Merlin BFI report thingy, SPOILERS
BFI SCREENING OMG. WORDS ABOUT IT.
It is surprisingly easy to talk to the cast! Got into a fun thing with Katie and Angel about who one should want to be when older (Morgana has magic and swords, Angel IS QUEEN), and Bradley at first refused to engage with the idea that a girl could aspire to be Prince Arthur, but came round to it eventually, and is mentally prepared to now meet an army of ten year old girls in chainmail and blonde wigs. THEY ARE SO FAB AND HOT, GOODNESS. But also, kinda, really normal. I am reminded, as ever, that Bradley could be ANY ONE of my ridic mates. Just, insanely better looking.
The loffly Angel, pretty much the only pic I managed to get:
So, Merlin eps! Forewarning, my investment in a scene is significantly strengethened when someone with breasts onscreen! And I'm not summarising the plot, as I'm sure someone will do the necessary. But feel free to ask if I'm not making sense.
OKAY 301/302 SPOILERS ARE FROM HERE:
Morgana is officially back. And fierce. Whether she's wearing every outfit she's ever owned (the green silk, the glittering white, skin-tight chainmail, red velvet, or fairytale purple), or pulling daggers on innocent sentries, or utilising a year's worth of training from Morgause School of Witchcraft and Villainy, she's finally back, in all her s1 glory. Competent, as we always knew she could be. Commited to a cause, and not because she's helpless or being manipulated, as s2 was wont to do, but because she's convinced it's the only way to battle this out. It makes total sense given her year of depression and the reaffirming gap year with teh sis. She's truly becoming Morgan Le Fay from the legends, wiht her cloaks in creepily lit forests and standing by cauldrons in cobwebbed caves.
Her relationship with Morgause is as strong as ever. For those wondering if finding out they're related would deter Morgana, um, NO. She's taken to adoring every step Morgause walks, getting doe-eyed and worshippy. They hold hands, have faith in one another... and still look like a medieval butch/femme couple. It's beautiful.
Fave line:
Morgana: *some sentiment of admiration and love*
Morgause: I draw strength from you.
STILL GOT IT.
YEAH, MORGAUSE IS PRETTY MUCH MY FAVE. Cus she's seduced and manipulated Cendred seamlessly and now orders him about, she drinks from tankdards and draws up battle plans, does spells and stirs potions, and lives in her chainmail. Completely the sexiest thing about the show atm.
Gwen, ngl, I was really disappointed. We weren't given a reunion scene with Morgana, and the scenes they shared were inconsequential, and they definitely seem to have reverted to the mistress/maid relationship they had fallen into at the end of s2. G/M is my OTP, so I'm a bit in mourning, and I may have to rely on other femslashers for fanwank support. She didn't any screentime of importance, poor girl. Leon got more action.
They boys: Arthur's getting all kingly, which is hot. Merlin's only worry is that Morgana will spill about the poisoning, and not the fact he actually poisoned her, but he's in an incredibly tight position because they're in open warfare now, and it's actually delicious watching him squirm.
And as for M/A relationship, they were... cute. Some of the scenes were a bit recycled, or forced. There's elaborate insulting with 'dollophead', a sequence involving buckets over the head, fanservice with innuendo about Merlin's sore arse. But they have a genuinely touching emotional and epic scene -- their traditional armour-dressing tiem -- when Merlin looks so worried for Arthur and Arthur finds it kinda moving, and then Merlin gets all epic and wordy about Arthur's future, and Arthur looks like he'll never know what to do with Merlin, but that's kinda okay. And there are lovely words exchanged.
And Uther drowns babies. I keep forgetting why I'm meant to be on his side.
Shippy/fab moments:
+ Morgana/Merlin swordfight. I COULD SHIP IT LIKE THIS. She pwns him. Their warfare is honest and puts them on a more equal footing, finally. And there's a delicious moment when Morgana springs out at him from the pillars and pulls him into the shadows, just like in 113, but this time she threatens him, leaves him powerless, and basically officially changes their dynamics. IT IS EXCELLENT.
+ Morgause/Merlin. No, srsly, she gets him on his knees, binds him with slender silver rope, and tells him she wants to learn his secrets. shantirosa has promised dirtywrong fic, and should be pestered till she delivers.
+ Arthur/Gwen. I confess I didnae love it, but the first time she got proper lines, she came into Arthur's chamber. They're clearly comfy together, they immediately began talking about the impending siege, Gwen assuring him of the commoners' support. It got a bit... generic, when as she started talking about believing in him again, but was redeemed wtih a bit of handholding and almost-kissing. To which many ppl in teh audience yelled out various helpful suggestions, myself included :P. They also exchanged a soft look later amidst some chaos.
They're still sweet, but I'm hoping for more development.
+ Ar/Mor was simply lovely. They had a long convo on her bed, framed by curtains, and he was more openly caring/gentle than I think we've ever seen. She lied her arse off to him, but unlike with everyone else, when they hugged (which was long, and soft, and perfect), we weren't treated to her evol looks, and I think she's genuinely happy to be with him again. They also got a side cling with Arthur being very emotive at Uther's bedside: tender and comfy again. STILL SHIPPING IT. It might be a little siblingy, but a relationship that's clearly developed, and looks to be much stronger than s2 had left them.
+ Merlin rides the dragon back to Camelot, and it is mega lols because he pulls a Titanic. And no one notices the return of a giant reptile in the hood. Just another day in Camelot.
+ Morgana's got a problem: a chronic Evol Smirk. She pulls it after deliverying every heartfelt repentance and casual lie. Sometimes she pulls it while the guards are still looking at her though. If you want to ruin your liver, play a drinking game based on the appearance of the smirk.
+ MORGAUSE. Um, every scene. But particularly when she's doing magic in her red dress by her cauldron, and Morgana stands in purple by her and it's VISUALLY SUMPTIOUS because they're being witchy, and it's also incredibly intimate. Gnuh. Also, when Cendred casts doubt on teh "traitor's" worth, and Morgause staunchly defends her. Or when it becomes obvious their plan has gone wrong, but her expression is only one of concern for Morgana.
UM I THINK THAT'S IT FOR THE MOMENT. HIT ME IF YOU WANT MORE.
TRAILER THINGIES:
A/G KISS LOOKS BEAUTIFUL, OKAY? IT'S THE OT4 EP WHEN THEY'RE ON HORSIES AND THEY LEAN IN SIDEWAYS ON THEIR HORSES AND I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH THEM AND THEY MADE ME SQUEE SO HARD. IT LOOKS COMPLETELY ULTRA ROMANTIC.
The crystal cave is apparently the source of all magic; w00t. Freya/Excalibur's back, Merlin's sobbing with joy. The boys have a really charming moment at the end which I can't remember, but I awwed so hard. USEFUL YEAH I KNOW. Um, Gaius hugged a lady and gets turned into a troll. MORGANA WEARS A FUCKING A CROWN ON THE THRONE. Guinevere breaks my heart by telling Gaius "I saw Morgana do *something-I-can't-remember*... and she's changed. She's not the person she once as; I don't believe she's still a friend of Camelot." She also almost caresses or gets caressed by a hand that looks distinctly Lancelotian, and it is hot. IF THERE WAS MORE that we've not already seen (the donkey made a reappearance) I FORGET IT.
INTERVIEW SHIT I REMEMBER:
doylefan22 voiced what many were thinking, and pointed out that the sisters are pretty sympathetic, and evil is a ridic word to use. The producers shifted uneasily; Katie professed much affection for the question and poser, and said Morgana is where she is because she absolutely feels she has no choice, and this is the only way she feels she can fight, and things might have been different if Merlin had SAID STUFF.
gnimaerd asked would they revise anything? ...To which the producers answered diplomatically and talked much about looking forward.
nikkidarling(I think?) queried Gwen's existence in the show: after much thinking, Angel replied Gwen's brother will pop up for two eps, and she gets a 'bit of an adventure'. Relatedly for those who've been theorising, Bradley remarked that Gawain and Percival come together, which indicates Gwen's brother is an original character.
Oh, and Angel and Bradley were asked what it's like kissing. Angel immediately responded Bradley was looking forward to it; Bradley immediately responded by saying that with everyone there, one just has to -- he did a weird face-eating impression, and then said it was not at all romantic. Angel lolled, and mouthed he's lying. When pressed on a score out of 10, she gave 2, Bradley said it was an improvement and said it was 1. Angel was already gesturing 1 to us.
AND AGAIN, MY MEMORY IS QUITTING THERE. BRADLEY POUTED AND SHUFFLED THROUGH MOST OF THE PANEL, COLIN AND ASH WAS ADORBS, AND RICHARD WILSON'S LACONIC MONOSYLLABIC ANSWERS WERE MY FAVOURITE. KATIE IS LOVELINESS REINCARNATED. THE END.
It is surprisingly easy to talk to the cast! Got into a fun thing with Katie and Angel about who one should want to be when older (Morgana has magic and swords, Angel IS QUEEN), and Bradley at first refused to engage with the idea that a girl could aspire to be Prince Arthur, but came round to it eventually, and is mentally prepared to now meet an army of ten year old girls in chainmail and blonde wigs. THEY ARE SO FAB AND HOT, GOODNESS. But also, kinda, really normal. I am reminded, as ever, that Bradley could be ANY ONE of my ridic mates. Just, insanely better looking.
The loffly Angel, pretty much the only pic I managed to get:
So, Merlin eps! Forewarning, my investment in a scene is significantly strengethened when someone with breasts onscreen! And I'm not summarising the plot, as I'm sure someone will do the necessary. But feel free to ask if I'm not making sense.
OKAY 301/302 SPOILERS ARE FROM HERE:
Morgana is officially back. And fierce. Whether she's wearing every outfit she's ever owned (the green silk, the glittering white, skin-tight chainmail, red velvet, or fairytale purple), or pulling daggers on innocent sentries, or utilising a year's worth of training from Morgause School of Witchcraft and Villainy, she's finally back, in all her s1 glory. Competent, as we always knew she could be. Commited to a cause, and not because she's helpless or being manipulated, as s2 was wont to do, but because she's convinced it's the only way to battle this out. It makes total sense given her year of depression and the reaffirming gap year with teh sis. She's truly becoming Morgan Le Fay from the legends, wiht her cloaks in creepily lit forests and standing by cauldrons in cobwebbed caves.
Her relationship with Morgause is as strong as ever. For those wondering if finding out they're related would deter Morgana, um, NO. She's taken to adoring every step Morgause walks, getting doe-eyed and worshippy. They hold hands, have faith in one another... and still look like a medieval butch/femme couple. It's beautiful.
Fave line:
Morgana: *some sentiment of admiration and love*
Morgause: I draw strength from you.
STILL GOT IT.
YEAH, MORGAUSE IS PRETTY MUCH MY FAVE. Cus she's seduced and manipulated Cendred seamlessly and now orders him about, she drinks from tankdards and draws up battle plans, does spells and stirs potions, and lives in her chainmail. Completely the sexiest thing about the show atm.
Gwen, ngl, I was really disappointed. We weren't given a reunion scene with Morgana, and the scenes they shared were inconsequential, and they definitely seem to have reverted to the mistress/maid relationship they had fallen into at the end of s2. G/M is my OTP, so I'm a bit in mourning, and I may have to rely on other femslashers for fanwank support. She didn't any screentime of importance, poor girl. Leon got more action.
They boys: Arthur's getting all kingly, which is hot. Merlin's only worry is that Morgana will spill about the poisoning, and not the fact he actually poisoned her, but he's in an incredibly tight position because they're in open warfare now, and it's actually delicious watching him squirm.
And as for M/A relationship, they were... cute. Some of the scenes were a bit recycled, or forced. There's elaborate insulting with 'dollophead', a sequence involving buckets over the head, fanservice with innuendo about Merlin's sore arse. But they have a genuinely touching emotional and epic scene -- their traditional armour-dressing tiem -- when Merlin looks so worried for Arthur and Arthur finds it kinda moving, and then Merlin gets all epic and wordy about Arthur's future, and Arthur looks like he'll never know what to do with Merlin, but that's kinda okay. And there are lovely words exchanged.
And Uther drowns babies. I keep forgetting why I'm meant to be on his side.
Shippy/fab moments:
+ Morgana/Merlin swordfight. I COULD SHIP IT LIKE THIS. She pwns him. Their warfare is honest and puts them on a more equal footing, finally. And there's a delicious moment when Morgana springs out at him from the pillars and pulls him into the shadows, just like in 113, but this time she threatens him, leaves him powerless, and basically officially changes their dynamics. IT IS EXCELLENT.
+ Morgause/Merlin. No, srsly, she gets him on his knees, binds him with slender silver rope, and tells him she wants to learn his secrets. shantirosa has promised dirtywrong fic, and should be pestered till she delivers.
+ Arthur/Gwen. I confess I didnae love it, but the first time she got proper lines, she came into Arthur's chamber. They're clearly comfy together, they immediately began talking about the impending siege, Gwen assuring him of the commoners' support. It got a bit... generic, when as she started talking about believing in him again, but was redeemed wtih a bit of handholding and almost-kissing. To which many ppl in teh audience yelled out various helpful suggestions, myself included :P. They also exchanged a soft look later amidst some chaos.
They're still sweet, but I'm hoping for more development.
+ Ar/Mor was simply lovely. They had a long convo on her bed, framed by curtains, and he was more openly caring/gentle than I think we've ever seen. She lied her arse off to him, but unlike with everyone else, when they hugged (which was long, and soft, and perfect), we weren't treated to her evol looks, and I think she's genuinely happy to be with him again. They also got a side cling with Arthur being very emotive at Uther's bedside: tender and comfy again. STILL SHIPPING IT. It might be a little siblingy, but a relationship that's clearly developed, and looks to be much stronger than s2 had left them.
+ Merlin rides the dragon back to Camelot, and it is mega lols because he pulls a Titanic. And no one notices the return of a giant reptile in the hood. Just another day in Camelot.
+ Morgana's got a problem: a chronic Evol Smirk. She pulls it after deliverying every heartfelt repentance and casual lie. Sometimes she pulls it while the guards are still looking at her though. If you want to ruin your liver, play a drinking game based on the appearance of the smirk.
+ MORGAUSE. Um, every scene. But particularly when she's doing magic in her red dress by her cauldron, and Morgana stands in purple by her and it's VISUALLY SUMPTIOUS because they're being witchy, and it's also incredibly intimate. Gnuh. Also, when Cendred casts doubt on teh "traitor's" worth, and Morgause staunchly defends her. Or when it becomes obvious their plan has gone wrong, but her expression is only one of concern for Morgana.
UM I THINK THAT'S IT FOR THE MOMENT. HIT ME IF YOU WANT MORE.
TRAILER THINGIES:
A/G KISS LOOKS BEAUTIFUL, OKAY? IT'S THE OT4 EP WHEN THEY'RE ON HORSIES AND THEY LEAN IN SIDEWAYS ON THEIR HORSES AND I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH THEM AND THEY MADE ME SQUEE SO HARD. IT LOOKS COMPLETELY ULTRA ROMANTIC.
The crystal cave is apparently the source of all magic; w00t. Freya/Excalibur's back, Merlin's sobbing with joy. The boys have a really charming moment at the end which I can't remember, but I awwed so hard. USEFUL YEAH I KNOW. Um, Gaius hugged a lady and gets turned into a troll. MORGANA WEARS A FUCKING A CROWN ON THE THRONE. Guinevere breaks my heart by telling Gaius "I saw Morgana do *something-I-can't-remember*... and she's changed. She's not the person she once as; I don't believe she's still a friend of Camelot." She also almost caresses or gets caressed by a hand that looks distinctly Lancelotian, and it is hot. IF THERE WAS MORE that we've not already seen (the donkey made a reappearance) I FORGET IT.
INTERVIEW SHIT I REMEMBER:
doylefan22 voiced what many were thinking, and pointed out that the sisters are pretty sympathetic, and evil is a ridic word to use. The producers shifted uneasily; Katie professed much affection for the question and poser, and said Morgana is where she is because she absolutely feels she has no choice, and this is the only way she feels she can fight, and things might have been different if Merlin had SAID STUFF.
gnimaerd asked would they revise anything? ...To which the producers answered diplomatically and talked much about looking forward.
nikkidarling(I think?) queried Gwen's existence in the show: after much thinking, Angel replied Gwen's brother will pop up for two eps, and she gets a 'bit of an adventure'. Relatedly for those who've been theorising, Bradley remarked that Gawain and Percival come together, which indicates Gwen's brother is an original character.
Oh, and Angel and Bradley were asked what it's like kissing. Angel immediately responded Bradley was looking forward to it; Bradley immediately responded by saying that with everyone there, one just has to -- he did a weird face-eating impression, and then said it was not at all romantic. Angel lolled, and mouthed he's lying. When pressed on a score out of 10, she gave 2, Bradley said it was an improvement and said it was 1. Angel was already gesturing 1 to us.
AND AGAIN, MY MEMORY IS QUITTING THERE. BRADLEY POUTED AND SHUFFLED THROUGH MOST OF THE PANEL, COLIN AND ASH WAS ADORBS, AND RICHARD WILSON'S LACONIC MONOSYLLABIC ANSWERS WERE MY FAVOURITE. KATIE IS LOVELINESS REINCARNATED. THE END.