Merlin Episode 7: Deception For Dummies

[crabby_lioness]

Now we're rocking again.

Remember what I said about events taking certain shapes in Episode 4?  Go back and reread it if you like, because in the second episode by The Poisoned Chalice writer Ben Vanstone it's starting to happen.

Comments

[heather]

I wonder if Merlin's complete lack of woodcraft (almost unheard of in a country boy of that time), his innocence, the fact that nothing has permanently damaged him yet, and his sheer goofiness all stem from the same source. If somewhere in the back of his subconscious mind he knows he's the biggest predator around, like a tiger cub playing with a litter of kittens.

You know what; I don't know about the half-Dragon (or incubus, or whatever) thing, but I can totally buy this. Even if it's still subconscious mostly, Merlin knows he's a badass; always has. From the very first episode - 'you don't want to do that' (to Arthur) and 'believe me, I'm not ordinary' (to Gwen). It's really interesting to consider what it could mean for the kind of warlock he turns out to be.

Re: the deception in the episode and in Camelot, your analysis is spot-on. Really, the only people not keeping secrets through episode 7 are Arthur and Gwen.

[crabby_lioness]

Thank you.

Re: the deception in the episode and in Camelot, your analysis is spot-on. Really, the only people not keeping secrets through episode 7 are Arthur and Gwen.

And we're not 100% sure about them.

[shinetheway]

Your review is, as always, incredibly detailed, thought-provoking, and fascinating. I found this episode striking for a lot of the reasons you list, although I was unable to articulate them as clearly.

Regarding Merlin-being-half-dragon as a possible explanation for his naivete/obliviousness/innocence/massive amounts of power, have you read Beltane and the sequel Coming of Age by Astolat? I'd be very interested in your opinion of how intersects with your take on the show's mythology.

[crabby_lioness]

Thank you. I've heard good things about Astolat's fic, but I'm waiting until I see the rest of the episodes.

[cometotheedge]

aaand once again you hit on so many points that make me tempted to spoil future eps! (don't worry, I won't)

If somewhere in the back of his subconscious mind he knows he's the biggest predator around

I too agree with this - it's been discussed elsewhere in the fandom how Arthur might react to the knowledge that Merlin, who he's actively fought with on several occasions, is the most powerful opponent he's ever faced. I still maintain that when he gets over the shock he'll just incorporate it into their sparring sessions ;)

I must not fangasm over how fetching Bradley looks in his costumes. If I do that I'll never finish this review

Hey, don't beat yourself up about it, someone in Costume really knows what they're doing when it comes to Bradley. It's a very common reaction. So long as it doesn't mean we miss out on more reviews!

[crabby_lioness]

Thank you.

Of course Arthur will want to spar more with Merlin. It's how he was taught to play with boys his age. It may even be how he relaxes.

Hey, don't beat yourself up about it, someone in Costume really knows what they're doing when it comes to Bradley. It's a very common reaction. So long as it doesn't mean we miss out on more reviews!

Even my little girls are ga-ga over "that pretty red jacket".

[archaeologist_d]

This was great. There were a number of things that I hadn't thought of before and when I finally get my DVDs, I'll be sure and keep your reviews in mind.

[crabby_lioness]

Thank you.

I fear this will lead to more extreme behavior on his part in the future.

[enderwiggin24]

i really hope, it wont come to that :(

anddont worry, we all we fangasm with you over the costumes *g*

Re: I fear this will lead to more extreme behavior on his part in the future.

[crabby_lioness]

i really hope, it wont come to that :(

Until Uther reexamines his priorities, it can't help but come to that.

anddont worry, we all we fangasm with you over the costumes *g*

My little girls have discovered how to fangasm thanks to "that pretty red jacket".