What does Blocks make of the new LEGO The Lord of the Rings set, 40761 Smeagol & Deagol? You can only get it when you buy 10354 The Lord of the Rings: The Shire within a certain time period – so read on to find out everything you need to know.
10354 The Lord of the Rings: The Shire launches today and if you buy it from LEGO.com before April 8 you’ll get 40761 Smeagol & Deagol for free – unless stock runs out before then. So if you already know you want the free set, be quick – otherwise read on for the Blocks verdict…
Typically, gift with purchase sets tied specifically to new releases have some association with the subject matter. Those snapping up last year’s 10333 The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr were treated to an exclusive Nazgul astride a Fell Beast.
It was the perfect GWP, both an interesting model in its own right, and an enhancement of the parent set. Unfortunately, this year’s companion to 10354 The Lord of the Rings: The Shire feels like it was developed using a completely different formula, which has resulted in a model that is disappointing – apart from its minifigures.
LEGO 40761 Smeagol & Deagol set details
Theme: The Lord of the Rings
Price: Free with 10354 The Lord of the Rings: The Shire at LEGO.com
Recommended age: 18+
Pieces: 181
Minifigures: 2
Of necessity, GWPs have a very limited number of parts. These offerings need to be produced and packed quickly so that manufacturing lines can focus on sets that are sold for money rather than given away for free as enticement. Even so, this set feels shortchanged throughout the build experience. The underwater baseplate is not fully covered, certain portions feel incomplete or crude, and the need to depict scenes both above and below the water stretch the meagre parts budget to its limit.
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A stunted build could be forgiven if its subject matter enhanced the parent set, but in this regard too, 40761 Smeagol & Deagol falls short. It doesn’t tie to the Shire at all… other than Gollum/Smeagol originally having been a Hobbit. Furthermore, since it is dual level, it can’t be joined to the reference-packed 10354 The Lord of the Rings: The Shire in any way. This is a lost opportunity considering how many other little models from Hobbiton could have been offered instead. Another small dwelling, bridge, stand or scene from the party would have been so much better.
The only appealing aspect of this GWP are its two exclusive minifigures. Both have never been made before and will almost certainly never be again. The chance to own such rare characters should not be dismissed lightly – even if the model isn’t great.
Free LEGO sets cannot be judged to harshly, but even so this set feels like a missed opportunity. It’s one for the minifigure completists.
VERDICT
43/100
Even for a free LEGO set it’s a weak model – and strange subject matter for its companion set. The exclusive minifigures are a draw though.