Merlin 5x01: Arthur's Bane Part One
I have misgivings posting about this when the rest of the fandom is so far ahead of me (never mind that this episode seems to need its second half more than many other two-parters), but I do adore this show. Nice to see it back!
( Read more... )
we’re supposed to notice that our two heroes’ stupidity flows from their individual weaknesses: Merlin’s monomaniacal focus on Arthur’s safety
This reminds me of a writing workshop years ago, when it was pointed out to me that a character flaw doesn't necessarily have to be a "flaw" - it can be a virtue taken to extreme. This is definitely the case with Merlin and his "protect Arthur at all costs" mantra. I get increasingly surprised when I spot various bits of fandom gushing over how touching it is, especially this season when it's very deliberately being framed as something that is NOT a good thing.
I mean, he was advising Arthur to abandon the quest to save the knights because it put his life in danger - which essentially amounts to Merlin throwing Gwaine and Percival under the bus.
And this becomes even more pronounced as the series goes on - no spoilers here but: episode 5. Oh, episode 5!
But he has nothing else, and interacts with no one outside Arthur, except Kilgharrah (with whom he discusses protecting Arthur) and Sefa, a relationship that seems unlikely to go anywhere.
So true. And it's not good for him. Another thing that strikes me (though I'm going to be very vague again to avoid spoilers) is that we see several scenes of both Merlin and Guinevere offering their council to Arthur - separately. The difference between what they tell him is striking: Merlin is still very much telling Arthur what he wants to hear, whilst Gwen is opening challenging him on his decisions and motivation. The only similiarity is that Arthur hardly ever listens to either of them.
There's a beautiful scene coming up in episode 5 in which Merlin and Gwen openly acknowledge this with each other - which actually gives me hope that the writers do have a slightly firmer hold on their themes and ideas this time around.
Looking forward to your thoughts on part II!
Reply
Leave a comment