The “woke messaging” narrative is just racists mouthing off. Ignore them.
The Tolkien fans angry about deviations from books maybe have a point. But not being one I’m really enjoying it, praying it doesn’t go down hill but so far so good.
I think it's entirely possible to be annoyed with overt obnoxious virtue signaling without being a racist, which seems to be what the critics are saying.
One reviewer pointed out that the protagonist manages to be both a Mary Sue AND a Karen. (If you're unfamiliar with the tropes -- automatically good at everything with no heroes journey to develop themselves, and wants to speak to your manager). I haven't watched it personally but yikes if that's accurate.
The Tolkien fans angry about deviations from books maybe have a point. But not being one I’m really enjoying it, praying it doesn’t go down hill but so far so good.