Merlin 5.01

[corilannam]

Merlin 5.01 - Arthur's BoneBane



As I did last season, I have vowed to check my brain at the door every time I sit down to watch a new episode of Merlin and just enjoy the slashy squee and the pretty men. We shall see how well this goes.

Seriously, three years and they still haven't learned not to let Gwaine out of the castle without proper supervision? THREE SCORE BABYSITTERS IS NOT ENOUGH.

Shirtless men in tight britches swinging hammers... this is going to turn into a porno, isn't it? Geez, I've already written three gangbangs this year, what do you want from me??

"Unless you act quickly, Emrys, even you cannot alter the neverending circle of his fate." Well, now, isn't that interesting on a number of levels? First, Arthur's repeated reincarnation cycle is now canon. Yay! Second, they are clearly setting up Camlann as the end game here, BUT -- Merlin is capable of changing Arthur's fate! This is great news!

Because damn, just watching the hypothetical death of Arthur by Mordred's hand was enough to give me the vapors. *wibble* And OH! Merlin's face and his teary eyes when Arthur snaps him out of the trance. *wibbles harder* He can't let that happen, he just can't.

However. After weeks of watching Alex Vlahos post pictures of his fuzzy white kitten Dr. Watson on Twitter, I really can't summon up a whole lot of anger or fear towards him. When he showed up (both here and at the end), I was just like, HI MORDRED HI!

I think Gwen is trying to cultivate a Merlin of her own. Not that I blame her, but not sure this one's gonna work out.... Though hey, at least Gwen notices when her servant sneaks off in the middle of the night.

Also - noble for three years and Gwen's already lost the ability to pick things up off tables for herself. Goodness.

Lovely to see Annis again, though I'm afraid I was completely distracted by the adorable interplay between Merlin and Arthur (with the knights looking on with great amusement). Arthur's shit-eating grin when he started the applause made me squeak out loud. So, so adorable.

As a side note, I thought I might get angry about Merlin still being servile and demeaned at this late date, but at this point, I kind of feel like it's his own damn fault for not ballsing up and telling Arthur the truth. So it's his choice, and I'm just going to kick back and enjoy the show along with Annis (in particular, Arthur's disgruntled disbelief at Merlin's miraculous juggling skills - ha!)

(and love that it comes back into the conversation later in a more serious way, standing in for everything Merlin won't let Arthur know about him. I really feel like they're heavily telegraphing a reveal, but then, I felt that way last season, too, and here we are.)

AWWWWWWWWWWWWW. Okay, here's the scene that @MerlinOfficial tweeted a script page from. So sad that Arthur's "I'm cold over here" line was cut, but do love that Arthur noticed Merlin's distress and went to him. I love that he spoke to Merlin seriously and didn't dismiss his worries - it shows that all the insults and banter are just cover for the real respect and tenderness between them. Arthur isn't dismissing Merlin's concerns (here or later when they're limping along); he's not going to change course, but that's because he can't, not while there's any chance he can save his men.

Apparently Merlin makes a habit of just scooping Arthur up in the middle of battles and running away with him?

Did they say anything important while they were snuggling up to sleep? Because I may have missed it. BECAUSE THEY WERE SNUGGLING. AND THEN ARTHUR HAD HIS GLOVED HAND OVER MERLIN'S MOUTH.

Speaking of distractions, good grief, Eoin Macken. Good grief, Tom Hopper. Stop looking so delicious without your clothes. It's really hard to concentrate on the plot. I seriously have no idea what happened in the caverns at any point during this episode. Which is probably for the best, since I think at some point either a refugee from The X-Files turned up in there or else I was on some great drugs I don't remember taking.

Wow, Gwen's gotten pretty badass, conducting interrogations and sentencing people to death. Even her brother looked pretty surprised. Not sure how I feel about Sefa, but overall, I'm just glad Angel finally got something to do.

Merlin and Arthur squirming in the net - pure comedy gold. "Where'd the other rabbit go?" had me howling. Then Arthur pitching an absolutely gorgeous tizzy that apparently bounced them so hard that they needed a nap afterwards.

And then, of course, they're fighting over who's going to get to die for the other one. Some things never change. *happy sigh* Also, I felt certain we were mere seconds from a reveal when--

HI MORDRED HI. Okay, he is pretty creepy. *shivers, goes to look at pictures of Dr. Watson*

Next week: Let the Mordred shipping commence! He's legal now, folks!


OH WAIT. I just realized I never said anything about Morgana! She... *sigh*. She didn't really do anything again. But she looks awful pretty in her new winter ensemble. And she really needs to fuck Gwaine a lot.

Comments

[destina.livejournal.com]

Geez, I've already written three gangbangs this year, what do you want from me??

...is this a rhetorical question? BECAUSE I FEEL THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION IS OBVIOUS. However, I am available to provide clarification, if necessary! :D

I really, really want that whole 'cycle of fate' thing to be interpreted to mean Merlin really does have a chance in hell of fixing the death-at-Mordred's-hands prophecy. But even Kilgharrah was kind of skeptical in the beginning on that point. All I know is, if they begin an episode with anything that even remotely makes me think they're doing Camlann, I will come unhinged and probably not be able to watch until it's all over. Ugh. NOT MY ARTHUR. (I feel like I went through this in Smallville fandom already during my redemptionista phase, where I was like -- it's a new version! Lex doesn't have to turn evil! He doesn't have to -- damn, did you just drop an ice fortress on him?? Well. Huh.)

Also - noble for three years and Gwen's already lost the ability to pick things up off tables for herself. Goodness.

I saw this differently. I think of this rather like a boss who gets a promotion and is training a replacement. Do it right the first time and you won't have to do it over. *g* Gwen was an awesome servant; she's teaching her maidservant to be like her.

but do love that Arthur noticed Merlin's distress and went to him

And that he asked him -- three separate times -- what was bothering him (in the cave, after the feast, and by the pond). It really cannot be said at all, at this point, that Arthur isn't perceptive about Merlin. Except, apparently, when Merlin does magic about 4 inches from his FACE. *handwave*

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

I really, really want that whole 'cycle of fate' thing to be interpreted to mean Merlin really does have a chance in hell of fixing the death-at-Mordred's-hands prophecy.

I really, really do believe it's possible! I didn't until they decided to muck with the whole Lancelot/Guinevere legend last season to give Arthur a happy ending there. If they're willing to go that far, I have to believe that they're willing to let Merlin fulfill his ultimate destiny of saving Arthur's life all the way to the end.

Okay, that and I will be a gibbering wreck if anything happens to my beautiful king. *represses gibbering*

Gwen was an awesome servant; she's teaching her maidservant to be like her.

Oh, I know, you're right, but I still thought it was funny. Maybe because I've read so many fics where Gwen won't let anyone wait on her after she becomes queen!

And that he asked him -- three separate times -- what was bothering him (in the cave, after the feast, and by the pond). It really cannot be said at all, at this point, that Arthur isn't perceptive about Merlin.

This is sooooo true! Though their dynamic sometimes may look odd from the outside, they understand each other very well -- and that goes as much for Arthur as Merlin. Even though Arthur may be lacking a few crucial pieces of the Merlin puzzle, on a heart and gut level, he knows him.

And he cares! I really loved how intimately and seriously they talked to each other. Arthur didn't mock Merlin for his fears (much), but really appreciated and tried to respond to how he was feeling. And poor Merlin, going crazy because he can't tell Arthur everything he really knows!

Except, apparently, when Merlin does magic about 4 inches from his FACE. *handwave*

Heeeee! That whole bit just made me giggle. My headcanon is that Merlin is now doing magic as blatantly in Arthur's face as he can (like, literally in his face!) trying to get him to notice, while Arthur is stubbornly ignoring him because he's waiting for Merlin to break down and finally tell him. *g*

[the-muppet.livejournal.com]

Also - noble for three years and Gwen's already lost the ability to pick things up off tables for herself. Goodness.

Right there with you on that one.

Shirtless men in tight britches swinging hammers... this is going to turn into a porno, isn't it?

I think Peter and I had the same thought with the way we were snickering.

I think at some point either a refugee from The X-Files turned up in there or else I was on some great drugs I don't remember taking.

I was facepalming a great deal during that section.

Also, Mordred's smirky face was hilarious!

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

I am still disappointed that it didn't turn into a porno (well, not ONscreen, anyway....) *g*

I love Mordred's smirky face! He's kind of half adorable, half creepy. I just want to pinch his cheeks, and then run away really fast.

[gilli-ann.livejournal.com]

BECAUSE THEY WERE SNUGGLING. AND THEN ARTHUR HAD HIS GLOVED HAND OVER MERLIN'S MOUTH.

Looooooooooved this. Can't tell you how much.

Generally I'm agreeing with your entire review. :) Mordred gives off excellent creepy vibes. Can't wait to see what happens with him going forward.

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

If Arthur wants to shut Merlin up, I'm fine with it if he keeps using that method!

[xfortytwo.livejournal.com]

Because damn, just watching the hypothetical death of Arthur by Mordred's hand was enough to give me the vapors. *wibble* And OH! Merlin's face and his teary eyes when Arthur snaps him out of the trance. *wibbles harder* He can't let that happen, he just can't.

oh god it was painful. I've adopted a head canon that if Arthur actually does end up dying, Merlin does too and then they reincarnate and live happily foreverrrr.


LOL Morgana and Gwaine. I was sitting there like... "I think I read this at the pornathon this year!"

I need magic reveal this season so badly that I actually can't even deal. I NEED IT.

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

LOL Morgana and Gwaine. I was sitting there like... "I think I read this at the pornathon this year!"

I think I did, too, but I can never read it enough. Yum.

I need magic reveal this season so badly that I actually can't even deal. I NEED IT.

OMG SERIOUSLY. I mean, I needed it last season. This season, I might actually break things if it doesn't happen.

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

Alex is awesome. Seeing him film, I knew he'd do a great job as Mordred. I mean, really. When he looks like this. And then posts about his kitten. Aw, Alex!



Anyway, I'm not so sure that Mordred kills Arthur in the vision. We see Mordred fighting someone with a sword and then Arthur getting stabbed and going down with Mordred next to him but it's possible it was someone else that Mordred and Arthur were fighting and Arthur got hurt? I don't know. I'm looking for a way to turn the legend on its head.

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

Awwww, look at his snarly little FACE! He looks like he wants to eat that horse.

Anyway, I'm not so sure that Mordred kills Arthur in the vision. We see Mordred fighting someone with a sword and then Arthur getting stabbed and going down with Mordred next to him but it's possible it was someone else that Mordred and Arthur were fighting and Arthur got hurt? I don't know. I'm looking for a way to turn the legend on its head.

That is a good point! There would definitely be alternate ways to interpret those images - though I'm looking for a way that doesn't involve Arthur getting run through! *g*

[magnolia822.livejournal.com]

OMG, the shirtless knight porn had be lmao and staring without blinking at the same time. I agree with you that that entire line of the plot was lost to me. Which is probably good, because the alien thingy--*shudders in horror of the bad*.

That being said, it was the only thing about the episode I didn't like. I'm inclined to agree with you, as well, about Merlin's own hand in his subservience. By now, there's no way Arthur's going to just string him up, so yes, he needs to grow a pair and *TELL HIS HUSBAND THE TRUTH.* LOL

HI MORDRED HI. Exactly my reaction.

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think I'm just fine not understanding what's actually going on in Morgana's plot line! It actually took me until the third viewing to get that the glowy alien was the prophetic "key" Morgana was looking for.

Yes, honesty is very important in any marriage! As Arthur's non-ceremonial consort, I think he has an obligation to make a full disclosure of everything he's bringing to this arrangement!

[magnolia822.livejournal.com]

Bahahah, I still hadn't realized that about the alien. I'm a little slow.

As Arthur's non-ceremonial consort, I think he has an obligation to make a full disclosure of everything he's bringing to this arrangement! I love you sfm.

[gateslacker.livejournal.com]

It's really hard to concentrate on the plot. I seriously have no idea what happened in the caverns at any point during this episode. Which is probably for the best, since I think at some point either a refugee from The X-Files turned up in there or else I was on some great drugs I don't remember taking.

ROFL!! Yay for gratuitous shirtless men!

And I really did start laughing when the whatever it is showed up. My first thought was "WTH", my second thought was "Coneheads in Merlin!" and my third thought was a flashback to Stargate. Aside from the Roswell look, there's also this:

http://images.wikia.com/stargate/images/7/79/Blue_aliens_working.jpg

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

OMG! You are so right! It's not X-Files at all, it's Stargate! Oh, the crossover opportunities are flitting before my eyes!

[ella-bane.livejournal.com]

"Unless you act quickly, Emrys, even you cannot alter the neverending circle of his fate." Well, now, isn't that interesting on a number of levels? First, Arthur's repeated reincarnation cycle is now canon.

Hee, I fully expect the show to end with a cheeky look into modern times featuring Merlin and Arthur. I REALLY DO.

I was relieved to see Merlin/Arthur fully intact. SNUGGLING! And lol at Arthur saying he'd never go back for Merlin. Uhuh, yeah, right. Tell us another one, Arthur!

I loved Gwen's scenes. I hope she continues in this vein!

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

And lol at Arthur saying he'd never go back for Merlin. Uhuh, yeah, right. Tell us another one, Arthur!

*snerk* Yes, that would have been a little more believable if he hadn't been putting himself on the line to save Merlin since very early S1. I do love it when they talk in code!

[floating-fog.livejournal.com]

lol Loved the insights... I don't think anybody knows what happenes in the cavarns while Gwaine and Percy were err... clothless.

The X-files refugee killed me!

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

They certainly had to keep warm somehow! *g*

[floating-fog.livejournal.com]

And what better way then to sleep shirtless and close together?

[gwylliondream.livejournal.com]

Dr. Watson makes everything better!

Oh, God, I just laugh my head off when I see bone crossed out everywhere!

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

Oh, God, I just laugh my head off when I see bone crossed out everywhere!

And it was so nice of them to make it a two-parter, so we can have another week of boning. *g*

I have such a crush on Alex/Mordred right now, and it is definitely at least partially due to that damn kitten!