The beginning of the end - Merlin 4x12

[marindamar]

It’s not the best episode in S4, but it’s a very nice setup for the final episode. I wasn’t bored one single minute and I loved that not just the leads but also most of the regular characters got a moment of their own, and something very specific to them. (GWAINE! Welcome back! You were missed!)

Comments

[marindamar]

YES! That's all it would have taken, some reluctance from Merlin, and then they hear fighting in the corridor or something and he's forced to do it. Although I think they cut a part off - when they return to Arthur, Merlin is standing right next to him, and in the very next second/shot, he's a couple meters behind him, even though it was supposed to be the same timeframe. Maybe they did have a bit more conversation along the lines you described, or mentioned that Merlin wasn't sure what the spell would do to him? *fanwanking so hard right now*

Merlin really seemed surprised at some of Arthur's behaviour, didn't he? In the beginning he kept pulling that face - "er, Arthur? What are you doing, exactly?", but still seemed to take Arthur at face-value. Only when he realized that Arthur was seriously incapacitated did he begin to give him clear instructions or talk. very. slowly.

I have to say, I loved the childlike quality of Arthur after the mindwhammy - I'm not alright with it, but he was so guileless and untroubled, it was heartbreaking to see him so innocent. No wonder Merlin got this really affectionate look on his face. "He's an idiot, but he's MY idiot!" *g* But as you said, it became quite clear pretty fast just how much he relies on Arthur to respond and bounce off of him - he really needs that kind of interaction. I loved that Merlin took charge so naturally - it's going to be beautiful to see them interact once everything is out and they have levelled the playing field and are confirmed equals in intellect and power.

[minuialeth75]

I loved that Merlin took charge so naturally - it's going to be beautiful to see them interact once everything is out and they have levelled the playing field and are confirmed equals in intellect and power.
*cough*If there's ever a magical reveal*cough*

But yeah, I really liked seeing Merlin taking charge and taking care of Arthur. He didn't abuse Arthur's state very much because he just doesn't have this kind of mean streak in him.