Merlin 4x02: The Darkest Hour, Part Deux.
Because I do not live in Britain (though I desperately want to) but in ye olde Germany, I only got to see Merlin yesterday evening. *HATE* But I was intrigued and felt the urge to plaster my journal with my musings about this episode, so here goes... not much, I suppose. XD
Okay, I have a question. How come no one asked HOW THE HELL Merlin survived that Dorocha attack? I mean-- what? Doesn't it strike our chivalrous knights as odd that everyone died after having those ghosts fly through them, but somehow, Merlin survived? And why did he, anyway? I know he's a powerful warlock, but-- confusion. The only thing that was mentioned and might be important in regards to this was said in Part I when Merlin and Arthur are huddled together in a corner shortly before Merlin "sacrifices" himself and Arthur is all shaking and freezing and Merlin is not. But why? Here, again, I'm left to my imagination. Dislike.
Anyway, moving on:
The episode opens with the knights in a square in that old castle they were spending the night at, with the little servant propped up against a well of sorts. I was struck by how pitiful Merlin looked! I genuinely felt so sorry for him, poor boy! Maternal instincts kicked in :]
But Lance is on it, guys, no worries. XD
Arthur looks so worried!
Basically, he's willing to sacrifice everyone in Camelot so he can get Merlin to Gaius. I don't know about you, but this spells out bromance to me.
Then, of course, Lancelot steps in to ruin the moment (and OMG does he look hot with short hair). DAMMIT, man, someone needs to teach you some timing.
The Valley of the Fallen Kings, hmm? That place has been mentioned a few times in the show. Merlin had to travel through it in 1x13 to get to the Isle of the Blessed-- contradiction!, since that's exactly where the CSSG is headed now, and it's also the place where Arthur got hit with that arrow in The Crystal Cave (... geek, anyone?). It wasn't shown in 1x13, but I love that place. The statue reminded me of the ones in LotR. :)
Arthur looks a bit conflicted/befuddled, but Leon and Lance manage to bring him 'round. I love how he doesn't want to have Merlin go without him, even if he's with someone he trusts. They've come such a long way since The Dragon's Call.
AND THEN, Percival got to show off his biceps and carry Merlin to his horse. And I was once again flabbergasted (sorry, Matt Smith, for stealing your word) at how freakishly tall Tom Hopper is. He and Rupert Young tower over EVERYONE by at least 10 feet. 'kay, maybe not quite, but anyway.
HERE, THERE WAS BROMANCE. Oh my lord, how amazing was that conversation? My heart was bleeding. Merlin looked so horrible, and Arthur was his usual emotionally suppressed self, and it was just perfect.
The look on Arthur's face as the two rode off was heart- wrenching.
ROFL, btw, at Lancelot being the only one who has a white horse. I think he means to impress Gwen.
Once again, I must scold the BBC for their editing: Santiago's credits totally got in the way of the action. Well done, y'all.
Props go to Colin Morgan in these scenes, because it's actually really not comfortable to sit on a horse like that, at least not with a saddle.
And with Lance and Merlin being gone, the Famous Five make their way to the Isle of the Blessed. Some intense horse- action, and then we got to see part one of what was most hilarious about this whole episode:
GWAINE, YOU SILLY BOY!
First off, it's funny how he still manages to strike a chord with Arthur by rambling and what I imagine to be constant complaining, but then he thinks it's a fabulous idea to stick his bare hand into a beehive and I CRACKED UP. And Percy did too. :p
And as Gwaine stumbles away and we see him throwing his arms around in the background (and Leon trying his best not to laugh, and failing, thank you), Arthur looks royally pissed off as Leon says that Lancelot can handle it. I laughed. He was probably supposed to seem worried, but to me he looked so childish.
(Insert me singing, "Anything you can do, I can do better, I can do anything better than you!")
Lancelot carries the poor damsel in distress Merlin to a river bank (is it the same stream as in ALL those previous episodes??), where something really strange happens and some random woman and her buddies in waterdrops tell him Merlin's gonna be fine and they can sleep because they'll watch over them. I have to admit, not a big fan of that scene. It just seemed too convenient for them to be there.
Merlin being healed was very Percy Jackson- ish , but it did look undeniably cool. :D
The light that engulved Lance and Merlin did look pretty special, but a friend's only comment was: "I wouldn't be able to sleep with it being that bright."
What can I say? She is kinda right. And I have the weirdest friends.
Back to the Famous Five:
The Wilderen!
...And Gwaine is being a dufus. DO NOT LEAVE THE GROUP, you idiot! Unavoidably, a Dorocha comes to eat his face (or cover it in ice, whatever) AND PERCIVAL TACKLES HIM. I laughed so hard. And despite it being cute and amazing and the two are obviously best buds (of course he cares, silly!), would anyone REALLY like to be tackled by Tom? Because he would squash your intestines like mashed potatoes.
Arthur comes to save them both with his mighty torch. No pun intended.
Return of the Gaia Berries. (Or whatever they're spelled.)
The boys now look hilarious and Gwaine is being priceless when he, after discovering the skull, shoves his way to the middle of the group.
I probably broke a rib laughing at the boys' heads popping up from behind that rock and back down after they see Wilderen approaching. (Seriously, Alice, THANK YOU.)
The Famous Five Scooby- Doo Mystery Inc. are instructed by their fearless leader to "don't even breathe" (if i may remark, YOU'RE TALKING, SIR.) and again, Gwaine happens.
The way he grinned and then NOT when he sees Arthur's eyes growing huge and him being drooled on by that hairless, eyeless guinea pig... basically, I died laughing. The funniest thing, however, was Arthur's expression as he watched his knight being almost eaten. (Bradley, you're a genius.)
But after Gwaine stabbed that thing, Arthur explained that the Wilderen, apparently, hunt in packs. And I was like, SINCE WHEN?!
Anyway, running happens! (And really, that's what it's all about.)
Back in Camelot, desperate citizens try to get into the castle. I understand that they may feel safer there, but really, ghosts don't actually care about walls. People died in there as well, so why the hustle?
However, Gwen has her hate- on with Agravaine-- which is all that matters. Finally, something I've been waiting for for ages! We get to see what Gwen would be like as Queen, stepping up and defending the people. Well done, girl! I'm so proud of her. She questions Agravaine's faith in Arthur-- foreshadowing?
"You're meant to be... dying."
Lancelot and funny? Apparently, it's possible. :D
He tries to hit Merlin with that staff, whereupon Merlin tells him he's not as quick as Arthur.
[["Anything you can do..."]]
I love the scenes between Leon and Arthur in this episode. It seems Lancelot got replaced in this re- telling... not that I mind. Leon's my favourite. :] Leon's remark about Gwaine once again had me in giggles, btw-- I'm so glad we have another "comic relief" now besides Merlin's and Arthur's banter, however much I adore it. Gwaine does keep it fresh, mostly because he's ridiculous.
Agravaine goes to seek put Morgana in her gingerbread house hut. I may be repeating myself, but please, can someone EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT AGRAVAINE IS EVEN DOING? His motives are beyond my grasp. Sure, he may blame the (male) Pendragons for his sister's death, but that's not enough. And if he wanted to take over Camelot, why would he want the kingdom destroyed first? No sense.
I did like Morgana's line about Arthur: "Will I never be rid of him?", because it mirrored what Uther said about Nimueh in that season 1 episode (Excalibur?). CONTINUITY!
Gwen is finally important enough to be on Morgana's radar because of something besides snogging the Prince. I loved Morgana's reaction here, because before, she would never have spoken so vilely of Gwen as a "servant". The two used to be bosom buddies! There's no doubt as to how Morgana's view on her former friend has changed, and also, how Morgana's character has shifted.
The two plot to murder Gwen and we cut to the woman herself.
She's tending to Uther (squee!), who is asking for his son's whereabouts. Oh, Anthony, you are so brilliant. I heart you.
And Gwen is so sweet when she wraps him in the blanket and lies to make the King feel better. Aww.
Aggi is there and (urgh!) they talk.
[CAPTAIN SUBTEXT :: ENABLED.)
Agravaine:
"Your devotion t the King is most impressive."
[[You're hot when you take care of crazed old men.]]
"There is something I would like to discuss."
[[I want you in my bed at sundown.]]
"I wish to apologize."
[[...NAKED.]]
[....]
"Perhaps this evening, you could come to my chambers."
-- No translation necessary.
GROSS!!!
Why is this happening?! I mean, Agravaine lusting after Gwen? Am I misinterpreting what's happening here? Please, I must know!
Gwen (to Gaius): "I think he means to seek my council."
Yeah, sure, honey. YOUR COUNCIL.
But Gwen is thrilled that she might make a difference and that she has been noticed, and I did enjoy that.
Merlin and Lancelot ride through the forest and end up at a love shack, wherein they find a man killed by a Dorocha. Despite this slight- turn off, the two decide to stick around and make the hut their home for the night.
Meanwhile, Morgana has managed to infiltrate Camelot (which seems all too difficult, really) and tramps the tunnels beneath the castle, running into a knight and sending him flying against the wall.
By the way, has anyone ever noticed that being thrown backwards is, in Camelot, a guarantee to end up unconscious? Because it happens EVERY TIME.
Then, Agravaine and Gwen have their chat, and Gwen actually was saying a lot of meaningful and clever things and all the while, I imagined her talking to Arthur and councelling him and it was so amazing. She'll be an awesome Queen, I'm so sure. XD
And, of course, Agravaine was being disgusting and I was peeking through my fingers when he stood behind her chanting "gross, gross, gross" as he almost touched her hair. So glad he didn't. That man is a creep and I will only be happy when Arthur runs him through. Or Gwen. Don't care.
Anyway, Morgana magically pushes Gwen and the guards over (UNCONSCIOUSNESS) and leaves them to be killed by the Dorocha.
The Knights have set up camp (ideal place, btw, in the middle of a scary forest with mist swirling about the trees) and have a fire going.
Arthur is being approached by his future brother- in- law Elyan, who asks several things to which he doesn't receive particularly helpful answers; but then, he tells Arthur how he and the others would die for him over and over and how he's awesome and they have his back. I loved it, it was very nice, especially since what has been missing for me thus far was the bond between Arthur and his Knights (because they all seem to be buds with Merlin, but not really the royal clotpole). But over the course of the past year, they seem to have grown very close, so I appreciated this scene.
Gaius has found Gwen and fights off some ghosts (GO GAIUS!) and then takes Gwen to safety. When she wakes up, Gaius concludes that SOMEONE must have been there to knock Gwen out and then, as murdering her would seem too suspicious, leave her to the Dorocha.
Lancelot and Merlin are now drinking buddies and Lance swears he no longer has any interest in Gwen (note: He says "He loves her, and she's happy", not that Gwen loves Arthur back. I don't know whether this is in any way relevant, but I'm putting it out there). He also tells Merlin how he promised to protect Arthur.
As they lay down to sleep (drunk, much?), of course their fire goes out and the Dorocha attack. As the boys flee, Merlin yells for the dragon (OMG, I know it's not suppossed to be funny, but I just giggled the whole way through) and Kilgarrah drives the ghosts away with his bad fiery breath.
Lancelot gets to say Hi to the Dragon, Merlin explain what he's planning on doing and the Dragon warns him not to (predictable, all that, but anyway.... yay!). As Merlin won't be talked out of sacrficing himself, the dragon says buh- bye, which was very sweet, because the dragon has not been caring very often in the past, tbh. Never, more like.
Next Day: As they ride to the Isle of the Blessed, Lancelot is being asked what he would give up his life for. I thought, when he then looked all meaningful and thoughtful, he was thinking of Gwen. But, in regard to what happened towards the end of the episode, maybe it was Arthur? Probably a bit of both, since he promised Gwen to keep the Prince safe.
Back to the Famous Five: GWAINE STRIKES AGAIN. Seriously, that man! Leon and Elyan are all grossed out by his smelly socks (I would be, too) and go to sit next to Percy and Arthur. When Elyan says that Percival washes, I admit to being a bit surprised. I mean no disrespect, but he doesn't look like he's the washing type. XD
And then, of course, due to inflammable gases, the sock catches fire.
Arthur is observant and realizes they're not alone. Back in Scooby- Doo mode, the Knights rise only to find that Lancelot has returned! And with him, Merlin. (I loved how Arthur was like, "Hi. Where's my darling idiot?!" and looked so incredibly pleading before Lance said that Merlin was alright.)
HUG TIME! XD
Although, still no hug for Merlin from Arthur. But there is definite bromance going on, and Arthur puts his arm around Merl's shoulder. So all is well.
Arthur's and Merlin's chat was beautiful. In all honesty, the scenes between them this season have been simply great. From Arthur seeming wistful when thinking about his death, over him denying Merlin when he literally begs to be sacrificed in Arthur's place to entrusting Merlin with Gwen's happiness after Arthur is gone (aka giving his consent for Lancelot to marry her, I would think), everything was very meaningful, but, because it was interlaced with their usual banter, it was all the more believable. Very fond of it.
The Knights are on their way to the Isle of the Blessed-- in a boat. How that thing didn't capsize, I'll never know.
Once actually there, they are attacked by Wyvern, which the knights try to fight off, but are ultimately cast away by Merlin (real subtle, Merl. Really. No one will ever notice you're a warlock).
But the beasts are a bit more persistent than they used to be, and the group is seperated with only Arthur, Gwaine, Lancelot and Merlin entering the hall where the torn veil is in. (Convenient.)
There, they meet Gemma Jones, who demands a sacrifice so that the veil will be healed. I loved how Merlin couldn't keep his mouth shut! Gwaine is subsequently knocked out. (See what I mean?)
Arthur steps forward and asks to be sacrificed so that the others can be saved (how sweet of him). His expression as he walked towards the Calliech (and her slight, smug smile!) just had me clinging to my seat in desperation-- for a moment, I really did believe he was going to die. And it was clear that he truly was convinced he was going to his death, and he was prepared to give his life, which made me love Arthur SO much more.
Merlin is a BAMF, therefore he intervenes. And again, sailing through the air results in unconsciousness.
Another question: Didn't Arthur ask afterwards how the hell he ended up sprawled on the floor, since Gemma didn't do it? Jeez! He's not that stupid. Okay, yes, Lance had just died and he was probably a bit preoccupied with that, but still.
Merlin and Lancelot exchange a look of bromance before Mr. Neckerchief steps forward. Calliech won't let Merlin be the one to pay the price so that the veil can be restored. And as she tells him this, Merlin doesn't realise one thing: Lancelot does have something he thinks is worth dying for, and he walks into the tear in the veil.
Lancelot looks back, thinking "PWND", and smiles. SO BEAUTIFUL! And with another pretty smile, he's gone, and the veil is healed.
SPOILERy comment: Now, all this and the following scenes (Merlin in shock and the funeral) would have been a lot more sad and touching if I hadn't been aware (thanks to trailer failure) that Lancelot has a snog with Gwen in a future episode. Why, thank you, BBC, for totally ruining that tragic moment.
Anyway. Merlin is all shocked and Colin played it briliantly. He just doesn't understand what the hell just happened, and refuses to believe it. Very pretty, and well done.
The funeral scene(s):
Despite what I said before in the cursive comment, I CRIED. It was heart- breaking. Merlin's eyes being all red as he handed Arthur the torch; Gwen with tears streaming down her face, the knights looking all serious and heart- broken and Arthur trying so hard not to cry while it was crystal- clear how grief- stricken he was.
Gwen blames herself for Lancelot's death (should she? Maybe), and Arthur taking her hand with the pyre in the background was gorgeous. And the way he looked when Gwen told him he made Lance promise to look after him! I think he may blame himself as well now.
WELL DONE, GWEN.
Arthur then leaves her, which I think is very thoughtful of him. Sometimes, people just need to be alone with their grief to think (or maybe that's just me?), and I do believe some alone time is what Gwen needed here.
WELL DONE, ARTHUR. [For realz.]
Morgana freaks out when she is told by Agravaine that the plan has failed. She's sure Emrys is responsible-- and she tells her bloodhound Aggi that he must be found, probably setting up the theme for the next episode. Merlin learns about this-- and the fact that Agravaine might to be loyal to a Pendragon other than Arthur and Uther-- as Aggi comes to ask Gaius if he knows any Emrys.
WELL DONE, AGRAVAINE.
After Agravaine is gone, Merlin and Gaius discuss his question and his motives (Agravaine is actually just Morgana, Part II), and I thought that really, all Aggi should have done was eavesdrop. He'd be a lot smarter now...
TRAILER:
ARTHUR WITH AN APPLE (as if Gwaine wasn't hilarious enough when it comes to fruit), Uther fighting with a random man, some Arthur & Uther scenes (OMG YES!), Arthur asking a very important question, Merlin standing conveniently behind a door (I laughed.), and the return of DRAGUN (epic expression win, btw-- fell off the chair. Not just a phrase in this case.)!
All in all, this promises to be a very interesting episode-- I'll see next Sunday Monday. STUPID WORK. :/
Au revoir,
Sophie
Okay, I have a question. How come no one asked HOW THE HELL Merlin survived that Dorocha attack? I mean-- what? Doesn't it strike our chivalrous knights as odd that everyone died after having those ghosts fly through them, but somehow, Merlin survived? And why did he, anyway? I know he's a powerful warlock, but-- confusion. The only thing that was mentioned and might be important in regards to this was said in Part I when Merlin and Arthur are huddled together in a corner shortly before Merlin "sacrifices" himself and Arthur is all shaking and freezing and Merlin is not. But why? Here, again, I'm left to my imagination. Dislike.
Anyway, moving on:
The episode opens with the knights in a square in that old castle they were spending the night at, with the little servant propped up against a well of sorts. I was struck by how pitiful Merlin looked! I genuinely felt so sorry for him, poor boy! Maternal instincts kicked in :]
But Lance is on it, guys, no worries. XD
Arthur looks so worried!
Basically, he's willing to sacrifice everyone in Camelot so he can get Merlin to Gaius. I don't know about you, but this spells out bromance to me.
Then, of course, Lancelot steps in to ruin the moment (and OMG does he look hot with short hair). DAMMIT, man, someone needs to teach you some timing.
The Valley of the Fallen Kings, hmm? That place has been mentioned a few times in the show. Merlin had to travel through it in 1x13 to get to the Isle of the Blessed-- contradiction!, since that's exactly where the CSSG is headed now, and it's also the place where Arthur got hit with that arrow in The Crystal Cave (... geek, anyone?). It wasn't shown in 1x13, but I love that place. The statue reminded me of the ones in LotR. :)
Arthur looks a bit conflicted/befuddled, but Leon and Lance manage to bring him 'round. I love how he doesn't want to have Merlin go without him, even if he's with someone he trusts. They've come such a long way since The Dragon's Call.
AND THEN, Percival got to show off his biceps and carry Merlin to his horse. And I was once again flabbergasted (sorry, Matt Smith, for stealing your word) at how freakishly tall Tom Hopper is. He and Rupert Young tower over EVERYONE by at least 10 feet. 'kay, maybe not quite, but anyway.
HERE, THERE WAS BROMANCE. Oh my lord, how amazing was that conversation? My heart was bleeding. Merlin looked so horrible, and Arthur was his usual emotionally suppressed self, and it was just perfect.
The look on Arthur's face as the two rode off was heart- wrenching.
ROFL, btw, at Lancelot being the only one who has a white horse. I think he means to impress Gwen.
Once again, I must scold the BBC for their editing: Santiago's credits totally got in the way of the action. Well done, y'all.
Props go to Colin Morgan in these scenes, because it's actually really not comfortable to sit on a horse like that, at least not with a saddle.
And with Lance and Merlin being gone, the Famous Five make their way to the Isle of the Blessed. Some intense horse- action, and then we got to see part one of what was most hilarious about this whole episode:
GWAINE, YOU SILLY BOY!
First off, it's funny how he still manages to strike a chord with Arthur by rambling and what I imagine to be constant complaining, but then he thinks it's a fabulous idea to stick his bare hand into a beehive and I CRACKED UP. And Percy did too. :p
And as Gwaine stumbles away and we see him throwing his arms around in the background (and Leon trying his best not to laugh, and failing, thank you), Arthur looks royally pissed off as Leon says that Lancelot can handle it. I laughed. He was probably supposed to seem worried, but to me he looked so childish.
(Insert me singing, "Anything you can do, I can do better, I can do anything better than you!")
Lancelot carries the poor damsel in distress Merlin to a river bank (is it the same stream as in ALL those previous episodes??), where something really strange happens and some random woman and her buddies in waterdrops tell him Merlin's gonna be fine and they can sleep because they'll watch over them. I have to admit, not a big fan of that scene. It just seemed too convenient for them to be there.
Merlin being healed was very Percy Jackson- ish , but it did look undeniably cool. :D
The light that engulved Lance and Merlin did look pretty special, but a friend's only comment was: "I wouldn't be able to sleep with it being that bright."
What can I say? She is kinda right. And I have the weirdest friends.
Back to the Famous Five:
The Wilderen!
...And Gwaine is being a dufus. DO NOT LEAVE THE GROUP, you idiot! Unavoidably, a Dorocha comes to eat his face (or cover it in ice, whatever) AND PERCIVAL TACKLES HIM. I laughed so hard. And despite it being cute and amazing and the two are obviously best buds (of course he cares, silly!), would anyone REALLY like to be tackled by Tom? Because he would squash your intestines like mashed potatoes.
Arthur comes to save them both with his mighty torch. No pun intended.
Return of the Gaia Berries. (Or whatever they're spelled.)
The boys now look hilarious and Gwaine is being priceless when he, after discovering the skull, shoves his way to the middle of the group.
I probably broke a rib laughing at the boys' heads popping up from behind that rock and back down after they see Wilderen approaching. (Seriously, Alice, THANK YOU.)
The Famous Five Scooby- Doo Mystery Inc. are instructed by their fearless leader to "don't even breathe" (if i may remark, YOU'RE TALKING, SIR.) and again, Gwaine happens.
The way he grinned and then NOT when he sees Arthur's eyes growing huge and him being drooled on by that hairless, eyeless guinea pig... basically, I died laughing. The funniest thing, however, was Arthur's expression as he watched his knight being almost eaten. (Bradley, you're a genius.)
But after Gwaine stabbed that thing, Arthur explained that the Wilderen, apparently, hunt in packs. And I was like, SINCE WHEN?!
Anyway, running happens! (And really, that's what it's all about.)
Back in Camelot, desperate citizens try to get into the castle. I understand that they may feel safer there, but really, ghosts don't actually care about walls. People died in there as well, so why the hustle?
However, Gwen has her hate- on with Agravaine-- which is all that matters. Finally, something I've been waiting for for ages! We get to see what Gwen would be like as Queen, stepping up and defending the people. Well done, girl! I'm so proud of her. She questions Agravaine's faith in Arthur-- foreshadowing?
"You're meant to be... dying."
Lancelot and funny? Apparently, it's possible. :D
He tries to hit Merlin with that staff, whereupon Merlin tells him he's not as quick as Arthur.
[["Anything you can do..."]]
I love the scenes between Leon and Arthur in this episode. It seems Lancelot got replaced in this re- telling... not that I mind. Leon's my favourite. :] Leon's remark about Gwaine once again had me in giggles, btw-- I'm so glad we have another "comic relief" now besides Merlin's and Arthur's banter, however much I adore it. Gwaine does keep it fresh, mostly because he's ridiculous.
Agravaine goes to seek put Morgana in her gingerbread house hut. I may be repeating myself, but please, can someone EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT AGRAVAINE IS EVEN DOING? His motives are beyond my grasp. Sure, he may blame the (male) Pendragons for his sister's death, but that's not enough. And if he wanted to take over Camelot, why would he want the kingdom destroyed first? No sense.
I did like Morgana's line about Arthur: "Will I never be rid of him?", because it mirrored what Uther said about Nimueh in that season 1 episode (Excalibur?). CONTINUITY!
Gwen is finally important enough to be on Morgana's radar because of something besides snogging the Prince. I loved Morgana's reaction here, because before, she would never have spoken so vilely of Gwen as a "servant". The two used to be bosom buddies! There's no doubt as to how Morgana's view on her former friend has changed, and also, how Morgana's character has shifted.
The two plot to murder Gwen and we cut to the woman herself.
She's tending to Uther (squee!), who is asking for his son's whereabouts. Oh, Anthony, you are so brilliant. I heart you.
And Gwen is so sweet when she wraps him in the blanket and lies to make the King feel better. Aww.
Aggi is there and (urgh!) they talk.
[CAPTAIN SUBTEXT :: ENABLED.)
Agravaine:
"Your devotion t the King is most impressive."
[[You're hot when you take care of crazed old men.]]
"There is something I would like to discuss."
[[I want you in my bed at sundown.]]
"I wish to apologize."
[[...NAKED.]]
[....]
"Perhaps this evening, you could come to my chambers."
-- No translation necessary.
GROSS!!!
Why is this happening?! I mean, Agravaine lusting after Gwen? Am I misinterpreting what's happening here? Please, I must know!
Gwen (to Gaius): "I think he means to seek my council."
Yeah, sure, honey. YOUR COUNCIL.
But Gwen is thrilled that she might make a difference and that she has been noticed, and I did enjoy that.
Merlin and Lancelot ride through the forest and end up at a love shack, wherein they find a man killed by a Dorocha. Despite this slight- turn off, the two decide to stick around and make the hut their home for the night.
Meanwhile, Morgana has managed to infiltrate Camelot (which seems all too difficult, really) and tramps the tunnels beneath the castle, running into a knight and sending him flying against the wall.
By the way, has anyone ever noticed that being thrown backwards is, in Camelot, a guarantee to end up unconscious? Because it happens EVERY TIME.
Then, Agravaine and Gwen have their chat, and Gwen actually was saying a lot of meaningful and clever things and all the while, I imagined her talking to Arthur and councelling him and it was so amazing. She'll be an awesome Queen, I'm so sure. XD
And, of course, Agravaine was being disgusting and I was peeking through my fingers when he stood behind her chanting "gross, gross, gross" as he almost touched her hair. So glad he didn't. That man is a creep and I will only be happy when Arthur runs him through. Or Gwen. Don't care.
Anyway, Morgana magically pushes Gwen and the guards over (UNCONSCIOUSNESS) and leaves them to be killed by the Dorocha.
The Knights have set up camp (ideal place, btw, in the middle of a scary forest with mist swirling about the trees) and have a fire going.
Arthur is being approached by his future brother- in- law Elyan, who asks several things to which he doesn't receive particularly helpful answers; but then, he tells Arthur how he and the others would die for him over and over and how he's awesome and they have his back. I loved it, it was very nice, especially since what has been missing for me thus far was the bond between Arthur and his Knights (because they all seem to be buds with Merlin, but not really the royal clotpole). But over the course of the past year, they seem to have grown very close, so I appreciated this scene.
Gaius has found Gwen and fights off some ghosts (GO GAIUS!) and then takes Gwen to safety. When she wakes up, Gaius concludes that SOMEONE must have been there to knock Gwen out and then, as murdering her would seem too suspicious, leave her to the Dorocha.
Lancelot and Merlin are now drinking buddies and Lance swears he no longer has any interest in Gwen (note: He says "He loves her, and she's happy", not that Gwen loves Arthur back. I don't know whether this is in any way relevant, but I'm putting it out there). He also tells Merlin how he promised to protect Arthur.
As they lay down to sleep (drunk, much?), of course their fire goes out and the Dorocha attack. As the boys flee, Merlin yells for the dragon (OMG, I know it's not suppossed to be funny, but I just giggled the whole way through) and Kilgarrah drives the ghosts away with his bad fiery breath.
Lancelot gets to say Hi to the Dragon, Merlin explain what he's planning on doing and the Dragon warns him not to (predictable, all that, but anyway.... yay!). As Merlin won't be talked out of sacrficing himself, the dragon says buh- bye, which was very sweet, because the dragon has not been caring very often in the past, tbh. Never, more like.
Next Day: As they ride to the Isle of the Blessed, Lancelot is being asked what he would give up his life for. I thought, when he then looked all meaningful and thoughtful, he was thinking of Gwen. But, in regard to what happened towards the end of the episode, maybe it was Arthur? Probably a bit of both, since he promised Gwen to keep the Prince safe.
Back to the Famous Five: GWAINE STRIKES AGAIN. Seriously, that man! Leon and Elyan are all grossed out by his smelly socks (I would be, too) and go to sit next to Percy and Arthur. When Elyan says that Percival washes, I admit to being a bit surprised. I mean no disrespect, but he doesn't look like he's the washing type. XD
And then, of course, due to inflammable gases, the sock catches fire.
Arthur is observant and realizes they're not alone. Back in Scooby- Doo mode, the Knights rise only to find that Lancelot has returned! And with him, Merlin. (I loved how Arthur was like, "Hi. Where's my darling idiot?!" and looked so incredibly pleading before Lance said that Merlin was alright.)
HUG TIME! XD
Although, still no hug for Merlin from Arthur. But there is definite bromance going on, and Arthur puts his arm around Merl's shoulder. So all is well.
Arthur's and Merlin's chat was beautiful. In all honesty, the scenes between them this season have been simply great. From Arthur seeming wistful when thinking about his death, over him denying Merlin when he literally begs to be sacrificed in Arthur's place to entrusting Merlin with Gwen's happiness after Arthur is gone (aka giving his consent for Lancelot to marry her, I would think), everything was very meaningful, but, because it was interlaced with their usual banter, it was all the more believable. Very fond of it.
The Knights are on their way to the Isle of the Blessed-- in a boat. How that thing didn't capsize, I'll never know.
Once actually there, they are attacked by Wyvern, which the knights try to fight off, but are ultimately cast away by Merlin (real subtle, Merl. Really. No one will ever notice you're a warlock).
But the beasts are a bit more persistent than they used to be, and the group is seperated with only Arthur, Gwaine, Lancelot and Merlin entering the hall where the torn veil is in. (Convenient.)
There, they meet Gemma Jones, who demands a sacrifice so that the veil will be healed. I loved how Merlin couldn't keep his mouth shut! Gwaine is subsequently knocked out. (See what I mean?)
Arthur steps forward and asks to be sacrificed so that the others can be saved (how sweet of him). His expression as he walked towards the Calliech (and her slight, smug smile!) just had me clinging to my seat in desperation-- for a moment, I really did believe he was going to die. And it was clear that he truly was convinced he was going to his death, and he was prepared to give his life, which made me love Arthur SO much more.
Merlin is a BAMF, therefore he intervenes. And again, sailing through the air results in unconsciousness.
Another question: Didn't Arthur ask afterwards how the hell he ended up sprawled on the floor, since Gemma didn't do it? Jeez! He's not that stupid. Okay, yes, Lance had just died and he was probably a bit preoccupied with that, but still.
Merlin and Lancelot exchange a look of bromance before Mr. Neckerchief steps forward. Calliech won't let Merlin be the one to pay the price so that the veil can be restored. And as she tells him this, Merlin doesn't realise one thing: Lancelot does have something he thinks is worth dying for, and he walks into the tear in the veil.
Lancelot looks back, thinking "PWND", and smiles. SO BEAUTIFUL! And with another pretty smile, he's gone, and the veil is healed.
SPOILERy comment: Now, all this and the following scenes (Merlin in shock and the funeral) would have been a lot more sad and touching if I hadn't been aware (thanks to trailer failure) that Lancelot has a snog with Gwen in a future episode. Why, thank you, BBC, for totally ruining that tragic moment.
Anyway. Merlin is all shocked and Colin played it briliantly. He just doesn't understand what the hell just happened, and refuses to believe it. Very pretty, and well done.
The funeral scene(s):
Despite what I said before in the cursive comment, I CRIED. It was heart- breaking. Merlin's eyes being all red as he handed Arthur the torch; Gwen with tears streaming down her face, the knights looking all serious and heart- broken and Arthur trying so hard not to cry while it was crystal- clear how grief- stricken he was.
Gwen blames herself for Lancelot's death (should she? Maybe), and Arthur taking her hand with the pyre in the background was gorgeous. And the way he looked when Gwen told him he made Lance promise to look after him! I think he may blame himself as well now.
WELL DONE, GWEN.
Arthur then leaves her, which I think is very thoughtful of him. Sometimes, people just need to be alone with their grief to think (or maybe that's just me?), and I do believe some alone time is what Gwen needed here.
WELL DONE, ARTHUR. [For realz.]
Morgana freaks out when she is told by Agravaine that the plan has failed. She's sure Emrys is responsible-- and she tells her bloodhound Aggi that he must be found, probably setting up the theme for the next episode. Merlin learns about this-- and the fact that Agravaine might to be loyal to a Pendragon other than Arthur and Uther-- as Aggi comes to ask Gaius if he knows any Emrys.
WELL DONE, AGRAVAINE.
After Agravaine is gone, Merlin and Gaius discuss his question and his motives (Agravaine is actually just Morgana, Part II), and I thought that really, all Aggi should have done was eavesdrop. He'd be a lot smarter now...
TRAILER:
ARTHUR WITH AN APPLE (as if Gwaine wasn't hilarious enough when it comes to fruit), Uther fighting with a random man, some Arthur & Uther scenes (OMG YES!), Arthur asking a very important question, Merlin standing conveniently behind a door (I laughed.), and the return of DRAGUN (epic expression win, btw-- fell off the chair. Not just a phrase in this case.)!
All in all, this promises to be a very interesting episode-- I'll see next Sunday Monday. STUPID WORK. :/
Au revoir,
Sophie