Well, basing a series on a well known work is a tradeoff. You have an automatic audience, but they have certain expectations and if you fail to meet them the ba

Well, basing a series on a well known work is a tradeoff. You have an automatic audience, but they have certain expectations and if you fail to meet them the backlash is harsh. Would it be higher rated if it wasn't based on Tolkien? Probably, but vastly fewer people would care about it. End of the day you have to respect the source material.