced to Thorin Oakenshield, a charismatic and determined leader of the dwarves. The story begins in the peaceful kingdom of Erebor, where Thorin is seen rallying his people to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. The scene is set with lush visuals of the dwarven halls, filled with gold and treasures, but overshadowed by the looming threat of Smaug. Thorin's internal struggle is evident as he grapples with the weight of leadership and the fear of failure.

As the plot unfolds, Thorin gathers a group of loyal companions, including his cousin Fili and Kili, and the wise old dwarf Balin. They embark on a perilous journey to seek the help of the wizard Gandalf, who believes that Thorin's quest is noble but fraught with danger. The group faces their first challenge when they encounter a band of trolls in the wilderness. A tense confrontation ensues, with the trolls capturing the dwarves. However, Gandalf intervenes, using his magic to turn the trolls to stone, allowing the dwarves to escape. This moment solidifies the bond between Thorin and his companions, as they realize the importance of teamwork.

The journey continues as they traverse the Misty Mountains, where they seek refuge in an abandoned cave. Tensions rise when they are ambushed by goblins, leading to a frantic escape. Thorin showcases his bravery by leading the charge, but during the chaos, he becomes separated from the group. This moment highlights Thorin's determination to protect his kin, even at great personal risk. Meanwhile, the remaining dwarves are captured and taken to the goblin king, who plans to use them for his own nefarious purposes.

Thorin, alone and lost, encounters a mysterious creature named Gollum in the dark tunnels of the mountain. A tense game of riddles ensues, where Thorin's cleverness is put to the test. Gollum, desperate to keep his precious ring, becomes increasingly agitated. In a moment of desperation, Thorin manages to escape by using the ring, which grants him invisibility. This pivotal moment not only showcases Thorin's resourcefulness but also introduces the powerful artifact that will play a significant role in the story.

Reuniting with his companions, Thorin leads them out of the goblin tunnels, but they are soon pursued by goblin warriors. A thrilling chase ensues, culminating in a dramatic standoff at the edge of a cliff. Thorin's leadership is put to the test as he devises a plan to outsmart their pursuers. The dwarves work together, using their skills to fend off the goblins, and ultimately manage to escape on the backs of eagles summoned by Gandalf.

As they reach the safety of the eagles' nest, Thorin reflects on the journey so far, feeling a mix of pride and anxiety about the challenges ahead. The group is taken to a hidden valley, where they meet with the elves of Rivendell. Here, Thorin's motivations are further explored as he seeks counsel from Elrond, who warns him of the dangers that lie ahead. The elves provide them with supplies and guidance, but Thorin's stubbornness begins to show as he dismisses their concerns about the dragon.

The next leg of their journey takes them to the Lonely Mountain, where they finally confront the dragon Smaug. The atmosphere is tense as they navigate the dark, treasure-filled halls of Erebor. Thorin's determination to reclaim his birthright is palpable, but he is also haunted by the fear of what Smaug represents. The confrontation with Smaug is intense, filled with fiery exchanges and clever tactics. Thorin's bravery shines as he leads the charge against the dragon, but they soon realize that they must outsmart him rather than overpower him.

In a climactic moment, Bilbo Baggins, the group's reluctant burglar, manages to steal a valuable artifact from Smaug, provoking the dragon's wrath. Smaug, enraged, takes flight to seek revenge on the nearby town of Lake-town, where he believes the dwarves have allied with the humans. This decision sets off a chain reaction of events that will have dire consequences for both the dwarves and the people of Lake-town.

As Smaug attacks Lake-town, the townsfolk scramble to defend themselves. Bard, a skilled archer, emerges as a key figure, rallying the townspeople to fight back. The tension escalates as Bard learns of Smaug's weak spot, a small area on his underbelly. In a heart-pounding moment, Bard takes aim and successfully strikes Smaug, bringing the dragon down. This victory is bittersweet, as it leads to the awakening of greed and conflict over the treasure within the Lonely Mountain.

Back in Erebor, Thorin's obsession with the treasure begins to consume him. He becomes increasingly distrustful of his companions, particularly Bilbo, who he believes has betrayed him by giving away a portion of the treasure to the people of Lake-town. This internal conflict drives a wedge between Thorin and his friends, showcasing the corrupting influence of power and wealth.

As tensions rise, the dwarves must confront the consequences of their actions. The arrival of elves and men seeking a share of the treasure leads to a standoff at the gates of Erebor. Thorin, blinded by his desire for gold, refuses to negotiate, leading to a tense standoff. The emotional stakes are high as friendships are tested, and the characters must grapple with their motivations and desires.

In the final act, the situation escalates into a full-blown battle as the dwarves, elves, and men clash over the treasure. Thorin's internal struggle reaches its peak as he realizes the cost of his obsession. In a moment of clarity, he seeks to reconcile with Bilbo, acknowledging the importance of friendship over wealth. However, the battle rages on, and the characters must confront the consequences of their choices.

The story culminates in a fierce confrontation with a new threat, the arrival of the orc army led by Azog. The dwarves, elves, and men must unite to face this common enemy, leading to a climactic battle that tests their resolve and alliances. Thorin, now fully aware of the consequences of his actions, fights valiantly alongside his companions, showcasing his growth as a leader.

In the aftermath of the battle, Thorin is gravely injured. As he lies on the battlefield, he reflects on his journey and the friendships he has forged. In a poignant moment, he reconciles with Bilbo, expressing his gratitude and acknowledging the true meaning of leadership. The story concludes with a sense of bittersweet resolution, as the characters come to terms with their choices and the impact of their quest.

In the ending of "Ask Thorin," Thorin Oakenshield confronts his inner demons and the consequences of his quest for power. The series culminates in a dramatic showdown where Thorin must choose between his desire for the throne and the well-being of his friends and allies. Ultimately, he sacrifices his claim to the throne to save his companions, leading to a bittersweet resolution where he finds peace but at a great personal cost.

As the final episode unfolds, the atmosphere is tense, filled with the weight of impending decisions. The scene opens in the grand hall of the Lonely Mountain, where Thorin stands before the Arkenstone, the symbol of his claim to kingship. The flickering torchlight casts shadows on his face, revealing the turmoil within him. He is torn between the allure of power and the loyalty he feels towards his friends, particularly his cousin, Fili, and his loyal companion, Kili.

In a pivotal moment, the tension escalates as Thorin's closest allies confront him about the dangers of his obsession. Fili, with a mix of desperation and love, pleads with Thorin to remember their shared history and the values of their family. Kili, standing beside Fili, echoes his brother's sentiments, urging Thorin to reconsider the path he is on. The emotional stakes are high, and the camera captures the pain in Thorin's eyes as he grapples with the weight of his choices.

As the confrontation reaches its peak, Thorin's internal struggle becomes palpable. He recalls the sacrifices made by his ancestors and the burden of leadership that has been passed down through generations. The music swells, heightening the emotional intensity as he realizes that his quest for the throne has blinded him to the true meaning of leadership: unity and sacrifice for the greater good.

In a moment of clarity, Thorin makes the heart-wrenching decision to relinquish his claim to the throne. He steps away from the Arkenstone, symbolizing his rejection of the power that has consumed him. The camera pans to Fili and Kili, their expressions shifting from fear to relief as they witness their cousin's transformation. Thorin's sacrifice is not just for his friends but also for himself, as he seeks redemption for the darkness that had clouded his judgment.

The final scenes depict Thorin embracing his companions, a sense of peace washing over him. The once-divided group stands united, ready to face the future together. The series closes with a poignant shot of the Lonely Mountain, now a symbol of hope rather than a throne of power. Thorin, Fili, and Kili walk away from the mountain, their bond stronger than ever, leaving behind the weight of their past.

In the aftermath, Thorin finds solace in the knowledge that true leadership lies in the strength of relationships rather than the pursuit of power. Fili and Kili, having witnessed their cousin's growth, feel a renewed sense of purpose as they step into a new chapter of their lives, ready to honor their family's legacy in a way that reflects love and unity. The series ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of friendship, sacrifice, and the journey towards self-discovery.

In the 2017 TV show "Ask Thorin," there is indeed a post-credit scene that adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.

As the credits roll, the screen fades to black before transitioning to a dimly lit room filled with ancient artifacts and scrolls. The camera slowly pans across the room, revealing a large, intricately carved table at the center, covered in maps and mysterious objects. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation, and a faint sound of rustling paper can be heard.

Suddenly, a figure steps into the light--it's Thorin, the show's titular character, looking more contemplative than ever. His brow is furrowed, and there's a glint of determination in his eyes. He picks up a weathered scroll, its edges frayed and ink faded, and begins to read aloud. The words he speaks are cryptic, hinting at a long-lost treasure that could change the fate of his people.

As he reads, the camera zooms in on his face, capturing the mix of hope and burden he feels. The weight of his lineage and the expectations of his ancestors hang heavily on him. He pauses, glancing around the room as if sensing unseen eyes watching him.

The scene shifts slightly, revealing a shadowy figure lurking in the corner, obscured by darkness. The figure's presence is unsettling, and a sense of foreboding fills the air. Thorin's expression hardens, and he rolls up the scroll, tucking it away with a newfound resolve.

The final shot lingers on the shadowy figure, who steps forward just enough to reveal a smirk, suggesting they have their own plans that intertwine with Thorin's quest. The screen fades to black once more, leaving viewers with a sense of mystery and anticipation for what lies ahead in the next season.

This post-credit scene effectively sets the stage for future conflicts and deepens the intrigue surrounding Thorin's journey, emphasizing themes of legacy, ambition, and the ever-present shadows of the past.

Thorin Oakenshield is driven by a deep sense of duty to his ancestors and a burning desire to reclaim his homeland, Erebor, from the dragon Smaug. His motivations are rooted in a mix of pride, the weight of his lineage, and the longing to restore the honor of his family. As the series progresses, his obsession with the Arkenstone, a symbol of kingship, intensifies, leading to internal conflict and a struggle between his noble intentions and the corrupting influence of power.

Bilbo Baggins begins as a timid and reluctant participant in Thorin's quest, but as the journey unfolds, he transforms into a resourceful and courageous hero. His encounters with trolls, goblins, and the dragon Smaug challenge his initial fears and insecurities. Bilbo's cleverness and bravery shine through, particularly when he steals the Arkenstone, showcasing his growth from a simple hobbit to a key player in the fate of Middle-earth.

The Arkenstone serves as a pivotal plot device that symbolizes Thorin's claim to kingship and his obsession with wealth and power. As Thorin becomes increasingly fixated on the stone, it creates tension between him and his companions, particularly Bilbo and the elves. Bilbo's decision to take the Arkenstone and offer it as a bargaining chip highlights the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and ultimately leads to a rift in their alliance, showcasing the destructive nature of greed.

The relationship between Thorin and Fili is marked by loyalty and familial bonds, with Fili often serving as Thorin's confidant and protector. Their dynamic reflects the themes of duty and sacrifice, as Fili is willing to stand by Thorin even as his obsession with the Arkenstone grows. This relationship is tested during moments of conflict, particularly when Fili questions Thorin's decisions, highlighting the tension between familial loyalty and moral integrity.

Smaug's presence looms large over the narrative, instilling fear and urgency in the characters' actions. His destructive power serves as a catalyst for Thorin's quest, pushing the dwarves to confront their past and reclaim Erebor. The threat of Smaug also forces alliances and conflicts among the characters, as they navigate the dangers he poses. Bilbo's encounter with Smaug reveals the dragon's cunning nature and sets the stage for the pivotal moments that follow, emphasizing the stakes of their journey.

"Ask Thorin," produced in 2017, is generally considered family-friendly, but it does contain some elements that may be potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

1. Mild Violence: There are scenes that depict conflict and struggle, which may include physical confrontations. While not graphic, the tension may be unsettling for younger viewers.

2. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional challenges, including feelings of loss, betrayal, and fear. These themes may resonate deeply and could be distressing for sensitive audiences.

3. Dark Themes: The show occasionally touches on themes of isolation and despair, which might be heavy for younger viewers to process.

4. Mild Language: There are instances of mild language that may not be suitable for all children, depending on parental discretion.

5. Scary Imagery: Some scenes may include dark or eerie visuals that could be frightening for younger children.

Overall, while "Ask Thorin" is crafted to be accessible to a family audience, these elements may warrant parental guidance for younger viewers.