(no subject)

[srin]

ARTHUR ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Ahem. Seriously, though. Arthur telling Merlin he's brave and a good servant. Arthur telling George that Merlin's his and he likes it that way. Arthur slinging Merlin over his shoulder. Arthur hugging Merlin. Arthur hugging Merlin when he's gross and covered in mud and not even bitching about it. Oh, my heart! Also, Arthur looking ridiculously hot all over the place! I have always thought Bradley very pretty, but he's somehow turned it up to 11 this year. Arthur ♥.

Some other things happened in this episode too, apparently. Enchanted bitchy Merlin was hilarious; suspect he'd get on my nerves after a while, but he was good fun while he lasted. I'm, uh, not sure what to make of Leon's totally chill reaction to Merlin saying he wanted to kill Arthur - does this happen a lot? I do sort of love the implication that everyone knows Arthur's really annoying sometimes and they're not even phased by Merlin making (they think) empty threats in response.

Things that happened in this episode that really need to happen more:
-Writers remembering that Gwaine cares about Merlin! :D
-Gwen awkward-lying at Arthur. The last time I enjoyed a scene between them so much, it was them rolling their eyes over Vivian in 2x10 - they really work the best when they're being awkward and silly. (Also, dear show, thanks for making it canon that Arthur's totally cool with being naked around Merlin!)
-Gwen and Gaius teamwork! I remember speculation back in the day that Gwen would become Gaius's assistant once Morgana was out of the picture, and I wish they'd gone with that, because they make a good team and it's great to see Gwen do something other than play The Girlfriend.
-HUGGING

Other stuff:
-I'm not entirely sure about old Merlin being such a dick to the knights. Him speaking his mind to Arthur works because it's stuff he can't really say as himself, but this kind of makes it seem like he secretly doesn't like the knights, which makes me sad.
-Briefly breaking my vow of Not Talking About Morgana to say that I think I'd quite enjoy her as the villain this year if only she weren't supposed to be the same person as series 1!Morgana. She's quite fun and it's great to see her taking charge and owning her powers, she's just ... not Morgana. Also, is Agravaine in love with her? Because his face when he found her at the end looked like a little more than concern over a partner in crime.
-Really liked seeing Arthur put the pieces together and confront Agravaine, though I will be annoyed if it turns out he totally bought Agravaine's story that it was Gaius, because come on, really?
-It does kill me a little that Merlin apparently doesn't remember Arthur hugging him. CLEARLY THIS MEANS THERE NEED TO BE MORE HUGS.
-I am really pleased that Arthur has graduated from temper tantrums and violence to just punishing Merlin with lessons with George. Also, aww, his little aside about why he wouldn't hire George for real - funny, but also lovely to see Arthur talking to Merlin like his BFF even when he's mad at him.
-Speaking of which, I feel a bit bad for it, but I enjoyed bitchy enchanted Merlin bitching at Gaius - after all this time, you'd think the guy could put some effort in and make up excuses for Merlin that won't get Merlin in more trouble.
-Did I mention the hugging? Because HUGGING. ♥