With All My Heart
My first reaction to this episode was to cry for all the things we will never have. I did actually cry a few times, mourning the fact the show has fallen so far, far down. Back almost to s3 levels at times. I am very upset with the constant CONSTANT reveal baiting. I know it won't happen, so I don't get my hopes up anymore, nor do I get excited when the moments arrive in each episode. It actually has the opposite effect now. These scenes make me quite sad. When I watch the episodes the first time, I have a difficult time switching from a hard-line viewer to the 'take it as it is' viewer. As you can see, in this instance on initial review, the hard-line viewer prevailed.
I have now watched the ep a few times and had time to step back from my emotions. In doing so, I've seen a few things clearer. Certainly, I still see all the flaws within this show, but I did notice some positives that either eluded me before or I'm just so far down the low expectation ladder that I've hit bottom.
First I'd like to say if you're going to attempt to pull a heart string, make sure to use a relationship that is viable. Gwen mourning the brother she never saw, talked to, and who abandoned her when she was banished is not in the best taste, nor does it work. I couldn't give two fucks. Oh, and way to shite all over the little it was by her using that excuse while enchanted/brainwashed.
Arthr / Gwen: Although I rarely find any chemistry/feeling at all with A/G, in one scene I actually felt something that didn't induce eye rolling. When Arthur comes back from one of his clandestine meetings, wearing the white shirt of sex, Gwen comes in and questions him on how the training went. She goes on to say she's not a fool, she's his wife, and she would never see harm come to him. Normally, I'd've covered my eyes to avoid the nauseous feeling I usually get, but Bradley saved it for me. The look on his face when she was expounding her love was excellent. I had feelings for him over his wife. ACTUAL FEELINGS of sadness for Arthur over Gwen. When Arthur told Gwen he'd do anything for her, I believed it. For once. As for the rest of their interaction and storyline... Not interested.
Gaius / Merlin: What a change in Merlin. Instead of running head-long into trouble in trying to help Gwen and ultimately Arthur, he had to be persuaded, and this time Gaius was the cheerleader. Merlin really has changed.
Dragoon / Dochraid: I like the creepy lady. She reminds me of the other creeper that played Alan Rickman's mother in "Robin Hood". They both have a way that works for me. Creepy lady is creepy. However, her words pissed me off. Is she saying Emrys is not all he's cracked up to be? I'm not sure because obviously he is. She said he didn't have the power to wield Excalibur: he did. She said only a powerful sorcerer could crack the spell: he did. So, is she just full of shite or what? Oh, and she said Emrys is no friend of the Old Religion. I thought Emrys/Merlin was made FROM the Old Religion/Magic. Are TPTB trying to retcon Emrys as well? If so, I am confused because he did all she said he couldn't do.
Arthur / Merlin / Gaius: Those three together are wonderful. The little scene with them in the coat closet or whatever it was and Gaius explaining all the nonsense about what needs to be accomplished in order for Gwen to be unenchanted/unbrainwashed was nicely done. I liked how, when Arthur asked a question Gaius was hesitant to answer, Merlin did. Gaius knew the answers would be hard for Arthur to hear and he relinquished the job to Merlin. And then Arthur thanked Merlin for his honesty. Interesting dynamic. When Arthur turned to Merlin and silently asked if he would be going along, something really struck me. Yes, Arthur at times treats Merlin poorly, teases him, etc., whether alone or in front of others, and yes, Merlin and the audience are very well done with that, however, Merlin is the only person Arthur trusts implicitly. Merlin is the only one. The ONLY ONE. I've known this for some time, but this scene made it really hit home. I don't know why, but this was a very important moment for me. It changed something for me and my relationship with these characters I can't yet define.
When Gaius said the sorcerer would be a woman, Colin's face was perfect! The "WTF are you kidding??" look. And then Gaius's quick look to Merlin. HAHA!
Regarding Arthur's take on Uther's death. Ok, in s4, we're to believe Arthur is of the mind Dragoon killed his father. Then Gaius has 'the talk' and so now we're not sure. Then Arthur tells us he blames Odin. Now again he believes Dragoon killed Uther? Or does he think it's a combination of both? I wish these writers would be consistent with SOMETHING. This show drives me to drink (more than I already do). Oh, and Arthur said he'd be going back on 'his decrees' by using magic. His decrees? I thought they were Uther's. Has Arthur written some new anti-magic laws? Arthur dabbling in magic as much as he does this season/series really makes him look bad. More hypocritical than Uther, really. Uther did it once, to save Morgana. Arthur's done it multiple times.
Mordred / Morgana: So very sad. This is the first time since Morgana's reaction to Uther's death I felt anything for this character other than annoyance. What Mordred said to Morgana about her heart was so sad, and the line was so well delivered by Alex. Katie's reaction was also nice. I wonder if we're to assume that, because twice now Morgana's been reminded of her goodness and care for others she once had, we're to think a redemption arc will start. Not buying it. No amount of foreshadowing TPTB try to shove at me will make me believe. They have been doing this since s4 started and nothing has come to pass and I am BITTER about it. So, FU producers. You suck.
Mordred used magic in that scene. Are we to suppose this is the first time in a long while he's used his magic? I got that vibe from the way Alex played it. IDK.
Aithusa / Merlin: WTF. Seriously, is EVERYONE FROM CAMELOT DEAF AND BLIND??? Both Morgana AND Mordred did not hear or see Merlin yelling and charging Aithusa and Aithusa retreating? Good Gaad. I was really hoping Mordred would see Merlin's Dragonlord powers. Typical for this show.
Arthur / Mordred: I really like Alex as Mordred. If I didn't believe for a second he is a turncoat, I would buy the ambiguity TPTB keep touting. He's quite good with this character. While at the cauldron, when Arthur asks Mordred how he escaped Morgana and Mordred says his spiel about Knights being awesome, Arthur asks "Seriously, Mordred". Hmmm... I would have loved to hear what Mordred would have said, but they were interrupted. I like that Arthur's totally not buying it. ** Newsflash!!** In this episode, Arthur has a brain. Welcome back, Arthur's brain. We've all missed you. Please stay.
Merlin / Mordred: Loving the dynamic. Mordred so ernest, Merlin absolutely not trusting him. It's very well done. Alex and Colin work well together. Arthur made a snide comment about Merlin in front of Mordred, and it was obvious that, athough Merlin never likes being mocked, it is even harder when it's in front of Mordred. I suspect it's because Mordred knows all that Merlin is and can be, which makes Merlin feel even more belittled.
Dolma: OMG. I want to see Colin play a drag queen. Wouldn't he be so beatiful? I mean, really beautiful. Please let it be so!! I want to see Drag Queen Colin in a movie. He was GREAT as the Dolma. I kept picturing him as Merlin and was cracking up at that image. His mannerisms were great. Not only the feminine whiles, but how an older person has trouble getting up and down and the little sighs caused by the exertion. The voice, wow. Kinda sexy drag, soft and flirty in a way. Man, Colin can act. His version put me in mind of Patrick Swayze in "Too Wong Foo...". I can not wait to see Colin in other projects. Big blockbuster movies, if of course, it's what he wants to do. Oh, I saw a manip of Bradley and Colin playing Bond and Q from the most recent Bond movie. It was fantastic! How I would love that.
Arthur / Merlin: Ugh. Those boys. I know I'm not the only one who's been seeing this. It seems Arthur is questioning Merlin A LOT on his knowledge of magic and magic-y things. Are we to suspect Arthur is sussing out Merlin and wondering more about his insight and where it comes from? Why was Arthur watching Merlin returning to Camelot? Did he know where Merlin had gone, or is he just more curious these days? If he did know where Merlin had been (the Dochraid), is he wondering how/why Merlin would go and not Gaius? I've never been of the mind that Arthur suspected anything about Merlin, but I wonder now if Arthur is finally starting to see something amiss within Merlin and his awareness of all things magic/Druid, etc. I know Bradley has always wanted Arthur to learn of Merlin's magic on his own. Maybe he finally got his wish? IDK. This time when Merlin said they were being watched, Arthur did not dismiss it. He then questioned him about it later. Unfortunately, Merlin slid down a 100 foot cliff and did not die, so the question was dropped. Oh, and notice that Arthur was in such a hurry to tend to Merlin, he himself slipped and ended up at the bottom of a ravine. And after their miraculous saving and lack of death, Arthur again mentions Merlin's 'funny feeling' at the campfire.
When Mordred asked Arthur where Merlin was after the Dolma arrived, do you think he knew it was Merlin yet or was it an innocent question? I can't decide. And then Arthur draws his sword in defense of his manservant. Too cute. It's nice that Merlin can see Arthur is none too happy when Merlin is missing/hurt, etc. Of course, all that changes when Arthur and Co. conveniently forget about Merlin. I didn't like that, but it's par for the course with these writers. First Arthur will defend his Merlin, and in the next breath berate and humiliate him.
The Dolma's request of Arthur was, of course, reminiscent of Dragoon's request. When the Dolma says her peace to Arthur about magic and those around him, it broke my heart. I want so much for Merlin to be recognized for all he is and can be. I know many folks think that at least Merlin can express his thoughts, albiet in disguise, it just guts me. I think of all that we'll never get.
The very last line in the episode. The idea that Merlin and Mordred have the future of Camelot in their hands, but in different ways. Very well done. Merlin's face. Man oh man. If Merlin the Powerful Sorcerer/Wizard/Emrys is ever let out to play, Colin's interpretation will be brilliant and terrifying to watch. I have all sorts of images in my head of how compelling, beautiful, and frightening it could be.
This ep was ultimately a waste of time, but one thing did come out of it IMO; Arthur questioning Merlin more. I feel like a lot of this season/series should have happened in s3. What little there has been is way too little, way too late.
I have now watched the ep a few times and had time to step back from my emotions. In doing so, I've seen a few things clearer. Certainly, I still see all the flaws within this show, but I did notice some positives that either eluded me before or I'm just so far down the low expectation ladder that I've hit bottom.
First I'd like to say if you're going to attempt to pull a heart string, make sure to use a relationship that is viable. Gwen mourning the brother she never saw, talked to, and who abandoned her when she was banished is not in the best taste, nor does it work. I couldn't give two fucks. Oh, and way to shite all over the little it was by her using that excuse while enchanted/brainwashed.
Arthr / Gwen: Although I rarely find any chemistry/feeling at all with A/G, in one scene I actually felt something that didn't induce eye rolling. When Arthur comes back from one of his clandestine meetings, wearing the white shirt of sex, Gwen comes in and questions him on how the training went. She goes on to say she's not a fool, she's his wife, and she would never see harm come to him. Normally, I'd've covered my eyes to avoid the nauseous feeling I usually get, but Bradley saved it for me. The look on his face when she was expounding her love was excellent. I had feelings for him over his wife. ACTUAL FEELINGS of sadness for Arthur over Gwen. When Arthur told Gwen he'd do anything for her, I believed it. For once. As for the rest of their interaction and storyline... Not interested.
Gaius / Merlin: What a change in Merlin. Instead of running head-long into trouble in trying to help Gwen and ultimately Arthur, he had to be persuaded, and this time Gaius was the cheerleader. Merlin really has changed.
Dragoon / Dochraid: I like the creepy lady. She reminds me of the other creeper that played Alan Rickman's mother in "Robin Hood". They both have a way that works for me. Creepy lady is creepy. However, her words pissed me off. Is she saying Emrys is not all he's cracked up to be? I'm not sure because obviously he is. She said he didn't have the power to wield Excalibur: he did. She said only a powerful sorcerer could crack the spell: he did. So, is she just full of shite or what? Oh, and she said Emrys is no friend of the Old Religion. I thought Emrys/Merlin was made FROM the Old Religion/Magic. Are TPTB trying to retcon Emrys as well? If so, I am confused because he did all she said he couldn't do.
Arthur / Merlin / Gaius: Those three together are wonderful. The little scene with them in the coat closet or whatever it was and Gaius explaining all the nonsense about what needs to be accomplished in order for Gwen to be unenchanted/unbrainwashed was nicely done. I liked how, when Arthur asked a question Gaius was hesitant to answer, Merlin did. Gaius knew the answers would be hard for Arthur to hear and he relinquished the job to Merlin. And then Arthur thanked Merlin for his honesty. Interesting dynamic. When Arthur turned to Merlin and silently asked if he would be going along, something really struck me. Yes, Arthur at times treats Merlin poorly, teases him, etc., whether alone or in front of others, and yes, Merlin and the audience are very well done with that, however, Merlin is the only person Arthur trusts implicitly. Merlin is the only one. The ONLY ONE. I've known this for some time, but this scene made it really hit home. I don't know why, but this was a very important moment for me. It changed something for me and my relationship with these characters I can't yet define.
When Gaius said the sorcerer would be a woman, Colin's face was perfect! The "WTF are you kidding??" look. And then Gaius's quick look to Merlin. HAHA!
Regarding Arthur's take on Uther's death. Ok, in s4, we're to believe Arthur is of the mind Dragoon killed his father. Then Gaius has 'the talk' and so now we're not sure. Then Arthur tells us he blames Odin. Now again he believes Dragoon killed Uther? Or does he think it's a combination of both? I wish these writers would be consistent with SOMETHING. This show drives me to drink (more than I already do). Oh, and Arthur said he'd be going back on 'his decrees' by using magic. His decrees? I thought they were Uther's. Has Arthur written some new anti-magic laws? Arthur dabbling in magic as much as he does this season/series really makes him look bad. More hypocritical than Uther, really. Uther did it once, to save Morgana. Arthur's done it multiple times.
Mordred / Morgana: So very sad. This is the first time since Morgana's reaction to Uther's death I felt anything for this character other than annoyance. What Mordred said to Morgana about her heart was so sad, and the line was so well delivered by Alex. Katie's reaction was also nice. I wonder if we're to assume that, because twice now Morgana's been reminded of her goodness and care for others she once had, we're to think a redemption arc will start. Not buying it. No amount of foreshadowing TPTB try to shove at me will make me believe. They have been doing this since s4 started and nothing has come to pass and I am BITTER about it. So, FU producers. You suck.
Mordred used magic in that scene. Are we to suppose this is the first time in a long while he's used his magic? I got that vibe from the way Alex played it. IDK.
Aithusa / Merlin: WTF. Seriously, is EVERYONE FROM CAMELOT DEAF AND BLIND??? Both Morgana AND Mordred did not hear or see Merlin yelling and charging Aithusa and Aithusa retreating? Good Gaad. I was really hoping Mordred would see Merlin's Dragonlord powers. Typical for this show.
Arthur / Mordred: I really like Alex as Mordred. If I didn't believe for a second he is a turncoat, I would buy the ambiguity TPTB keep touting. He's quite good with this character. While at the cauldron, when Arthur asks Mordred how he escaped Morgana and Mordred says his spiel about Knights being awesome, Arthur asks "Seriously, Mordred". Hmmm... I would have loved to hear what Mordred would have said, but they were interrupted. I like that Arthur's totally not buying it. ** Newsflash!!** In this episode, Arthur has a brain. Welcome back, Arthur's brain. We've all missed you. Please stay.
Merlin / Mordred: Loving the dynamic. Mordred so ernest, Merlin absolutely not trusting him. It's very well done. Alex and Colin work well together. Arthur made a snide comment about Merlin in front of Mordred, and it was obvious that, athough Merlin never likes being mocked, it is even harder when it's in front of Mordred. I suspect it's because Mordred knows all that Merlin is and can be, which makes Merlin feel even more belittled.
Dolma: OMG. I want to see Colin play a drag queen. Wouldn't he be so beatiful? I mean, really beautiful. Please let it be so!! I want to see Drag Queen Colin in a movie. He was GREAT as the Dolma. I kept picturing him as Merlin and was cracking up at that image. His mannerisms were great. Not only the feminine whiles, but how an older person has trouble getting up and down and the little sighs caused by the exertion. The voice, wow. Kinda sexy drag, soft and flirty in a way. Man, Colin can act. His version put me in mind of Patrick Swayze in "Too Wong Foo...". I can not wait to see Colin in other projects. Big blockbuster movies, if of course, it's what he wants to do. Oh, I saw a manip of Bradley and Colin playing Bond and Q from the most recent Bond movie. It was fantastic! How I would love that.
Arthur / Merlin: Ugh. Those boys. I know I'm not the only one who's been seeing this. It seems Arthur is questioning Merlin A LOT on his knowledge of magic and magic-y things. Are we to suspect Arthur is sussing out Merlin and wondering more about his insight and where it comes from? Why was Arthur watching Merlin returning to Camelot? Did he know where Merlin had gone, or is he just more curious these days? If he did know where Merlin had been (the Dochraid), is he wondering how/why Merlin would go and not Gaius? I've never been of the mind that Arthur suspected anything about Merlin, but I wonder now if Arthur is finally starting to see something amiss within Merlin and his awareness of all things magic/Druid, etc. I know Bradley has always wanted Arthur to learn of Merlin's magic on his own. Maybe he finally got his wish? IDK. This time when Merlin said they were being watched, Arthur did not dismiss it. He then questioned him about it later. Unfortunately, Merlin slid down a 100 foot cliff and did not die, so the question was dropped. Oh, and notice that Arthur was in such a hurry to tend to Merlin, he himself slipped and ended up at the bottom of a ravine. And after their miraculous saving and lack of death, Arthur again mentions Merlin's 'funny feeling' at the campfire.
When Mordred asked Arthur where Merlin was after the Dolma arrived, do you think he knew it was Merlin yet or was it an innocent question? I can't decide. And then Arthur draws his sword in defense of his manservant. Too cute. It's nice that Merlin can see Arthur is none too happy when Merlin is missing/hurt, etc. Of course, all that changes when Arthur and Co. conveniently forget about Merlin. I didn't like that, but it's par for the course with these writers. First Arthur will defend his Merlin, and in the next breath berate and humiliate him.
The Dolma's request of Arthur was, of course, reminiscent of Dragoon's request. When the Dolma says her peace to Arthur about magic and those around him, it broke my heart. I want so much for Merlin to be recognized for all he is and can be. I know many folks think that at least Merlin can express his thoughts, albiet in disguise, it just guts me. I think of all that we'll never get.
The very last line in the episode. The idea that Merlin and Mordred have the future of Camelot in their hands, but in different ways. Very well done. Merlin's face. Man oh man. If Merlin the Powerful Sorcerer/Wizard/Emrys is ever let out to play, Colin's interpretation will be brilliant and terrifying to watch. I have all sorts of images in my head of how compelling, beautiful, and frightening it could be.
This ep was ultimately a waste of time, but one thing did come out of it IMO; Arthur questioning Merlin more. I feel like a lot of this season/series should have happened in s3. What little there has been is way too little, way too late.