Merlin 2.04 review aka overdue homework
My boy s still sleeping so I may as well put down a few lines about what I think of Merlin 2.04 wah how I am behind with homework!
Guine (for short ok, her name s kind of complicated and long)
I laughed my arse off at the beginning with her longing look exchange with Arthur, cause what s the title of this ep again? Right Lancelot and Guinevere, and as I predicted it s only 15 mins later she declared her love for Lancelot, just a few scenes after Merlin said she would wait for Arthur "if she loves you" heheh
Actually after reading the interview with geeksyndicate linked by feilongfan here, I dont feel like picking on Guine any more. From what I gathered according to Bradley they rushed the A/G because she wouldnt have anything to do otherwise heh they didnt plan to write her at all. She sort of IS there already so they have to deal with her, occasionally when they remember she exists, and watching half the season gone I totally catch on the OMG-what-should-Guine-do vibe the writers give off, the result is that Guine is sometimes Morgana and sometimes Merlin, and she is very confident while playing their role it s so funny. I guess when writers are not fond of a character they just dont put thier mind in it. The character I hope would change my mind most turns out a so banal and so very legend-like it can't even make me feel bad disliking her.
I rewinded some her scenes in s1 to review my reaction on Gwen, and I still maintain positively that I d buy anytime Gwen s1, and I am positive she was in love with Merlin and even more positive the script INTENDED FOR HER TO BE A BIT IN LOVE WITH HIM, Angel Coulby wont act in love if the script didnt say so. They had to rush the Arthur/Guine so they pretended that Guine/Merlin never happened, very smart eh writers! you think the audience is blind or all kids.
Back to Guine in this ep: she convinced me, that she suits Lancelot, at least more than with Arthur, if you buy what she said. I actually felt for her when the guy rode off. What a stupid thing to do. But it happens with simple ppl, and I mean simple in a very negative meaning as oppose to sophisticated. I came to conclusion that since both Guine and Lancelot are simple ppl they suit themselve much better, they feel more adequate and themselve being in each other's companion. Arthur, surprisingly with his dimwitness isnt a simple person, he needs someone sophisticated and thinks deeper into his character and personality.
I think the scene after the rescue around the fire can tell plenty: 1/ that Guine actually still hoped that Arthur would declare his love since he s already defiled his father, but Arthur didnt, the guy was busy hurt. 2/ that Guine couldnt care less about what Arthur feels and what Lancelot would think, she couldnt care how Arthur d feel seeing her holding hand with Lancelot, and when she scolded at Arthur lie about him being there because of Morgana she didnt even glance at Lancelot and just sulk away in a very tantrum throwing manner, Lancelot's (and Merlin's) face was priceless. A woman who s just newly found and declared true love wouldnt act like she did, I am sure. I thought at least she could steal shy glance at Lancelot and apologetic ones to Arthur given how longing look she just exchanged with him a few days ago not to mention her saying the almost promise "maybe when you are King" , no? I mean ppl do much worse without any conscience but this is Guinevere, she is supposed to be compasionate gentle and likeable person! Or is it just me hoping she would be such a person? Well there go my hope for this verse Guinevere. Her sneering to Morgana's question about men was in no way what the last season Gwen would say. I realize now I have trouble not with Guine in general but with her being so different between seasons. If she was like this in s1 I wouldnt bother to say a single word now.
Lancelot: I have no opinion whatsoever except for that Santiago looks better with his hair short :D I couldnt cope with his wavy waves of hair last season, because it was so typical it s cheesy. His acting is very noticeable too, Lancelot the loser seeing the light of his life through Guine is very convincing and explains pretty clearly why he d choose a woman over his knighthood honor in the future, given how much the knighthood means to him. Sorry Arthur, your knighty prowers is umm less appealing than your wife ^__^
Arthur: I can only direct you to THIS because it resumes exactly what I think about the Arthur being in love, OMFG I just laughed and laughed and laughed clutching my ribs ^__^
there s so much things I want to quot but
"Arthur: I don't WANT a strip club you TIT, I want DEPTH and LOVE and--
Merlin: It's okay, Arthur. Strippers have feelings too.
Arthur: ...They do?
Merlin: Yes.
Arthur: Oh. *PAUSE* Are you sure?
Merlin: Positive.
Arthur: ...Okay."
and
"I KNOW THE COLOR OF HER SOUL OK.."
own my soul *weep joyful tears from her eyes*
I think the "baby rat" scene is the first one in this season that made me smile at Arthur and want to hug him. The way his concerned look at Merlin s taken aback expression, the immediate "giant..baby rat" switch was so sweet I was like GOSH Arthur no matter what the script says I still strongly believe you love and care for him more than for anyone in this effing stupid epic-turn-dramatic series ^_^
this is my fav scene from the whole ep (and possibly from all the 4 eps so far)
Let's admire Merlin's wee face in this epic gif oh Colin I cant get enough of your adorable little face! I think Bradley cant do better either because upon that face he then acted this tenderly, Bradley s definitly for bromance XD *got into fangirl frenzy*
Ok now Merlin. I dont know how to express my deep discontent with Merlin's characterisation this season. He is sadly reduced to a frightened kitten, a sad, confused, lost and desperate, and mostly sad being. He was so confident and full of joy and cheeky the last season which made me watch this series in the first placel! I know they intended it to be the character growth, but honestly if that how this character grow I dont want him to grow at all. I know he is confused with the knowledge and weighed with the lie about his true self and emotionally shaken about the possibility of losing his closest and eventually the epiphany of his love for Arthur but common! has he be this pahtetic and turned to a joker to fill in the lazy writing? I love the comic relief of the last season, they turned out so subtly funny like the first Arthur/Merlin scene or the Gwen's "men like ..you" scene [oh I am so fond of that scene Gwen's expression was hilarious and Merlin's amusement written all over his face, he was trying to figure out why she was so flustered.] This season hilarity doesnt lie upon writing but all thanks to the actors. Such a scene like the one above is rarety and even then if not for those two would turn quite banal.
Bref, it pains me to see Merlin this miserable.
To sum up the ep, I think there s a REASON as why the writers named this ep Lancelot and Guinevere, we certainly wont have an ep untitled Arthur and Guinevere. That says pretty much what they all think about this relationships right? that Arthur/Guine is the kind of political correct, duty bounded and full of obligation. even though I know the writers are randomest of random and they write for the sake of plot convenience, this is no coincidence *nod*
Damn this show found a way to my heart and then it turn out to be a badly stupidily written show I feel oddly betrayed, I should from now on meditate with this phrase "Look at Colin look at Colin Colin Colin.." ^__^
Have you seen the promo pics with Merlin and Freya the druid girl? they look so cute together I almost ship them!! and yay Merlin got kissed too wait I should be upset right right!? But they look so young so innocent ! I wonder if Bradley got jealous seeing those pics, I am crazily jealous here! XD
Guine (for short ok, her name s kind of complicated and long)
I laughed my arse off at the beginning with her longing look exchange with Arthur, cause what s the title of this ep again? Right Lancelot and Guinevere, and as I predicted it s only 15 mins later she declared her love for Lancelot, just a few scenes after Merlin said she would wait for Arthur "if she loves you" heheh
Actually after reading the interview with geeksyndicate linked by feilongfan here, I dont feel like picking on Guine any more. From what I gathered according to Bradley they rushed the A/G because she wouldnt have anything to do otherwise heh they didnt plan to write her at all. She sort of IS there already so they have to deal with her, occasionally when they remember she exists, and watching half the season gone I totally catch on the OMG-what-should-Guine-do vibe the writers give off, the result is that Guine is sometimes Morgana and sometimes Merlin, and she is very confident while playing their role it s so funny. I guess when writers are not fond of a character they just dont put thier mind in it. The character I hope would change my mind most turns out a so banal and so very legend-like it can't even make me feel bad disliking her.
I rewinded some her scenes in s1 to review my reaction on Gwen, and I still maintain positively that I d buy anytime Gwen s1, and I am positive she was in love with Merlin and even more positive the script INTENDED FOR HER TO BE A BIT IN LOVE WITH HIM, Angel Coulby wont act in love if the script didnt say so. They had to rush the Arthur/Guine so they pretended that Guine/Merlin never happened, very smart eh writers! you think the audience is blind or all kids.
Back to Guine in this ep: she convinced me, that she suits Lancelot, at least more than with Arthur, if you buy what she said. I actually felt for her when the guy rode off. What a stupid thing to do. But it happens with simple ppl, and I mean simple in a very negative meaning as oppose to sophisticated. I came to conclusion that since both Guine and Lancelot are simple ppl they suit themselve much better, they feel more adequate and themselve being in each other's companion. Arthur, surprisingly with his dimwitness isnt a simple person, he needs someone sophisticated and thinks deeper into his character and personality.
I think the scene after the rescue around the fire can tell plenty: 1/ that Guine actually still hoped that Arthur would declare his love since he s already defiled his father, but Arthur didnt, the guy was busy hurt. 2/ that Guine couldnt care less about what Arthur feels and what Lancelot would think, she couldnt care how Arthur d feel seeing her holding hand with Lancelot, and when she scolded at Arthur lie about him being there because of Morgana she didnt even glance at Lancelot and just sulk away in a very tantrum throwing manner, Lancelot's (and Merlin's) face was priceless. A woman who s just newly found and declared true love wouldnt act like she did, I am sure. I thought at least she could steal shy glance at Lancelot and apologetic ones to Arthur given how longing look she just exchanged with him a few days ago not to mention her saying the almost promise "maybe when you are King" , no? I mean ppl do much worse without any conscience but this is Guinevere, she is supposed to be compasionate gentle and likeable person! Or is it just me hoping she would be such a person? Well there go my hope for this verse Guinevere. Her sneering to Morgana's question about men was in no way what the last season Gwen would say. I realize now I have trouble not with Guine in general but with her being so different between seasons. If she was like this in s1 I wouldnt bother to say a single word now.
Lancelot: I have no opinion whatsoever except for that Santiago looks better with his hair short :D I couldnt cope with his wavy waves of hair last season, because it was so typical it s cheesy. His acting is very noticeable too, Lancelot the loser seeing the light of his life through Guine is very convincing and explains pretty clearly why he d choose a woman over his knighthood honor in the future, given how much the knighthood means to him. Sorry Arthur, your knighty prowers is umm less appealing than your wife ^__^
Arthur: I can only direct you to THIS because it resumes exactly what I think about the Arthur being in love, OMFG I just laughed and laughed and laughed clutching my ribs ^__^
there s so much things I want to quot but
"Arthur: I don't WANT a strip club you TIT, I want DEPTH and LOVE and--
Merlin: It's okay, Arthur. Strippers have feelings too.
Arthur: ...They do?
Merlin: Yes.
Arthur: Oh. *PAUSE* Are you sure?
Merlin: Positive.
Arthur: ...Okay."
and
"I KNOW THE COLOR OF HER SOUL OK.."
own my soul *weep joyful tears from her eyes*
I think the "baby rat" scene is the first one in this season that made me smile at Arthur and want to hug him. The way his concerned look at Merlin s taken aback expression, the immediate "giant..baby rat" switch was so sweet I was like GOSH Arthur no matter what the script says I still strongly believe you love and care for him more than for anyone in this effing stupid epic-turn-dramatic series ^_^
this is my fav scene from the whole ep (and possibly from all the 4 eps so far)
Click to viewLet's admire Merlin's wee face in this epic gif oh Colin I cant get enough of your adorable little face! I think Bradley cant do better either because upon that face he then acted this tenderly, Bradley s definitly for bromance XD *got into fangirl frenzy*
Ok now Merlin. I dont know how to express my deep discontent with Merlin's characterisation this season. He is sadly reduced to a frightened kitten, a sad, confused, lost and desperate, and mostly sad being. He was so confident and full of joy and cheeky the last season which made me watch this series in the first placel! I know they intended it to be the character growth, but honestly if that how this character grow I dont want him to grow at all. I know he is confused with the knowledge and weighed with the lie about his true self and emotionally shaken about the possibility of losing his closest and eventually the epiphany of his love for Arthur but common! has he be this pahtetic and turned to a joker to fill in the lazy writing? I love the comic relief of the last season, they turned out so subtly funny like the first Arthur/Merlin scene or the Gwen's "men like ..you" scene [oh I am so fond of that scene Gwen's expression was hilarious and Merlin's amusement written all over his face, he was trying to figure out why she was so flustered.] This season hilarity doesnt lie upon writing but all thanks to the actors. Such a scene like the one above is rarety and even then if not for those two would turn quite banal.
Bref, it pains me to see Merlin this miserable.
To sum up the ep, I think there s a REASON as why the writers named this ep Lancelot and Guinevere, we certainly wont have an ep untitled Arthur and Guinevere. That says pretty much what they all think about this relationships right? that Arthur/Guine is the kind of political correct, duty bounded and full of obligation. even though I know the writers are randomest of random and they write for the sake of plot convenience, this is no coincidence *nod*
Damn this show found a way to my heart and then it turn out to be a badly stupidily written show I feel oddly betrayed, I should from now on meditate with this phrase "Look at Colin look at Colin Colin Colin.." ^__^
Have you seen the promo pics with Merlin and Freya the druid girl? they look so cute together I almost ship them!! and yay Merlin got kissed too wait I should be upset right right!? But they look so young so innocent ! I wonder if Bradley got jealous seeing those pics, I am crazily jealous here! XD