The Hollow Queen
I'm not even sure why I'm writing this. I found this episode a total waste of precious time. Except for the fact we learned a bit more about who, how, and why Morgana was captured and held, what happened? Not a friggin' thing that moved the story along.
I've made several comments in the past how I feel Merlin has become so focused on Arthur that he has lost sight of his original goals. Not goal, but goals; of which there are two: 1) Keep Arthur safe in order for him to ascend the throne and become the Once and Future King, and 2) To bring magic back so the great time of Albion can begin.
I was pleased that when asked initally, Merlin didn't blindly run off to help the non-Druid boy. It was harsh, but I felt in character for how he has been of late. However, I was also pleased Merlin hasn't forgotten his duty to magic users. I found it out of place that, at a time when Merlin knows for a fact Gwen, and by extension Morgana, are trying to kill Arthur and had almost succeeded, he would leave the castle. Although I suppose he can't truly be at Arthur's side 24/7, so in his mind a day trip wouldn't make a difference? IDK.
Oh Arthur, what have they done to you? You can't even dress yourself. Although I like knowing Arthur has trouble functioning without Merlin by his side, this was just over the top. And then asking Gaius to help. Sheesh. I could believe he needed assistance if it was his chainmail he was getting into. However, I'm not sure that was the case, and even if it was, during the scene he was putting on the garments he wears underneath the chainmail. Surely he can manage that himself.
I find Arthur telling Gwen she's always right about as annoying as when Gwen and/or Merlin would say "Arthur, you have a good heart. You'll be a great King".
When Meriln was given the potion by Morgana, I didn't even care that much. I know, I KNOW! How could I be so heartless? Well, let's see. He's Merlin so we know he won't die. Arthur was obviously not going to look for him so we could have some M/A dramatics. All we saw was Merlin's uselessness AGAIN. In my mind, the buildup wasn't enough to get me interested. I was saddened to see the great Emrys couldn't save himself. Once again, we see Morgana's magic is more powerful. At least the concoction Morgana gave him was a new type of magic. Small blessings.
Okay. When Merlin and non-Druid boy were confronted by the bandits, we had an opportunity to see Merlin do some badass magic. Arthur wasn't there, the Knights weren't there. He could have blasted them with something really cool and new for us to see (or even magic we haven't seen since s1). Alas, it was the usual crap. I was really hoping he'd do something awesome. TPTB just don't want to give us anything. I understand Merlin doesn't like to kill unless he feels it's his only option, however, he didn't have to kill them. He's friggin' Emrys. He could have brought a fireball, rain and lightening/thunder, something else to scare the shite out of them.
Gaius should have sought Arthur out immediately after discussing Merlin's whereabouts with Gwen. He knows there's something amiss with her. I know he did eventually, but there was urgency to this situation I don't feel was translated well.
There are so many things about this episode I loathe that it would take days to write them all down. Suffice to say, this was a wasted 45 minutes when time is crucial. It doesn't seem next week will be any better.
I've made several comments in the past how I feel Merlin has become so focused on Arthur that he has lost sight of his original goals. Not goal, but goals; of which there are two: 1) Keep Arthur safe in order for him to ascend the throne and become the Once and Future King, and 2) To bring magic back so the great time of Albion can begin.
I was pleased that when asked initally, Merlin didn't blindly run off to help the non-Druid boy. It was harsh, but I felt in character for how he has been of late. However, I was also pleased Merlin hasn't forgotten his duty to magic users. I found it out of place that, at a time when Merlin knows for a fact Gwen, and by extension Morgana, are trying to kill Arthur and had almost succeeded, he would leave the castle. Although I suppose he can't truly be at Arthur's side 24/7, so in his mind a day trip wouldn't make a difference? IDK.
Oh Arthur, what have they done to you? You can't even dress yourself. Although I like knowing Arthur has trouble functioning without Merlin by his side, this was just over the top. And then asking Gaius to help. Sheesh. I could believe he needed assistance if it was his chainmail he was getting into. However, I'm not sure that was the case, and even if it was, during the scene he was putting on the garments he wears underneath the chainmail. Surely he can manage that himself.
I find Arthur telling Gwen she's always right about as annoying as when Gwen and/or Merlin would say "Arthur, you have a good heart. You'll be a great King".
When Meriln was given the potion by Morgana, I didn't even care that much. I know, I KNOW! How could I be so heartless? Well, let's see. He's Merlin so we know he won't die. Arthur was obviously not going to look for him so we could have some M/A dramatics. All we saw was Merlin's uselessness AGAIN. In my mind, the buildup wasn't enough to get me interested. I was saddened to see the great Emrys couldn't save himself. Once again, we see Morgana's magic is more powerful. At least the concoction Morgana gave him was a new type of magic. Small blessings.
Okay. When Merlin and non-Druid boy were confronted by the bandits, we had an opportunity to see Merlin do some badass magic. Arthur wasn't there, the Knights weren't there. He could have blasted them with something really cool and new for us to see (or even magic we haven't seen since s1). Alas, it was the usual crap. I was really hoping he'd do something awesome. TPTB just don't want to give us anything. I understand Merlin doesn't like to kill unless he feels it's his only option, however, he didn't have to kill them. He's friggin' Emrys. He could have brought a fireball, rain and lightening/thunder, something else to scare the shite out of them.
Gaius should have sought Arthur out immediately after discussing Merlin's whereabouts with Gwen. He knows there's something amiss with her. I know he did eventually, but there was urgency to this situation I don't feel was translated well.
There are so many things about this episode I loathe that it would take days to write them all down. Suffice to say, this was a wasted 45 minutes when time is crucial. It doesn't seem next week will be any better.