Ep. 164 - Is This Still The Greatest Set Ever Made? LEGO Rivendell Review

Two years ago, one set changed everything for me. 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell wasn’t just another big LEGO release — it was the reason this podcast even exists. Now, many months later and staring down a likely Summer 2026 retirement (well past the typical LEGO Icons lifespan), I’m doing something I’ve never done before: I’m re-reviewing it. 6167 pieces. $500. Fifteen minifigures. Forty-nine numbered bags. Three instruction manuals. Nearly three feet wide. The Last Homely House in the West in full brick-built glory. But the real question is — how does it hold up? In this episode, I revisit Imladris from every angle: • Does the build experience still feel like a 10/10 masterpiece? • Has the value shifted as retirement approaches? • Are those 69 printed tiles, deep-cut lore references, and insanely detailed minifig lineup still unmatched? • And is this still the gold standard for large-scale display sets? We talk lore accuracy (yes, including that Celebrimbor scene and the subtle Annatar implications), hidden details, minifigure value, and whether Rivendell still earns its place among the greatest LEGO sets ever made. This isn’t just a review.  It’s a look back at where this podcast started… and a real test of whether one of the most beloved modern LEGO sets truly stands the test of time. If you’ve been on the fence, or if you’ve owned it since day one, this one’s special.   Music Credit: YouTube Music Library