Reveal

[destiny_mod]

We've established that we all want the reveal, but what we haven't discussed? Ideal scenarios! Do you want Merlin to tell Arthur or do you want Arthur to find out? How do you imagine Arthur's reaction? Are there any scenarios that you absolutely do NOT want to see unfold?

OT, but you can also read a new USA Weekend interview with Bradley and

Comments

[faorism]

I'm going to be controversial and say I do not want a reveal anytime soon. And by that, I mean that a part of me hopes that Arthur finds out towards the end of this series. There is something about the imbalance of truth in Merlin and Arthur's relationship that really resonates in me and truly makes the series glow in my mind. You have Merlin, who knows so much about himself-about what he will be and what he can/may do-who must withhold the full extent of his personal identity because of the world around him. There is the constant struggle in Merlin for Camelot and his friends to accept him for who he is (even Gaius cannot fully understand him). [Much like someone who is closeted, if I dare say.]

Arthur, on the other hand, is very much the product of the world around him. He is finding out things that he didn't know were in him; he's developing things that weren't there before. The Arthur we have is a half-truth. There's just so much room for him to grow... and maybe he does see things that he ignores. Maybe he finds out for an episode but magically forgets. Maybe whatever... but I want the final reveal to come at a time when we have Arthur as his full self: the Arthur of Legend. I think only then will the power we all want from this scene can really hit home. At that pivotal moment, he can choose to [a] turn away from Merlin and be that half-truth once again or [b] grasp all that he is and accepts his destiny (with Merlin ♥).

[etheriaelle]

Oh, very well said! I think that you are very correct. From what JC has said, he seems to agree and be leaning that way. You may get your wish fulfilled, although the way the shows have been running it may be through stranger channels than you imagine to get there.

[faorism]

@through stranger channels...: Oh, yes. And I am sure it will all have something to do with the Big Bad(s). I mean, I am giddy about what they are going to do with Morgana, her sister, and Mordred. I can only imagine how this mess of tension will affect M/A. (As someone who has a fondness for siblinghood relationships, I would like to think that Arthur is deeply affected by what's going on with Morgana...)

[faorism]

AGREED. The Boggart approach is definitely something I would love to see. It could even play out as one of those "Everyone's fears have come to life!" episodes you always encounter in a scifi series. There's always a sickly, surrealistic feel to these kinds of episodes that are just too fantastic to forget.

If there isn't a fear-driven device, there are so many ways to approach "Arthur forgets the reveal" and I would be a fan for any of them. At this point, I can honestly say that nothing Arthur does can surprise or underwhelm me. His potential kindness and/or anger would truly depend on that week's monster/sorcerer and this uncertainty thrills me to no end!

[kathyh]

You expressed this so beautifully that you've almost persuaded me I don't want a reveal yet. I agree with you that I don't think Arthur is at a point where he could deal with the reveal at all well yet and we need to see him grow and change until he can get there. As long as we do eventually get to see the reveal I can probably cope with waiting. My nightmare scenario is if the show is cancelled before we do see it.

grasp all that he is and accepts his destiny (with Merlin ♥).

That's what I want above all things :)

[faorism]

@the show is canceled: D: D: D: HORROR. HORRRRRRRROR! OH... OH, BE STILL MY BEATING HEART! D: D: D: (lol. That would be absolutely horrific, but the mini-bright side is that reveal fictions would be correct forever!)

@almost persuaded: Thank you for the words. (And here I was, freaking out because I forgot to switch the last two sentences. lol.) From everyone else's responses, I'm opening my mind to previously not-accepted things. Great discussions are great!