Good timing, I posted my reaction post and when I was done I could read yours :D
God... I don't know what I feel about this episode at large but the wood scene and the end and... oh god *weeping* This was brilliant... Poor, poor Merlin.
I love how we do feel sorry Merlin, even though it is others he is condeming. For me, I think it's because his struggle is performed so well and we know the reason for his decisions.
I have to say, as many as we've seen, I love the fireside chats. It's like, when it's just Merlin and Arthur, they can be who they are. I often read too much into them, because it's always over a fire- a blaze fed by invisible air- which is such a metaphor for the two of them. Merlin is always feeding and protecting and providing for Arthur, unseen and virtually unknown, so Arthur can become something more, something good. And this might be the best fire side chat ever.
I also like how the show is exposing the fact that Merlin is a bit obsessed, he's not terribly well rounded, and he's loosing sight of the moral clarity he had in earlier years.
There does seem to be a fireside chat every week now. I think I'll be a bit distraught if we don't get one in an episode. You're right, it's not just the content that make them so good, it's the vibe between them. The silence of words not said.
Merlin isn't very well rounded as a person. He has been effected by what he's gone through the past 10(?) years, and this heightens his natural flaws. He's had to kill people, he's had to say good bye to people and he's had to lie to people all the was through. That can't not have an effect on someone.
I'm... very relieved to read this. To be honest, I hesitate to read others' reviews this week because at a glance the general tone seems to be negative, and while I was practically shivering in fear watching the first few minutes, I ended up genuinely loving the whole episode. I initially despaired over this being written by the writer of that Lamia ep but he gave a pretty solid script this time. Done with great care, and is an emotional treat
( ... )
Mordred complements Merlin on his physician skills. Merlin tells him he’s watched Gaius…and then done the opposite. I cracked up at this. Key to becoming a skilled physician, aha. XD I'm also a bit intrigued that Mordred seemed to actively seek out/talk to Merlin in this ep. Again, these two are simply delicious. And yep, the breakfast comment. So Married. I blame it for my totally missing the symbolism of Merlin literally has Arthur’s fate in his hands. Nice point. At least I didn't miss the part where Arthur’s been checking his diary and he hasn’t noted Merlin down as smiling in the last three days. That would have been grievous. :P
( ... )
Yeah, I love the confusion and dancing around each other that Merlin and Mordred do with one another. It's not only not mentioning 'the elephant in the room', it's like not mentioning a whole zoo shoved in the cupboard under the stairs. I liked the literal image of Merlin having Arthur's fate in his hands. I guess it could be a bit overly obvious, but they didn't dwell to much on it or reference it, so it was actually quite subtle
( ... )
Very interesting. I like your fond snark and though I wasn't as positive about the episode as you are, your review and insightful comments do make me see your POV and also add to my enjoyment of the actual episode. Thank you.
You're very welcome! I too, like to read differing opinions. SOmetimes it does change my mind or help see others POV better and sometimes it helps to confirm my own views. I'm glad you enjoyed reading.
I loved the 'Arthur's fate in Merlin's hands'. I know it could have been seen as a bit obvious and trite, but I thought it was a nice bit of imagery and actually quite subtle in the way it wasn't overly referenced.
ARTHUR'S DIARY
Monday - Had breakfast. Sir Ranulph has died. I think Leon's using Gwiane's hair shampoo. Had Lunch. Merlin didn't smile today. Had dinner.
Tuesday - Had breakfast. Dead Sorcerer gave me money. Had Lunch. Met three witches. They were mean to me. Merlin didn't smile today. Had dinner.
Wednesday - Had breakfast. Played with toy coin. Had lunch. Merlin didn't smile today. Tried to avoid Gwen and dinner. She brought me salad. I don't like salad. Stole Gwaine's shampoo.
Comments 17
God... I don't know what I feel about this episode at large but the wood scene and the end and... oh god *weeping*
This was brilliant...
Poor, poor Merlin.
Reply
Reply
I also like how the show is exposing the fact that Merlin is a bit obsessed, he's not terribly well rounded, and he's loosing sight of the moral clarity he had in earlier years.
Reply
Merlin isn't very well rounded as a person. He has been effected by what he's gone through the past 10(?) years, and this heightens his natural flaws. He's had to kill people, he's had to say good bye to people and he's had to lie to people all the was through. That can't not have an effect on someone.
Reply
Reply
I cracked up at this. Key to becoming a skilled physician, aha. XD I'm also a bit intrigued that Mordred seemed to actively seek out/talk to Merlin in this ep. Again, these two are simply delicious. And yep, the breakfast comment. So Married. I blame it for my totally missing the symbolism of Merlin literally has Arthur’s fate in his hands. Nice point. At least I didn't miss the part where Arthur’s been checking his diary and he hasn’t noted Merlin down as smiling in the last three days. That would have been grievous. :P ( ... )
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
ARTHUR'S DIARY
Monday - Had breakfast. Sir Ranulph has died. I think Leon's using Gwiane's hair shampoo. Had Lunch. Merlin didn't smile today. Had dinner.
Tuesday - Had breakfast. Dead Sorcerer gave me money. Had Lunch. Met three witches. They were mean to me. Merlin didn't smile today. Had dinner.
Wednesday - Had breakfast. Played with toy coin. Had lunch. Merlin didn't smile today. Tried to avoid Gwen and dinner. She brought me salad. I don't like salad. Stole Gwaine's shampoo.
Reply
Leave a comment