Thoughts on the GWENISODE
I've watched this episode three times now (IT WAS TOO GOOD), so I think I'm ready to discuss my thoughts.
1. Morgana, I...I don't...I. I think I've just experienced heartbreak. I don't hate Morgana. I could NEVER hate Morgana. But the way she's treating Arthur and Gwen? With zero remorse? It kills me. The worst moment was right after Gwen was kidnapped and Morgana looks out of her window and smirks. The girl who's taken care of you for YEARS and whom you used to love was just assaulted and kidnapped and will now go through extreme emotional torture. THIS IS NOT RIGHT, MORGANA. IN ANYWAY. If Gwen ever finds out (hell, if ARTHUR ever finds out)...oh, God. So many tears. So many breaking hearts. So many feelings of betrayal.
2. Every once in a while Merlin manages to have a scene that's incredibly smart. Morgana refusing Merlin's offer to fill her goblet was very subtle, but it said loads about their past. Someone over at onceandfutures pointed out that Morgana has trust issues, and I think this backs up that theory.
3. "No, you just poison them." This was the one scene I actually felt for Morgana. I wish we had had more because I don't LIKE being against Morgana. The girl has REASON to be angry, but we so rarely get to see that. I hope they explore the previously mentioned trust issues with regards to her relationship with Arthur because then her attempts on his life would make actual SENSE. "I want the throne" -- just not buying it.
4. SO MANY GWEN SCENES. SO. FREAKING. MANY. And Angel rocked every one of them. I am so, so proud of our girl. I just...ASDJK:LAJSD. Seriously can't put into words how amazing she was.
5. SO THERE WAS NO KISS ON HORSEBACK OR ALMOST-KISS ON HORSEBACK EVER? ;_; SADNESS
6. Arthur/Gwen banter AGAIN! It looks like they've really had a turning point. No reset button or anything! It was fantastic. I also loved how they actually TALKED in this episode. He told her that adorable story about his father bringing him to the woods and then Gwen told her a bit about her history with Elyan... BOND MORE, GUYS. BONNNNNND. You do it so well!
7. "I thought I told you to ride for Camelot." "You might be a prince, but I don't always have to do what you tell me to."
Reasons why this is my favorite scene to ever grace my screen:
a. BANTER. FLIRTY BANTER.
b. So obvious how Arthur was secretly pleased that she hadn't left after all.
c. Arthur's little look at Elyan (I think it was him) that basically said, "There's no point arguing with the wife." IT'S ONCE AND FUTURE PENDRAGON-NESS. \o/
d. Gwen waited for him. She did NOT go back. I have to say, when Gwen originally agreed to leave I felt my heart sink (and even more when she found out Merlin was going after him and didn't go with him -- obviously she had her brother to look after, but still...). I have argued since 2x04 that if it were Arthur asking her to leave Gwen never would, and it killed me when I thought I had been proven wrong. Thankfully TPTB heard my prayers and Gwen DIDN'T do as Arthur said. Which I just love because a) it shows that she could never abandon him and b) it shows that she sees herself as his equal (in some ways at least...I think she still very much sees herself as a servant to his prince, but that's starting to disappear as well) and has no qualms going against his wishes.
8. Merlin and Gwen are still friends!! His concern for her was so lovely. *hugs them* And, heh, I can't lie, when he put his hand on the crook of her elbow part of me screamed, "KISS HER." I still can't get over how this show makes me a multishipper. XD But that was a wonderful moment between the two of them.
9. OT3 scheming was one of the best scenes of the show. You could just SEE how well they'd work together as king, queen, and adviser. More of this please.
10. Gwen with the fire poker. If they hadn't cheated with the second man she would've so taken him. Did you see her face when she finally had a weapon in her hand? NO FEAR. She knew what to do.
11. The OT4 joking scene in the woods (Morgana will take care of Arthur and Gwen will look after Merlin). I adored this scene, but it was terribly bittersweet. God, before Morgana “turned” this is EXACTLY how I imagined the four of them would be once Arthur became king. The once and future Pendragons would be joking and flirting, Merlin would get all giddy over how they were STILL adorable, everyone would give Merlin grief for his weak hand-to-hand combat skills (even though he could kill them all with a single flash of his eyes), Morgana would be Arthur’s right hand woman… AJSDA:LSKDJ. Why, show? WHYYYY?
12. The familial chemistry between Gwen and Elyan was UNBELIEVABLE. Their relationship was believable from the moment they lay their eyes on each other. I loved how he pulled her into this protective hug and she clung to him. Is he the older brother? I DESPERATELY want him to be now (though this may also stem from my own desire to have a protective older brother...). Their conversation in the dungeon was perfection. THEIR RAPPORT. THEIR FREAKING RAPPORT. Gwen was adorable ("I only hope Arthur can think of something." "Arthur?" "Prince Arthur. I came with him." "Prince Arthur of Camelot?" "Yes, Elyan, Prince Arthur of Camelot." HER INDIGNATION AT HAVING TO SPELL EVERYTHING OUT, OH GOODNESS) and we saw a completely different side to her.
13. "Was there...anything else?" "I just wanted to say thank you." OH, HAI THERE PARALLEL TO 2X01.
14. Once again Morgana and Gwen BOTH had a role. And significant amount of lines. IS THIS REAL LIFE? BOTH WOMEN FEATURED IN A SINGLE EPISODE? WAH?
15. The chemistry between Merlin and Morgana in this episode was OFF the CHARTS. Dear GOD. I seriously expected them to rip off each other's clothes during several scenes.
16. "IT'S WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEONE." TWICE. SAID TWICE. ONCE BY EACH OF THEM. When Gwen looked up at Arthur there were all these ~FEELINGS (um, duh, it pushed him to stare at her lips -- HE WAS SO OBVIOUS IT WAS ADORABLE -- and almost kiss), and then when ARTHUR said it... I love how this boy has twice now told her "I love you" in a total round-about way. It's perfect. And I SCREAMED when he said it. After his lips move the TINIEST fraction of an inch into a smile, and then her reaction. She's just OVERWHELMED by this admission (even though, lulz, you've heard it before, darling!).
This time around she DOESN'T correct him or warn him that his feelings are foolhardy. PROGRESS. AGAIN. TWO EPISODES OF PROGRESS IN A ROW. I am just...wow. We're finally moving beyond "we can never be." I'm overwhelmed! Just need to add that Gwen's "welllll, let's just say they won't be missed for a day or two" was precious.
What I wish they had included/what confused/bothered me:
1. Cendred trying to get to Arthur through Gwen (so, you know, stroking her cheek, looking at Arthur and commenting on how pretty she is...that sort of thing). What can I say? I have issues.
2. How did Merlin figure out that Morgana knew about A/G? Did Gwen tell him? Did he just assume that Morgana finally cottoned or or that she always knew?
3. Arthur learning about what Gwen went through. I loved the OT3 scheming scene, but I wanted a scene featuring Arthur FURIOUS over those burns on her wrists and the kidnapping. LIKE BURNING.
4. I actually felt that Arthur didn't show enough concern when he found out Gwen had probably been kidnapped, especially when I compared it to his reaction in 2x04. I understand that he had to keep it under wraps when he was trying to convince Uther to send out a search party, but they could've included a small scene that showed how terrified he was.
5. No mention of Gwen and Elyan's mother. ;_; I can only hope that we learn about this in one of Elyan's other episodes because at this point Gwen is the ONLY on of the OT4 with an unknown parent. Not cool.
6. When they were ambushed in the tunnels, what did Gwen say before "I'm sorry"? I've listened to it several times and still haven't figure it out. I found it interesting and very telling that her first reaction was to apologize. The poor girl has a serious guilt complex. She thinks everything's her fault. D= *hugs Gwen*
1. Morgana, I...I don't...I. I think I've just experienced heartbreak. I don't hate Morgana. I could NEVER hate Morgana. But the way she's treating Arthur and Gwen? With zero remorse? It kills me. The worst moment was right after Gwen was kidnapped and Morgana looks out of her window and smirks. The girl who's taken care of you for YEARS and whom you used to love was just assaulted and kidnapped and will now go through extreme emotional torture. THIS IS NOT RIGHT, MORGANA. IN ANYWAY. If Gwen ever finds out (hell, if ARTHUR ever finds out)...oh, God. So many tears. So many breaking hearts. So many feelings of betrayal.
2. Every once in a while Merlin manages to have a scene that's incredibly smart. Morgana refusing Merlin's offer to fill her goblet was very subtle, but it said loads about their past. Someone over at onceandfutures pointed out that Morgana has trust issues, and I think this backs up that theory.
3. "No, you just poison them." This was the one scene I actually felt for Morgana. I wish we had had more because I don't LIKE being against Morgana. The girl has REASON to be angry, but we so rarely get to see that. I hope they explore the previously mentioned trust issues with regards to her relationship with Arthur because then her attempts on his life would make actual SENSE. "I want the throne" -- just not buying it.
4. SO MANY GWEN SCENES. SO. FREAKING. MANY. And Angel rocked every one of them. I am so, so proud of our girl. I just...ASDJK:LAJSD. Seriously can't put into words how amazing she was.
5. SO THERE WAS NO KISS ON HORSEBACK OR ALMOST-KISS ON HORSEBACK EVER? ;_; SADNESS
6. Arthur/Gwen banter AGAIN! It looks like they've really had a turning point. No reset button or anything! It was fantastic. I also loved how they actually TALKED in this episode. He told her that adorable story about his father bringing him to the woods and then Gwen told her a bit about her history with Elyan... BOND MORE, GUYS. BONNNNNND. You do it so well!
7. "I thought I told you to ride for Camelot." "You might be a prince, but I don't always have to do what you tell me to."
Reasons why this is my favorite scene to ever grace my screen:
a. BANTER. FLIRTY BANTER.
b. So obvious how Arthur was secretly pleased that she hadn't left after all.
c. Arthur's little look at Elyan (I think it was him) that basically said, "There's no point arguing with the wife." IT'S ONCE AND FUTURE PENDRAGON-NESS. \o/
d. Gwen waited for him. She did NOT go back. I have to say, when Gwen originally agreed to leave I felt my heart sink (and even more when she found out Merlin was going after him and didn't go with him -- obviously she had her brother to look after, but still...). I have argued since 2x04 that if it were Arthur asking her to leave Gwen never would, and it killed me when I thought I had been proven wrong. Thankfully TPTB heard my prayers and Gwen DIDN'T do as Arthur said. Which I just love because a) it shows that she could never abandon him and b) it shows that she sees herself as his equal (in some ways at least...I think she still very much sees herself as a servant to his prince, but that's starting to disappear as well) and has no qualms going against his wishes.
8. Merlin and Gwen are still friends!! His concern for her was so lovely. *hugs them* And, heh, I can't lie, when he put his hand on the crook of her elbow part of me screamed, "KISS HER." I still can't get over how this show makes me a multishipper. XD But that was a wonderful moment between the two of them.
9. OT3 scheming was one of the best scenes of the show. You could just SEE how well they'd work together as king, queen, and adviser. More of this please.
10. Gwen with the fire poker. If they hadn't cheated with the second man she would've so taken him. Did you see her face when she finally had a weapon in her hand? NO FEAR. She knew what to do.
11. The OT4 joking scene in the woods (Morgana will take care of Arthur and Gwen will look after Merlin). I adored this scene, but it was terribly bittersweet. God, before Morgana “turned” this is EXACTLY how I imagined the four of them would be once Arthur became king. The once and future Pendragons would be joking and flirting, Merlin would get all giddy over how they were STILL adorable, everyone would give Merlin grief for his weak hand-to-hand combat skills (even though he could kill them all with a single flash of his eyes), Morgana would be Arthur’s right hand woman… AJSDA:LSKDJ. Why, show? WHYYYY?
12. The familial chemistry between Gwen and Elyan was UNBELIEVABLE. Their relationship was believable from the moment they lay their eyes on each other. I loved how he pulled her into this protective hug and she clung to him. Is he the older brother? I DESPERATELY want him to be now (though this may also stem from my own desire to have a protective older brother...). Their conversation in the dungeon was perfection. THEIR RAPPORT. THEIR FREAKING RAPPORT. Gwen was adorable ("I only hope Arthur can think of something." "Arthur?" "Prince Arthur. I came with him." "Prince Arthur of Camelot?" "Yes, Elyan, Prince Arthur of Camelot." HER INDIGNATION AT HAVING TO SPELL EVERYTHING OUT, OH GOODNESS) and we saw a completely different side to her.
13. "Was there...anything else?" "I just wanted to say thank you." OH, HAI THERE PARALLEL TO 2X01.
14. Once again Morgana and Gwen BOTH had a role. And significant amount of lines. IS THIS REAL LIFE? BOTH WOMEN FEATURED IN A SINGLE EPISODE? WAH?
15. The chemistry between Merlin and Morgana in this episode was OFF the CHARTS. Dear GOD. I seriously expected them to rip off each other's clothes during several scenes.
16. "IT'S WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEONE." TWICE. SAID TWICE. ONCE BY EACH OF THEM. When Gwen looked up at Arthur there were all these ~FEELINGS (um, duh, it pushed him to stare at her lips -- HE WAS SO OBVIOUS IT WAS ADORABLE -- and almost kiss), and then when ARTHUR said it... I love how this boy has twice now told her "I love you" in a total round-about way. It's perfect. And I SCREAMED when he said it. After his lips move the TINIEST fraction of an inch into a smile, and then her reaction. She's just OVERWHELMED by this admission (even though, lulz, you've heard it before, darling!).
This time around she DOESN'T correct him or warn him that his feelings are foolhardy. PROGRESS. AGAIN. TWO EPISODES OF PROGRESS IN A ROW. I am just...wow. We're finally moving beyond "we can never be." I'm overwhelmed! Just need to add that Gwen's "welllll, let's just say they won't be missed for a day or two" was precious.
What I wish they had included/what confused/bothered me:
1. Cendred trying to get to Arthur through Gwen (so, you know, stroking her cheek, looking at Arthur and commenting on how pretty she is...that sort of thing). What can I say? I have issues.
2. How did Merlin figure out that Morgana knew about A/G? Did Gwen tell him? Did he just assume that Morgana finally cottoned or or that she always knew?
3. Arthur learning about what Gwen went through. I loved the OT3 scheming scene, but I wanted a scene featuring Arthur FURIOUS over those burns on her wrists and the kidnapping. LIKE BURNING.
4. I actually felt that Arthur didn't show enough concern when he found out Gwen had probably been kidnapped, especially when I compared it to his reaction in 2x04. I understand that he had to keep it under wraps when he was trying to convince Uther to send out a search party, but they could've included a small scene that showed how terrified he was.
5. No mention of Gwen and Elyan's mother. ;_; I can only hope that we learn about this in one of Elyan's other episodes because at this point Gwen is the ONLY on of the OT4 with an unknown parent. Not cool.
6. When they were ambushed in the tunnels, what did Gwen say before "I'm sorry"? I've listened to it several times and still haven't figure it out. I found it interesting and very telling that her first reaction was to apologize. The poor girl has a serious guilt complex. She thinks everything's her fault. D= *hugs Gwen*