you know what you're like - one whiff of a barmaid's apron and you're singing like a sailor

[llywela]

Merlin was adorable this week. I sat through the whole episode in gigglesome glee, from Alexander Siddig's fabulous turn as scenery-chewing baddie through, well, everything.

I will never stop giggling at the very modern dialogue and complete lack of class boundaries in a supposedly feudal society, but somehow none of that ever quite seems to matter. It's just too cute. I loved everyone in this episode. I loved that Uther clearly wanted to help, but couldn't take the risk, because he has to look at the big picture. I always love Gaius - I've always had such a soft sport for Richard Wilson. I loved Merlin's conflict over what to do for the best, and the way all his friends chose to support him - although I kinda wondered what Arthur told Uther and how he reacted. I loved Arthur's journey through self doubt and how much he shone as a leader and teacher of men. I loved that we finally saw the first sparks of potential Arthur/Guinevere and that the show is completely happy to let that one be a very slow burn rather than rushing straight into it from the off.

And lots more beside. Adorable.

Comments

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Absolutely adorable, indeed! ♥ Although I was a tad disappointed that in the end Merlin opted for not telling Arthur the truth. I longed to see Arthur's reaction as I can't make my mind up about the question if Arthur would accept the truth. He once said, he would never betray Uther, but I want to believe that he wouldn't want to betray his friendship with Merlin either and am curious how he would react in this conflictig situation.

I really loved the whole set-up for this storyline, for once outside of Camelot and some backstory for Merlin. The last couple of episodes were all excellent and very strong!

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I suspect they are saving Arthur's discovery of the truth for a bigger occasion - probably the season finale. I like that they are allowing so much of the story to be a slow burn, clearly hoping for numerous seasons in which to unfold it all. Merlin is just too afraid of Arthur's reaction right now, and Arthur isn't ready to accept the truth just yet.

The question is, who will Arthur learn about first: Merlin or Morgana? Legend has Morgana as an enemy of Arthur...so will the show end up going down that road, maybe as a result of a conflict still to come over her abilities, maybe a bad reaction from Arthur when he finds out? Or will the writers follows a path of their own? Could go either way!

Now that all the characters are well established and the cast have settled into their roles, the show really is finding its feet - just in time to wind up for the finale.

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

It's indeed very possible that they keep the discovery til the very end. Do you have any idea if there will be a 2nd season? After all, there's still a lot of ground to cover and I wonder if they want to cram it all into the last 3 episodes or will continue in a 2nd season.

[sherrilina.livejournal.com]

Aw, I didn't know you watched Merlin as well! The last few epps have been great indeed, though I think I liked the last one a little better (I think it was more exciting and loved learning all the backstory at least about the secret of Arthur's birth and what went down between Uther and Nimueh).

Merlin and his mom were too sweet though...

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

I am a pretty new convert. Watched all episodes over the last week and caught up just in time for today's episode. *g*

Yeah, Excalibur was certainly a highlight so far, but I really loved that this week's episode expanded on Merlin's background a bit as well. Always good to have balance. Although I admit that Arthur is my favourite character. :)

[sherrilina.livejournal.com]

Well he's certainly the hottest! ;) He's up there on my list, I love his snark and sarcasm (though Morgana matches him well in that as well! ;))...

But yeah, starting with 1x07 the show has really picked up momentum.....though I'm a little leary of next week, because UNICORNS? :s

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Chris is shiny and new in the world of Merlin! I was soundly berated just last week for not telling her about it sooner...*G*

[sherrilina.livejournal.com]

First of all, I think the technical term is aDORKable! ;)

And yeah, I loved this week's epp as well, especially all the Merlin/Arthur development (the slash was RIDONKULOUS) and Kickass!Takesnoprisoners!Morgana--my fave moment I think was when she saved Arthur and killed his attacker that first attacker, then reminded him of when she used to beat him when they were younger and he's all "That never happened!" :p God I love that woman....(she's my fave character on the show, as well as in the legend).

And yeah, Gauis is my second fave character (his severe lack in this epp was one big drawback), he reminds me so much of Giles (which is bizarre when the real Giles is also on the show, but all mean and cold! ;))

As for the A/G....yeah, I didn't like it so much. Which is hypocritical of me I know, because before my main grievance was that there was nothing to ship, no moments between them, and couldn't understand the appeal of that, whatever the legend says--but now that there are moments....meh, I still prefer A/Mo! :p I mean, yeah Gwen stood up to him for once, but Morgana kind of does that every week....;)

And yes, I hope it will be a slow burn as well--EXTREMELY slow burn. So slow that Arthur/Morgana and perhaps Merlin/Gwen happens first....seriously though, give us SOMETHING! That would also add to the angst factor if Morgana does become his enemy....or there can be a love triangle between Arthur/Morgana/Merlin.



I still have to post my own thing--I did do a commentary and list of fave quotes this time around...

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

ROFLMAO the show seems to be one big shipper fest for you! *g*

[sherrilina.livejournal.com]

Lol, this show really does have some pretty equal opportunity shipping....I ship Morgana with almost anything that moves (though with A/Mo above all of course), and enjoy man other ships besides, including M/A (though it more amuses me than anything else...). Pretty much the only ship I don't like is A/G...

And heh, LIFE (or all of fandom life that is) is one big shipper fest for me! ;) I'm hopeless...

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

ROFL obviously! I think when I became a Supernatural fan I gave back my shipper hat LOL. Ever since I am mainly interested in brotherly/coparental/friendship dynamics in all shows I watch and never care about ships anymore. For Merlin that translates in the fact that I am mainly interested in the friendship between Arthur and Merlin and the relationship between Uthor and Arthur and the mentorship between Merlin and Gaius. I don't think I ever thought about Morgana or Gwen more than fleetingly. *g*

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Well, you know, this is me. I don't slash, at all, and I've never been much of a shipper. I enjoy watching relationships of all variety unfold and develop and evolve. So I enjoyed seeing a first spark between Arthur and Gwen, him noticing her as a woman for just about the first time, as it seems certain to add new layers to more than one relationship dynamic for the future.

yeah Gwen stood up to him for once, but Morgana kind of does that every week....;)
But he has a very sisterly relationship with Morgana, having grown up together, and that means he kind of takes her for granted. Coming from Gwen it's coming out of left field, something completely unexpected. Hence why it struck him so much. He's suddenly seeing her as a woman with a mind of her own and the courage of her convictions, rather than just as Morgana's servant.

I'm intrigued to see how they are going to play out all the possible dynamics from here on in!

I think the technical term is aDORKable! ;)
I stand corrected :P

[birggitt.livejournal.com]

I will never stop giggling at the very modern dialogue and complete lack of class boundaries in a supposedly feudal society, but somehow none of that ever quite seems to matter.

Well, actually, I believe this is one of the reasons this show is so adorable =D
I mean, seriously, it couldn't be less historically accurate and yet, I willing put a blind eye and enjoy the cuteness.
I'm not disappointed about Arthur doesn't finding Merlin's secret. I believe is too early in the show to it.

Also, Alexander Sidding? *dies of sheer happiness*

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I love that they gave the show a purely fantasy setting so as to avoid any need to try and dress it up as history, because honestly - Arthurian legends don't have any genuine historical setting. So it's just great.

I had such a dork thrill seeing Alexander Siddig popping up here. I'm sad he died!

[birggitt.livejournal.com]

I had such a dork thrill seeing Alexander Siddig popping up here. I'm sad he died!
OMG! For a moment, you got me there! My initial reaction was WHAT?!?!?!?! He died? When?
Then, I understood you were talking about his character *laughs*

And yes, I agree with you, I like a fantasy setting too. It's funnier this way ;)

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Um, yeah...the character died. Hence no more Sid on the show, alas.

If they tried to play this as a historical setting, I absolutely would not be able to watch. But because it is pure fantasy, they have carte blanche to do whatever they want, and it is such a fun ride.

[slightlyjillian.livejournal.com]

So glad to hear I wasn't the only person giggling through the whole thing!

I also agree that seeing Sid was excellent as well. Although, he is still quite a skinny thing, isn't he? All lanky and, well, scarecrow compared to Arthur.

No wonder he was stealing food.

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I love that icon.

Adorable.

[bagpuss1966.livejournal.com]

I think it's great fun too! I do think Merlin looks like he shops from the Grattan catalogue but it's such perfect Saturday night family viewing!

Gaius rocks!

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Richard Wilson rocks just about every role.

Fabulous Saturday evening telly.