His Father's Son Review
Review for Merlin 4x05: His Father's Son. Spoilers naturally
Overview
This was quite an introspective episode highlighting the difficulties that come with being King
I really like how grownup this series has become
Episode Summary
As mentioned above I like this episode and I like the way that the show is being taken. But I do think a lot of things could have been avoided if Arthur trusted his own instincts instead of looking to Agravaine for advice. I mean I know he’s his uncle but come on.
Would you trust a man who voluntarily wears black?
This episode focused more on Arthur than on anyone else and was really the first time that the issue of what being King means. He can’t afford to be rash anymore. Every decision he makes has an impact on his kingdom. This time it nearly bought war upon Camelot.
The show feels a lot more grownup and serious now. There won’t be any more gallivanting off after manticores any more knowing that the kingdom has Uther to look after it. The training wheels have come off.
And I love it.
Merlin
Merlin didn’t have much to do this week, aside from advise Arthur and you know save his life. But that was enough.
The slash brigade was also out in force with references to sharing the same bed (I swear the writers have been frequenting the fan boards) but there was also a nice touching scene near the middle where Arthur refers to Merlin as “Old Friend.”
Next week doesn’t look too fun for him though.
Arthur (and Others)
Boy is Arthur growing up. Being stupid enough to listen to Agravaine aside he really is making a go at this whole being King thing. And he’s still as self-sacrificing and noble as he’s always been. Combine that with a clear desire to look after Camelot and I think he’ll be fine.
Bradley James acting in this episode really was superb. I think I may have underrated him in the past. Though less brooding would be nice.
The Bad Guy
Queen Annis was what I would term a justifiable bad guy. Yes what her husband had been doing was wrong, but executing him wasn’t a very smart thing of Arthur to do either. Considering the rough time period that Merlin is set in (and yes I know it’s all over the place) war was a justifiable response on her part.
It could all have been sorted out much sooner though if Morgana hadn’t stuck her oar in. Considering that she lives in the woods how do her clothes stay so tidy? Silly question I know but I care about these things.
I’m not sure why Morgana thinks she’ll become Queen as well. She doesn’t have anyone to back up her claim.
Conclusion.
Like I said, this show is going places. I think the long overdue shakeup will be good for Merlin in the long run.
Next Week: Oh boy.
Overview
This was quite an introspective episode highlighting the difficulties that come with being King
I really like how grownup this series has become
Episode Summary
As mentioned above I like this episode and I like the way that the show is being taken. But I do think a lot of things could have been avoided if Arthur trusted his own instincts instead of looking to Agravaine for advice. I mean I know he’s his uncle but come on.
Would you trust a man who voluntarily wears black?
This episode focused more on Arthur than on anyone else and was really the first time that the issue of what being King means. He can’t afford to be rash anymore. Every decision he makes has an impact on his kingdom. This time it nearly bought war upon Camelot.
The show feels a lot more grownup and serious now. There won’t be any more gallivanting off after manticores any more knowing that the kingdom has Uther to look after it. The training wheels have come off.
And I love it.
Merlin
Merlin didn’t have much to do this week, aside from advise Arthur and you know save his life. But that was enough.
The slash brigade was also out in force with references to sharing the same bed (I swear the writers have been frequenting the fan boards) but there was also a nice touching scene near the middle where Arthur refers to Merlin as “Old Friend.”
Next week doesn’t look too fun for him though.
Arthur (and Others)
Boy is Arthur growing up. Being stupid enough to listen to Agravaine aside he really is making a go at this whole being King thing. And he’s still as self-sacrificing and noble as he’s always been. Combine that with a clear desire to look after Camelot and I think he’ll be fine.
Bradley James acting in this episode really was superb. I think I may have underrated him in the past. Though less brooding would be nice.
The Bad Guy
Queen Annis was what I would term a justifiable bad guy. Yes what her husband had been doing was wrong, but executing him wasn’t a very smart thing of Arthur to do either. Considering the rough time period that Merlin is set in (and yes I know it’s all over the place) war was a justifiable response on her part.
It could all have been sorted out much sooner though if Morgana hadn’t stuck her oar in. Considering that she lives in the woods how do her clothes stay so tidy? Silly question I know but I care about these things.
I’m not sure why Morgana thinks she’ll become Queen as well. She doesn’t have anyone to back up her claim.
Conclusion.
Like I said, this show is going places. I think the long overdue shakeup will be good for Merlin in the long run.
Next Week: Oh boy.