The Coming of Arthur, Part 1 (belated meta/review)
Series three is officially over *sniff*, so I've conjured up one last meta/review for the two-part finale before I go into hibernation for the hiatus.
Part two was, by far, my favorite, but I'll try to keep my squee in check long enough to go over part one first.
The Coming of Arthur, Part ONE
Better than a Bezoar
My first thought when I saw "dead" Sir Leon was "No way! They wouldn't dare kill him off-screen!" I was right, of course, but I was surprised and really pleased that the druids were the ones to heal him. After Arthur's last confrontation with them - being ordered by King Uther the Bloody to murder them all - I was rather shocked that Uther wouldn't contest Gaius's claim that the druids are a not a threat with the Cup of Life in their possession. Uther might as well have said, "Oh, of course they are a peaceful people. But I was thinking about redecorating, and the cup would look fabulous against a lovely crimson Pendragon back drop, don't you think?"
Spooks, and Bandits, and Rogues, Oh My!
As for the scene where father sent son on a quest, I heaved a huge, exasperated sigh when the camera panned over to Morgana. Really? I mean, really? The castle must be a practical labyrinth since all one must do is duck in to an alcove, behind a curtain, or throw something shiny at the guards to go about unnoticed. I digress.
Merlin's packing scene was cute. His frustration was so adorable when he found out he couldn't pack the Pendragon cape. lol. Oh, Merlin. Since when has Arthur ever worn that outside of the court, anyway? Speaking of planted plot points, why did Arthur have a note from Camelot sewn into his bag? Uther communicated with Arthur verbally and wouldn't let him tell anyone. So, what's with the written evidence? *shrug*
Their capture was predictable, but I enjoyed the way it played out, and I'm always a fan when Gwaine turns up. When Arthur stepped forth to smote the mighty champion in Merlin's place, Merlin and Gwaine's "Ugh, you didn't," expressions were priceless, as was the following "Oh, crap," moment when Gwaine and Arthur realise their own stupidity during their pointless wrestling match. But my personal fave was when Merlin told them off in the forest while touting his own ingenuity in starting the escape fire - and they couldn't deny it. YAY, Merlin! Points for you!
Like Father, Like Son?
I was practically dumbstruck when Arthur went all dastardly trying to get the Cup. *shakes head* Uh-uh. No way. Arthur would never. Morgause and Alvaar have certainly tried their hardest to make Arthur distrust sorcerers, but Arthur's threats against an innocent boy were scary - sopping wet children and arm grabbing well-people scary. The incident drastically enhanced the druids' appearance of peaceful kindness, so I'm hoping the writers will use this moment to help Arthur reflect on the chicken and the egg conundrum regarding evil people and magical corruption. After all, the druids just saved Sir Leon's life, and we all know how Arthur feels about life-debts.
Apart from that, the head druid's private message to Merlin was a nice touch. I'm always happy when guest characters highlight how powerful and important Merlin is. And LOL Gwaine's request, "If I die collecting firewood, keep it to yourself. I got my reputation to consider."
No Honour Among Conquerors
I was rather disappointed by Cenred's untimely end, because it was...untimely. I thought that - after a slow, smouldering build - Cenred would at least attempt to double-cross Morgause, or try to strike some new bargain, or be dastardly clever in some way that would bring about his demise. Or even run off and hide, wallow in malice, and return to fight another day. But no. Instead, he's duped by his own naiveté regarding magic, and Morgause offs him for fun. *sigh* I'm just hoping that, now Cenred AND his entire army are gone, we'll get some meaty storylines regarding the people of Cenred's kingdom. Maybe they'll reach out to Camelot for protection from bandits like the people of Ealdor did? I'll never forget Arthur's line in 1x10 The Moment of Truth "If it were up to me, we'd be on our way there now. I wish that Camelot was able to help people regardless of how far away they lived." So, at least now Arthur is free to begin uniting Albion next series!
I found Morgana's pleasure in the impending attack and her threatening invitation to Gwen rather creepy. The disgust on Gwen's face mirrored my own, which is a good sign. It means Morgana has the potential to become a villain I love to hate. I think her smirks at least have the possibility of becoming vengeful sneers (with bonus crazy-eyes) while she's plotting evil. I've given up that the smirks will disappear entirely, but I think her failure to remain queen will crush some of that pompous self-satisfaction, which was honestly more irritating than the smirkage itself.
The Aftermath
We got to see Gwaine's serious side once more when he, Merlin, and Arthur discovered all of the corpses and burned villages; he finally found a situation he couldn't joke his way out of. It was also a nice change to skip over the part with the flurry of swords, CGI, and anonymous red capes.
Arthur rushing to check Gwen's house was sweet in a depressing sort of way. Morgana told us Gwen would be fine, but if she hadn't, we'd be praying that Arthur wouldn't find Gwen's cold, bloody corpse inside. Elyan's stuttering speech helped intensify the magnitude of the fear that the immortal army inspired in our heroes, but it was slightly redundant for Arthur to ask for an explanation that hundreds of corpses had already spelled out for him several miles earlier. And then...
Arthur: Where's your sister? Where's Guinevere?
Elyan: She was in the citadel when they attacked.
Arthur: Then there's still hope.
Elyan: Sire...the citadel's been taken.
DUN! DUN! DU...oh, wait, we already knew that. Oh, well. I still liked witnessing the shocked worry on their faces.
The Witch Who Would Be Queen
Now here comes the good part:
1) Merlin takes control, giving orders to Gwaine, Elyan, AND Arthur!
2) Gwaine and Elyan accept Merlin and Arthur's orders without question (yay! future knights!)
3) Arthur suggests, but does not order Merlin to leave him. Merlin stays! Arthur's giddy to have his BFF with him.
4) Morgana's reveal.
5) Uther's consternation.
6) Arthur's shocked horror. *squee!!!*
I can't even begin to express how awesome the final scene was. Nothing but LOVE! Uther's anger faded the moment he saw Morgana. Arthur held on to his contempt and disbelief until he realised that his father wasn't denying Morgana's right to the throne - something he knew his father would have done in a heartbeat if it wasn't true. His shock began with finding out Morgana was his sister. His horror began when he saw Morgana inflicting humiliation upon Uther, realising that she had brought this ruthless army to conquer Camelot, and she just placed herself as queen. *sigh* Brilliantly acted.
Part two was, by far, my favorite, but I'll try to keep my squee in check long enough to go over part one first.
The Coming of Arthur, Part ONE
Better than a Bezoar
My first thought when I saw "dead" Sir Leon was "No way! They wouldn't dare kill him off-screen!" I was right, of course, but I was surprised and really pleased that the druids were the ones to heal him. After Arthur's last confrontation with them - being ordered by King Uther the Bloody to murder them all - I was rather shocked that Uther wouldn't contest Gaius's claim that the druids are a not a threat with the Cup of Life in their possession. Uther might as well have said, "Oh, of course they are a peaceful people. But I was thinking about redecorating, and the cup would look fabulous against a lovely crimson Pendragon back drop, don't you think?"
Spooks, and Bandits, and Rogues, Oh My!
As for the scene where father sent son on a quest, I heaved a huge, exasperated sigh when the camera panned over to Morgana. Really? I mean, really? The castle must be a practical labyrinth since all one must do is duck in to an alcove, behind a curtain, or throw something shiny at the guards to go about unnoticed. I digress.
Merlin's packing scene was cute. His frustration was so adorable when he found out he couldn't pack the Pendragon cape. lol. Oh, Merlin. Since when has Arthur ever worn that outside of the court, anyway? Speaking of planted plot points, why did Arthur have a note from Camelot sewn into his bag? Uther communicated with Arthur verbally and wouldn't let him tell anyone. So, what's with the written evidence? *shrug*
Their capture was predictable, but I enjoyed the way it played out, and I'm always a fan when Gwaine turns up. When Arthur stepped forth to smote the mighty champion in Merlin's place, Merlin and Gwaine's "Ugh, you didn't," expressions were priceless, as was the following "Oh, crap," moment when Gwaine and Arthur realise their own stupidity during their pointless wrestling match. But my personal fave was when Merlin told them off in the forest while touting his own ingenuity in starting the escape fire - and they couldn't deny it. YAY, Merlin! Points for you!
Like Father, Like Son?
I was practically dumbstruck when Arthur went all dastardly trying to get the Cup. *shakes head* Uh-uh. No way. Arthur would never. Morgause and Alvaar have certainly tried their hardest to make Arthur distrust sorcerers, but Arthur's threats against an innocent boy were scary - sopping wet children and arm grabbing well-people scary. The incident drastically enhanced the druids' appearance of peaceful kindness, so I'm hoping the writers will use this moment to help Arthur reflect on the chicken and the egg conundrum regarding evil people and magical corruption. After all, the druids just saved Sir Leon's life, and we all know how Arthur feels about life-debts.
Apart from that, the head druid's private message to Merlin was a nice touch. I'm always happy when guest characters highlight how powerful and important Merlin is. And LOL Gwaine's request, "If I die collecting firewood, keep it to yourself. I got my reputation to consider."
No Honour Among Conquerors
I was rather disappointed by Cenred's untimely end, because it was...untimely. I thought that - after a slow, smouldering build - Cenred would at least attempt to double-cross Morgause, or try to strike some new bargain, or be dastardly clever in some way that would bring about his demise. Or even run off and hide, wallow in malice, and return to fight another day. But no. Instead, he's duped by his own naiveté regarding magic, and Morgause offs him for fun. *sigh* I'm just hoping that, now Cenred AND his entire army are gone, we'll get some meaty storylines regarding the people of Cenred's kingdom. Maybe they'll reach out to Camelot for protection from bandits like the people of Ealdor did? I'll never forget Arthur's line in 1x10 The Moment of Truth "If it were up to me, we'd be on our way there now. I wish that Camelot was able to help people regardless of how far away they lived." So, at least now Arthur is free to begin uniting Albion next series!
I found Morgana's pleasure in the impending attack and her threatening invitation to Gwen rather creepy. The disgust on Gwen's face mirrored my own, which is a good sign. It means Morgana has the potential to become a villain I love to hate. I think her smirks at least have the possibility of becoming vengeful sneers (with bonus crazy-eyes) while she's plotting evil. I've given up that the smirks will disappear entirely, but I think her failure to remain queen will crush some of that pompous self-satisfaction, which was honestly more irritating than the smirkage itself.
The Aftermath
We got to see Gwaine's serious side once more when he, Merlin, and Arthur discovered all of the corpses and burned villages; he finally found a situation he couldn't joke his way out of. It was also a nice change to skip over the part with the flurry of swords, CGI, and anonymous red capes.
Arthur rushing to check Gwen's house was sweet in a depressing sort of way. Morgana told us Gwen would be fine, but if she hadn't, we'd be praying that Arthur wouldn't find Gwen's cold, bloody corpse inside. Elyan's stuttering speech helped intensify the magnitude of the fear that the immortal army inspired in our heroes, but it was slightly redundant for Arthur to ask for an explanation that hundreds of corpses had already spelled out for him several miles earlier. And then...
Arthur: Where's your sister? Where's Guinevere?
Elyan: She was in the citadel when they attacked.
Arthur: Then there's still hope.
Elyan: Sire...the citadel's been taken.
DUN! DUN! DU...oh, wait, we already knew that. Oh, well. I still liked witnessing the shocked worry on their faces.
The Witch Who Would Be Queen
Now here comes the good part:
1) Merlin takes control, giving orders to Gwaine, Elyan, AND Arthur!
2) Gwaine and Elyan accept Merlin and Arthur's orders without question (yay! future knights!)
3) Arthur suggests, but does not order Merlin to leave him. Merlin stays! Arthur's giddy to have his BFF with him.
4) Morgana's reveal.
5) Uther's consternation.
6) Arthur's shocked horror. *squee!!!*
I can't even begin to express how awesome the final scene was. Nothing but LOVE! Uther's anger faded the moment he saw Morgana. Arthur held on to his contempt and disbelief until he realised that his father wasn't denying Morgana's right to the throne - something he knew his father would have done in a heartbeat if it wasn't true. His shock began with finding out Morgana was his sister. His horror began when he saw Morgana inflicting humiliation upon Uther, realising that she had brought this ruthless army to conquer Camelot, and she just placed herself as queen. *sigh* Brilliantly acted.