Merlin 3.11: The Sorcerer's Shadow
How can it be Saturday? Who stole the week? Quickly then.
This has a ‘blah’ reception from the professional reviewers but I loved it. Sure, in many ways TSS is a filler episode in that the story is self-contained, but it’s still my favourite of the season in terms of characterisation and showing how far Merlin and Arthur have come in becoming the ( Read more... )
He was really good, I hope he comes back though I suspect not.
I really liked that Gilli called Merlin out on betraying his own kind.
It would have made more impact if he hadn't killed a man in cold blood. As you say, that was pretty much swept under the carpet, though they did spare one moment, which is more than other episodes would have done.
Finally a good Arthur episode.
YES! OMG FINALLY! From his controlled irritation at dinner to his frustration at Morgana goading Uther into joining the tournament, this episode was Arthur's finest in the series (so far). He actually talked to Merlin about it, Merlin actually listened and then responded with a sensitive answer!
I also loved the moment when Merlin complained about Gilli abusing magic and then the Slash Dragon pointed out that him complaining about Gilli abusing magic was like the pot calling the kettle black. Then Merlin apologised! Amazing!
And then that marvellous moment at the end when Uther turned the tables on both Morgana and Arthur when he told Morgana she didn't know anything about Arthur's fighting skills and told Arthur he knew that Arthur had thrown the fight for him and he was GRATEFUL. In your FACE, Morgana.
Maybe Gwen was visiting Elyan, wherever he's been for the past few episodes? ;P
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Yes, yes, yes. I've mentally skated over all the plot-recycling and lame in this episode simply because I liked Gilli (I can see him coming back as a one off) and there were finally versions of Merlin and Arthur I could get behind. (or in front of!) The inter-personal dynamics between everyone - Pendragons FTW! - were just lovely.
It's made me realise I totally watch the show from a fannish perspective. Who cares about the story I want to know about their feelings . As a random watcher I know my reaction would be totally different.
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