Lancelot du Lac meta/review
AMAZE ME
This week's Merlin totally blew me away. It had its usual baddie scheming, tournaments, fight scenes, and Merlin trying to save the day, but the emotional interplay was taken to a whole new level. It's one of the few times that Merlin wasn't able to save the day and it didn't have a happy ending filled with hidden promises all wrapped up in a bow. Previous A/G story lines have been angsty and heartfelt, but never tragic. This one definitely pushed those boundaries. Don't get me wrong, I hate tragedies with the burning passion of a thousand spells, but my absolute favorite part was Arthur and Guinevere's final scene together.
TIME TO PICK FAVORITES
Bradley and Angel. I can't get over how amazing they were in this scene. Merlin has been very fortunate to have such a remarkable set of actors, regulars and guests alike, but this episode made me respect them so much more. I can't think of any way to describe it except to say that it felt real. Their pain and anger and frustration and despair felt so genuine, it was heartbreaking. Lucy Watkins is now officially my favorite Merlin writer. Her dialogue is incredible. In Sweet Dreams, she pulled out the hilarious flowery Shakespearean language when Lady Vivian and Arthur were enchanted.
LADY VIVIAN: Who is it?
ARTHUR: It is destiny, my love! Destiny and chicken!
In The Changeling, she mixed heartache and humor once more in incredible fashion.
MERLIN: I've brought you your ceremonial sword.
ARTHUR: Is that for me to fall on?
A Servant of Two Masters had me doubled over in laughter and glee.
MORGANA: Oh, don't be like that. We have a lot of catching up to do. After all, I haven't seen you since you condemned my sister to a slow and painful death, thwarted my plans to take over Camelot, and forced me to live in a hovel.
MERLIN: Couldn't do me a favour, could you? Let Arthur know he still thinks of me of an underachiever, but I'm quite proud of those accomplishments. I can die happy.
I couldn't stop laughing at the whole crossbow in the armory scene.
MERLIN: Arthur wants a crossbow.
SIR LEON: That one's ancient. Probably wouldn't hurt a fly.
MERLIN: Well, if you did want to hurt a fly, or even a human, what would you use?
...
SIR LEON: Will that do the job?
MERLIN: Oh, yes. That will do the job nicely.
SIR LEON: Er, what is the job, exactly?
MERLIN: To kill Arthur.
SIR LEON: He's driving you mad, is he?
MERLIN: Not for much longer.
And we also got some funny and some very touching moments.
KING ARTHUR: I've seen worse. I've definitely seen worse.
MERLIN: Not a dead man?
KING ARTHUR: You're not going to die, Merlin. Don't be such a coward.
MERLIN: If I do die, will you call me a hero?
KING ARTHUR: Probably.
MERLIN: But whilst I'm still alive, I'm a coward?
KING ARTHUR: That's the way these things work, I'm afraid. You get the glory when you're not around to appreciate it.
MERLIN: Well...unless you're the king.
KING ARTHUR: Come on, it's got to have some advantages.
MERLIN: You have a very good servant.
KING ARTHUR: You're right. I do. A servant who's extremely brave. And incredibly loyal, to be honest. Not at all cowardly.
MERLIN: Thank you for saving my life.
KING ARTHUR: You'd do the same for me.
I mean, really, how awesome is that!? Love her to bits and pieces. She's funny, witty, and if these episodes didn't prove how good she is at genuine intimacy, then Arthur and Guinevere's final confrontation in Lancelot du Lac certainly does. If I didn't know that they WILL end up together and happy, I would probably yell and cry and chuck my Merlin DVDs in the trash, but even though I know that it will work out, I was in a funk for hours afterwards. It took an entire evening surrounded by family and the fairytale musical Enchanted to get me out of it, and I'm still not completely recovered. (I'm not even kidding. How ironic is that?)
THE ONCE AND FUTURE QUEEN
Guinevere's emotional range was excellent. Her usual sweetness and joy shined through during her engagement. When Merlin teased Arthur about his engagement present and Arthur responded, "I think my future wife understands," Guinevere's smiles as she takes the ceremonial jousting rings from the knights are proof that, yeah, she really does. They are so perfect for each other! It's adorable!
Guinevere's hesitant reaction to Lancelot in her house was well played, as was her amorous pursuit of Lancelot du Lac - especially when she suddenly remembers herself and we see the boundaries between the real Gwen and Enchanted!Gwen. My favorite part of the spell was that Guinevere was NOT made oblivious toward Arthur (like Arthur was when he was enchanted to fall in love with Lady Vivian). Instead, she rips the magic bracelet from her wrist herself. This was necessary for the deception to work, because no one - not even Gwen - knows that she didn't act of her own accord. It's funny how that little detail makes it all okay, because nothing would change in the tale if Gwen had simply faltered (obviously, that is the way the original legend tells it), but it turns simple heartbreak into tragedy to know that Guinevere was faultless. I would have the same trust and respect issues that Arthur does if I didn't know that, but that tragic fact makes the betrayal both terrible and beautiful in a really sad they-both-actually-really-love-each-other kind of way.
THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING
Arthur is a little more difficult to describe since he was the only one of the three to remain himself. He's really become quite the romantic over time, but not over-the-top sappy like Lancelot or cheesy like Gwaine. I liked it when Gwen hugged him without a word and he's all confused, like, erm...is that a yes? It wasn't just the perfect proposal; it was slightly off-kilter, which made the scene more genuine and Arthur-like. I loved it whenever Arthur said, "husband" or "wife" regardless of the circumstances. The bond of marriage is sacred and powerful and those two names imparted those same qualities to every statement they were a part of. The fight scene with Lancelot was well done, but it was everything after that that really caught my attention. Arthur was resolute and authoritative, hurt and confused and asking for answers, enraged, self-controlled, implacable, reasonable, and wise. Really, really, really brilliantly written and acted.
THE SPANNER IN THE WORKS
Lancelot du Lac was a rather dull, flat character by himself, which is exactly what a shade is supposed to be. He was Lancelot and he wasn't. When he was performing for the court, he was chivalrous. He said all the right things, but not with the same sense of conscientiousness. It was merely a ceremonial politeness, a dim reflection of who Lancelot was in life. When he was performing for Morgana, he was pleased to be pulling Guinevere into his web for his mistress's sake (i.e. Lady Morgana), smiling darkly at Guinevere's infatuation, but he wasn't appreciating his own evil cleverness like Agravaine and Morgana do. The subtlety was really superb.
THE WITCH
Even Morgana revealed more emotional range in the way she graciously approached the Dochraid (i.e. the blind hag) and gently instructed Lancelot du Lac. I have to say, she is much improved from last year. She still smirks on occasion, but they're more varied and subtle, and they actually make sense now that she's come into her own as a witch. She's terrified of Emrys, she's authoritative toward Agravaine, she's bitter toward her past, knowledgeable and intelligent in her schemes, and even her hatred of Merlin is cooled by cruel determination. She's finally becoming a fully-fleshed villain and worthy adversary for Merlin.
So, I'm not sure I'm ready to say best episode ever, because 2x13 The Last Dragonlord with Merlin's father was pretty awesome, but it might just become my favorite.
This week's Merlin totally blew me away. It had its usual baddie scheming, tournaments, fight scenes, and Merlin trying to save the day, but the emotional interplay was taken to a whole new level. It's one of the few times that Merlin wasn't able to save the day and it didn't have a happy ending filled with hidden promises all wrapped up in a bow. Previous A/G story lines have been angsty and heartfelt, but never tragic. This one definitely pushed those boundaries. Don't get me wrong, I hate tragedies with the burning passion of a thousand spells, but my absolute favorite part was Arthur and Guinevere's final scene together.
TIME TO PICK FAVORITES
Bradley and Angel. I can't get over how amazing they were in this scene. Merlin has been very fortunate to have such a remarkable set of actors, regulars and guests alike, but this episode made me respect them so much more. I can't think of any way to describe it except to say that it felt real. Their pain and anger and frustration and despair felt so genuine, it was heartbreaking. Lucy Watkins is now officially my favorite Merlin writer. Her dialogue is incredible. In Sweet Dreams, she pulled out the hilarious flowery Shakespearean language when Lady Vivian and Arthur were enchanted.
LADY VIVIAN: Who is it?
ARTHUR: It is destiny, my love! Destiny and chicken!
In The Changeling, she mixed heartache and humor once more in incredible fashion.
MERLIN: I've brought you your ceremonial sword.
ARTHUR: Is that for me to fall on?
A Servant of Two Masters had me doubled over in laughter and glee.
MORGANA: Oh, don't be like that. We have a lot of catching up to do. After all, I haven't seen you since you condemned my sister to a slow and painful death, thwarted my plans to take over Camelot, and forced me to live in a hovel.
MERLIN: Couldn't do me a favour, could you? Let Arthur know he still thinks of me of an underachiever, but I'm quite proud of those accomplishments. I can die happy.
I couldn't stop laughing at the whole crossbow in the armory scene.
MERLIN: Arthur wants a crossbow.
SIR LEON: That one's ancient. Probably wouldn't hurt a fly.
MERLIN: Well, if you did want to hurt a fly, or even a human, what would you use?
...
SIR LEON: Will that do the job?
MERLIN: Oh, yes. That will do the job nicely.
SIR LEON: Er, what is the job, exactly?
MERLIN: To kill Arthur.
SIR LEON: He's driving you mad, is he?
MERLIN: Not for much longer.
And we also got some funny and some very touching moments.
KING ARTHUR: I've seen worse. I've definitely seen worse.
MERLIN: Not a dead man?
KING ARTHUR: You're not going to die, Merlin. Don't be such a coward.
MERLIN: If I do die, will you call me a hero?
KING ARTHUR: Probably.
MERLIN: But whilst I'm still alive, I'm a coward?
KING ARTHUR: That's the way these things work, I'm afraid. You get the glory when you're not around to appreciate it.
MERLIN: Well...unless you're the king.
KING ARTHUR: Come on, it's got to have some advantages.
MERLIN: You have a very good servant.
KING ARTHUR: You're right. I do. A servant who's extremely brave. And incredibly loyal, to be honest. Not at all cowardly.
MERLIN: Thank you for saving my life.
KING ARTHUR: You'd do the same for me.
I mean, really, how awesome is that!? Love her to bits and pieces. She's funny, witty, and if these episodes didn't prove how good she is at genuine intimacy, then Arthur and Guinevere's final confrontation in Lancelot du Lac certainly does. If I didn't know that they WILL end up together and happy, I would probably yell and cry and chuck my Merlin DVDs in the trash, but even though I know that it will work out, I was in a funk for hours afterwards. It took an entire evening surrounded by family and the fairytale musical Enchanted to get me out of it, and I'm still not completely recovered. (I'm not even kidding. How ironic is that?)
THE ONCE AND FUTURE QUEEN
Guinevere's emotional range was excellent. Her usual sweetness and joy shined through during her engagement. When Merlin teased Arthur about his engagement present and Arthur responded, "I think my future wife understands," Guinevere's smiles as she takes the ceremonial jousting rings from the knights are proof that, yeah, she really does. They are so perfect for each other! It's adorable!
Guinevere's hesitant reaction to Lancelot in her house was well played, as was her amorous pursuit of Lancelot du Lac - especially when she suddenly remembers herself and we see the boundaries between the real Gwen and Enchanted!Gwen. My favorite part of the spell was that Guinevere was NOT made oblivious toward Arthur (like Arthur was when he was enchanted to fall in love with Lady Vivian). Instead, she rips the magic bracelet from her wrist herself. This was necessary for the deception to work, because no one - not even Gwen - knows that she didn't act of her own accord. It's funny how that little detail makes it all okay, because nothing would change in the tale if Gwen had simply faltered (obviously, that is the way the original legend tells it), but it turns simple heartbreak into tragedy to know that Guinevere was faultless. I would have the same trust and respect issues that Arthur does if I didn't know that, but that tragic fact makes the betrayal both terrible and beautiful in a really sad they-both-actually-really-love-each-other kind of way.
THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING
Arthur is a little more difficult to describe since he was the only one of the three to remain himself. He's really become quite the romantic over time, but not over-the-top sappy like Lancelot or cheesy like Gwaine. I liked it when Gwen hugged him without a word and he's all confused, like, erm...is that a yes? It wasn't just the perfect proposal; it was slightly off-kilter, which made the scene more genuine and Arthur-like. I loved it whenever Arthur said, "husband" or "wife" regardless of the circumstances. The bond of marriage is sacred and powerful and those two names imparted those same qualities to every statement they were a part of. The fight scene with Lancelot was well done, but it was everything after that that really caught my attention. Arthur was resolute and authoritative, hurt and confused and asking for answers, enraged, self-controlled, implacable, reasonable, and wise. Really, really, really brilliantly written and acted.
THE SPANNER IN THE WORKS
Lancelot du Lac was a rather dull, flat character by himself, which is exactly what a shade is supposed to be. He was Lancelot and he wasn't. When he was performing for the court, he was chivalrous. He said all the right things, but not with the same sense of conscientiousness. It was merely a ceremonial politeness, a dim reflection of who Lancelot was in life. When he was performing for Morgana, he was pleased to be pulling Guinevere into his web for his mistress's sake (i.e. Lady Morgana), smiling darkly at Guinevere's infatuation, but he wasn't appreciating his own evil cleverness like Agravaine and Morgana do. The subtlety was really superb.
THE WITCH
Even Morgana revealed more emotional range in the way she graciously approached the Dochraid (i.e. the blind hag) and gently instructed Lancelot du Lac. I have to say, she is much improved from last year. She still smirks on occasion, but they're more varied and subtle, and they actually make sense now that she's come into her own as a witch. She's terrified of Emrys, she's authoritative toward Agravaine, she's bitter toward her past, knowledgeable and intelligent in her schemes, and even her hatred of Merlin is cooled by cruel determination. She's finally becoming a fully-fleshed villain and worthy adversary for Merlin.
So, I'm not sure I'm ready to say best episode ever, because 2x13 The Last Dragonlord with Merlin's father was pretty awesome, but it might just become my favorite.