I am only belatedly getting to see reactions to this episode, and this is such an excellent write-up. I love your comparison with the Labyrinth episode, which illustrates so much about how Arthur, Merlin, their bond, and even the show itself have matured.
And really good point about how Morgana believes the story about Gorlois she tells Annis, and how hard Annis's observation hits her at the end.
Plus it's always nice to have one's fanfic validated by on screen text, she says smugly
Nice but not really surprising, considering how well and in-character you've always done Morgana!
I very much hope you are right about there being lasting consequences to the Arthur/Gwen breakup this episode; it certainly worked for me emotionally as a setup for the Gwen/Lancelot plot, but it didn't occur to me that it could work that way for the characters as well.
second time he calls Merlin "friend" without the guise of sarcasm or qualifications on screen
I'm pretty sure it's actually the 3rd time, because I think Arthur really meant it when he said Merlin was a true friend in the first troll episode. But I agree 100% with your point--the relationship has really progressed to a more direct place, because even that occasion was enmeshed in the Arthur-trusts-Merlin-but-doesn't-listen-to-him dynamic, and it's really a treat to see them in such a much better place now.
I hope I'm right re Arthur/Gwen as well; but this season keeps making me so very happy that it's hard not to be optimistic and see set up instead of clumsiness!
Can't wait to read your take on the most recent episode. Oh season 4, how do I love thee, let me count the ways.
Can't wait to read your take on the most recent episode
OMG how so amazing, show? How so amazing?
Seriously--a great Morgana episode, and a great Arthur/Merlin episode, and everything Gwen did made me very happy. It's probably my favorite S4 episode so far (though admittedly that's a hard call). Write up in progress...
And really good point about how Morgana believes the story about Gorlois she tells Annis, and how hard Annis's observation hits her at the end.
Plus it's always nice to have one's fanfic validated by on screen text, she says smugly
Nice but not really surprising, considering how well and in-character you've always done Morgana!
I very much hope you are right about there being lasting consequences to the Arthur/Gwen breakup this episode; it certainly worked for me emotionally as a setup for the Gwen/Lancelot plot, but it didn't occur to me that it could work that way for the characters as well.
second time he calls Merlin "friend" without the guise of sarcasm or qualifications on screen
I'm pretty sure it's actually the 3rd time, because I think Arthur really meant it when he said Merlin was a true friend in the first troll episode. But I agree 100% with your point--the relationship has really progressed to a more direct place, because even that occasion was enmeshed in the Arthur-trusts-Merlin-but-doesn't-listen-to-him dynamic, and it's really a treat to see them in such a much better place now.
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Can't wait to read your take on the most recent episode. Oh season 4, how do I love thee, let me count the ways.
Reply
OMG how so amazing, show? How so amazing?
Seriously--a great Morgana episode, and a great Arthur/Merlin episode, and everything Gwen did made me very happy. It's probably my favorite S4 episode so far (though admittedly that's a hard call). Write up in progress...
Reply
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