Merlin, Season 5, Episode 1 - Arthur's Bane, Part 1 - SPOILERS
! Spoilers !
- Poor Merlin, having to run throughout the castle searching for Gwen. And Arthur acting as though it’s all Merlin’s fault that she’s late.
- “Merlin, is there anything you are actually capable of doing?” ”Putting up with you.” You tell him, Merlin!
- I remember that they kept mentioning in the spoilers how Arthur’s hair would be a bit longer this season… It seems shorter than in S4 though.
- That tower in the snow… looks like the one in “Aithusa” to me.
- Also, rosy-cheeked Gwaine!
- Also, Fuck, Percival! Are you immune to freezing temperatures?
- Morgana, leave Gwaine alone, will you?!
- “Patience and I are old friends.” I wonder how long before you have a fight with this old friend.
- Sassy Gwaine! Even when he knows she could most likely kill him with a wave of her hand he’s still sassy and guh.
- “You’re not looking so pretty now, are you, Sir Knight?” “It would appear not.” Oh, he’s plenty pretty.
- Guh! A cave full of shirtless, sweaty men. Really, not even 10 minutes in and they want to kill the fangirls already.
- They changed Gaius’ wig. And it kind of looks… ridiculous compared to the previous ones. Imo.
- Gwen is wise as always.
- “I keep getting you into trouble” “I’m used to it.” Understatement of the year, Merlin! Though, does he mean he’s used to getting into trouble or that he’s used to people getting him into trouble?
- Merlin and Sefa being cute over spilled fruit. I’d have liked it if she’d have been, like, his suffering partner when it came to their respective royals.
- “If it was you who disappeared, Merlin, I wouldn’t bother.” Liar, liar, pants on fire, Arthur! Not only did you send patrols to search for him last season, but you would have gone to search for him alone if Gwaine hadn’t accompanied you. But then, there’s no one there to call you on that.
- Not only is Gwaine hot, he’s also very pretty. And unf. So much skin.
- You know what I like about Arthur as king? That, unlike Uther, who had his son and his knights go do stuff while he stayed safely in the castle, Arthur isn’t afraid to go out there and fight alongside his men. He’d rather be in battle than wait for news. Royals who get shit done themselves always rock! … I will not say that this episode makes it seem that Gwen is only there to govern while he goes gallivanting with his manservant and knights.
- “…Emrys…”
- Ugh… I hate prophecies and talk of fate. Because everything’s supposedly written for you and you can’t do a thing to change it.
- And isn’t that the battlefield from Morgana’s dream?
- Wow, the orangey-red tint of the prophecy really brings out the blue of Arthur’s eyes. I can’t look away.
- And really, what is it with Arthur and being betrayed? Does he have “Betray me!” written on his forehead that only certain people can see? Because I can bet you anything that Arthur will, again, NOT see this coming. I wonder if this is that “Neverending circle of fate” the druid was talking about, always trusting someone and that someone betraying him.
- Am I the only one seeing that Arthur’s sleeping position is kind of like a dead person ready for burial?
- How far did Merlin go to talk to Kilgharrah? Because only his voice calling the dragon would have been enough to rouse the dead from slumber, let alone knights trained to wake up at the slightest noise. And let’s not mention the fact that Kilgharrah most likely isn’t all that quiet.
- Those images (seeing Arthur dying) will haunt Merlin for a long time.
- “Now more than ever it is you and you alone that can keep Arthur safe.” He’s been doing that for years, will he ever catch a break? Seriously. More and more burdens are dropped in Merlin’s lap. Not only does he have to keep Arthur alive and safe, he has to hide his magic while doing so and tolerate being constantly belittled and unappreciated, now he also has to be careful not to let that prophecy come true. Poor guy. I bet he’s beyond tired of this shit.
- Hello, Queen Annis!
- Of course Gwen is friendly to her servant. She knows what it’s like to be in that position. Also, now, as queen, it’s probably a lot harder to have real friends.
- “I think it’s time for some entertainment. I would love to see your fool perform!” XD Their FACES!!!
- “I’m not a fool
That’s debatable. (Leon snikers.)
And I don’t have any skills.
I know that. But we can’t refuse the queen when she’s granted us safe passage, can we? (Leon takes the wine. As a ‘You lost, get to it.’ sign.)
(Arthur grins and starts clapping.)”
this. just. guh. why are they so damn adorable?
- Also, this is one of those times where Merlin would very much like to say “To hell with destiny!” and wring Arthur’s neck.
- Of course he cheats. As if he’d let Arthur make a total fool of him all the time.
- I like it how, after he starts juggling, he throws Arthur a look that says “You just watch.” And Arthur’s face is beyond priceless.
- “I have many talents. You fail to notice them, that’s all.” He’s so sassy and sarcastic and at the same time just… trying very hard not to break down and give up on everything.
- I do appreciate that Arthur isn’t completely oblivious when it comes to Merlin’s moods.
- “See? Explain that.” “…Wish I could.” (meaning “Wish I could seriously tell you it was actually magic back there and not have you go batshit on me.”)
- Servant girl is up to something (and Gwen thinks she’s going to meet her guy).
- Creepy but beautiful scenery for Father-Daughter talks.
- And of course she’s a spy. Is anyone really surprised?
- They’ve been good to her and she repays them by betraying them…
- I hope we see Queen Annis again, soon.
- “Aren’t you forgetting something? My papers for the council.” What, Gwen, now that you’re queen, you can pick up things on your own anymore? They have to be handed to you?
- For a moment there you think Gwen’s going to call her a spy to her face right then. But, of course, the conversation takes the ‘Your secret is a man.” course.
- I notice that, as much as she tries to be friendly to Sefa, Gwen is still queenly and somewhat keeps an emotional distance.
- And again, Arthur lets his Merlin-senses show. I love these emotional talks in the dark. They’re rare moments of Arthur actually treating Merlin as the friend he is, not just a servant.
- God, I could spend hours just watching them stare at each other like they’re the only people in the world.
- The brave knights of Camelot, running away because of one woman. XD
- Also, this battle got me thinking of something (should have thought of it before, really). Arthur’s convinced Merlin is useless in battle and danger-prone and defenceless. But he never makes him wear any sort of protection. We’ve seen Merlin wearing chain-mail… what? twice? in four seasons?
- Oi! What are you doing to Sir Leon, you bastard?
- Arthur, why are you so useless sometimes? Seriously. You were supposed to be the best knight in Camelot. Has age caught up with you or something? Good thing for you Merlin’s always there to save your royal arse.
- I like it how Merlin doesn’t even so much as slow down to see how the others are doing, just grabs Arthur and leaves.
- Wait. Merlin!, Arthur’s not even unconscious! The fuck are you doing, using magic like that in front of him??? And you’re telling me Arthur doesn’t notice anything? Really?
- “I had to get you to safety.” “What actually happened?” “The usual. I saved your neck.” “You saved me?” “Yes. And I can juggle. I keep telling you, I have many talents.” “So it would seem.” Am I the only one who kind of loves how Merlin is kind of really tired of Arthur’s shit this episode?
- Ever since I started reading Loaded March (I’m on chapter 8 now, this thing is LONG), I’ve started shipping Gwaine/Percival, so this scene with them shirtless and sleeping together like that makes me all sorts of giddy.
- “Where have we been walking towards all day?” “To our deaths!” Merlin is more and more vocal with his opinions on Arthur’s decisions and attitude and everything. I like.
- I’d kill to see Arthur actually follow Merlin’s advice once, with no fuss and no doing things on his own first.
- “You know if Morgana doesn’t kill you, I will.” “Threatening a king is treason, Merlin.” “What about threatening an ass?” “Heard that.” Yep. Definitely more vocal and more straightforward.
- “Someone betrayed us.” No shit, Gwen.
- Have they ever slept that close before?
- When Merlin said “I need to tell you something.”, for one moment, I actually thought he’d tell him about his magic. Then I realised that there’s no way that that’s happening yet.
- “You expect me to listen to a sorcerer?” Ouch! Also, I thought you’d stopped being an ass when it came to the druids, Arthur.
- “I swear I’m going to rescue my men. Or die trying.” “And I swear I will protect you or die at your side.” Merlin, I swear, you’re wasting your breath. No matter how many times you tell him something to that effect, it never really gets through that thick skull.
- Gwaine, did no one teach you that curiosity killed the cat? Whatever it is, leave it alone.
- See? I told you you should have left whatever it was alone.
- Oh look, they’re even closer together by morning. Now if only there had been some spooning. XP
- Merlin and his stomach! XD
- And the net! You know, if you think about it, if Arthur had let Merlin spring the trap on his own, he could have easily gotten him out afterwards. But no. He had to physically remove him from there. And I love it! XD
- Look at Gwen, being all regal.
- I think this red dress is my favourite of Gwen’s so far. Love the colour and the shape and everything.
- “Respect is to be earned.” Learned that the hard way, Gwen?
- You know… the three years that have passed since her coronation should have been peaceful, right? So how come she’s so… hardened? What happened in those three years to make Gwen a queen who would so easily sentence someone to death? I know she’s worried about her husband and their knights but still… I don’t think even Arthur would have sentenced her to death.
- And after such a serious scene, we go back to our regular funny, shippy stuff, with Arthur and Merlin still hanging in the net, in the dark, making very suggestive sounds and making it look like they’re doing anything other than try to get down.
- “That was your fault! That was your fault!” XDXDXD
- “Where’d the other rabbit go?” Oh Merlin, you and your priorities some times. XD
- Seriously, what the actual fuck is that glowy thing? It’s creepy and gross. Get away from Gwaine, you thing!
- I wonder if Arthur only uses Excalibur on certain occasions. That would explain why he has a different sword with him now.
- “Any last requests?” “Let my servant go. He doesn’t deserve do die like this.” Oh Arthur, you DO care. You damn tsundere.
- “If you’re going to kill him, you’re going to have to kill me first.” “Merlin. Step aside.” “You know I never do as I’m told.” Arthur, you should be used to this. Also, I have a feeling that, had Mordred not appeared, Merlin would have revealed his magic to save them.
- Merlin looks ready to pounce should Mordred show even the barest hint of animosity towards Arthur.
- Am I really the only one not creaming her pants for Mordred?
- Also, I wonder if there’s a reason for Mordred not telling Morgana that Merlin is Emrys. Or even just that Merlin has magic.
- Poor Merlin, having to run throughout the castle searching for Gwen. And Arthur acting as though it’s all Merlin’s fault that she’s late.
- “Merlin, is there anything you are actually capable of doing?” ”Putting up with you.” You tell him, Merlin!
- I remember that they kept mentioning in the spoilers how Arthur’s hair would be a bit longer this season… It seems shorter than in S4 though.
- That tower in the snow… looks like the one in “Aithusa” to me.
- Also, rosy-cheeked Gwaine!
- Also, Fuck, Percival! Are you immune to freezing temperatures?
- Morgana, leave Gwaine alone, will you?!
- “Patience and I are old friends.” I wonder how long before you have a fight with this old friend.
- Sassy Gwaine! Even when he knows she could most likely kill him with a wave of her hand he’s still sassy and guh.
- “You’re not looking so pretty now, are you, Sir Knight?” “It would appear not.” Oh, he’s plenty pretty.
- Guh! A cave full of shirtless, sweaty men. Really, not even 10 minutes in and they want to kill the fangirls already.
- They changed Gaius’ wig. And it kind of looks… ridiculous compared to the previous ones. Imo.
- Gwen is wise as always.
- “I keep getting you into trouble” “I’m used to it.” Understatement of the year, Merlin! Though, does he mean he’s used to getting into trouble or that he’s used to people getting him into trouble?
- Merlin and Sefa being cute over spilled fruit. I’d have liked it if she’d have been, like, his suffering partner when it came to their respective royals.
- “If it was you who disappeared, Merlin, I wouldn’t bother.” Liar, liar, pants on fire, Arthur! Not only did you send patrols to search for him last season, but you would have gone to search for him alone if Gwaine hadn’t accompanied you. But then, there’s no one there to call you on that.
- Not only is Gwaine hot, he’s also very pretty. And unf. So much skin.
- You know what I like about Arthur as king? That, unlike Uther, who had his son and his knights go do stuff while he stayed safely in the castle, Arthur isn’t afraid to go out there and fight alongside his men. He’d rather be in battle than wait for news. Royals who get shit done themselves always rock! … I will not say that this episode makes it seem that Gwen is only there to govern while he goes gallivanting with his manservant and knights.
- “…Emrys…”
- Ugh… I hate prophecies and talk of fate. Because everything’s supposedly written for you and you can’t do a thing to change it.
- And isn’t that the battlefield from Morgana’s dream?
- Wow, the orangey-red tint of the prophecy really brings out the blue of Arthur’s eyes. I can’t look away.
- And really, what is it with Arthur and being betrayed? Does he have “Betray me!” written on his forehead that only certain people can see? Because I can bet you anything that Arthur will, again, NOT see this coming. I wonder if this is that “Neverending circle of fate” the druid was talking about, always trusting someone and that someone betraying him.
- Am I the only one seeing that Arthur’s sleeping position is kind of like a dead person ready for burial?
- How far did Merlin go to talk to Kilgharrah? Because only his voice calling the dragon would have been enough to rouse the dead from slumber, let alone knights trained to wake up at the slightest noise. And let’s not mention the fact that Kilgharrah most likely isn’t all that quiet.
- Those images (seeing Arthur dying) will haunt Merlin for a long time.
- “Now more than ever it is you and you alone that can keep Arthur safe.” He’s been doing that for years, will he ever catch a break? Seriously. More and more burdens are dropped in Merlin’s lap. Not only does he have to keep Arthur alive and safe, he has to hide his magic while doing so and tolerate being constantly belittled and unappreciated, now he also has to be careful not to let that prophecy come true. Poor guy. I bet he’s beyond tired of this shit.
- Hello, Queen Annis!
- Of course Gwen is friendly to her servant. She knows what it’s like to be in that position. Also, now, as queen, it’s probably a lot harder to have real friends.
- “I think it’s time for some entertainment. I would love to see your fool perform!” XD Their FACES!!!
- “I’m not a fool
That’s debatable. (Leon snikers.)
And I don’t have any skills.
I know that. But we can’t refuse the queen when she’s granted us safe passage, can we? (Leon takes the wine. As a ‘You lost, get to it.’ sign.)
(Arthur grins and starts clapping.)”
this. just. guh. why are they so damn adorable?
- Also, this is one of those times where Merlin would very much like to say “To hell with destiny!” and wring Arthur’s neck.
- Of course he cheats. As if he’d let Arthur make a total fool of him all the time.
- I like it how, after he starts juggling, he throws Arthur a look that says “You just watch.” And Arthur’s face is beyond priceless.
- “I have many talents. You fail to notice them, that’s all.” He’s so sassy and sarcastic and at the same time just… trying very hard not to break down and give up on everything.
- I do appreciate that Arthur isn’t completely oblivious when it comes to Merlin’s moods.
- “See? Explain that.” “…Wish I could.” (meaning “Wish I could seriously tell you it was actually magic back there and not have you go batshit on me.”)
- Servant girl is up to something (and Gwen thinks she’s going to meet her guy).
- Creepy but beautiful scenery for Father-Daughter talks.
- And of course she’s a spy. Is anyone really surprised?
- They’ve been good to her and she repays them by betraying them…
- I hope we see Queen Annis again, soon.
- “Aren’t you forgetting something? My papers for the council.” What, Gwen, now that you’re queen, you can pick up things on your own anymore? They have to be handed to you?
- For a moment there you think Gwen’s going to call her a spy to her face right then. But, of course, the conversation takes the ‘Your secret is a man.” course.
- I notice that, as much as she tries to be friendly to Sefa, Gwen is still queenly and somewhat keeps an emotional distance.
- And again, Arthur lets his Merlin-senses show. I love these emotional talks in the dark. They’re rare moments of Arthur actually treating Merlin as the friend he is, not just a servant.
- God, I could spend hours just watching them stare at each other like they’re the only people in the world.
- The brave knights of Camelot, running away because of one woman. XD
- Also, this battle got me thinking of something (should have thought of it before, really). Arthur’s convinced Merlin is useless in battle and danger-prone and defenceless. But he never makes him wear any sort of protection. We’ve seen Merlin wearing chain-mail… what? twice? in four seasons?
- Oi! What are you doing to Sir Leon, you bastard?
- Arthur, why are you so useless sometimes? Seriously. You were supposed to be the best knight in Camelot. Has age caught up with you or something? Good thing for you Merlin’s always there to save your royal arse.
- I like it how Merlin doesn’t even so much as slow down to see how the others are doing, just grabs Arthur and leaves.
- Wait. Merlin!, Arthur’s not even unconscious! The fuck are you doing, using magic like that in front of him??? And you’re telling me Arthur doesn’t notice anything? Really?
- “I had to get you to safety.” “What actually happened?” “The usual. I saved your neck.” “You saved me?” “Yes. And I can juggle. I keep telling you, I have many talents.” “So it would seem.” Am I the only one who kind of loves how Merlin is kind of really tired of Arthur’s shit this episode?
- Ever since I started reading Loaded March (I’m on chapter 8 now, this thing is LONG), I’ve started shipping Gwaine/Percival, so this scene with them shirtless and sleeping together like that makes me all sorts of giddy.
- “Where have we been walking towards all day?” “To our deaths!” Merlin is more and more vocal with his opinions on Arthur’s decisions and attitude and everything. I like.
- I’d kill to see Arthur actually follow Merlin’s advice once, with no fuss and no doing things on his own first.
- “You know if Morgana doesn’t kill you, I will.” “Threatening a king is treason, Merlin.” “What about threatening an ass?” “Heard that.” Yep. Definitely more vocal and more straightforward.
- “Someone betrayed us.” No shit, Gwen.
- Have they ever slept that close before?
- When Merlin said “I need to tell you something.”, for one moment, I actually thought he’d tell him about his magic. Then I realised that there’s no way that that’s happening yet.
- “You expect me to listen to a sorcerer?” Ouch! Also, I thought you’d stopped being an ass when it came to the druids, Arthur.
- “I swear I’m going to rescue my men. Or die trying.” “And I swear I will protect you or die at your side.” Merlin, I swear, you’re wasting your breath. No matter how many times you tell him something to that effect, it never really gets through that thick skull.
- Gwaine, did no one teach you that curiosity killed the cat? Whatever it is, leave it alone.
- See? I told you you should have left whatever it was alone.
- Oh look, they’re even closer together by morning. Now if only there had been some spooning. XP
- Merlin and his stomach! XD
- And the net! You know, if you think about it, if Arthur had let Merlin spring the trap on his own, he could have easily gotten him out afterwards. But no. He had to physically remove him from there. And I love it! XD
- Look at Gwen, being all regal.
- I think this red dress is my favourite of Gwen’s so far. Love the colour and the shape and everything.
- “Respect is to be earned.” Learned that the hard way, Gwen?
- You know… the three years that have passed since her coronation should have been peaceful, right? So how come she’s so… hardened? What happened in those three years to make Gwen a queen who would so easily sentence someone to death? I know she’s worried about her husband and their knights but still… I don’t think even Arthur would have sentenced her to death.
- And after such a serious scene, we go back to our regular funny, shippy stuff, with Arthur and Merlin still hanging in the net, in the dark, making very suggestive sounds and making it look like they’re doing anything other than try to get down.
- “That was your fault! That was your fault!” XDXDXD
- “Where’d the other rabbit go?” Oh Merlin, you and your priorities some times. XD
- Seriously, what the actual fuck is that glowy thing? It’s creepy and gross. Get away from Gwaine, you thing!
- I wonder if Arthur only uses Excalibur on certain occasions. That would explain why he has a different sword with him now.
- “Any last requests?” “Let my servant go. He doesn’t deserve do die like this.” Oh Arthur, you DO care. You damn tsundere.
- “If you’re going to kill him, you’re going to have to kill me first.” “Merlin. Step aside.” “You know I never do as I’m told.” Arthur, you should be used to this. Also, I have a feeling that, had Mordred not appeared, Merlin would have revealed his magic to save them.
- Merlin looks ready to pounce should Mordred show even the barest hint of animosity towards Arthur.
- Am I really the only one not creaming her pants for Mordred?
- Also, I wonder if there’s a reason for Mordred not telling Morgana that Merlin is Emrys. Or even just that Merlin has magic.