Barliman the traitor????

[Faramir Took]

In the scene where the ringwraiths enter the Inn to snare (or kill) the ringbearer and his companions, it shows Barliman Butterbur sitting behind the bar with an ominous llok on his face, as if he is well aware they are entering, and he seems scared, and even guilty, as if he was the one who made arrangements for them to enter. Does anyone think that PJ is setting up Barliman to be a traitor, and he may be doomed to the wrath of Gandalf later in the trilogy??

[Miranda]

Nah!!! I think he's just very, very scared little man. Maybe the look he's got on his face is one of fear for the poor little hobbits and maybe he just feels a bit guilty for not protecting them enough. Surely he would have realised they'd left with Strider anyway- unless he took them out of the window- so he couldn't have betrayed them. Besides he's meant to be a bit of a scatter brain so maybes he's thinking "damn, you forget to lock the front door one night and nine minions of Sauron decide to come in for a lock in!" We'll have to wait til future films though to see what PJ has in store for us (big cliff hanger music should be in your mind now!) Mx

[Wayfarer]

He's hiding around the corner, terrified. Remember, the wraiths did that to people.

[Shadowfax]

Yes, Barilman is definitely innocent. Terrified out of his pants, but innocent!;)

[viggosbeard]

I found that bit a touch confusing too - i definitely got the impression he knew what was happening, but was so scared he lost the plot - all in all a bit strange i thought.