3x10 Queen of Hearts Review
Late review is late. My sister had her baby girl last weekend, and I didn't get the urge to rewatch, cap, and review this episode until today.
I liked this episode better than I thought I would. Considering going into it the only thing I was looking forward to was the Old Merlin scenes.
The angels are singing once again. And it might be for the beautiful dress Gwen is wearing. Merlin is smiling, so that is reason enough for them to sing.
Sadly the angels are chased away by the violins. That music is like Morgana's white striped and polkadot dress to my ears. I wish both would be the next target of a magic attack.
Morgana wakes up infuriated that someone else is sitting in her throne wearing her crown. She hasn't yet learned what Merlin did about making visions come true when trying to stop them, so she schemes to stop it.
I like that Morgana is using matters of court in this episode. Also, points to Morgana for using Uther in her plan.
A/G feel like cutesy young teenage love to me in this episode. Arthur is totally sneaking looks at Gwen while his bff Merlin watches and smiles. His father is trying to talk to him, but he only has eyes for his crush.
Later, Morgana wears the dress I love to hate to talk to Arthur. Arthur says he has such feelings for Gwen and nothing can come of it. You're using that line again Arthur?
Morgana argues that Arthur shouldn't deny himself. She also suggests that Arthur actually spend time with Gwen. Arthur ponders this novel idea. It's true Arthur, spending time alone with someone isn't just something you do with Merlin. It's also something you can do with the girl you're interested in. ;)
Gwen can't believe Arthur wants to spend a whole day alone with her. *Hugs Gwen.* It's a shock to me too Gwen. The girls he's been magically smitten with have gotten more wooing in one episode than you have in one season.
Merlin says he thought Gwen would be happier. She's rightfully worried about getting caught. Merlin then turns on his smile and works to save Arthur's date. Arthur, Merlin does so much to keep you safe and to help you be happy and you never hear about it. :(
Sadly, Merlin has to leave them alone for the date. I like the idea of a friendshippy Arthur/Merlin/Gwen picnic far more than I do an Arthur/Gwen picnic.
Morgana guilt trips Uther into a horseback ride with her. At this point I await the when I will laugh and think "Busted!"
On the positive side, Arthur is gorgeous and relaxed during the picnic. I usually have to go back and watch A/M scenes to see Arthur relaxed and smiling.
Arthur's dream of leaving Camelot does make sense. He's under a lot of pressure to meet his father's approval and it's a what if fantasy. Of course Merlin would go because he goes everywhere with Arthur. ;) I want an AU fic of this.
Uther and Morgana arrive. Uther is shocked that Arthur is using the same pillows he used on his date with Catrina.
Arthur, don't act so surprised that Uther won't let you see Gwen again. You told Morgana earlier that Uther wants you to marry for the good of Camelot. I'm siding with Uther on this. Uther, you're a horrible person, but you have a point. Part of being a prince is marrying for the good of the kingdom.
*Shakes head* Arthur telling Uther you're in love with Gwen is a VERY bad idea. Also, thinking Merlin would say something to Uther. Maybe in your upset frame of mind you've forgot how many times Merlin has lied for your arse and ended up in the stocks.
Arthur tells Morgana he will leave with Gwen. Morgana wants to make sure that Gwen won't be queen and mentions enchantment to Uther. Morgana is playing Uther so well this episode.
Then, the episode starts giving me flashbacks with poultices and Gwen kneeling before Uther under suspicion of magic. This time Gwen is in love with Arthur not Merlin, but Merlin will once again save her. It's not Merlin's fault this time. And Merlin's saving of Gwen is more entertaining in this episode.
Uther doesn't understand how love could make Arthur do crazy things. *cough* Igraine *cough* Slow-mo kissing and declarations of love abound.
I want to know what Merlin is thinking when he inhales and makes this face when Arthur says he'll leave Camelot with Gwen and never return.
Then Merlin comes up with a plan to save Gwen. An epic plan that is sure to be loltastic.
After years of staring in Merlin's eyes, of course Arthur finds something familiar about Old Merlin. Merlin takes the logical course of action and tries to knock out Arthur before he figures it out.
Merlin laying into Uther and Arthur is great. They both deserve it.
Arthur why do you have this look when Merlin says he enchanted Gwen too? Hopefully you don't think your feelings for Gwen are fake. If yes, use your brain. That poultice would have had to be under both of your pillows for a long time for that to be the case. Both beds would have been changed since then and the poultices discovered.
I don't mind Arthur's pat on Merlin's face and punishing him for being away all day drinking. Merlin has mucked out the stables many times. Usually more items are attached to the punishment list than that..
Arthur wants to keep their relationship on the down low to protect Gwen. Good idea. Gwen is the voice of reason saying Arthur should stay for his people and playing the you will be a great king card and pairs it with a you will be able to change these laws when you're king card. Arthur replies with a we will be together when I'm king card from his own A/G deck.
Merlin and Gauis end the episode with a cute funny scene with a sadly absent Merlin bathing scene.
A/G: Still had some of the lines that have been IMO used too many times in past episodes. On the plus side, they spent time together and had scenes that did bring something good to the plate for the pairing. So, some good, some bad for me.
On Arthur: Merlin's also been there, done that, and got the t-shirt, when it comes to wanting to leave his responsibilities to protect/be with the woman he loves.
Old Merlin in this episode were so much love! The show continues to have scenes, even in A/G heavy episodes, that I love, so I'm glad I watched this episode.