A Lesson in Vengeance
I find it VERY hard to believe, but I enjoyed this episide. I think partly because I had no expectations of enjoying it. Even with the story a total and complete rehash of episodes past, down to the camera angles and shots *last scene cough last scene*, I was genuinely surprised when the closing titles appeared. For me, I think the reason I enjoyed this ep was soley due to the acting by the three main characters this ep...Colin / Bradley / Angel.
Gwen:
I'm grateful Angel can play wicked without all the smirking. Yes, there were a few times it was reminiscent of Smirkgana, but overall, I thought she was much more believeable than Katie has ever been. I've always found Angel's acting to be subtle. Her ability to convey to the audience the character's true emotions using only facial expressions. It doesn't often happen that Gwen has more than one emotion, being that all she's ever allowed to do is "I lovvee Arthur and he's the bestest King ever!!" So, it was fun to watch her do something new. Yes, the story was ridiculous, but that's not the point. Angel delivered a fine performance.
Arthur / Gwen:
I enjoyed their scenes.........I can't believe I said that. It's probably down to Gwen actually having a personality for once. It's the first time I can recall not cringing at their interactions. Once again, Arthur is a dumb arse, but hey, at least their scenes were tolerable. I did roll my eyes several times, though. This time it was simpering Arthur instead of simpering Gwen.
Knights:
WTF. I was truly angry we didn't get a scene where the Knights had a private discussion about the fact Merlin was accused of trying to kill the King and how utterly ludicrious the idea was. If the scene between Dragoon and the cook were removed as it was completely irrelevant, and the scene between Dragoon and the guards was cut a bit, that time could have been used to show us how the Knights could never believe Merlin would hurt Arthur. So blatantly out of character. I understand we're to know they are bound to an allegiance to the Queen, but really? Just because they have sworn fealty does not mean they agree with the decisions of Royalty. Remember the scene in s4 "A Servant of Two Masters" when Leon asks Merlin why he needs a crossbow and Merlin says "To kill Arthur" and Leon's response was "Getting on your nerves, is he?" and Merlin says "Not for long" and Leon laughs? There is no way any of the Knights could believe the charge against Merlin. There is just no way. So typical of TPTB to shite all over characterization.
Gwaine / Merlin:
It was nice to see them interact again. It wasn't very long and it was only to allow us to see how cunning Gwen is with her eavesdropping (harummph), but I still liked seeing them together. Being friends again.
Gaius / Merlin:
I am TIRED of Gaius constantly dismissing Merlin's concerns. Has it always been this bad? I'm not sure what the writers are going for. Is it to show Merlin thinking for himself, so Gaius has to spew even worse advice than previous seasons/series? I have no idea. I've always liked the Gaius/Merlin dynamic until this year. Of all the people in Camelot, Gaius is the last one who should ignore Merlin's feelings/concerns.
Gaius / Gwen:
Loved the scene where Gaius and Gwen are in the stairwell. Gaius is so not buying what Gwen said about how sorry she is Merlin is in the cells. HA! I just love Richard Wilson. That look on his face that says "I'm pretending to believe you, but really I think you're full of shite". An actor who can do so much even when given so very little.
Arthur:
Gaad. How Bradley can even stand to recite the crap they give him is remarkable. I give kudos because as a seemingly intelligent man and talented actor, he must see the writing/characterization of Arthur going in the toilet, and yet he continues to gives us splendid performances. He must be hard pressed not to throw the scripts down and storm out. How stupid can they write Arthur? It's beyond embarrassing what TPTB had done with Arthur the character. How can anyone believe this man to be the King of all Kings. Who'd even want him to be The Once and Future King? I watched and interview recently with Bradley. First of all, he seems bored talking about the show; second, when asked if he's up for another season/series, one of his comments was "if the writing is interesting" or something along those lines. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I thought it was telling.
Merlin:
As usual, Merlin is right and nobody pays attention. Soooooooo very tired of it. Yet again, Merlin's powers are minimized. Morgana can age herself and return to normal without a draught, but Merlin needs it to break free of the aging spell. Oh, and let's not forget Merlin needs Gaius to get him out of the cells. I was screaming at the computer over this. It's such crap they write Merlin like an oaf. The two main characters meant to bring the most wonderful time in the fabled history of the Briton's, according to TPTB at Shine, are shite at what they do. Seriously, who would want these morons running their country? Not me. In America we have some doosies in our politcal system, but sheesh, these characterizations make the American political system look lik e genius.
Dragoon:
Completely unnecessary, but I found him funny this ep. His snark is great. Did he sound a bit Scottish this time?
Merlin / Arthur:
When Merlin ran into Arthur's chambers and saw him dead, why did Merlin just stand in the doorway? Would it have looked to 'gay' for him to run directly to Arthur and touch him, shake him, yell for help? It could have solidified Gwen's accusation as Merlin would be the last to see Arthur. I thought him just standing there was strange.
As usual, Bradley and Colin bring it. The scene where Arthur is dying and Merlin's complete and utter emotion was fantastic. Gaad, Colin is amazing. I'm not sure why, but the added touch of Merlin sweating bullets while trying to save Arthur communicated to us so well his fear and despair over what he was faced with. He was so scared, not only for Arthur, but the idea he may not be able to save him was so friggin' well done. After Merlin used his magic and Gaius turned around with a look that apparently said to Merlin the spell didn't work...OMFG. The shake of Meriln's head which conveyed a 'NO NO NO NO!!!", and his angiush that he failed, I'm not sure I can express how it made me feel. It's amazing how, although the audience knows Arthur won't die, the brilliant acting brings one to their knees, even with that knowledge. I wonder how many takes were shot before the scene was satisfactory to the director. How many times did Colin have to pull from his soul that level of emotion.
I was pleased, as I'm sure many were, when Arthur called Merlin to his chambers and told Merlin there was no way in hell he believed Merlin had commited this crime. Hurrah for once having the writing spot-on character wise. I would have liked to see a scene where Arthur asked Gwen how on earth she could accuse Merlin of something so horrible. It could have been some fine acting.
Last Scene:
This scene was an exact replica of s3e2, when Uther and Arthur thought Morgana had foiled the skeleton army. Seriously, it was exactly the same. EXACTLY. Down to Merlin and Gwen giving each other 'the look'. I did like Colin's face. When he looked at Morgana, it was a snarky 'you bitch' look. With Gwen, it was 'I will fucking to kill you if I have to' look. So much malevolence.
Obnoxious Rude Thoughts:
TPTB are shameless in their blatant reuse of storylines and complete lack of characterization continuity. I didn't realize the lengths they would go until Arthur suddenly didn't remember Mordred has magic. Both my niece and nephew (13 and 11) got bored with this ep, to the point they got up, got snacks and barely paid attention. My nephew wasn't even interested in watching s5e6, so he didn't. My sister absolutely did not like this ep, nor is she thrilled this storyline will continue through ep9, so our positions were reversed. Usually, I'm the negative one and she's positive. She's not a Merthur shipper, but she does feel the only viable relationship is M/A. I guess even they couldn't pull it out for her or the the kids this time.
After reading the massive spoilers for the end of the season/series, I have no idea what to think. Because I have a tiny glimmer of hope there will be a Merlin reveal (I know, I am truly foolish), and the fact I love Bradley and Colin together so much is the reason I continue to suffer through the raging frustration I have for the show runners. I told my sis yesterday if I don't find the ending of this show satisfactory, I will mail all my Merlin DVD's to Shine with a big fat FUCK YOU note on it. It won't change anything, but it will make me feel better. After all, how the hell is anyone able to watch any past season/series if the ending is so shite you want to vomit.
Gwen:
I'm grateful Angel can play wicked without all the smirking. Yes, there were a few times it was reminiscent of Smirkgana, but overall, I thought she was much more believeable than Katie has ever been. I've always found Angel's acting to be subtle. Her ability to convey to the audience the character's true emotions using only facial expressions. It doesn't often happen that Gwen has more than one emotion, being that all she's ever allowed to do is "I lovvee Arthur and he's the bestest King ever!!" So, it was fun to watch her do something new. Yes, the story was ridiculous, but that's not the point. Angel delivered a fine performance.
Arthur / Gwen:
I enjoyed their scenes.........I can't believe I said that. It's probably down to Gwen actually having a personality for once. It's the first time I can recall not cringing at their interactions. Once again, Arthur is a dumb arse, but hey, at least their scenes were tolerable. I did roll my eyes several times, though. This time it was simpering Arthur instead of simpering Gwen.
Knights:
WTF. I was truly angry we didn't get a scene where the Knights had a private discussion about the fact Merlin was accused of trying to kill the King and how utterly ludicrious the idea was. If the scene between Dragoon and the cook were removed as it was completely irrelevant, and the scene between Dragoon and the guards was cut a bit, that time could have been used to show us how the Knights could never believe Merlin would hurt Arthur. So blatantly out of character. I understand we're to know they are bound to an allegiance to the Queen, but really? Just because they have sworn fealty does not mean they agree with the decisions of Royalty. Remember the scene in s4 "A Servant of Two Masters" when Leon asks Merlin why he needs a crossbow and Merlin says "To kill Arthur" and Leon's response was "Getting on your nerves, is he?" and Merlin says "Not for long" and Leon laughs? There is no way any of the Knights could believe the charge against Merlin. There is just no way. So typical of TPTB to shite all over characterization.
Gwaine / Merlin:
It was nice to see them interact again. It wasn't very long and it was only to allow us to see how cunning Gwen is with her eavesdropping (harummph), but I still liked seeing them together. Being friends again.
Gaius / Merlin:
I am TIRED of Gaius constantly dismissing Merlin's concerns. Has it always been this bad? I'm not sure what the writers are going for. Is it to show Merlin thinking for himself, so Gaius has to spew even worse advice than previous seasons/series? I have no idea. I've always liked the Gaius/Merlin dynamic until this year. Of all the people in Camelot, Gaius is the last one who should ignore Merlin's feelings/concerns.
Gaius / Gwen:
Loved the scene where Gaius and Gwen are in the stairwell. Gaius is so not buying what Gwen said about how sorry she is Merlin is in the cells. HA! I just love Richard Wilson. That look on his face that says "I'm pretending to believe you, but really I think you're full of shite". An actor who can do so much even when given so very little.
Arthur:
Gaad. How Bradley can even stand to recite the crap they give him is remarkable. I give kudos because as a seemingly intelligent man and talented actor, he must see the writing/characterization of Arthur going in the toilet, and yet he continues to gives us splendid performances. He must be hard pressed not to throw the scripts down and storm out. How stupid can they write Arthur? It's beyond embarrassing what TPTB had done with Arthur the character. How can anyone believe this man to be the King of all Kings. Who'd even want him to be The Once and Future King? I watched and interview recently with Bradley. First of all, he seems bored talking about the show; second, when asked if he's up for another season/series, one of his comments was "if the writing is interesting" or something along those lines. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I thought it was telling.
Merlin:
As usual, Merlin is right and nobody pays attention. Soooooooo very tired of it. Yet again, Merlin's powers are minimized. Morgana can age herself and return to normal without a draught, but Merlin needs it to break free of the aging spell. Oh, and let's not forget Merlin needs Gaius to get him out of the cells. I was screaming at the computer over this. It's such crap they write Merlin like an oaf. The two main characters meant to bring the most wonderful time in the fabled history of the Briton's, according to TPTB at Shine, are shite at what they do. Seriously, who would want these morons running their country? Not me. In America we have some doosies in our politcal system, but sheesh, these characterizations make the American political system look lik e genius.
Dragoon:
Completely unnecessary, but I found him funny this ep. His snark is great. Did he sound a bit Scottish this time?
Merlin / Arthur:
When Merlin ran into Arthur's chambers and saw him dead, why did Merlin just stand in the doorway? Would it have looked to 'gay' for him to run directly to Arthur and touch him, shake him, yell for help? It could have solidified Gwen's accusation as Merlin would be the last to see Arthur. I thought him just standing there was strange.
As usual, Bradley and Colin bring it. The scene where Arthur is dying and Merlin's complete and utter emotion was fantastic. Gaad, Colin is amazing. I'm not sure why, but the added touch of Merlin sweating bullets while trying to save Arthur communicated to us so well his fear and despair over what he was faced with. He was so scared, not only for Arthur, but the idea he may not be able to save him was so friggin' well done. After Merlin used his magic and Gaius turned around with a look that apparently said to Merlin the spell didn't work...OMFG. The shake of Meriln's head which conveyed a 'NO NO NO NO!!!", and his angiush that he failed, I'm not sure I can express how it made me feel. It's amazing how, although the audience knows Arthur won't die, the brilliant acting brings one to their knees, even with that knowledge. I wonder how many takes were shot before the scene was satisfactory to the director. How many times did Colin have to pull from his soul that level of emotion.
I was pleased, as I'm sure many were, when Arthur called Merlin to his chambers and told Merlin there was no way in hell he believed Merlin had commited this crime. Hurrah for once having the writing spot-on character wise. I would have liked to see a scene where Arthur asked Gwen how on earth she could accuse Merlin of something so horrible. It could have been some fine acting.
Last Scene:
This scene was an exact replica of s3e2, when Uther and Arthur thought Morgana had foiled the skeleton army. Seriously, it was exactly the same. EXACTLY. Down to Merlin and Gwen giving each other 'the look'. I did like Colin's face. When he looked at Morgana, it was a snarky 'you bitch' look. With Gwen, it was 'I will fucking to kill you if I have to' look. So much malevolence.
Obnoxious Rude Thoughts:
TPTB are shameless in their blatant reuse of storylines and complete lack of characterization continuity. I didn't realize the lengths they would go until Arthur suddenly didn't remember Mordred has magic. Both my niece and nephew (13 and 11) got bored with this ep, to the point they got up, got snacks and barely paid attention. My nephew wasn't even interested in watching s5e6, so he didn't. My sister absolutely did not like this ep, nor is she thrilled this storyline will continue through ep9, so our positions were reversed. Usually, I'm the negative one and she's positive. She's not a Merthur shipper, but she does feel the only viable relationship is M/A. I guess even they couldn't pull it out for her or the the kids this time.
After reading the massive spoilers for the end of the season/series, I have no idea what to think. Because I have a tiny glimmer of hope there will be a Merlin reveal (I know, I am truly foolish), and the fact I love Bradley and Colin together so much is the reason I continue to suffer through the raging frustration I have for the show runners. I told my sis yesterday if I don't find the ending of this show satisfactory, I will mail all my Merlin DVD's to Shine with a big fat FUCK YOU note on it. It won't change anything, but it will make me feel better. After all, how the hell is anyone able to watch any past season/series if the ending is so shite you want to vomit.