This only goes for the movies. In the books they have arranged a house for Frodo on the eastern border of the Shire, where he will go lay low for several months before going to Rivendell. Merry, Pippin and Fatty Bolger have figured out the plan months in advance and made their own plans, in such a way that when the black riders arrive in the region, they leave within 5 minutes and have a route planned out already.

Also, it's tobacco as clearly mentioned in the books. They are probably quite drunk in this scene though.

Edit: and of course Samwise was also involved in the plans, he was the one who told them. Frodo was being played by all his close friends.

[–] MudMan@fedia.io 53 points 1 year ago

I came here for the book pedantry and you were fast and detailed but super nice about it, so my negative online instincs are only partially satisfied. 7/10.

[–] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 20 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Merry, Pippin and Fatty Bolger have figured out the plan months in advance and made their own plans, in such a way that when the black riders arrive in the region, they leave within 5 minutes and have a route planned out already.

I forgot about that part; thanks for reminding me. I watched the film the previous night, but it's obviously time for a reread :)

[–] yngmnwntr@lemmy.ml 12 points 1 year ago

I don't mind Tom Bombadil being left out (he and Goldberry deserve their own Middle Earth Musical) but my man Fatty Bolger was done dirty in the movies.

[–] smeg@feddit.uk 7 points 1 year ago

A Conspiracy Unmasked