Merlin - The Death Song of Uther Pendragon
The Death Song of Uther Pendragon (Season 5, Episode 3)
Hey! "Death song" makes sense now. The horn and all.
I'm not sure how I feel about the tone Merlin uses to speak to Arthur sometimes this season. It seems a lot less playful and a lot more serious and genuinely irritated sometimes. Part of me is pleased that the tone has changed. Maybe it's a sign that they're moving from the Arthur-and-Merlin-are-comic-relief to Arthur-and-Merlin-are-actually-the-main-characters. But at the same time, the annoyance in Merlin's voice bothers me. It's only reasonable that Merlin would be fed up with all the lies, the lack of acknowledgment, and the constant verbal/physical abuse heaped on him. But somehow, that tone grates on my nerves a bit.
The way that villager talks to Arthur is really disrespectful. Would you really talk to the King of Camelot that way? But I love that Arthur wanted the sorceress to have a fair trial. I'd expected Arthur to share Uther's view on magic after Uther's death, but it's nice to see that he doesn't. Arthur's priority is fairness, and that really comes through here.
But the part I really loved about this scene is that we get to see how the people felt about Uther's grudge against magic. We've never known if the people of Camelot actually believed what Uther was doing was right or only followed his laws out of fear. This may only be one small village, but from this we can see that despite Uther's death, the people are continuing to kill those with magic. They only viewpoints we've gotten about the killing of magic users are Uther's view and the sorcerers' view. These are two dramatic extremes. I, for one, had always assumed that the people didn't buy into Uther's beliefs. But it seems that they do. It makes some things a bit clearer. Like the reason Uther's genocide was successful. Even magic users can't defend themselves if all of Camelot rises against them. If all the people in Camelot feel the way this village does, then it's no surprise that Uther had managed to eradicate magic. I thought it was really lovely to see this from a different perspective.
OMG Anthony Head is back in the opening credits this episode! YES!
I love that Merlin and Arthur are both standing in Gaius' chambers listening to Gaius' explanation. It's not Merlin trying to get all the info and then trying to get Arthur to see sense while not revealing what he knows. Arthur wants to know about things, unlike Uther who just went "SORCERY! KILL!"
This was a really nice shot. Looking at Bradley's face and the way he's standing, it's like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. He looks less like a king and more like a normal person who misses his father. He's only human. I think people in the show (and sometimes fans) tend to forget that sometimes.
I love Arthur's so panicked someone might find out he's considering using the horn. Although... why does it matter if Merlin knows? He's planning on bringing Merlin with him anyway. Very subtle, Arthur. Let's flip over the basket and dump the apples on the ground. That's not suspicious at all. And why is Merlin just barging into Arthur's chambers? Does he really not share them with Gwen? I can't imagine that people are allowed to just barge into the King/Queen's chambers.
Arthur is a bit of a hypocrite for using magic yet still keeping the ban on magic. But the fact that he seems less hesitant about using magic might be a good thing. And this time, the magic hasn't destroyed anything for Arthur. Uther may not have been a very friendly ghost, but he was Uther. It wasn't magic that made him hurt people when he came back. And Arthur should know it since he was the one who summoned him. So... maybe no renewed hatred of magic? Baby steps?
This scene was adorable. I love how Merlin doesn't suspect a thing until Arthur starts acting suspicious.
Bradley does a great job with his tone throughout the scene. Arthur and Merlin are still bantering and the line saying "because I'm the king of Camelot" parallels The Herald of A New Age nicely. But we can tell by Arthur's tone that his heart isn't in it. All of Arthur's worries, doubts, fears, and how exhausted Arthur is is all conveyed through his voice.
"Do not breathe a word of this to anyone. Not even Guinevere."
Why not...? I would think Gwen would be the first person he'd tell. If not, then the second. What happened to Gwen being his confidant? I'd think Arthur would tell Gwen about something this important.
"You're threatening me with a spoon?"
Clever, Arthur. I love their banter, I do. But I kinda feel like they've stepped up the physical abuse in this episode. It's been years, can't we drop the hitting?
The Great Stones of Nemeton. So... Stonehenge?
"If you were given the same chance, to see your father, talk to him, wouldn't you do the same?"
I loved this themed conversation in The Wicked Day, The Last Dragonlord, and the other times they've discussed it. I love this conversation just as much now. They should try to build on Merlin and Arthur's intimate (in a non-sexual sense) relationship more. They do seem to be giving them more heart-to-hearts, which is really nice. These conversations are so few and far in between that it's easy to forget they existed.
Bradley put it well. "Arthur and Merlin have, kind of, had those a few more of those conversations that, kind of, you have, with like your best mate every now and then where, you know, it's banter 95, 99 percent of the time, and every now and then there's something actually worth talking about."
Of course, there are times where Arthur and Merlin's relationship has too much banter and "horseplay" (as they call it), and they do need more development. But I'm not too fussed about their relationship. Arthur may not show it often, but he values Merlin. It's fine that their relationship is mainly banter, as long as those deep meaningful conversations occur. I know that with my own friends, most of our conversations consist of teasing and chatter about mundane things.
I feel like they could've done the spirit world thing better. I don't really understand why they had to be at Stonehenge.. And the bright light? It was really distracting. I feel like it took away from the scene itself. I liked that it was a very blank, simple backdrop. But the bright light got really annoying.
The first word Uther says is "Arthur," and it's in this incredibly fond voice. I love that the conversation starts out so fondly and harmlessly with this sad, regretful tone. But it builds to a crescendo when Uther starts telling Arthur just how wrong he's been. It very much resembles Arthur and Uther's relationship in life. Uther tries to be kind to Arthur, but in the end, Uther's too set in his ways and can't stop himself from harshly correcting every decision Arthur makes. That's exactly what causes their fractured relationship. It seems like both Arthur and Uther want to make the best of this last conversation, but Uther just can't contain himself from reprimanding Arthur. I almost want to say that this is Uther's way of showing affection. Uther doesn't know how to properly love someone and express his affection. So he shows he cares in the only way he can: putting those he cares for under careful scrutiny, to the point of suffocation, and tries to get them to agree with his views because he believe he's justified. Sometimes I wonder if the reason Uther was so adamant on a political marriage for Arthur is because his marriage ended so horribly.
This one fic put it really well. "Love was a terrible thing. If Uther could purge it from Camelot along with magic, he would. He'd never wish love on Arthur."
"How do you expect anyone to fear a king who doesn't know his own mind."
"Well I don't want my people to respect me because they fear me."
These two lines represent the difference between Uther and Arthur's ruling styles. Uther wants to rule with an iron fist, but Arthur wants the love and respect of his people.
If I could quote the entire conversation between Uther and Arthur, I would. It's a brilliant conversation. It highlights all the differences between the two of them. It gives us an idea of exactly why Arthur will become a better king (he definitely isn't there yet). It shows us Arthur's vulnerability and that his need for approval from his father hasn't waned even four years after his death. It also shows that Uther's views haven't changed, not even after watching Arthur successfully rule Camelot for four years.
"I love her more than I can express."
I see. Real convincing, Arthur.
I have to say that everything Uther said is right. Everything Arthur believes is right too. They're just two different ways of looking at the same thing. What Arthur needs to do is decide if he agrees with his father entirely, partly, or not at all, and then rule accordingly. I don't think Uther was a bad king. He made mistakes, like with the Great Purge, but that doesn't mean his actions were unjustifiable. He's a king, and as such a powerful man, his every decision has huge repercussions. Uther's a jerk. But he's not unjustified. Just because his actions can be justified though, doesn't negate the fact that he's a jerk.
"I will always love you, Arthur."
I love the way this conversation begins and ends. It's bookended very nicely with Uther showing Arthur that despite everything, he does love him. Uther's love has always been there. But it's also always buried under the disappointment.
Bringing Lancelot back was a horrible idea. They completely ruined his character. But bringing Uther back? They did it surprisingly well. He's not getting a redemption, he's not more of a jerk than he was. He was actually the same Uther he was in life. For once, they got someone's characterization right.
Why is there no empty seat at the round table now??? And Mordred already has a seat at the round table? Hell no. Aren't these supposed to be Arthur's most trusted advisors? Gah.
Wow. This looked really fake. You can't keep bragging about your CGI budget and then give us this.
Damn. An axe at that velocity seems like it should cute Percival's arm off. But OMG PERCIVAL GOT ACTUAL LINES!!!
Never look back. Really. That's the most pathetic rule ever.
It's nice that we get to see Arthur's dismay and guilt at Merlin telling him he released Uther's spirit for a moment. Poor Arthur. This is the second time he's caused suffering for Camelot.
Gah. I wish Gwen would wear her other dresses. I really don't like this one. When I was searching for a prom dress, I found a dress that had a similar fabric. The dress itself was gorgeous, but the fabric? It really didn't look good. The way the light plays off it is really unflattering in my opinion.
I love that Merlin is the one to find Gwen. And that he still calls her "Gwen," rather than "my lady." The fact that their relationship hasn't changed is lovely.
"Why would he do this to Guinevere, he knows how much I love her."
Does he, Arthur? I really don't think he does. I think he always saw Arthur and Gwen as a passing fancy. So yes, it's perfectly plausible that Uther would try to kill Gwen. And again. His worry isn't convincing at all.
I love that Arthur doesn't actually want to blow the horn again until it's Merlin who's about to get hurt. Yeah, you love Gwen. Suuuure.
I didn't think we'd get the Merlin and Arthur in Arthur's chambers scenes anymore. But we do... Why is Merlin in there all the time?
This reminds me so much of the Labyrinth of Gedref.
Whoa, whoa. Why does Merlin get one too? Why would Merlin need one? It's awesome that he does though. They're totally a double act.
"What are you waiting for?"
"To see if it's safe."
"So if I don't die, you'll take yours."
"Precisely. Get on with it."
*Merlin takes the potion*
"Well, at least we know it doesn't kill you instantly."
*Arthur takes the potion*
"That is the foulest thing I've ever tasted."
"Sorry did I forget to tell you about that part?"
AHAHAHAHA!
The scene reminds me of the "If it was you that disappeared, Merlin, I wouldn't bother" line. We all know that Arthur and Merlin would willingly drink poison for each other. In this less dangerous context, they can be a bit more playful.
I was actually really hoping Merlin would pretend to choke and die. It would've been completely unnecessary and would have just taken away valuable screen time, but it would've been hilarious. And I would've loved to see how Arthur would react.
"Arthur. Merlin."
"Leon" (Arthur and Merlin in unison.)
"We're... Merlin, tell Leon what we're doing."
"We're... I'm teaching him some poetry."
"Poetry."
"I... love poetry."
"I was as surprised as you are! He can't get enough of it."
"I'll leave you to your poetry then, my lord."
Leon is the ultimate Merthur shipper. Looking at his face, it seriously looks like he thinks Merlin's using poetry as a euphemism. Best. Euphemism. Ever.
That conversation Merlin and Arthur have while they're hunting Uther. I don't think Uther will appreciate hearing Arthur confiding in his servant.
"The people believe in you, Arthur. And that counts for nothing if you don't believe in yourself."
This is exactly what Arthur needs to understand.
Anthony looks EPIC.
"Guinevere is wise and strong and I trust her more than anyone."
Right. What about love? And what happened to trusting Merlin more than anyone. And when you said you'll never be able to trust Gwen again? Come on, writers. Continuity is your friend.
"And that is your weakness. You put too much trust in other people."
Arthur's bane?
I wish I could just quote all of Arthur and Uther's and Uther and Merlin's conversations. They're all so brilliant. This episode is just brilliant.
I love that Arthur seems to finally realize that he needs to be the king he wants to be rather than the king he thinks Uther wants him to be. The fact that he's willing to tell his father so shows that Arthur's developing as a character. Look who's actually trying for character development.
Arthur chooses to talk to his father when he finds him rather than blowing the horn straight away. Even though one of the first thing's he brought up in their conversation is that Uther hurt Gwen, he still wants to talk.
"I'm not you, Father. I can't rule the way you did."
This line. THIS LINE. Beautiful in the way Bradley delivered it.
"Get away from him, Uther."
Merlin's commanding tone and the fact that Merlin calls him Uther? Gave me chills.
The music used in this episode was very fitting. It set the mood wonderfully.
YES for using magic without spells.
"I was born with it."
Oh Colin. I love the way he delivers his lines. This one sentence is so filled with suppressed hatred, pain, anger, relief, and accusation. It was so beautiful. He's finally able to confess the secret he's been keeping for so long. Even if he's telling Uther, it must feel like a huge weight has been lifted.
"Even while you were king, there was magic at the heart of Camelot."
He sounds triumphant, regretful, and relieved.
"You're wrong. You're wrong about so much. Arthur is a better and more worthy king than you ever were."
Merlin looked and sounded almost apologetic here.
I feel like even Merlin isn't quite able to fully hate Uther. Resent him, yes, but flat out hatred? I don't think so. After seeing Uther at his most vulnerable, I don't think Merlin could truly hate Uther.
Lovely scene here.
I love that Arthur doesn't ask questions, just holds up the horn to be rid of Uther. A choice between Merlin and his father; he chooses Merlin. Makes me wonder that if this were a choice between Merlin and Uther in Merlin's magic, he just may choose Merlin.
"Merlin has..."
SO. SO. CLOSE.
Although. As much as I want magic reveal, I'm glad it didn't happen in this moment. With emotions running high, magic bringing Uther back, Arthur would not have taken the news well.
Poor Arthur. It must be like losing his father all over again.
"That's not hitting, Merlin."
What is it then? Foreplay? XD
"That's... merely friendly slaps. That's horseplay."
"So, can I give you a friendly slap?"
"You can try."
I love how Merlin then slaps him as hard as he can with the glove. And fully expects Arthur to dodge. But he doesn't.
Overall, this was a great episode. Definitely one of the better ones. It's a standalone episode to be sure, but not in the way that Goblin's Gold was. They've moved away from the purely comedy episode thankfully. I'm fine with standalone episodes, as long as they're executed as well as this one. Usually, there are several moments in an episode when I wonder if that's the ending, but in this episode? The entire thing flowed really well and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. By the time the "MERLIN" logo appeared at the end, I was genuinely surprised at how quickly the time had passed. After those forty five minutes. it felt like only ten had gone by. I was pleasantly surprised at how great this episode was. It far exceeded my expectations.