Season 7 - Episode 18

## Season 7, Episode 18 -  “The Game of Gollum”

Karkat and Scribbles’s kids are bored at home. They decide to play a video game that Bing has lent them: The Lord of the Rings: Gollum1, a game where you play as Gollum on his quest to retrieve his Precious. They think it will be fun and exciting, but they soon realize that the game is not very accurate or faithful to the books.

Karla, who is a fan of Tolkien’s works, notices that the game has many inconsistencies and errors. For example, the game depicts Gollum as a muscular and agile creature, while in the books he is described as thin and weak. The game also shows Gollum fighting orcs, spiders, and Nazgûl, while in the books he mostly avoids them or runs away from them. The game also gives Gollum choices to make, such as being kind or cruel, while in the books he is mostly driven by his obsession with the Ring.

Skye, who is more interested in the gameplay than the story, finds the game boring and repetitive. She complains that the game is too easy and linear, and that there is not much to do besides sneaking around and solving puzzles. She also dislikes the graphics and the voice acting of the game, which she finds dull and annoying.

Kip, who is more artistic than adventurous, finds the game scary and disturbing. He is afraid of the dark and gloomy environments of the game, such as Mordor, Shelob’s Lair, and Barad-dûr. He is also terrified of the enemies and obstacles that Gollum faces, such as orcs, spiders, fire, lava, and falling rocks. He also feels sorry for Gollum, who he thinks is a sad and lonely character.

Sora, who is more energetic and playful, finds the game fun and amusing. He likes to make Gollum do silly things, such as jumping off cliffs, throwing rocks at orcs, or talking to himself. He also likes to make fun of Gollum’s appearance and speech, which he finds hilarious.

As they are playing the game, they hear a knock on the door. It is Gollum himself, who has come to visit Dobby. He sees them playing the game and becomes curious. He asks them what they are doing and if he can join them.

They are surprised and shocked to see Gollum in real life. They invite him in and explain to him that they are playing a game based on his life. They ask him if he wants to try it.

Gollum agrees and takes the controller. He starts playing the game and soon becomes frustrated and angry. He realizes that the game is not accurate or faithful to his life at all. He points out all the mistakes and flaws that the game has made. He also criticizes the game for being boring, easy, ugly, and stupid.

He tells them that his life was not like that at all. He tells them that his life was hard and painful, full of hunger, fear, pain, and loss. He tells them that he had no choices or friends, only his Precious. He tells them that he hated orcs, spiders, Nazgûl, fire, lava, rocks, and everything else that tried to hurt him or take his Precious away from him.

He tells them that his life was not a game at all. It was a nightmare.

The kids are stunned and speechless by Gollum’s words. They feel sorry for him and ashamed of themselves for playing the game. They apologize to him and tell him that they didn’t know.

Gollum calms down and forgives them. He tells them that it’s not their fault. He tells them that they are nice kids who don’t understand his life. He tells them that they should play something else instead.

He suggests that they play a different game: one where they have to guess riddles that he makes up for them. He tells them that he likes riddles very much.

The kids agree and start playing with Gollum. They find his riddles challenging but fun. They also find him funny and friendly.

They forget about the video game and enjoy their time with Gollum.

The episode ends with Dobby coming in and seeing them playing with Gollum. He smiles and joins them.