Merlin 5.02

[corilannam]

It was late when I got home last night, and then I had to watch the episode twice, so I ended up too tired to write up my thoughts before I passed out. Sorry, destina!

So, I requested a really kick-ass episode for my birthday. Let's see if the Beeb delivered with Arthur's Bone Bane Part 2 (because a bad joke never gets old....)



OMG YOU GUYS! I am so, so excited about this episode! There was so, so much interesting, meaty characterization to think about. I feel like the first episode was catching us up with broad strokes, and this one really started to poke at some really interesting possibilities that I'm hoping and praying they'll dig into over the rest of the season.

I don't even know where to start!

Okay, let's start off Back in Camelot...

Ruadan and Sefa - I actually ended up really caring about these two. I adored that Sefa wasn't willing to go meekly to her death. She insisted on speaking up for herself, and even though her plea was not terribly convincing ("I didn't mean it and I don't want to die" not being particularly strong legal arguments in medieval courts, I would think), I loved her for trying and for having enough faith in her former mistress to think she would be reasonable and merciful (and I'm glad Gwen fulfilled that in the end, though I'll get to her separately in a second).

And Ruadan went back for his daughter. My heart was in my throat. This thrilled me on a few levels:

1) Sefa got to realize that her father did really love her, even though he risked her life for what he saw as a higher cause
2) It made Ruadan into a much more interesting and 3-dimensional character, which is something this show has really lacked with its villains (*cough*Agravaine!*cough*). I even finally stopped calling him Ser Davros!
3) It demonstrated the fundamental differences between Gwen and Morgana as leaders. Morgana assumed Ruadan would resolutely sacrifice his daughter for her cause, whereas Gwen understood that a father won't let his daughter be hanged if there's anything he can do to stop it. But then, Gwen had a loving father and Morgana had Uther, so.

Gwen - MY QUEEN! I am all about Gwen this week. Last week I had a little bit of trouble warming to her (for a number of reasons I'm not going to bother getting into), but this week I am totally sold. This is the Gwen I always wanted to see. She's stern and fierce, but also wise and compassionate. She won't execute a (relatively) innocent girl, but she won't hesitate to use her to draw out the real threat. AND SHE DOESN'T NEED ANYBODY'S APPROVAL, BITCHES. Seriously, given this show's history with female characters, how awesome is Gwen's total independence here? She doesn't answer to anyone beneath her anymore - she doesn't even need to tell them her plans, if it doesn't suit her.

Of course, the show still abandoned her once the Ruadan plotline was resolved and we didn't even get to see her find out that her husband is still alive, but baby steps, show, baby steps. (Not that I really need to see an emotional A/G reunion, but it mildly irks me from a storytelling perspective.)

Okay, out into the tundra now, which, like all things in Albion, is mysteriously less than a day's ride from Camelot!

Morgana - For the first time since S2, I actually care about Morgana. As long as I don't think too hard about seasons 3 or 4, this Morgana works for me. She's nutty as a squirrel's cheek, but she's finally got reason to be. That little glimpse of her captivity in the oubliette was quite compelling (oh, Aithusa, my poor bb dragon). I'm looking forward to finding out who could possibly have held a High Priestess and a dragon in captivity like that. All her brooding on her lonely throne last week makes more sense now - she's so trapped in her head now, who cares if her castle is in ruins?

Aithusa broke my fucking heart. His birth last season was such a glorious magical triumph; it hurts to see him so tormented and broken, just like his mistress. He cowered under his Dragonlord's voice, but he also looked almost hopeful. I wonder if he thought Merlin had come to finally save them. Of course, there was no room in Merlin's agenda for anything but Arthur, as always -- it does make me wonder, given the reverence the magical world holds for Emrys, if Merlin will ever be called to account for his neglect of it in his obsession with Arthur?

I'm thrilled that we finally got to see Arthur and Morgana come face to face - I think I actually gasped a little when she appeared behind him. The confrontation itself was a little lackluster. I didn't get a whole lot of emotion off Arthur in this scene, which is what I was really looking for. Plus, the whole scene seemed... a little contrived? Even for this show? I mean, when does Merlin ever get knocked out?? I'm choosing to see that part as evidence of how off the rails Merlin has gotten over this prophecy, that when Arthur is in danger, he's not thinking straight and thus things like this end up happening.

But still. This is stirring up all the old Uther issues, which will lead nicely into next week.

Also - although the final shot of Morgana and Aithusa stumbling across the tundra was very striking, seriously, did they not check her pulse? Was she dead and Aithusa healed her again? Did Arthur just leave his sister's corpse in the caves? That's just not cool. Also not smart. Let's assume Merlin was still unconscious for that part of the decision making (okay, not that Merlin ever makes smart decisions about Morgana, either).

The Knights - Just a quick sidenote to say, yay knights! Nice to see Elyan being in command of the knights back at Camelot. Very nice to see Percival swinging a sword shirtless (even nicer than swinging the hammer last week!)

Though wait. I need to take a moment here to say -- dude. Gwaine's missing for two days, and you never got a chance to sneak down the tunnel and find out what happened to him? Could you at least look a little worried? And he did not need Arthur's sword to subdue that guard. He only used the pommel and his fist, which means a rock would have done just as well (AND IT'S NOT LIKE THEY WERE LACKING ROCKS). Apparently the one thing that's not big about Percy is his initiative.

But Gwaine! Eoin Macken said in his blog this week that he almost didn't come back to Merlin this season, and it's not hard to understand why, as Gwaine ranks pretty high on the list of Tragically Underused Merlin Characters. But at least this season is off to a better start, as Gwaine is the one showing initiative and bravery and compassion. No one is making jokes about him anymore. And the alien thing (which you'll notice I'm really avoiding talking about, because WTF?) now validates him as being wonderful. *happy sigh* No wonder Arthur and Merlin just had to cuddle with him immediately. Makes total sense to me.

Arthur - I have surprisingly little to say about Arthur this week, though if you opened up my brain at any random point in any day, you'd probably just hear it squeaking "ArthurArthurArthurArthurArthur." I do love my king. I love that he can still joke with Merlin even in the worst danger and even when Merlin is clearly not in a gaming mood amused. I love that Merlin's the one throwing rotten vegetables at him now, and that Arthur takes it with such excellent humor. I loved him being so clever and faking weakness in order to effect their escape. I loved how hot he was with the crossbow and that he chose not to shoot Mordred. And hmm, so Arthur's bane is himself? This actually makes a lot of sense, given Arthur's history and the point they made in 5.01 about how Arthur makes the noble decision without any regard for his own safety. He'll sacrifice himself in a heartbeat if he thinks it's the right thing to do. I mean, that goes all the way back to 1.11 (or even 1.04). He's also not that bright. Not a good combination for longevity. No wonder Merlin is so tense.

Merlin and Mordred - I really feel like I can't talk about them separately this week, since the entire episode hung on the constant tension between them (ROWR).

Can I first say, WOW, Alex Vlahos, I am so glad you are here! He is beyond perfect for Mordred, who is now almost unbearably intriguing to me, and I think his presence is really upping the show's game this year (at least so far).

I'm having a hard time talking about this whole part of the episode, because all I want to do is flap my hands and go "OMG!" I loved Mordred pledging to keep Merlin's secret. I loved Merlin essentially doing the same at the end. Each of them has his own reasons for doing so, and the whole thing is giving me goosebumps just typing about it. Their relationship is charged with so much history, so much secrecy, so much conflicting emotion, to call it sexual tension almost seems like a disservice to it, but yeah, come on, when Merlin is helping him disrobe at the end? Good gravy. I think my tongue was hanging out of my mouth.

Merlin really, really, REALLY wants Mordred dead. But he can't seem to make it happen himself. I want to know why. Is he afraid of Mordred's power? Can he still not bring himself to kill someone who hasn't actually done anything wrong yet? So interesting!

Mordred's reunion with Morgana was so powerful and sweet in a very sad way. I'm fascinated by their relationship and seeing her through his eyes, as someone who remembers the old Morgana so well. I was actually stunned when he stabbed her to save Arthur. That was awesome. I can't wait to see how this unfolds - is this a plot they arranged between them? Is Mordred repaying his debt to Arthur? Is he working for Morgana? Or does he want a closer look at Camelot in order to decide what he wants to do? I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT.

So Arthur knighted him as a reward for stabbing Arthur's sister? That... kind of amuses me.

I feel like I have so much more to say, and I'm dying to read everyone else's comments, but I must leave the house now. Please chatter at me in the meantime, because I think I cannot get too much discussion of this episode!

Comments

[rotrude.livejournal.com]

Re Merlin and Mordred, I don't know but I think Merlin's not touching him because like Merlin Mordred is of magic and in a way they have it bad enough without hurting their kind. In a way. Naturally if Mordred was holding a weapon ready to strike Arthur it'd be different. And it'd be different if Arthur did it himself.

Love the mutual secret keeping because they're alike.

If I were Arthur I wouldn't be so quick to knight someone for stabbing a third party in the back. What if Mordred sticks to form and does it again, to him? Not really a character recommendation, that one.

I was kind of nearly tearing up at Ruadan showing up for Sefa. There's a line Sefa had about wanting to maker her father happy that sounded just like Arthur/Uther and that touched me.

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

I really loved Sefa and Ruadan, too. I can't imagine that Gwen wasn't moved by Sefa's desire to please her father and the way Ruadan used that. She and Arthur were both raised by single fathers, and I'm sure she had a great deal of pity and understanding for Sefa's situation.

[lolafeist.livejournal.com]

I can't barely see past my the fiery sails of my Merlin/Mordred ship.

Gwen was so great. I like, CHEERED, when she shut Gaius down all bitch please. No.

That alien thing was so tragically ridiculous.

AITHUSA. AITHUSA. Merlin talking to Aithusa. ;_;

Merlin being a little darker, in a way that I find really attractive/reasonable!

Super enjoyable episode. :D

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

It was super enjoyable!

I absolutely loved when Gwen was being all queenly at Gaius. Sorry, Gaius, your Queen don't need your advice, so just do your job and stay outta her way.

Of all the things I'm looking forward to this season, seeing where the whole Merlin/Mordred thing is going is right on the top of my list with big sparkly letters.

[floating-fog.livejournal.com]

Awesome review deserves a long comment so:

Gwen: I was actually surprised that she thought about it all by herself though the acting out of the plan got a bit messed up, I'm sure she didn't mean for Ruadan to die or for Sefa to escape OR to let three guards to die so I'm going to take off points for that.

Morgana: I agree with you on the whole mental state of her, that scene with Mordred was really intense when it came to Morgana's madness, you could really see that she lost it and I don't think that even if she'll ever get to the point where she has Camelot for herself she'll know what to do with it, she is too far gone down the rabbit hole.

Aithusa: The official heart breaker for the season so it would seem
:( but I don't think that refering to Morgana as his mistress is right, I think he doesn't want to be bound to her but has no choice, something is forcing him to do that because that is the only explanation there is for the scene with Merlin when he asks Aithusa who did this to him, also, why can't he speak like Kilgarrah? It's obvious that there is something really wrong with our bb dragon.

I can't refer to Gwaine without refering to that fucked up E.T so I won't, I'll just say that it was too hilarious to take seriously.

And finally, Merlin and Mordred: Let's just say that this is going to be a very intresting season.

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

I don't think that even if she'll ever get to the point where she has Camelot for herself she'll know what to do with it, she is too far gone down the rabbit hole.

That's a really good point. I felt like back in her last two conquest attempts, she had plans for Albion, or at least a general notion of ruling. Now, however, she would just be sitting brokenly on a different throne while Camelot fell to ruin around her.

Not that she probably wouldn't have ruined Camelot before, but she would have done it deliberately. *g*

but I don't think that refering to Morgana as his mistress is right, I think he doesn't want to be bound to her but has no choice, something is forcing him to do that because that is the only explanation there is for the scene with Merlin when he asks Aithusa who did this to him, also, why can't he speak like Kilgarrah?

Hmm... I could see that going either way, but I think I have to disagree with you on this one. I think Aithusa is genuinely attached to Morgana. The way he lay his head down on the bed next to her seemed more comfort-seeking than submissive to me. I think the same long captivity that broke Morgana's mind also broke Aithusa, stunting his development both physically and magically. He seemed so hopeful when he recognized Merlin, but I think he hoped that Merlin would save both him and Morgana and keep them safe, not that he wanted to be rescued from Morgana.

But I'm sure this will become clearer as we find out more about what actually happened to Morgana, as I can't wait to do!

I can't refer to Gwaine without refering to that fucked up E.T so I won't, I'll just say that it was too hilarious to take seriously.

What got really hilarious to me around the third or fourth time I watched it is the way Gwaine is always lying flat on his back with the glowy dude reclining over him. Geez, Gwaine, just what kind of healing are you getting here??

[floating-fog.livejournal.com]

she would just be sitting brokenly on a different throne while Camelot fell to ruin around her
Exactly! This is exactly what is going to happen to her if she'll get Camelot. It's like, right now she thinks her goal in life is to get Camelot and supposedly return the magic to the land but once she'll get Camelot I don't think she'll remember what to do...

I think he hoped that Merlin would save both him and Morgana and keep them safe, not that he wanted to be rescued from Morgana
I can see where you are coming from, it did seem like Aithusa was actually liking Morgana but then again it isn't the first time someone gets brainwashed by her is it? We have exampls for that throughout the series, so as long as we don't have final proof about it we'll leave it at that :)

Geez, Gwaine, just what kind of healing are you getting here??
OMG that was my thought exactly! I was like 'Gwaine that is really embarrassing, get the fuck up already!' XD

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

This episode was amazing. I was holding my breath the whole time but esp. with the Merlin and Mordred scenes. It looks to me like Merlin really doesn't want to hurt Mordred but that he's so driven to protect Arthur that he'd be willing to do anything to keep him safe. I have to wonder why at this point. It's almost a form of madness. Anyway, loved it.

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

It really does seem like a form of madness. I'm a bit worried for Merlin's mental health as this plotline continues. His destiny is truly crushing him this time - he's not just trying to get Arthur onto the throne of Albion to fulfill his destiny anymore. He's trying to save the king he loves more than anything from certain death. His outbursts and anger and his strange mood in that final scene with Mordred show a lack of control that's pretty uncharacteristic for him. He's obsessed with this prophecy and scared to death in a way we haven't seen to this extent before. Meep.

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

They did talk about exploring Merlin's darkness and his choices. Maybe this is the first sign that we have seen. Am very excited.

[magnolia822.livejournal.com]

I second everything here! The Mordred/Merlin dynamic was really interesting to me and what held my attention the most, since my OTP had so little screen time this week. I don't really see the sexual tension between them, aside from them both being extremely attractive, though there is of course tension and chemistry because the actors are so amazing. And I think that's because while enemies often have a very explosive sexual undercurrent, Merlin's antagonism towards Mordred is solely based on his love and fear for Arthur's safety. His reasons for keeping Mordred's secret seem quite different from Mordred's, since Mordred could actually use his knowledge of Merlin's power to discredit him in A's eyes, and I Merlin's motivation has to be based to a great extent on self-perservation. In any case, it will be interesting to see how it plays out, because yes, as you've stated above, Merlin's obsession w/keeping Arthur safe is showing itself to be his main vulnerability. He's making decisions that are OOC based on it, and so something will have to give at some point.

Let the alien die!

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I really don't think Merlin can see much of anything outside of keeping Arthur safe right now. In past seasons he's been juggling a lot of other considerations at the same time, but right now -- sorry, I just distracted myself by saying "juggling." Hee!

I think part of what makes the Mordred/Merlin dynamic so sexy (at least to me) is that there's a significant amount of pull and connection between them underneath the antagonism. They are both creatures of the Old Religion; each of them is as close to an equal as the other one will ever find. Part of them really wants to be together (as friends and allies, I mean, though you can certainly spin that out sexually as well).

I suspect Mordred, in particular, would consider the barriers between them unnatural and solely of Merlin's making. I'm not sure yet whether he's still holding out any hope of achieving amity with Emrys, or whether he's playing a long game of revenge, but even the revenge I think would come from a place of betrayal, that Merlin chooses Arthur over and over against those who should be his beloved kin.

And of course, we've seen for years how much Merlin aches to connect with other magic users, who would understand him in a way Arthur can't. A strong relationship with someone as unique and powerful as Merlin himself ought to be a dream come true, if it weren't for that pesky prophecy!

Thin line between love and hate and all that. *g*


Let the alien die!

Man, I am just hoping their CGI budget runs out fast this season. *headdesk*

[magnolia822.livejournal.com]

Oh, I can see why someone would ship them, I just don't see it myself (at least not yet). I mainly see the Merlin/Mordred storyline as competition over Arthur and a place beside him, rather than latent desire for each other either as friends or lovers. I do, however, agree that Merlin has always wanted a connection with other magic users, and that he might be able to find that in Mordred. Not sure if the storyline will take us there because of the prophecy and also because I predict a lot of envious Merlin mad at Mordred moving in on his man, but we'll see.

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

No, I don't think the show will really deal with that at all, but that's part of the backstory/undercurrent I see in their relationship. Things could have been so much different for them if Merlin had made different choices. It's kind of the same way I see Merlin's relationship with Morgana.

I agree with you that Mordred is likely going to be trying to edge Merlin out with Arthur - I would love to see Mordred start trying to influence Arthur in favor of magic with some success, so as to become the more solid and trusted magical voice in Arthur's ear once all is eventually revealed. He could speak for benevolent magic much more openly than Merlin can, since Arthur knows he was raised by the Druids, even if Arthur doesn't know Mordred practices magic himself.

[ella-bane.livejournal.com]

Merlin and Mordred - I really feel like I can't talk about them separately this week, since the entire episode hung on the constant tension between them (ROWR).

Oh my GOD. Their tension is unbelievably arresting. I couldn't take my eyes off of them.

So Arthur knighted him as a reward for stabbing Arthur's sister? That... kind of amuses me. Hahha, I didn't think of it quite like that!

Gwen was amazing. I adore her as Queen. Her confidence and her no-nonsense attitude is great! She doesn't take Gaius's bs either. :D

ARTHUR AND MERLIN. They are stronger than ever, in my mind. I noted the rotten food too. Such a great moment. :D

I feel like I have so much more to say . . .

I wrote a long post but I'm still processing too. A rewatch is in order, right? :D

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

Her confidence and her no-nonsense attitude is great! She doesn't take Gaius's bs either. :D

You know, I didn't really notice Gaius that much until folks started talking about it, but now I just LOVE this! I love that she made her own decision without saying a damn thing to anyone about it. While Gaius certainly has wisdom to offer, he has never held the kind of absolute power and responsibility that Arthur, Gwen, and Merlin have, which I think limits the usefulness of his advice in a lot of scenarios. And I love that Gwen knows exactly what she needs from him and what she doesn't.

A rewatch is in order, right? :D

YES. ALWAYS.

[giselleslash.livejournal.com]

I always love reading your episode reactions. I want to say something sensible and insightful but I find myself just wanting to go: DITTO!! YAYYY!! to most of it. lol.

I'm so intrigued by Mordred. I just can't get over how much I like him in so short a time. He was in like three minutes of one ep and then this one and I'm already buying him as this wonderfully ambiguous person that's keeping me on the edge of my seat. I love it.

So many great moments in this ep. I'm so excited about this season. I'll be interested to see where it goes now that the two-part opener is over.

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

I know, I just can't get over Mordred and how riveted he has me. Like I mentioned in your post, I was so apprehensive about his appearance this season because I DO NOT DEAL WELL with any mention of Camlann.

But I think part of my brain is convinced that Merlin and Arthur will win Mordred's heart so as to avoid the bad part of Arthur's destiny, and I am such a sucker for bad/ambiguous boys redeemed/won over by love. I may be setting myself up for a pretty hideous disappointment, but either way, I don't think I'm going to get bored with Mordred any time soon!

[riventhorn.livejournal.com]

if you opened up my brain at any random point in any day, you'd probably just hear it squeaking "ArthurArthurArthurArthurArthur."

LOL--this is my brain, too. :)

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

ARTHUR ARTHUR ARTHUR ARTHUR ARTHUR

\o/

[destina.livejournal.com]

Oh and of COURSE I was immersed in studying (when am I not, lately) when you posted! I made myself wait until I broke for dinner to look today. But it was difficult! *g*

She won't execute a (relatively) innocent girl, but she won't hesitate to use her to draw out the real threat. AND SHE DOESN'T NEED ANYBODY'S APPROVAL, BITCHES.

YES!! And you are so right about the way her independence is all the more shocking, as is her quiet wisdom. We haven't had much of her so far, but I am completely loving what we've seen of her. Can't wait to see where it goes from here!

I loved Mordred pledging to keep Merlin's secret. I loved Merlin essentially doing the same at the end.

This both makes me happy and scares me. Because coming from Mordred, I wasn't sure whether or not to believe it, and in Merlin's case, it almost felt like a veiled threat. *shiver* I felt like Merlin was putting Mordred on notice, subtly, and Mordred's answer to that was to become even more mild-mannered in response - like, you aren't worried about little old ME, are you? All above love and whatnot. I feel like everyone has forgotten that the last time Mordred saw Merlin, he swore he'd never forgive him. But Merlin hasn't forgotten. What's the best way to hurt Merlin? Break Arthur's trust in him, or remove Arthur from his life altogether. *shivers more*

I wonder if you're right about Merlin not being able to bring himself to kill Mordred for what is yet to come. But might not come. He sure didn't hesitate to goad Arthur into doing it, so much so that Arthur was starting to give him the eye.