I think the writers have completely lost the plot of Lord of the Rings. I also didn't like some of the changes Peter Jackson made (it wasn't supposed to be Elves at Helm's Deep!) but I feel like RoP does not have the soul of Tolkien's work- it is more like poorly written fan-fiction.

Having said that- it's just a show. It can't actually sully Lord of the Rings for me, and I don't mind other people enjoying it.