The Hollow Queen Review
Review of Merlin 5x08: The Hollow Queen
Overview
Wow oh wow oh wow oh wow.
Merlin is just getting better and better isn’t it? So why do I get the feeling this isn’t leading towards anything good?
Episode Summary
Once again the writers have decided to challenge themselves and go for a multi-story arc. But this story didn’t just take place over two episodes like normal, but is looking at stretching into three, four if you count the one that started all this off.
This episode was nice because it provided a bit of a character profile for Morgana, filling in the missing two years of her life - and an explanation of why Aithusa can no longer talk. That said I did think the whole assassination plot, was a bit rushed, and no-where near as plot central as last week’s trailer implied.
What is worrying me more and more however is the fact that we are hitting the last lap for this season, and if the rumours are true that this is going to be the last series, I want them to hurry up and give us the reveal.
But I don’t just want it in the last episode. I want it given time to affect the plot. And I’m starting to think that’s not going to happen.
Merlin
Oh Merlin. What we do without you?
And this episode showed as well that as much as he grumbles and complains, Arthur is completely reliant upon Merlin for the most basic things. Including dressing, something which I suspect he has never had to do for himself ever before.
We also got to see Merlin’s kind and caring side. He will do anything to help those in need, even at the cost of his own life, and his devotion to his King is unswerving and limitless.
It’s this type of attitude that is I suspect going to make Arthur reconsider his opinion of magic. Should the reveal ever happen of course.
Arthur (and Others)
Arthur really is turning into a statesman isn’t he? Making alliances that perhaps he wouldn’t choose to make, but that he knows will benefit the kingdom. He’s really turning out to be a better king than Uther ever was.
He is also insanely in love with Gwen, that much is clear. I hate to think what is going to happen to him when he finds out that she is evil.
The Bad Guy
So Gwen continues to be evil and we continue to ask ourselves why?
I’m still plumping for mind control, but in the end I don’t think that’s going to matter. She’s already betrayed Arthur once, and however much he loves her - a lot as mentioned above - I don’t think he’s going to be able to forgive her twice.
I cannot see a situation where this ends well.
Conclusion.
The writers continue to pull out the stops. Let’s hope this trend continues.
Next Week: DRAGON!! Morgana and DRAGON!!
Overview
Wow oh wow oh wow oh wow.
Merlin is just getting better and better isn’t it? So why do I get the feeling this isn’t leading towards anything good?
Episode Summary
Once again the writers have decided to challenge themselves and go for a multi-story arc. But this story didn’t just take place over two episodes like normal, but is looking at stretching into three, four if you count the one that started all this off.
This episode was nice because it provided a bit of a character profile for Morgana, filling in the missing two years of her life - and an explanation of why Aithusa can no longer talk. That said I did think the whole assassination plot, was a bit rushed, and no-where near as plot central as last week’s trailer implied.
What is worrying me more and more however is the fact that we are hitting the last lap for this season, and if the rumours are true that this is going to be the last series, I want them to hurry up and give us the reveal.
But I don’t just want it in the last episode. I want it given time to affect the plot. And I’m starting to think that’s not going to happen.
Merlin
Oh Merlin. What we do without you?
And this episode showed as well that as much as he grumbles and complains, Arthur is completely reliant upon Merlin for the most basic things. Including dressing, something which I suspect he has never had to do for himself ever before.
We also got to see Merlin’s kind and caring side. He will do anything to help those in need, even at the cost of his own life, and his devotion to his King is unswerving and limitless.
It’s this type of attitude that is I suspect going to make Arthur reconsider his opinion of magic. Should the reveal ever happen of course.
Arthur (and Others)
Arthur really is turning into a statesman isn’t he? Making alliances that perhaps he wouldn’t choose to make, but that he knows will benefit the kingdom. He’s really turning out to be a better king than Uther ever was.
He is also insanely in love with Gwen, that much is clear. I hate to think what is going to happen to him when he finds out that she is evil.
The Bad Guy
So Gwen continues to be evil and we continue to ask ourselves why?
I’m still plumping for mind control, but in the end I don’t think that’s going to matter. She’s already betrayed Arthur once, and however much he loves her - a lot as mentioned above - I don’t think he’s going to be able to forgive her twice.
I cannot see a situation where this ends well.
Conclusion.
The writers continue to pull out the stops. Let’s hope this trend continues.
Next Week: DRAGON!! Morgana and DRAGON!!