Merlin 2.1 The Curse of Cornelius Sigan
Thoughts on Merlin ep 2.1
It was a dark and stormy night in Camelot.
We first see series 2 Camelot in night and the first episode is, quite literally, very dark. Until the end we have, I think, one brief daylight scene and the rest takes place at night. Do we think there could be trouble in store for the kingdom?
Episode themes
Trust
Unsurprisingly, the main theme in this first episode seems to be two one that is likely to be carried through the series. “The Moment of Truth” showed us that the four working together are a formidable force but what state are those relationships in at the beginning of series 2?
Morgana’s comments to Gaius about her nightmares imply that she at least feels that she is demanding too much of her friend sometimes. Could an attempt to be less of a burden to Gwen and withdrawal from the other woman be one of the things that leads to Morgana’s downfall?
Merlin has the double problem of not being trusted by Arthur as he (and the audience) know he should be and also having now made a promise to the Great Dragon. While Merlin’s tentative trust in the dragon was broken at the end of the last series he’s not the only one beginning to question authority figures. Arthur is no longer willing to treat his father as the final authority on what is right, disobeying him to attempt to save people stranded outside the citadel.
If any or all of the four have to make decisions this series about how or what to trust have they learnt enough to choose wisely?
Arthur and Gwen
The relationship between Gwen and Arthur starts to deepen in this episode and Gwen, at this stage, seems to be set to be a mirror to Merlin. While Merlin and Arthur’s relationship is stunted by the fact that Merlin, however much he might want to, can’t allow Arthur to see him for who he truly is, Gwen doesn’t struggle under the same burden. We know from “The Moment of Truth” that Gwen, when necessary and in this episode we, along with Arthur, recognise Gwen’ bravery (and her attractiveness).
The burgeoning relationship may also give us a chance to see Gwen deal with a problem Merlin and Morgana have already spent a series struggling with. While they have both tried to influence, and sometimes come into conflict with, Arthur (and in Morgana’s case Uther) in very different ways we’ve not yet seen Gwen do so. Given that she has neither Morgana’s position and prophecy or Merlin’s magic to fall back on it will be interesting to see what approach she takes.
Things I liked
The miners - I like that we’re starting to see more of the society Camelot is part of. Arthur’s reaction to the potentially dangerous work being carried out on his father’s orders to increase his wealth shows that there is still some way to go (and some work for Merlin and/or Gwen to do) before he starts to empathise with non-nobles.
Gwen & Arthur -I had reservations about how this was going to go, mostly out of concern for what would happen to Gwen’s character, it’s early days but so far, so sweet.
Merlin & Arthur - I like the fact that these two still have a long way to go. The relationship has so much dramatic potential. At the moment there are good reasons for both of them to have reservations about the other and I’m looking forward to seeing how that develops through the series.
Things I didn’t like so much
Arthur using Merlin as a mounting block - apart from the fact it seemed like a whole sprint backwards as far as their relationship it also seemed really out of character for Arthur, surely if he had to have help to mount his horse he’d be proud enough to use a less conspicuous aid.