Merlin 3x07
I'm reviewing this late because I didn't like the episode that much when viewing it the first time.
I can't say I like it much more on a second viewing. I found more things that bothered me and a few more things to enjoy. The caps aren't high quality this time.
If I were Gwen, I would have made some noise to try and wake up the neighbors before the guy came too close.
Of couse Morgana has to smirk because otherwise we'd forget she's evil. The smirk appears almost every time Morgana is on screen. I can't take her seriously as a villain. Mostly because of the way she's written.
Writers, stop having Arthur throw things at Merlin every episode. It got old a while ago. I can get that he's still a prat without it. Less prat and comic relief and more glimpses of the future king would be greatly appreciated.
Nice reactions from Arthur and Merlin to Uther saying Gwen can be easily replaced. Arthur took some time to touch Merlin before sending him off to find Gwen. His other hand looks like it wants to touch the other shoulder.
Merlin visits Gwen's house and found some things. The lighting loves Merlin.
A new hottie, Gwen's brother, and the always hot Morgause and Cenred make an appearance. I enjoyed Cenred's scenes. He pulls off his sexy villain role well.
Elyan, the conveniently long-lost brother, reunites with Gwen. I love Cenred's outfit. Not just because it's tight leather. I made this cap because of the details on the shoulders.
Thumbs up for Merlin knowing which herbs are in the knock out rag. Thumbs down for Arthur falling unconscious yet again.
Gwen bumps into Merlin and they share a rare friendship scene. The scene wisks me back to a time when Gwen smiled more and often had scenes that weren't all about Arthur. Merlin mentions, "If Arthur was in trouble, wouldn't you want him to come to you?" Sadly, I don't see Arthur and Gwen as close enough for them to come to each other like that.
I don't have anything to say about this next cap other than it makes me smile.
At this point in the episode, let me take some time to gripe about Morgana. I want to like Morgana as a villain, but the writers are making it hard. I'm supposed to believe that she would want Arthur dead? The writers should have taken the time to have an event or events lead to her not trusting Arthur as a future ruler.
For example, they could have tied it in with Merlin's magic reveal. Arthur reacts badly and doesn't trust Merlin. Merlin flees Camelot. Morgana hates Arthur for not standing by Merlin. Arthur comes to term with Merlin's magic, but before he can put into action a plan to bring back Merlin, Morgana has made up her mind about Arthur.
An event that big isn't required though. They did a good setup with Uther, why couldn't they do something similar with Arthur.
If not for the scenes between Merlin and Morgana in this episode, I would be harder on Morgana. I liked their scene before they leave Camelot and the one in the woods.
It's nice to see Arthur talking about his past. He rarely does. He can't seem to keep his eyes on Gwen for long when Merlin is around.
Arthur and Gwen still come across awkward to me. Not as bad as other episodes this season, but I don't see love between them. Morgana and Merlin come back and thankfully scare the violins away. Merlin, please use you magic to banish the violins for good. I'm surprised they don't haunt my nightmares. Lancelot come back. I can stand violins when Lancelot and Gwen are on the screen.
I love the landscape outside the castle. Cenred is awesome again. Merlin follows Cenred with his eyes and doesn't look afraid.
"It's cowards who survive Arthur." Love that quote.
Merlin and Arthur share a cell, but they don't give in to the moon lighting or take advantage of the bed. They escape in an amusing fashion. Then Merlin shows that he has been reading his magic book. Elyan puts in an early application for knighthood. And Arthur and Gwen tell us what people who are in love do, but still don't have any plans of dating/courting/spending time together when inside Camelot.
I'm looking forward to next week's episode. Gwaine is back! Hope it doesn't disappoint.
Recommended music video to go along with this episode:
Dickhead for pratty Arthur