MERLIN CLUB: THE DRAWING OF THE DARK Or the One that Royally Pisses Me Off
RECAP – I write this as I’m sitting at the parents. Meaning my attention is super divided, so it’s going to be long story short. But luckily, this episode is fairly straightforward.
Merlin, Arthur and the knights are in the woods and come across a Camelot patrol – they’re dead. Arthur figures it’s the work of Saxons. Mordred sees someone running away and follows. She’s revealed to be a yound woman, and he clearly recognizes her. He calls her Kara and orders her to run as the rest of the the men catch up. She gets away, and Merlin is very distrustful – for good reason, but it’s magnified because…Mordred.
Back in Camelot, Merlin shares his worries with Gaius, who blows him off, saying the Druid boy means no harm. *sigh* The two go off to treat a patient, and Mordred sneaks in and steals some medicine. Later that night, he goes into the forest and finds Kara and helps her with her wounds. Apparenlty the two have known each other for years and are very much in love.
When Mordred returns, Merlin confronts him. Mordred tells him what is happening and asks him not to tell Arthur. Later, Merlin and Arthur are off in the forest, and follow Mordred’s trail (really, sir knight? Cover your tracks!) and come across Kara – who tries to kill Arthur, but is thwarted by Merlin’s magic. She is arrest and taken to Camelot. She admits to killing the Camelot patrol and wishes she had succeeded in killing Arthur. Arthur sentences her to death.
Mordred goes to Arthur and pleads for Kara’s life. Arthur refuses, feeling he has no choice but to uphold the laws of Camelot. Mordred leaves but plans to break Kara out and escape. As this goes down, Kara shocks Mordred by killng one of the guards.
The alarm is raised and there is a chase through the woods. Cornered, Mordred says they will leave and never return if Arthur lets them go. Kara telepathically urges Mordred to kill Arthur with his magic. Mordred hesitates and says they are his friends. Before he can act either way, Percival knocks him out. Back to Camelot they go, and Mordred and Kara are thrown in cells while gallows are built.
Merlin asks Arthur to reconsider, mostly because he feels bad. Arthur calls Kara before him and says he will spare her life if she repents for the murders she has committed. She refuses, saying Arthur and Camelot must be destroyed. She is hanged to death. Grief-stricken, Mordred escapes by blasting the doors off the cells magically. He goes straight to Morgana and tells her what she’s been wanting to know all this time – Who Emrys is. And she is shocked when she hears it is Merlin.
If I’d written this episode, I would have changed…It drives me nuts that they threw Mordred being in love in at the last minute. I’d have have this relationship shown MUCH earlier. Developed it so it was believeable. Because I think Mordred betraying Arthur because of love is a good move, but the way it was done was far too rushed and I didn’t feel much for Kara at all. So when she died, it didn’t hit me in the feels at all, and I certainly didn’t by the depth of Mordred’s grief – that he would go straight to Morgana and betray Arthur and Camelot and Emrys/Merlin, who he looked up to so much.
Thing(s) I loved about this episode—
And I had such dirty thoughts during this scene. I should be ashamed of myself.
Thing(s) I hated about this episode—Kara. I just didn’t like her as a character. She was badass and committed, yes, but I did not connect with her. Again, could have been remedied had she been introduced earlier. If we could have seen her relationship with Mordred, maybe I’d have felt something. As it is, it really was just her manipulating Mordred and turning him against Arthur/Camelot.
Also, Arthur didn’t have much of a choice. She killed a Camelot patrol and a guard. She tried to kill him – the king. He wasn’t putting her to death because she had magic or used magic or was a Druid, she tried to kill the freaking king. It’s not a surprise she was put to death. I know that Mordred was supposedly acting from a place of emotion and grief, but when we don’t see that relationship for longer than half an hour, it falls flat.
Something I never noticed about this episode before— This.
Leon delivers every line in this series like that one actor in a musical who has a single solo line in the opening number. #MerlinClub
Proof of some head canon I’ve created—Have nothing this week.
Favorite costume—Arthur’s white tunic. Rowr
What would Bron steal from Camelot in this episode? The pic does double duty… Not the handsome with a hint of chest, but the pitcher and goblet in front of him. I feel Bron would like those.
What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? I think the rushed love story for Mordred. And the lack of consistency of the sentences given for crimes in Camelot.
NOTE: We will NOT be Merlin Clubbing next week, with the Easter holiday and some of us travellng. We’ll be back the following week to wrap up Merlin Club… For good. *sniffle
So, in TWO WEEKS, on 4/13 at 8pm EST, we’ll be watching the final TWO EPISODES S05E12-13 “Diamond of the Day”. We’ll be on Twitter with the hastag #MerlinClub
I’m keeping James Lester up there in all his awkwardness because I love it and I was so off my game this last week. But okay…time for….
MERLIN CLUB: THE HOLLOW QUEEN
Or the One Jess Forgot to Post About
And…we’re just going to go straight to the questions, folks.
If I’d written this episode, I would have changed… The things they do for humor. In this episode, specifically, Arthur being unable to put a fucking shirt on without assistance. One, it’s been shown before he’s perfectly capable of dressing himself. Two, it’s not funny, really, it just makes him look like an idiot. I think there are other ways of showing that he relies on Merlin and wants him back – you know other than his royal dresser. So I’d have nixed that and added more about how he relies on Merlin in other aspects.
Thing(s) I loved about this episode—OMG, Arthur being all kingly and using the royal “we”. how weird am I that that totally appeals to me? ROWR
I really like the Daegal storyline and the character, and hated that he died, especially him asking if he’d done something good as he’s dying. SOB. I loved Jealous!Arthur when he thinks Merlin’s off with a girl. That was delightful. Especially followed with the suspiciously asking Merlin why he’s walking with a limp. *snicker*
And we have some Jealous!Merlin too (I know some of his problem is Gwen’s not herself, but when Arthur and Gwen are all kissy-kissy, he is not happy)
Also enjoyed getting to see some of Morgana’s story we didn’t know – her being trapped underground with Aithusa definitely brings sympathy to the character and makes you understand her better.
Thing(s) I hated about this episode—What I mentioned in the what I would change. Can’t think of anything else.
Something I never noticed about this episode before—Nothing this week.
Proof of some head canon I’ve created—Aside from Merthur…definitely Gwengana/Morgwen happening. The body language when they’re together…definitely happening.
Favorite costume—Mostly because…forearms (I’m so shallow).
What would Bron steal from Camelot in this episode? The table/shelf thingy next to Arthur’s bed….Well, pretty much all of Arthur’s bedroom, actually.
What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? I don’t know this week… I’m at a loss. 😦 I guess I’m going to go with…if Morgana love Aithusa so much, as is the implication here, where is the dragon, folks. We saw her briefly in the opening of the season but not since. So where is Aithusa?
MERLIN CLUB: A LESSON IN VENGEANCE
Or The One Jess Can’t Brain Enough To Come Up With An Alternative Title
One day, my fellow Merlin Clubbers, I will have my life together. One day. Alas, today is not that day. Not even close. With the hubs out of town, general family chaos combined with writing deadlines and editing obligations… Well, let’s just say it’s not a shock to anyone that I forgot about Merlin Club – several times just today even with multiple reminders from Bron (Thanks for that, lovely, lovely lady).
So let’s long story short this bitch, shall we? Morgana and Evil!Gwen are still a thing…multiple attempts on Arthur’s life…Arthur’s oblivious to what is in front of him…Merlin slightly less so…Merlin saves his boyfriend’s king’s life…Again. Gwen comes out smelling like roses, somehow, despite evil! so we can expect more trying to kill Arthur in future.
Question time!
If I’d written this episode, I would have changed…Okay, Gwen’s there, right? She has every opportunity to kill Arthur, but she doesn’t. I mean, it’s clear as hell that Leon and the other knights will never ever ever think she would something against Arthur so she’d totally be in the clear. But no, let’s poison him in a way that is all drawn out – giving Gaius every opportunity to find a way to save him.
Thing(s) I loved about this episode—
Pissed!Merlin (when evil!Gwen is accusing him)
Worried!/Upset!Merlin
DRAGOON! – How Merlin escapes the cells after being falsely accused by Gwen so he can go save his man. Also, he takes the opportunity to let the cook know exactly what he thinks of her. Brilliant.
And frankly just this…
And sorry but that with the line “The king would like a word.” On this one I can say…well played, writers. Well played, indeed.
And finally, at the end, even though evil!Gwen is not only getting away with everything but coming out looking better than ever, this right here….
I know that as Arthur’s manservant, Merlin stands behind Arthur at feasts and all that, ready to serve, but I don’t know that I’ve ever seen him standing like this when Arthur is addressing the council or whatever – actually, isn’t he usually standing with Gaius in situations like this? But here he is, just behind the king (and looking pissy and suspicious….which I love), almost in a position level with the queen. And is it coincidence that he’s standing on Arthur’s right–kinda like he sat at Arthur’s right hand at the original round table. I just like it, okay? Even if I’m reading too much into it. 🙂
Thing(s) I hated about this episode—The evil women unable to actually succeed in their plots. They are made stupid. Infuriates me.
Something I never noticed about this episode before—See last item in my likes – Merlin’s positioning. 🙂
Proof of some head canon I’ve created—It’s a mandrake thing again. Honestly this is how I make things slightly more okay in my head. I think when someone is mandraked they just lose common sense. They are just completely set on a single objective. Like, Morgana and, now, Gwen are so utterly focused on making Arthur suffer. FFS, just kill him and make your move to take over! But nope. I mean, the objective is to get Arthur out of the way and for Morgana to rule, yes? Then don’t focus on making Arthur suffer. Get shit done. But they can’t. ‘Cause mandrake.
Favorite costume—Gwen’s ensemble in the opening scene – gloves included. Think she wore this dress last week too. But I love it.
What would Bron steal from Camelot in this episode? The poison bottles.
What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? The complete and utter hard on Leon clearly has for Gwen. King’s not even dead, and Leon’s all over that. Hell, everyone knows I LOVE Leon, but even, I was like DAMN. Cool your jets, Leon.
MERLIN CLUB: THE DARK TOWER
Or The One That Was Okay
RECAP – Gwen and Elyan visit their father’s grave then head back to Camelot, escorted by Leon, Dwaine and Percival. Unfortunately, Morgana is near and casts a spell on a nest of snakes and there’s a scuffle and Leon and Percival are bit when they are knocked from their horses. Long story short, Morgana gets Gwen.
The knights go back to Camelot, where Leon and Percival are taken to Gaius for treatment and Elyan reports to Arthur. The king tells Merlin they are going to ride at dawn. Merlin promises him they’ll get Gwen back.
Much of the episode is seeing Gwen in the dark tower – with hanging mandrake roots dripping ooze from the ceiling. She sees visions of Elyan, Arthur and Merlin taunting her. And Morgana is sweet as pie to her former maid. Arthur and his men spend most of the time going in circles in the forest leading to the tower. And apparently that’s the doing of the fairy queen Mab . She warns him one will not return to Camelot. Merlin figures shit out and uses magic to find the way out of there.
Once at the dark tower, there are booby traps galore and it’s Elyan who gets to Gwen first. She’s guarded by an enchanted sword. Elyan fights the sword which is stupid because it’s not like he can kill it, but whatever. He ends up wounded and throws the blade out the window and shuts it, and the sword flying back becomes embedded in the wood shutters. The rest of the men arrive to find Gwen cradling a dead Elyan.
They have a funeral for Eylyan, and he is burned din a boat. Which is never explained really why. When it seemed the norm (with Lancelot though it was just his sword and cape) to burn the body in the courtyard. But okay…. no need to be consistent or anything.
That night, Gwen slips out of bed while Arthur sleeps and goes off into the woods. And she meets…dun…dun…dun…Morgana. Turns out Morgana’s plan worked – Gwen is firmly on her side now. A traitor within Camelot… Again.
If I’d written this episode, I would have changed…Can’t really think of anything I’d change in this one. It did what it needed to do – turn Gwen against Arthur and Camelot in a way that is believable….and you know, actually explained and shown to us.
Thing(s) I loved about this episode—Loved Merlin vowing that they’d bring Gwen home and his determination to do so. His devotion is beautiful.
The slight comic relief of Gwaine…when everyone else is sharing a horrific dream of the tower and all that, this is him…
Liked the knights and Merlin’s refusal to let Arthur continue on his own. That was lovely.
Liked having my head canon (see below) validated.
Seeing another of my favorite ships…Gwengana (Or some say Morgwen). I’ve shipped them a long time (I realize my love for Merther *may* have overshadowed it a bit earlier on in the series) but Dark!Gwengana….SWOON. Love it.
Thing(s) I hated about this episode—Queen Mab. I don’t know…I get why she was there. She was the reason the forest on the journey was messed up, causing the group to go in circles etc. But she was just annoying, IMO. Could have been done better, I think.
Okay, this is where I have issues. Morgana’s plan…a decent one. If you want to get to Arthur, Gwen is the way to do it, yeah? It seems like a solid plan and it actually works…WOOT. But, a part of me just thinks, been here, done this. Another spy/traitor within the walls of Camelot. ANOTHER person close to Arthur betraying him (albeit not of her own volition). And it remains to be seen if the Morgana’s plan…well, goes to plan. Or if, like with Greasy Agravaine, opportunity after opportunity is missed to just do away with Arthur. It seems like Morgana seems to get an advantage only to squander it.
Something I never noticed about this episode before—A very small thing, but Merlin’s tunic is different – the seams aren’t like what he’s worn before. At least I don’t remember seeing a style like this on him. (Or maybe I’m just losing my mind and all of his tunics are like that.)
Proof of some head canon I’ve created—This episode is what absolutely reinforces my belief that Morgause did the mandrake root thing to Morgana. Morgana so drastically changed, and now, Gwen has done a one-eighty as well. Also when Morgana is talking to Gwen, apologizing for having to do this to her, she say something about how she knows it is cruel and how painful it is. The way she says it…definitely seems like she’s speaking from experience.
Favorite costume—Morgana wins this week. The whole thing is amazingly gorgeous. And the detail on the hood…swoon. I want it.
What would Bron steal from Camelot in this episode? The mirror on Arthur’s mantle. And you have no idea how many tries it took to be able to get a screen shot of the mirror in focus. BUT I SUCCEEDED!
What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? This was a tough one, especially since Jen didn’t watch along with us. And honestly I don’t think there was much to really lose shit about in this episode… If I had to guess, I’d say she was pleased that one of Morgana’s plans actually worked.
MERLIN CLUB: THE DISIR
Or the Time I Missed Merlin Club (& DRAGONSPEAK) Because I Was Sick
No recap this weeks, friends. This week has been crap. A sea of pain and flu and unmentionable things happening because of pain and flu. I didn’t even get to watch the episode with everyone on Monday night…
…and am still pouting about that. Still not a hundred percent, and frankly, I’m running out of time. I refuse to give up completely, though, so I shall still do my questions.
So basically, this episode is Merlin screwing up because he’s so focused on saving Arthur’s life. Other stuff happens obviously, but that is the underlying theme of it all. I’m sure Bron and Jen have much better recaps/summaries. Or if you want, head over to the Merlin Wiki page and read the summary (click here).
If I’d written this episode, I would have changed…I’d have had Merlin reveal is magic. Then again, I’d have had him reveal it a long time ago, so…
Thing(s) I loved about this episode—Colin. Freaking. Morgan. I know, I know, I love him in every episode. But this is another one he, in my opinion, played his character very well.
I actually like (and I’m likely in the minority, here, I know) how Merlin puts everything else aside to save his boyfriend. When he says there is no place in Camelot for magic, he’s putting aside his wants, the big picture of what he and Arthur are supposed to build of Albion, because he just wants Arthur to live. He denies an intregal part of himself for Arthur’s survival (never mind that it backfires so horrendously).
It is so very clear what (who) is important to Merlin. It’s heart breaking and makes me want to cry – yup, that’s the stuff I love.
I like the moments between Merlin and Mordred. I think Merlin actually could come to like Mordred. They could be friends, but he can’t get it out of his head that this is the man who will kill Arthur.
And Dragonspeak.
Thing(s) I hated about this episode—I’ll admit this isn’t one of my favorite episodes. Because I think without all the judgy judging happening from the Disir, perhaps it would have been easier for Merlin to get to the point that
Something I never noticed about this episode before—Just how shitty Arthur and the knights were entering the Disir’s cave the first time around. I remembered them bringing their weapons in despite Merlin’s warnings, but FFS, Percival, did you have to tear down one of their relics from where it hung and trample on it? Show a bit of respect.
Proof of some head canon I’ve created—Merthur love all the way. Merlin’s jealousy of Mordred – his issues aren’t all because Mordred is destined to kill Arthur. He’s way jealous of the time and attention his man is giving the new knight. And Arthur asking for Merlin’s advice and noticing Merlin hasn’t smiled in three days.
Favorite costume—This was tough this week. The boys spent lots of time in chainmail and capes, which are lovely, mind you, but… I guess I’d have to go with Gwen’s cleavage gown.
What would Bron steal from Camelot the Disir in this episode? She would knock those Disir bitches down and run away with one of their staffs.
What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? How Gaius’ advice constantly contradicts past advice.
MERLIN CLUB: ANOTHER’S SORROW
Or the One Where Everyone Is Blatantly Missing Shit…IMPORTANT SHIT
One day, when I grow up, I’m going to be a master of organization and time-management. Today is NOT that day, lovelies. IT. IS. NOT. THAT. DAY. *head between knees and trying to breathe* I’m currently writing this post with my sweetheart of a neice climbing all over me, because I’m not going to have time to do it tonight with other obligations on the plate, sucking my time. Sucking it all away.
RECAP – The basic gist of this episode is Morgana has teamed up with Odin – don’t know if you remember or not but apparently Arthur killed his son, and Odin then sent those carnival/circus dudes to kill Uther on Arthur’s birthday… So yeah, bad blood, there. Morgana wants Camelot, and Odin gets to have Arthur for whatever he wants. The pair go to Nemeth and capture Rodor and his daughter Mithian. Knowing their strong alliance to Arthur and Camelot, Mithian is sent to lure Arthur into a trap. Morgana tags along under an aging spell to make sure the princess does as she’s told. Arthur, of course, agrees to help Mithian retreive her supposedly injured father. Long story short, there’s a confrontation, some fighting, Merlin using magic to save his king and in the end, with urging from Merlin, Odin and Arthur actually come to a truce, wanting peace for their kingdoms. Mithian and her father are safe. Arthur forgives Mithian, saying he would have done the same if it’d been his father. And all is well once again.
If I’d written this episode, I would have changed…Seems odd that we’ve not seen or heard mention of Odin in so long. He apparently has such a hatred for Arthur, you’d think something would have happened between Uther’s death and now.
I’m going to rant a bit about Morgana. She seems completely superfluous to this storyline. Odin could have taken Nemeth (Rodor and Mithian’s kingdom) without her help – I’m assuming it’s his army that took over, because no mention of Morgana’s magic being necessary. He could have sent Mithian with a guard posing as one of hers to keep her under control. He could have accomplished all of this – avenged his son’s death and taken Camelot as his own – without Morgana at all. But nope, we don’t hear any thing about Odin until he’s a convenient plot device to clumsily further Morgana’s storyline.
Also, Morgana has to be one of the worst villains ever. Seriously. She has had opportunity after opportunity to eliminate Arthur quickly and without much fuss, but she has to go for the big, elaborate plans that don’t ever work out. And she is a joke. She tells Mithian if the princess betrays her again, she’s going to bury her father alive, but when Mithian finds a way to warn Merlin, Morgana does nothing besides knock Merlin out. She doesn’t follow through on her threat to Mithian at all. Doesn’t even attempt to. *sigh*
So I guess I’d change everything about Morgana. that’s what I’d change in this episode and every episode since she went dark side.
Thing(s) I loved about this episode—When the final confrontation happens between Odin and Arthur, I love how Merlin talks to him. Calmly advising his king. And Arthur listens. Love this…
And Merlin’s expression at the end… *sigh* So proud of his Arthur.
And this bit made me smile.
And for good measure…Merlin with that damned mortar and pestal. His forearms and hands haunt me. (Yes, Bron, this is another of Jess’ strangely specific fetishes.)
Thing(s) I hated about this episode—See what I said above in what I’d change.
And then there’s the whole Old!Morgana bit. That no one recognized her is stupid. Also we’ve had two other characters use an aging spell – Merlin and Morgause. And nothing is consistent about the spell used.
With Morgause – she was older but her reflection was not. That showed her true form and Gwen was able to see it.
With Morgana – it is taking A LOT of energy and effort to hold the spell. And it seems that while her appearance is physically altered, she really isn’t. I say that because Gauis talks about how her body has such vigor and she is like a much younger person.
Now, with Merlin – He was able to see himself aged in a mirror. He looks and bemoans that this is how he is going to look when he’s old. He has no trouble holding the spell. In fact, it was harder work to lift it and be young again. And, it honestly aged him. He was unable to move quickly, was out of breath when walking quickly.
So I guess they were all different spells? Or at the very least the sisters’ spell was different than Merlin’s. Becasue the fact that Merlin is supposedly more powerful doesn’t clear up all the inconsistencies. Perhaps the sisters’ was more of a glamour–changed how they appeared, while Merlin’s actually aged him? I don’t know.
And along those lines…how the ever loving hell did neither Gauis nor Merlin suspect the aging spell? The clues were all lining up and duh, it never enters their minds…when Merlin himself had used the same trick several times? Urgh.
Something I never noticed about this episode before—When Mithian is brought into the castle, Gauis is all yelling that they need to keep her warm and for Merlin to get blankets. Dude, why don’t you try puttin her UNDER the blankets on the bed you had her put on? A little thing but just made me shake my head.
Proof of some head canon I’ve created—I’ve got nothing this week.
Favorite costume—Mithian’s dress in the beginning of the episode.
What would Bron steal from Camelot in this episode? The key to Mithian’s room.
Horrible shot of it, but I know she loves old keys. 🙂
What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? I think that Gaius and Merlin are complete idiots and don’t connect the dots with Old!Morgana.
And maybe that I said Arthur should have married Mithian. 😉
MERLIN CLUB: THE DEATH SONG OF UTHER PENDRAGON
Or This Week on Doctor Phil…My Dad’s a Ghost and Trying to Overthrow My Kingdom
(Thank you @swl_dylan, for the title this week)
So this week we have Ghost!Uther. Who is NOT happy with how his song is ruling his kingdom, and by his I mean Uther’s because that’s clearly how he thinks of it. A former maid as a wife, commoners being knights…it’s unheard of and just not acceptable to the dearly departed. Honestly, this whole episode can be summed up by this post on iamroboteye’s Tumblr…
Arthur: Daddy!! Oh my god I’m so glad to see you I missed you so much and I wanted your advice I love you
Uther: I’m still a dick
Arthur: …goddamnit
And onto the questions…
If I’d written this episode, I would have changed…Nothing major I can think of, this week.
Thing(s) I loved about this episode—Sooooo much Merthur. So so much. And it was lovely. I can’t even put all the scenes I loved in this post. But here is my favorite.
Then there’s the outtake, with Colin laughing. It’s too freaking cute so I’m linking that too. 🙂 Just because.
Thing(s) I hated about this episode—As much as I hated Uther, I hate Ghost!Uther even more. There’s no love shown for Arthur, and that doesn’t fit Uther’s character at all.
Something I never noticed about this episode before—While Leon is giving some report or another to Arthur and the Knights of the Round table, I never noticed this dude. This poor knight sitting next to Leon. LMAO
Proof of some head canon I’ve created—I don’t know that this is proof of anything, but I have a head canon of sorts to “fix” the thing that bugged me most about this episode. As fucked up as Uther is, he loved Arthur, and basically died for him. I can’t imagine that, no matter how he may disagree with Arthur’s choices, he would go after Arthur the way he did. I could imagine it if say Arthur had lifted the ban on magic or something… LOL
But my head canon is that the spirit brought back with the horn thingy isn’t fully the person that has passed. Like aspects of that person are amplified–like in Uther’s case, his devotion to Camelot and his vision of what Camelot should be. His fears and views are so much in the forefront they crowd out his love for his son.
Don’t know if that makes as much sense written out as it does in my head, but it makes me feel better. 🙂
Favorite costume—Can’t find a full length of this one, but I loved Gwen’s dress this episode.
What would Bron steal from Camelot in this episode? Oh this was hard. Either Gwen’s dress or the horn…I could see that horn thing resting on a shelf or somehow hanging on a wall in her house. Could be wrong though. If she’s opposed to the horn, go back to Gwen’s dress. 😉 (Or perhaps Arthur’s leather gloved hand…ROWR)
What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? Ghost!Uther using Neil’s Dom voice. Probably the only thing she’s missed about Uther.
MERLIN CLUB: ARTHUR’S BANE PARTS 1 & 2
Or The Beginning of Season 5 AKA The Beginning of the End
The guilt is strong in me this week, as I’m just going to do questions for this one. But I’m shoving that guilt aside because as soon as I wrap this post up, I’m going out to eat with my family to celebrate my son’s birthday. His 18th birthday. (The sobbing you hear? Definitely me.)
Technically his birthday is tomorrow (or today/Friday when this posts) but we’re celebrating tonight since he’s working all weekend. This is the boy who watched Merlin with me the first time around. Hell, he watches most of the shows I watch and is just as likely to yell at the screen at any given moment. 🙂 Love that kid sooo much. So the evening is going to be spent with him and the rest of the family. So no recap from me, because sleep needs to happen at some point, too. As does getting in some words. Really, need more hours in the day, or the ability to function without sleep. LOL
So here are my answers…
If I’d written this episode, I would have changed…I hate that we never see Sefa again. Her dad bites it, and she wanders off, never to be seen again. It’d have been nice to wrap that little thread up. I know it seems minor but when you look at this pattern…like what happened to poor love-spelled Vivian, or Elena whose nurse disappeared suddenly (really killed by Merlin but no one knows that), Isolde-less Tristan etc. There’s a pattern of things not being resolved with characters that have been brought in.
Thing(s) I loved about this episode—At Annis’ place. I love Queen Annis, love banter/eye-sex between Merlin and Arthur, love Arthur’s face with Merlin can juggle exceptionally well (when he expected his manservant to be humiliated).
I actually like Mordred, right now. I will have much to say with what happens in future. But I also understand Merlin’s fear and suspicion, as well. And I’ll be lying if I said I didn’t love tortured!Merlin – Colin Morgan plays that so well.
The scene between Merlin and Aithusa…omg, breaks my heart every time (which means I love it) Merlin looks so upset with what happened to Aithusa (and WTF, Kilgharrah? You promised to look after the wee dragon!) and then when the others are coming, it’s so clear Aithusa doesn’t want to leave Merlin, his Dragonlord, his kin.
Dragonspeak.
Lots of Merlin by firelight
Thing(s) I hated about this episode—The Diamair. Not that what Morgana was looking for was a living being with a great burden of knowing all. I actually like this part. It was that it was an alien-looking, suppository-headed thing.
They could have done better, IMO.
Something I never noticed about this episode before—Pointed out while we watched…how does Morgana know Aithusa’s name? Clearly she didn’t name the dragon herself because Aithusa is the name Merlin gave him at the hatching. We learn that Aithusa can’t speak like Kilgharrah can, so how does Morgana know? This is seriously going to bug me now.
Proof of some head canon I’ve created—Nothing new here. Merthur moments, of course.
Favorite costume—
What would Bron steal from Camelot beneath Morgana’s castle in this episode?
This pic is pulling double duty this week. Bron would totally take Gwaine home right now. Like, RIGHT NOW>
What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? Good way? I know she loves Gwen in this episode – especially when dealing with Sefa when her traitorous actions are discovered.
MERLIN CLUB: THE SWORD IN THE STONE, PARTS 1 & 2
Or Another Episode of Jess’ Oddly Specific Fetishes.
Hello, #MerlinClub friends! Let’s face it – my time management skills leave much to be desired on a good day (working on that!). Add in the hubby on a work trip out of the country for the week, and they disappear altogether. As a result, I find myself late Thursday evening putting this post together so it goes up in the morning. So, going short and sweet this week for 2 of my fave episodes.
Highlights from these episodes:
Opens with one of my favorite scenes in the whole series.
Morgana and Helios attack
Greasy Aggravaine’s true colors are revealed
Betrayed!Arthur
Simpleton!Arthur thanks to Merlin’s enchantment
The return of Gwen, who’s been in Ealdor since we last saw her
Odd sexual tension between Morgana and Gwaine as he is forced to fight for food for himself, Elyan and Gaius who are imprisoned. Screams for some fanfic…just saying.
Greasy Agravaine meets his ends…FINALLY…courtesy of BAMF!Merlin (one of my favorite Merlins 😉 )
So one final time… Hey, Greasy Agravaine….
Encouraging!Merlin & Insecure!Arthur…
Dirty!Merlin
Illuminated by the firelight Merlin
DRAGONSPEAK…TWICE
Arthur pulling the sword from the stone
Dragoon the Great makes and appearance
Camelot is won back
Arthur and Gwen reunite, get married and Gwen is crowned queen
Morgana seems to be severely wounded, but then…but THEN, Aithusa (cute white dragon, remember?) comes along, breathes on her, and heals her.
If I’d written this episode, I would have changed…Eh, I don’t know that I’d necessarily change anything. I wouldn’t have Tristan and Isolde be the smugglers (talk a bit about that in the things I hated section). And…well, this is true for this whole freaking season…Greasy Agravaine is gone, dead, departed from this world, and STILL we have no explanation on why he aligned himself with Morgana. I get his anger and hatred of Uther. But Morgana is just as much Uther’s child as Arthur is, yeah? So why did he go after Arthur? Why did he choose Morgana? I don’t get it. And that is a huge hole the writers failed to fill in.
Thing(s) I loved about this episode—
Clearly, loved Merlin because hello, it’s me.
GREASY AGRAVAINE IS DEAD!!!
This scene…
GORGEOUS!
And this scene…oh the feels
And just because Merlin’s face here cracks me up
Thing(s) I hated about this episode—Greasy Agravaine…but HUZZAH! We never have to see his face again!
My feelings about Tristan and Isolde aren’t as stong as others, but I agree that the short time they were around wasn’t enough for the audience to feel any connection to them – which makes Isolde’s death less meaningful, IMO. Also, I don’t like that they were named Tristan and Isolde. It didn’t make sense to me. It was like the writers were just like…”What other medival romance characters can we throw in here, even though they has no connection to the story we’re telling, not really. People will recognized the names, so that’s cool.” But whatever…Isolde is dead and we never see Tristan again.
Also…Aithusa saving Morgana. WHERE THE HELL IS KILGARRAH, AND WHY ISN’T HE KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUNG AITHUSA AS HE PROMISED MERLIN HE WOULD???
Something I never noticed about this episode before—Got nothing here this week.
Proof of some head canon I’ve created—Please, Merthur all over the freaking place in this episode. And does it look like this is the first time Arthur’s ever used this move…
…yeah, I think not.
Favorite costume—Merlin disguised as one of Helios’ men after enchanting/binding Morgana’s magic as Dragoon.
What would Bron steal from Camelot the forest in this episode? She would totally want the sword in the stone as the centerpiece of her garden.
What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? The Tristan and Isolde part of the story.
Next week 1/26 at 8pm EST, we’ll be watching S05E01 & 02 “Arthur’s Bane”. NOTE: This is a 2-PART episode. We’ll start Part One at 8pm EST, take a short break then start Part Two at 9pm EST. We’ll be on Twitter with the hastag #MerlinClub
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