Merlin: 5:02 Arthur's Bane - Part 2

[tanous]

So... that’s the opener done and dusted then, of what might be the last season. Aaannnd how did we all feel about it?  Me… I felt …it wasn’t at all bad as an episode of a BBC family swords and dragons show at teatime (and no later).  If you knew next to nothing about the past seasons, or the characters.

If you did know of course, if you are, in fact

Comments

[bluebeeangel]

Ha ha! I think the writer's probably didn't mean anything of depth, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume it was a subconcious decision!

For me the gap is bridged when Arthur knows about Merlin's magic. They both cancel out each other's flaws, but only when they are being honest, which Arthur obviously is, but Merlin isn't. Arthur's a natural instinctive strategist, he can see the pro's and cons of a situation very quickly. Merlin however only views things from one perspective. He doesn't consider the variables or other potential hazards. The fact that Merlin is hiding his magic means he can help Arthur, because he has faith in him and encourages him to follow his heart, but Arthur can't yet truly help Merlin. Merlin needs someone who can help him rationalise his decisions. It really is a 'two sides of the same coin' thing. Merlin won't truly reach his full potential until he and Arthur can full acknowledge all sides of each other.

As much as I really want the reveal and think it's way overdue, the one thing I can say is that the concept of Merlin's dishonesty simultaneously leading him closer and further away from Arthur has interested me.

[tanoshi_ame]

Yes! What you said! Are you still watching SPN? Lack of communication where it matters has always been the problem between Sam/Dean/Castiel. Seems like it's also the case here, mainly from Merlin. At least SPN is acknowledging it now. Merlin... nah. If it's not Bane-y it probably doesn't require attention. One of my main gripes since earlier seasons. Nobody ever realizes that Merlin has issues on a psychological level.

Me too. Normally I'm very interested in exploring the causes and effects of his "negative" side. As it is though, I fear there's simply isn't enough time for both delving in and developing. Abd if this is indeed the finale series, the latter needs to happen.