Post your own what ifs...
What if Saruman left Rohan alone, played nice, and became an ally of sorts...
He plays nice with Gandalf too, giving him limited aid and no reasons for suspicion...even calls a meeting of the White council.
He sends Gandalf on errands to Gondor, etc and takes his place in the Fellowship.
When they reach Lothlorien some of his forces attack from the South. He takes the One ring and with it kills Galdriel and all elves in her lands...Lothlorien burns.
At this same time another force from Isengard attacks Rivendell, sacking it and taking Elrond prisoner.
Rivendell burns.
When he returns to Orthanc he has 2 Elven rings and the One ring. confronts and kills Gandalf.
The nine now serve Saruman.
or not....
What if...LOTR version
What if...LOTR version
"Yay! I'm for the other team."