In this episode we begin the final volume of the Lord of the Rings, following Gandalf and Pippin into the great but decaying city of Minas Tirith. Pippin and his new friend, Beregond of the Tower Guard, look for hope in the face of despair, while Gandalf faces off with Denethor, the powerful but proud Ruling Steward of Gondor.

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Andrew and Patrick discuss Book 4 Chapter 10: The Choices of Master Samwise.

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Andrew and Patrick discuss Book 4, Chapter 9 of The Two Towers: Shelob's Lair.

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Patrick and Andrew consider Frodo and Sam as models of male friendship, which builds as they rely on each other in adversity and talk with each other about the meaning of their journey. Frodo shows a growing power of will to resist the force of the Ring and the Lord of the Nazgul, while Sméagol experiences a momentary release from the Ring-lust that made him into Gollum.

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In this two-chapter episode, we learn much more about Gondor, its ancient greatness and current decline. Faramir contrasts Boromir’s warrior mentality with his own nostalgic hope to preserve Gondor’s wisdom and beauty, which lead Andrew and Patrick to reflect on the crisis of Western civilization in our own times. In spite of his own loathing of Gollum, Frodo chooses to save him and follow him to places of terror. Patrick and Andrew contrast the results of Sam’s saying whatever is on his mind with Frodo’s careful and respectful speech.

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We get our first look at Gondorians other than Boromir, and at Boromir’s brother, Faramir. Frodo impresses them with his careful and courteous speech, while Sam delights at the terror of the great “oliphaunt”.

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In this episode, Patrick reflects on the new experience of nature he gained from his recent trip to the Badlands of South Dakota, setting the stage for discussing the land of Ithilien, “The Garden of Gondor”. Patrick and Andrew admire Sam’s devotion to Frodo, but debate his wisdom in cooking something “hot from the pot”.

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Frodo warns Gollum that his road to recovery is endangered by his lust for the Ring, but exercises Providential prudence in choosing to follow him on a new path. Andrew and Patrick discuss the challenges of being kind and tolerant without being stupid.

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Sam focuses on the immediate dangers of following Gollum through the treacherous Dead Marshes, while Frodo is absorbed in his interior battle with the Ring and Sauron. Patrick and Andrew discuss Gollum's surprising psychological strength amid rupture, which elicits Sam's fear and disgust and Frodo's spiritual tenderness. 

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Frodo struggles with frustration as he tries to lead Sam towards Mordor and Sauron. Andrew reflects on the spiritual insight of Frodo's stern pity towards Gollum, while Patrick experiments with his Gollum voice. 

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