Comments | talesofyesac: Merlin 4.10

talesofyesac

Merlin 4.10

Dec 03, 2011 22:18

I don't usually make a habit to post reflections on episodes, especially not right after they air, but in this case, I'm wondering if anyone else felt like I did, or if I'm totally off base here:

( Did anyone else feel like someone really needed to smack Arthur in this episode? )

fandom: merlin, character: arthur, character: merlin, episode review

Comments 6

jyusan December 3 2011, 23:29:08 UTC

I agree with you that it's not fair how Arthur treats Merlin, but in some ways HE is the only one he can let it out on. They are doing a slow and steady transition to real friendship between them this season, all the usual banter and tossing around is part of that. And as the scene at very end proves, Arthur is really free with Merlin.

I know it's not nice, Merlin certainly deserves better, but these episodes, for me, prove that they WILL get there, but it's not easy to shrug off the confines. I wished he talked more with Merlin when he reached out, but he did let Merlin argue openly against Agravaine which was something he hasn't done before. Arthur is developing, slow and steadily.

talesofyesac December 4 2011, 00:15:28 UTC

I agree with you that it's not fair how Arthur treats Merlin, but in some ways HE is the only one he can let it out on.

I definitely agree here. Usually, it doesn't bother me so much, because Arthur somehow makes it up to him in the end, or at least gives him some sort of sign that he cares.

They are doing a slow and steady transition to real friendship between them this season,

I think that's why this episode irritated me so much--it felt like a regress to me. Arthur has taken his frustration out on Merlin earlier in the season, but this time it just seemed like it had a different feeling to it.

I wished he talked more with Merlin when he reached out, but he did let Merlin argue openly against Agravaine which was something he hasn't done before.

Mmm, Arthur's modus operandi this episode really did seem to include just banishing everyone from his presence every chance he got. The thing with Aggravaine was important, though--I agree. I got such a kick out of watching Aggravaine's face when Arthur just let Merlin keep on talking

jyusan December 4 2011, 00:28:16 UTC

Arthur has taken his frustration out on Merlin earlier in the season, but this time it just seemed like it had a different feeling to it.
I think this time he was _seriously_ pushing him away, I think he knew that Merlin would dig out what truly troubled him sooner than later and he was not ready to talk about it, but he did let Merlin accompany him at the end, and in a small way that was his way of showing that he still trusts him. Breaking down like that in front of anyone is a big thing.

talesofyesac December 4 2011, 00:41:32 UTC

Very true. I do have to say that I loved that end scene with the spirit.

stbacchus December 4 2011, 06:13:16 UTC

Of all the characters on Merlin, I feel like Arthur has been the subject of the most unearned and annoying backsliding. He's grown a lot since season 1, but periodically, I don't even know, maybe they're recycling older scenes? Like in the episode with Gillie, maybe they felt like they weren't ripping off "Valiant" sufficiently unless Arthur had the exact same daddy issues ( ... )

talesofyesac December 4 2011, 13:10:03 UTC

Of all the characters on Merlin, I feel like Arthur has been the subject of the most unearned and annoying backsliding

So agreed. I remember being furious at the Curse of Cornelius Sigan. Arthur will die for Merlin, but then next season, he's quite fine with sacking him. Uh, what?

I think your assessment pretty much described exactly what I was thinking: that is, you described what the writers wanted to do, and what they seemed to fail to do. Goodness, I understand that Arthur is a little emotionally constipated, but this was just... ugh.

Personally, though, I'm fond of your unsupported theories! Daddy issues FTW!