Le Morte d’Arthur
Well. This episode certainly wasn't what I expected it would be. But it doesn't mean I didn't like it.
1) One main flaw - it was
too rushed.
They've put too much in just one episode, it would have worked much better as a two parter.
And the fact that every pairing (shippy or not) had their moment just took away a bit from that extra specialness that any ship might have had. They were trying to please everyone a bit too much with this episode, and there was no time to do it properly.
2)
NOBODY DIED!!!!
OMB!!! I squeed so loudly when Gaius opened his eyes!! Those promo stills prepared me for the worst. I spend half of the episode just expecting for Gaius to *drop dead* all of a sudden. It was bloody *exhausting*!
But then he lived! Everyone did! *happy grin*
Thank you show! *still traumatized over season 2 Torchwood finale*
3) Eh, I would have liked it better if
Arthur had a bit more to do in this episode.
Not that I don't appreciate that he spent half of his screen time in bed &
shirtless (thank you writers!). But it would have been better if he got to be a hero too. Or at least kick that Questing Beast's ass before it got him.
I guess I just expected more, so this was a bit disappointing.
4)
Colin Morgan owns my soul! Just how brilliant was he?!
So many perfect scenes.
"He can't die! It's my destiny to protect him! We haven't done all the things we're meant to do!"
"That is the lament of all men."
"Gaius. He's my friend."
When the knights were carrying wounded Arthur.
When Gaius gave him the news that Arthur is alright, and he gets that biggest smile on his face, before he realizes what that means, and that he'll die soon.
The last night, in his room with the rabbit foot.
The scene with his mother. OMB he KILLED me there!!!!
"I need to say goodbye to Arthur." Guh!
Pissed off Merlin in a showdown with Nimueh. (Yes please!)
That last scene with Gaius!
The kid is just brilliant!!!
5) This episode pretty much cemented that
Merlin is 100% amazing.
He proved himself again, and again. He was willing to sacrifice himself for Arthur, his mother, Gaius.
He kicked ass time and time again.
And he beat Nimueh, and I can't even imagine how powerful that makes him now?
6)
Gaius kicked ass in this episode.
SON HE NEVER HAD!!!!
"We'll make a warlock out of you yet"
"Do you believe in me now?"
"Well, I would do, if you would just stop the blasted rain."
♥
Oh Gaius you were wonderful and I'm so happy you'll be in season 2!
7) They could have used
Morgana a bit more. Give the girl something to do, more than just suddenly waking up and looking scared/freaked out.
Her scene with Arthur was nice. I loved how worried and desperate to stop him from leaving she was. Was she barefoot in that scene?
Her scene with Merlin was a bit...strange. Why warn him? Why be so cryptic? Does she know, or suspect, about him?
Loved that first scene when she woke up and Gwen was *right there*. In the middle of the night? Does Gwen now live there? Does she just spend the nights? >:) What is going on? Not that I care, because - THE HUG!!! Squeee!!! ♥
8) I'm glad they are giving
Gwen more to do.
But they have pushed Gwen/Arthur too much and too fast in this episode. Where did that come from? Why is Gwen comfortable with sitting on crown prince's bed and holding and kissing his hand? He's what keeps her going? Eh, her other friends have nothing to do with it? Morgana, who would do anything for her? Merlin, who'd also do everything for her, and whom she had a crush on earlier? No? Only Arthur? OK, show. Keep forcing the ship on me, instead of letting it progress slowly and naturally.
I just think Morgana would have worked better in that scene. With what we saw on the show so far, it would have made more sense to have her at Arthur's bedside. *shrug*
I did love the second scene, with the teasing. Arthur, you smug bastard. But you were totally adorable. :D
But I'll have you know show, I'm enjoying these two mainly because Bradley and Angel kick so much ass, and were wonderful on DVD extras so I'm happy to finally see them have more screen time together.
9)
Uther.
ZOMB how brilliant was Uther all broken up over Arthur? The tears! When he carried him! Slowly stroking his face and trying to comfort him while he slept/was unconscious. Not wanting to leave his side.
I so love Worried!Dad!Uther. ♥
Though he did act kinda dumb in the beginning.
"Questing Beast? But that's a myth! *pretends it's not there, and hopes it will go away*"
Oh Uther. *pets*
I bet he's just acting on autopilot at this point, after all the ignoring of all the looks Arthur&Merlin exchanged this year. ;)
Looks, what looks? It's nothing important. Slash? I don't see any slash.
There is no spoon dammit!
10)
Slash Dragon.
How could you?!
I feel betrayed!
Slash Dragon and Merlin can't stop being friends! Who will now give us cryptic quotes of awesome slashyness about The Great Destiny the boys have together?!
Yes, Slash Dragon, we all understand your frustration over them still not hooking up. But seriously, sacrificing his mother is bound to piss him off, and *then what*?! *stomps foot*
"The young Pandragon must live, no matter what the cost."
Which loosely translates into
"He can't die, you two didn't shag yet!"
And Merlin is all:
"Dude. You had me sacrifice *my mother*!"
"Arthur is more important! You two need to hook up. And live happily ever after. And make
civil partnership magic legal! So I can
come to the wedding be free!"
"MY MOTHER! Not. Cool. *turns to walk away*"
"Don't you dare walk away when I'm talking to you. *throws angry fire ball*"
"Whatever. I'm gone."
"Fine. Be like that. I'll go talk to *Morgana*!"
11)
Arthur/Merlin.
(saving the best for last ;) )
They didn't have much screen time (woo!), but what they did have was
gold.
First, just how married are these two?
"Merlin. Spear."
*hits him on the head accidentally*
"Do you have any natural gifts?"
"No. *pause* Let me think. I'm not naturally rude and insensitive.
Like you."
"Just naturally irritating."
\o/
Please boys, never stop bickering!
Arthur went back for Merlin when he fell!
And then he saved him again (well kinda, by making sure he's out of reach) from the Questing Beast in the caves, when he pushed him away.
Merlin used magic even though Uther was about to walk in! He loves him so!
"Whatever the price is, I will pay it gladly."
Loves.Him.So.Freakin'.Much.
"I willingly give my life for Arthur's. Whatever I have to do, I will do. His life is worth a hundred of mine."
*explodes*
THEIR LOVE IS SO EPIC.
And hale no, Merlin, your life is worth just as much. Even if Prat would never admit it (well, OK, he did drink the poison in 1x11, so maybe...).
Then he gets the cure! BTW was that Holy Grail?!
And then, he
holds Arthur's head in his lap as Gaius is giving Arthur the cure!! *dies from the cuteness*
And like that wasn't adorable enough, then Uther calls Merlin Arthur's guardian angel (without knowing he's talking about Merlin, of course). Awww.
Then Merlin has to see Arthur one more time before he goes off to die.
"I need to say goodbye to Arthur." :D
And then!!!!
"We need to talk."
"You still don't get it, do you, Merlin? I decide when we have to talk."
"Not today."
(And Dom!Merlin fan fic writers punched the air.)
"I sometimes wonder if you know who I am."
"Oh, I know who you are. You're a prat. And a royal one at that."
"Are you ever going to change, Merlin?"
"No. You'd be bored."
"I'm happy to be your servant until the day I die."
"Just...don't be a prat."
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
OH BOYS!!!!!!
OMB!!! That was so brilliant!!
The parallel between that scene, and their scenes in the first episode! How different things are now, and how many emotions there are behind those words, and how many things were left unsaid. And the looks!!
They killed me!
It all came full circle.
From Arthur getting insulted at being called a prat, to him smiling here and liking Merlin just the way he is.
From Merlin not being thrilled with Uther's decision to make him Arthur's manservant, to him being happy and proud to be at Arthur's side, and to serve him, here.
Not to mention there was also a nice parallel to The Poisoned Chalice, and how Arthur went far away on a dangerous quest to find a cure for Merlin. And here Merlin doing a similar thing for Arthur.
Oh boys. What a fantastic season we had. I enjoyed every second of it. ♥
All in all, this episodes had its flaws. But it also had its perfect moments.
And how giddy was I to see "Merlin will be back"!!
Of course he'll be back.
Merlin will be back in Camelot.
Merlin will be back in Arthur's chamber. >:)
And then he'll be back on BBC next year.
Can't. Wait!!
Blimey, this ended up being long...