Episode III.VIII – The Eye of the Phoenix
Join us for the pure joy that is The Eye of the Phoenix, in epsiode 8 of Season 3 of BBC Merlin
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24th November 2020 @ 9:12 pm
It’s such a lovely episode – one of my absolute favorites. Thanks so much for the insightful discussion about the Fisher king and Merlin’s role with him. great job.
A little aside. The Fisher king’s filming location was Caerphilly castle (even the Gwaine jumping into the hay scene was there). It’s an amazing castle and well worth visiting on its own. The outside scenes with Arthur walking through the wilderness was Trefil quarry (although I think you were right about the quicksand scene being indoors/green-screen) and the bridge is at the ever popular Puzzlewood.
25th November 2020 @ 10:02 am
when travelling is a thing again (one day… sigh….) Caerphilly castle is definitely very very high up on the destinations I want us to go to, on holidays! it looks like such an amazing castle. and Puzzlewood is just the lushest!! though not on the same holiday hahaha
2nd November 2020 @ 11:48 pm
I LOVE your reading of the “magic, courage and strength” thing! And your thoughts on the lighting!
Some thoughts:
– the episode beginning goes all-in on Christian imagery but is so careful to avoid actually mentioning anything Christian – I half-expected Merlin to say Arthur was praying, rather than thinking – I knew he wouldn’t, given how the show uses religion, but still, it reminds me so much of Arthurian stuff where the knights have to spend the evening or the whole night praying before a big quest… I don’t know, it’s just so interesting to me that they use the aesthetic of the heavily Christianized legends but also really doesn’t want to actually include any real world religion.
– I love how washed-out the lighting is when Arthur’s in the Perilous Lands alone, vs the darkness of Gwaine and Merlin in the forest – I feel like there’s this sense of Arthur’s light (the motif we see so often of him being bathed in sunlight) and Merlin’s darkness being… incomplete? Like, they need each other to balance them out. (Two sides of the same coin = correct colour-grading, I guess. I’m bad at this)
– I feel like they’ve used the “prove Arthur is good enough to be king” thing too often, so the quest wasn’t as high-stakes for me as it should have been. I feel like this kind of “impossible quest that proves Arthur can be king” episode should be at least a two-parter, and ideally later in the season, or somehow otherwise having a more important place within the season. I don’t know, it just feels like such a huge thing that the show throws around all the time
– regarding the destiny being a ruse to get Merlin to the right place, I do wonder if the quest is intended to kill two birds with one stone: it gets an important object (and some knowledge that is even more important, probably) to Merlin, while possibly being intended to teach Arthur something (or at least begin a process, to get Arthur ready to learn something)? I guess this goes in the ****LESSONS**** section: Arthur learns that these quests don’t actually have to be done alone? I know he’s angry with Merlin when he shows up, but actually I think even if he doesn’t fully realize it on a conscious level, the quest was going awfully before Merlin showed up, and once united with his friends things go so much more easily, and he is reminded that these people care enough to risk their lives to follow him. If Arthur doesn’t learn it, the audience does, especially with the “magic, strength and courage” thing.
3rd November 2020 @ 2:24 pm
-– I feel like they’ve used the “prove Arthur is good enough to be king” thing too often, so the quest wasn’t as high-stakes for me as it should have been… it just feels like such a huge thing that the show throws around all the time–
completely completely agree. It also leaves me tracking back and wanting to write down the ‘steps needed to become king’ and makes me think that okay, step 1, you’re first born son of a king. so far so obvious. and then there’s the swearing in ceremony. Which was a surprise at the time, because it made me think that up to that point arthur hadn’t been the king to be. but i guess if you have multiple children, it makes some sense, especially if you don’t necessarily want to just give it to the first born, if the second born is more suited to it, for example. so you swear in the one that’s going to be king. fair enough. and those are the technically necessary steps. and then everything after that is just about proving to uther and proving to the people that arthur will make a good king, just like he has to keep competing in tournaments to show his people, that he’s the best, and also warn of enemy kingdoms, because he’s the best. and obviously if he gets killed in a tournament then he showed that he isn’t the best, but the point is also mute, because… well, he’s dead. which I also what would happen if he didn’t return from the quest for the trident. But my remaining question is.. what happens if he goes off and doesn’t find the trident? what then?
which of course is what happens to people searching for the holy grail in multiple version of that story. that it’s a quest that cannot be completed and they either die trying to achieve it or they waste their life (and money and time and a lot of other people’s lives) in the fruitless quest… but if *destiny* chooses you as worthy, it gives you a completable quest and ensures you complete it. which takes us right back to the destiny vs faith vs religion thing that the show keeps circling around…
M Xx
2nd November 2020 @ 2:26 pm
I’m late, but here we go anyway.
This is probably my favorite episode in the series. If I ever had to pick a single, isolated episode to rewatch it would be this one—it embodies so many of the things that make Merlin great.
SPOILER MUSIC
The saddest thing about the episode is the clear parallel it draws between the Fisher King and Merlin. The quest is intended to be a rite of passage for Arthur, one that will deem him worthy of becoming king. Of course, as the Fisher King points out, it was never Arthur’s question, it was Merlin’s. It was a rite of passage for him, of sorts, proving that he’s worthy to take the Fisher King’s place. By the end Merlin knows this, yet he can’t approach his destiny with the same bravado Arthur does, because he’s staring at his fate: lonely, wise, and sad, a person very different from the Merlin we currently know. Many have, understandably, criticized the final scene of the series, but I think it’s somewhat justified by this episode. Merlin, like the Fisher King, is destined to rule over magic for a very long time. At the end, he has fully occupied that role.
END SPOILER MUSIC
I also can’t help but love how qualified Gwen is in this episode. When Gaius tries to gaslight her the same way he gaslighted Morgana for years, she immediately shuts him down because she completely trusts herself. In my mind, this is another justification of Morgana’s character deterioration: she lacked the kind of self-trust most strong people have. So, when Morgause started telling her everything she wanted to hear and offered to help her, she eagerly gave up any principles she may have had left. Gwen, on the other hand, has core values she knows she can always rely on because they’re not tied to any one person or group of people. They’re entirely her own. She would never do what Morgana is doing, not only because she cares deeply for Arthur and Merlin, but because she knows it’s wrong and trusts herself unequivocally.
Gwaine is also fantastic in this episode. One of my favorite things about Gwaine is his friendship to Merlin and specifically Merlin. All the time, we meet people that are committed to helping Arthur succeed, or to helping Merlin only because they know about what he is destined to do. In contrast, Gwaine knows nothing about Merlin’s destiny, and his helping him because he genuinely likes him and values him as a friend. The scene in the forest is perhaps the best scene in the episode for me, just because it’s so refreshing to hear someone express such strong allegiance to Merlin himself. I think a large part of this is thanks to Colin’s performance: he fills Merlin with a sense of warmth and likability evokes a strong sense of empathy fore everything he goes through.
2nd November 2020 @ 12:01 am
I really enjoyed this episode I love seeing the three of them work together and interact in the episode again because they are three of my favourite characters and they all bring something a little bit different to the show in their own way And one of my favourite things about this episode it’s so small but it always makes me laugh it’s the “ Allonee” part never fails to make me laugh 😂
LESSONS
According to Arthur Merlin should’ve learned that he supposed to be doing this Allonee 😂
Something that I noticed watching was when morugouse ( that’s probably not the right spelling) Did the ageing spell but when she was seen in the mirror she looked her normal age but “ ominous music” (kind of spoilers but not really) that’s not the case for anyone else who may potentially use an ageing spell so maybe it’s a type of indicator that either she just used a different spell or that maybe perhaps she is not as strong as …”others” may be to be able to do the spell in whole( not being seen as there true self in a reflection)
I think a lot of us learned that Arthur Merlin and Gwaine is the best trio I just love them they’re amazing
Leading off that I think that Merlin learned that Gwaine is a good friend that he can rely on to help him when he is in need and more than last time because this time Gwaine was doing his own thing somewhere else ( I know it was pretty much just a really big pub crawl but Oh well) and he stopped to help Merlin and he fits in really well amongst Merlin and Arthur and it’s almost like that important person that is needed for them on occasion because Gwaine does not treat smelling like a servant but is my friend and he does not treat Arthur like a prince he is very what’s the word “impartial” is it I’ve no idea if that’s the right word but Oh well .
2nd November 2020 @ 12:07 am
oooooooh…. that’s interesting about the mirror thing.
——- SPOILERS ——
don’t we literally have Dragoon check himself out in a mirror? I could be making it up but I don’t think I am??
I guess it probably is as simple as ‘it’s a different spell’, because the mirror thing of course goes back to S1E1, where Ms Collins is caught by the servent girl, because her real face shows in the mirror. So I guess it’s about actual ageing vs using a glamour? Because Dragoon’s bones hurt and he walk at the speed of an old man, because he really is old. He’s messed with time in a way, rather than just put on the face of an old man. hmmmm. I’ll have to ponder that one, week after next!
M Xx
3rd November 2020 @ 5:15 am
Ye that’s what was trying to allude to 😂 but I didn’t want it to be spolerie but I thought ahh I sure they will get it and if not I will just refer back to it when the episode came around 😅
Also if it is the spell the witch used in s1e1 ….then who did she kill ? Because she doesn’t seem like the type to just kill an innocent person. But I am probably wrong it was just something I noticed and wanted to point out 😅
3rd November 2020 @ 11:10 am
oh the witch in S1E1 absolutely kills two innocent people, one the singers whose face appearance she takes (gwen from torchwood) and the servent girl who brings her food. so that’s not a problem. it’s more a question of morgause really. because clearly she didn’t take on someone else’s face, as it is definitely just her as old, but as a glamour, so we’re talking three different spells. make yourself actually actually old, make yourself look like your old self, on the outside, and take on someone elses face. the last two are types of glamours, which is why they break by looking into mirrors.
kind of makes sense
1st November 2020 @ 11:31 pm
I’m so sorry if I repeat anyone by accident, I haven’t had a chance to read everyone’s comments just yet so hopefully I haven’t !
First up I absolutely adore this episode, and didn’t realise just how much I adored it before you went through it so thank you, you’ve made it even better for me! Basically I like everything (Gwaine is back ahhh!!!) but a few things stood out to me:
You mentioned this in the episode and I think it can be applied to the series as a whole: Arthur gives Merlin courage to engage in the destiny, fight for Albion and even sacrifice his own life sometimes because he believes in Arthur which quite literally “encourages” him. But it is his relationships with his coolest friends, Gwaine and Lancelot and Gwen, that inspire him to keep going, to create a better world for them, their support grounding him, I think.
I really liked Merlin’s faith in Arthur to complete the quest and return safely before he finds the bracelet, and that even with the bracelet Arthur is competent (SO good). It’s interesting that the moment something magical is involved, Merlin is worried about Arthur’s ability to take care of himself of course, but at this point in Merlin’s arc he trusts that Arthur can do this alone and isn’t in a place where he is obsessing over Arthur’s safety at every waking moment.
« I have nothing to give » I liked this line because it reminds me of Merlin’s lack of self worth and how through years of manipulation he must view himself as only useful in relation to Arthur and his destiny, not just as Merlin. Also, all he DOES have is an instrument to intended to cause pain and suffering, however in this case is relieves the Fisher King by weakening him. Maybe this is symbolic of Merlin having to cause pain, to kill and destroy for the greater good, meanwhile hating that he nothing to give but pain, even if it is for the best overall.
LESSONS
I think Arthur learns that his Father is wrong; just as he needed strength and magic on this quest, he needs help to rule Camelot and be the King he is destined to be. Without Gwaine and Merlin, he could not have completed the quest because he isn’t a dragonlord and never will be. I always hear people refer to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table – Arthur’s team are crucial to his success as a man and thus as a King, and I’m glad it doesn’t seem to bother Arthur that much in the end that he had help – he still believes he deserved to be acknowledged for completing the quest, and he is right.
Merlin learns that all though his destiny might be to assist and serve Arthur’s, he is just as important and significant. I like that the episode is subverted to be about Merlin instead, and that like Ruth said, he takes on the position of “Knight”, placing him on the same level as Arthur. I think this emphasises how Merlin is Great too, but in a more subtle way than simply magical fortitude – his duty to magic as a « Knight » of magic is a large part of what makes him the mighty Emrys, and that he is destined to become a great warlock just as Arthur is a destined to become a great King.
LESSONS OVER
As always thank you so much for an amazing episode!
1st November 2020 @ 11:35 pm
Just realised I wrote coolest friends instead of closest friends…destiny or autocorrect?😂 Gwaine Lancelot and Gwen are pretty cool to have as friends I wouldn’t be complaining
2nd November 2020 @ 12:08 am
definitely coolest and closest!!
2nd November 2020 @ 12:12 am
–I really liked Merlin’s faith in Arthur to complete the quest and return safely before he finds the bracelet, and that even with the bracelet Arthur is competent (SO good). It’s interesting that the moment something magical is involved, Merlin is worried about Arthur’s ability to take care of himself of course, but at this point in Merlin’s arc he trusts that Arthur can do this alone and isn’t in a place where he is obsessing over Arthur’s safety at every waking moment.–
which is totally what happens in the episode and therefore I have to hold up my hands and go ‘yep, merlin was totally willing to stand back and trust that arthur could achieve this alone’, cause it’s canon. But it’s not very Merlin, is it? He never lets arthur out of his sight lol So it does feel like Merlin in this episode is only doing it, because he knows that he’s going to see the magic bracelet and therefore follow Arthur, because now he has to… lol But yes, you are absolutely right, canonically merlin trusts Arthur to achieve this quest and come back alive, and that’s what counts!!
—-« I have nothing to give » I liked this line because it reminds me of Merlin’s lack of self worth and how through years of manipulation he must view himself as only useful in relation to Arthur and his destiny, not just as Merlin.—-
wow, way to make it more painful!! what is it with merlin fans and finding the perfect way to make a painful thing worse?? hahaha ouch!
–Also, all he DOES have is an instrument to intended to cause pain and suffering, however in this case is relieves the Fisher King by weakening him. Maybe this is symbolic of Merlin having to cause pain, to kill and destroy for the greater good, meanwhile hating that he nothing to give but pain, even if it is for the best overall.–
and again… more painful. sheesh.
but yeah, totally agree, even if it does make me sad.
M Xx
3rd November 2020 @ 8:25 pm
Your right that is DOESNT feel very Merlin, maybe that’s why I picked up on it? I was definitely assuming as well that this is consistent throughout the series – I always think of Merlin’s arc as being relatively clean but actually now I’m not sure, and I’ll be interested to see what the future holds regarding that…
So I have learnt that the 11:30 pm version of myself is BRUTAL. God, I feel terrible for making it even more painful haha I’m so sorry for making you sad! Think of donkey Arthur that often helps I find:)
4th November 2020 @ 11:34 am
11.30pm Kirsty is brutal, but 8.25pm Kirsty is very correct about donkey arthur being the answer to all woe <3 <3 <3
1st November 2020 @ 11:20 pm
I’m a bit late to the party but these are my thoughts before reading anybody else’s comments. Two things that stand out to me, Gwen discovering Morgana and Gwaine discovering Merlin…?
First off about Gwen. I’ve heard before how some dislike that Gwen only thinks badly of Morgana after seeing her do magic. Gwen automatically assuming that Morgana is evil just because she’s doing magic is more conditioning that magic is always bad (which we know to not be true). And Gwen is one of the few characters who has had a good experience with magic, going back to the poultice which saved her father. While I understand that argument, it doesn’t sit entirely right with me. Gwen is smart enough to have already had suspicions about Morgana, and knows her well enough to notice her different behaviour. And of course, she wouldn’t be hiding in a cupboard from Morgana if she didn’t already have suspicions. What sealed the deal for me, which I hadn’t noticed before, is what you brought up in the podcast. She should be running to Gaius telling him Morgana has magic (she doesn’t know that he already knows), but instead she just says Morgana has changed and doesn’t mean them well anymore. This is something she has deduced not JUST because of her magic, but mainly by her actions… But in all honesty, the particular spell Gwen sees Morgana using doesn’t exactly look like “good” magic either.
Now about Gwaine! Still showing how much he knows about magic, knowing about wyverns (?) when Merlin, an actual DRAGONLORD, doesn’t. After I binged Merlin for the first time last spring in quarantine, I watched a bunch of interviews with the cast and something that stood out to me, is Eoin being asked in an interview how Gwaine would react if he knew Merlin had magic, and Eoin answering that he thinks Gwaine does know and just doesn’t care (which sounds very Gwaine-ish to be fair). If that’s his headcanon, then this episode makes the most sense for him finding out. He didn’t go very far, and popped up right after Warwick Davis’ character (forget his name) quite loudly calls Merlin “Magic”. Can we be sure he didn’t hear that? Merlin is Gwaine’s only friend and there are already a lot of hints about Gwaine being experienced with magic/magic users so it makes sense to me that he would assume, and just not care, and keep the secret because he knows it’s Merlin’s death if anyone else finds out. And when his sword gets turned into a bouquet, he doesn’t panic or show any sign of fear; just mild annoyance! Further reinforcing that magic isn’t something to be afraid of in his eyes.
Also… if Merlin and Morgana are both discovered by someone in this episode, with very different reactions, it does make a nice parallel between them.
2nd November 2020 @ 12:21 am
–Gwen is smart enough to have already had suspicions about Morgana, and knows her well enough to notice her different behaviour. And of course, she wouldn’t be hiding in a cupboard from Morgana if she didn’t already have suspicions.–
which lends more weight to Mary’s point below in regards to the posibility that episodes in season 3 were swapped about for the TV release, to what they were meant to be according to shooting and scripts. it makes me want to watch the episodes in a different order and see if there’s an ideal viewing order… this may be partially influenced by the fact that I am starting Farscape for the third time in my life, and the previous two times I just couldn’t quite get into it, because the episodes seemed to be in a completely illogical order and confused the hell out of me, whereas this time I found information that the first season was messed about A LOT, and there are five different viewing orders, varying between the US release, the UK release, the US dvd and blueray release and the UK re-release on dvd and blueray, and also, the cast and creators preferred viewing order, and I am currently watching the episodes in that order (which includes jumping between the first and second dvd in the box set A LOT) and oh my gosh does it make all the difference in the world, and suddenly I love this show…. so turns out viewing order really does make a world of difference.
sorry, that was a ramble and a half lol
—Eoin answering that he thinks Gwaine does know and just doesn’t care (which sounds very Gwaine-ish to be fair). —
I remember Eoin taking that line pretty much all the way through the show. and honestly, I’ve always kind of agreed with him!
And yeah, the conversation with Grettir would be an ideal place for it to be confirmed for him, especially if he suspected, or simply didn’t think it was a huge deal, because some people have magic, some people don’t, and he’s met all sorts of people, why would it make a difference to him?
And yes, you’re right, he does not seem to care about the magic used to disappear his sword, only about the fact that his sword is gone
2nd November 2020 @ 2:36 am
Love this – I have also headcannoned that Gwaine knows about Merlin’s magic. I remember reading a tumblr post somewhere, couldn’t track it down but it was essentially about the parallels between Lancelot and Gwaine: Lancelot finds out about Merlin’s magic and because he is all noble-like and honest he is frank with Merlin that he has found out. Conversely, if Gwaine knows he chooses not to bring it up, but rather just continues to support Merlin in whatever way he needs and knows if Merlin wants to share this part of his identity with him he will in his own time. Idk but that post has just always made a lot of sense to me and really fits with Gwaine and Lancelot’s respective characters and the way their friendship with Merlin is different but still supportive and given priority over any laws or anything about magic. Bit rambly but hope that made sense!
6th November 2020 @ 9:55 pm
Yes I really like that parallel! I didn’t think that about Gwaine at all until Eoin said it and then I thought, yeah that makes sense actually, why didn’t I think of that? Just goes to show what a good understanding of the character he has. It all fits very nicely!
1st November 2020 @ 8:36 pm
This episode is definitely one of my favorites and I completely agree with putting it at the top of the list.
LESSONS
Merlin learned that Gwaine is his friend and genuinely cares about him I’m return. I think he also learned that destiny sometimes knows what it’s doing from how everything had it’s purpose in this Quest
Arthur learned that Merlin will never ever let him go it alone, despite his wishes. He also proved to himself what we already know, that he is a worthy king.
Gwaine learned how much he missed Merlin’s friendship. You can see the resignation and pain in him a bit that he can’t go back to Camelot with them.
Gwen learned that Morgana seems to be betraying or at least wishing ill upon them but she knows there’s little she can do with this information.
Poor Arthur, he was happily wearing Morgana’s friendship bracelet and it clearly meant a lot from his response to Warwick Davis’ character. Little did he know it was a betrayal bracelet. It’s things like that that make me wanna glare at Morgana for treating Arthur this way.
Gwaine and Merlin of course make me happy. Their banter, and the hug. Precious. Romance is great but quality friendships please me a lot. That’s why I love this show.
This is just a beautiful episode and I love it a lot, that’s all I have to say I think. Thank you guys for the hard work!
1st November 2020 @ 10:46 pm
I wish every week could be fisherking week!!!!
M Xx
1st November 2020 @ 6:09 pm
Blast, that was meant as a reply to Danuta’s comment. Sorry everyone for spamming. Michelle or Ruth, feel free to delete this one. I’ll reply properly to Danuta again.
1st November 2020 @ 10:55 am
Wow what an episode! After finally being done with exams for the year I am super excited to jump back into the podcast and will hopefully be less sporadic in discussions now. As always I absolutely love Merlin and Gwaine’s friendship – it strikes such a lovely balance between banter and fun, and genuine affection and support. I also thoroughly enjoyed that we saw a wholesome campfire chat between them to add to the others we have seen between Arthur and Merlin. It’s just such a sweet recurring motif throughout the series. The Fisher King’s appearance was wonderful as well – he just looks so good and I love his performance so much. Finally, am I the only person who hears ‘cayenne’ (as in pepper) when Merlin is doing his dragon lord commanding? It brings me out of the scene and makes me laugh every time.
LESSONS
Merlin learns explicitly that his friendship with Gwaine is reciprocated. Gwaine explicitly affirms to Merlin his commitment to their friendship, and Merlin is assured he can call on him whenever he in need. As the series progresses it is more and more important for Merlin to feel emotionally supported so that he can continue in his destiny. Merlin also learns, from the Fisher King, that bad times are coming for Camelot, but that in the magical community he is not alone, and will be offered help so Albion can be realised. Overall, this episode is really filled with reassurances for Merlin, from a personal level right through to the high level of the future of the kingdom and the magical community.
Gwen learns that Morgana has changed drastically from her old affectionate self. Not only in regards to using magic, but also in having sinister intentions towards Arthur (and, knowing of the affection between Gwen and Arthur, Gwen can extrapolate Morgana has disregard for Gwen’s wellbeing also).
Morgana has clearly learnt some more magic – and honestly I wish Merlin would follow her lead and study up a bit. The amount Morgana has developed her powers since first discovering them, and then actually trying to bring them under her control rather than just suppress them, as compared to Merlin’s growth (which admittedly is still present and impressive, but far less drastic than Morgana’s development) really shows just how much Merlin could grow his power if he wanted. Although there is a read that Merlin does not push his powers because they function as a service to Arthur and his destiny, rather than as something to grow and use for his own benefit, there could absolutely be value in Merlin sharpening up some basic skills.
Arthur has learnt that whenever there is some quest or achievement he must ‘do alone’, this does not extend to Merlin and co (*ominous music* as we will see in basically any future scene where Arthur is riding out alone, and the next cut is him and Merlin, and then in later episodes the knights, joining him. Gotta love the bromances > rules).
Also as far as next episode goes, woweee buckle up for some more gaslighting Gaius.
1st November 2020 @ 10:55 pm
–Also as far as next episode goes, woweee buckle up for some more gaslighting Gaius.–
having just recorded it… WOWEE INDEED!
Oh, Gaius.
WHY???
sigh…
M Xx
2nd November 2020 @ 2:24 am
Oh my gosh right?! I just watched it last night and damn Gaius, he really brought his gaslighting game to a whole new level. Big sigh for sure
1st November 2020 @ 12:24 am
LESSONS: We learn that sometimes you simply can’t do something ”alone and unaided”. Even if you stubbornly think you need to do it alone. Ultimately it’s the more noble thing to do -to humble yourself and accept help from those who genuinely care about you and don’t want something in return.
We also learn that any event has multiple points of significance. For Arthur it was all about the trident, but for Merlin it became all about the meeting with the Fisher King. Just like those moments in history where an event or figure is overshadowed by something much more well-known.
Other thoughts: Like others discussed, Arthur’s vision raises some questions. Isn’t receiving a vision something magical which Uther would disapprove? I think the ceremony was supposed to parallel a squire’s night of prayer before he was knighted. Perhaps here the knight was supposed to choose a quest after praying or, in the non-religious context of the show, after intense meditation.
1st November 2020 @ 6:27 pm
What I think is interesting in light of what knd of king Arthur will become is that ‘alone and unaided’ is something Arthur completely and utterly ditches as an idea. Uther rules the kingdom ‘alone and unaided’ but Arthur is a leader of his knights and they do everything as a team. Could this episode be the point when Arthur realises that ‘alone and unaided’ is not the kind of ruler he wants to be, choosing ‘support and brotherhood’ instead?
1st November 2020 @ 9:45 pm
Actually, that now led me to another lesson: Arthur asserts to Merlin that having to accomplish the task alone and unaided has been a tradition going back hundreds of years and it won’t change for him. However, we learn that despite its history, traditions, rules and requirements – even the significance of certain objects or actions – will change for the Once and Future King and his Emrys. Even more so, it is the Once and Future King and Emrys themselves who bring about this change of tradition in the future as we will soon see (SPOILER!) with the kind king and leader Arthur will become. That makes me feel all hopeful for Albion…
31st October 2020 @ 12:20 pm
I was so surprised that this was put at the top of the list but actually you know what… it totally fits. I think I felt like this just because it doesn’t seem like a very big-picture episode (the quest seems a little random), but honestly this is what I want out of Merlin- exciting quest and just lovely relationships between characters. I have said before that Season 3 Morgana is really unbearable, but I like that Gwen being aware her sort of legitimises this? It makes it seems. more intentional when Morgana is really bad a covering up, because she’s getting noticed because of it, rather than before where her evil was so obvious and still everyone missed it.
I really love when Arthur first sees Merlin and asks whether Morgana and Gwen are with him too, it just sort of solidifies their group which is nice to see as a continuation from the last episode. It does also point out how close they all are and that they’re really Arthur’s only friends. So much happens in Merlin where the four of them are not really brought together and it doesn’t feel like Gwen and Morgana are all that important, but for him to say this is just a nice reminder that actually they all make up big parts of each other’s lives.
I also love how the theme of masculinity is presented this episode. It’s no surprise that Arthur is a jewellery man, but it is really nice to see how much he values Morgana’s bracelet, rather than rejecting it as not manly enough. Then later on Arthur gives an awkward pat on the shoulder to Merlin, after which Gwaine gives him a big hug which is just THE BEST! Gwaine isn’t afraid to show his affection, which we’ve seen at multiple points this episode and actually Arthur is always awkward with it. Thanks to Uther mainly, showing his emotions isn’t on Arthur’s list of skills. Plus I think he is a little thrown by the fondness between Gwaine and Merlin, I think it makes him reassess his own relationship with Merlin, because actually he feels the same way about him as Gwaine does, but the way Gwaine treats him is quite different in how openly grateful they are to each other.
LESSONS
I think this episode takes Arthur. on an arc that we haven’t really seen before, where he goes from being serious and isolated to being part of a team and giving up the traditional aspect of his mission. He is clearly so gutted when Merlin and Gwaine come and ruin the prestige of his quest, but he quickly learns to deal with it; his little remark about how easy it was to find the trident feels a bit forced, like it takes a lot from him to not be upset, and the humorous tone he has for the rest of the episode is just like what Merlin puts on when he feels a bit useless. It was an interesting role for him to take on, but I think he dealt with losing that glory better than he would have done in Season 1 where he fancied himself much more, it shows that he has grown since then and also he learns that all the triumphs and legends of what it’s like to become a King are not quite what they seem!
I loved your comment about how Gwen doesn’t allow herself to be gaslighted by Gaius- like yes, don’t put up with his rubbish! When he reveals to her that he has suspected this of Morgana, she seems a little put out for a second and then jumps to what to do about it. It is some really subtle acting by Angel, and it shows the realisation Gwen has that she has been out of the loop for a while now, but how she brushes any possible anger about this off, and instead focuses on what they are going to do about it. It’s just a small thing she learns as part of learning that Morgana has changed, but I think it’s very true to Gwen’s character to put her feelings about something aside.
1st November 2020 @ 11:03 pm
–I was so surprised that this was put at the top of the list but actually you know what… it totally fits. I think I felt like this just because it doesn’t seem like a very big-picture episode–
I can’t actually remember whether this was in the podcast or after we stopped recording (I normally try to listen back to all the episodes, but life has been busy, with editing and recording new episodes, so I haven’t had a chance lol) but Ruth said at one point that you could entirely remove this episode from season 3 and it would make basically no difference. So yeah, in that sense it is odd that right now, it is our favourite episode of merlin. But yeah, as you say, it’s got all the things we really love about Merlin. and as an added bonus, it’s not burdened down by the overarcing (often failing to arc) plotline. So win/win, really. lol
–I really love when Arthur first sees Merlin and asks whether Morgana and Gwen are with him too, it just sort of solidifies their group which is nice to see as a continuation from the last episode.–
very very true. makes it even more sense as a follow on from last week and yes, merlin barely ever seems to remember what happened in the episode just last week, and it’s so delightful when they do (or at least it seems like they do, even if maybe it’s accidental lol)
30th October 2020 @ 11:02 pm
Lessons:
We learn that Colin and Eoin are quite competitive horse-riders but that Colin will beat Eoin in a full-gallop horse race.
We learn that Enged either has very few taverns or that Merlin is the fastest tavern-searcher in the history of tavern-searchers for he finds Gwaine after having been in every tavern yet they still catch up with Arthur. I think it must be the latter because why would Gwaine hang out in a wretched place with few taverns!
Merlin learns that Gwaine isn’t scared of big pheasants!
We learn that no matter the urgency or the place or the wyverns, bickering will always take precedence in Merlin and Arthur’s relationship!
Also, I’m just going to quickly gush over Bradley James as the most perfect knight errant (and there is a lesson in there, I promise): He mounts his horse in the courtyard in front of a statue of a knight on a horse and I really love the humility he shows while meeting Grettir on the bridge. His tone is really unassuming; he introduces himself as a knight first, rather than a Prince. He shakes hands and smiles and thanks Grettir. In this episode, we really learn how perfectly Arthur embodies the qualities of a knight, even more so when he is alone and cut off from any pomp and circumstance afforded him by his royal title.
We learn that Morgause believes that a random street within Camelot, in broad daylight, on a market day is a discreet place for unobserved conversation and the exchange of magical artifacts with the king’s ward. Also, we learn that ageing spells don’t work on hands. I believe we will soon see this again in 3.10.
Merlin learns that he is of importance and significance in and of himself and that he doesn’t only count when he is Arthur’s servant/ secret sorcerer/ friend/ protector/ king-enabler etc. However, in order for him to realise and accept this, he needs to be isolated from all those around him. Throughout this episode, we see Merlin speak and act very dismissively of himself, as is usual for him. He offers Arthur to ‘help out’ (‘help’ would suggest greater value of his support), is easily persuaded by Gaius to seek out aid when he wants to go after Arthur, he jokingly suggests that Arthur is lucky to have them as friends, meaning rather the opposite and acts surprised when Gwaine says that he is on this quest for Merlin himself. He asserts to Grettir that it’s Arthur’s mission not his and walks behind the other two in the Fisher King’s tower. Anyway, the list could go on and on. In the Fisher King’s throne room, Merlin is eventually isolated from everyone he is submitting to or serving in order to realise his own importance, that he has his own story to tell, to actually accept his ‘quest’.
This brought on a disturbing theory. If this quest was only about Arthur on a more superficial level and about Merlin on a grander one, could we say that Arthur’s entire life, kingship and prophecy about the ‘Once and Future’ is ‘merely’ a smaller quest to bring Merlin to realise and act upon his larger quest/purpose? Merlin as a character is so genuinely humble and subservient to others that the only way for him to get into a position of prominence and power to begin his own quest/narrative is by letting him serve others in prominence and power for a while. Then, eventually, destiny will isolate Merlin from all of them so that he can realise his significance and fulfil his larger quest. I really don’t know – but it may explain some things to come…?
SPOILER LESSON!
The Fisher King learns (oh wait, he’s dead, so he doesn’t – unless he becomes Taliesin-like?) that he may have died too early. He tells Merlin that his time has come because the time of the Once and Future King is now dawning. Yeah, that’s what we all thought, didn’t we… Also, he makes Merlin the keeper of the waters of Avalon and says that it will be a help to him when all seems lost. Foreshadowing?
30th October 2020 @ 11:00 pm
Comments Part 2 (So sorry – but this episode seems so seminal so there is a lot to say!)
You were wondering about where the interiors for the Fisher King’s Tower were shot. I think pretty much all of them were filmed in Caerphilly Castle in Wales. Type it into Google + interiors and you’ll recognise it. It was previously used in Lancelot and Guinevere and possibly for other episodes as well. And, yeah…I may have visited that one also.
You were discussing Gwen and a continuity problem with her realisation about Morgana. There is actually something weird that I found a while ago when I watched an interview with Colin and Bradley about season 3. When asked about their favourite episode, both of them refer to this one but name it as episode 10! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3SFF-HCTJ4&t=356s&ab_channel=GeekSyndicate – Watch from 5.04) So, quite possibly, the producers decided in post-production to re-order certain episodes. I don’t know if we can assume a straight swap of ‘The Queen of Hearts’ and ‘The Eye of the Phoenix’ or if that would even solve/ improve some of the story arc consistency issues we have.
Another fact that corroborates this theory is that I know during the shoot, directors would always be responsible for three episodes each (bar the final four episodes, where it was two per director). So, Jeremy Webb directed episodes 1-3, David Moore 4-6 and Alice Troughton 7-9. Only, The Crystal Cave which was directed by Alice Troughton was shown in between two of David Moore’s episodes. So, again, this speaks for a certainly re-ordering of episodes in post. Whether this was to the shows benefit or detriment – I’m not sure that anything that can be so easily re-ordered had great overarching consistency to begin with.
One thing I find absolutely stunning in this episode is the use of symbolism for pretty much everything. The entire opening sequence (possibly my favourite Merlin opening ever) is stuffed with symbols: cleansing and white clothes for Arthur’s purity and innocence, candles for search for knowledge and truth; the spiral staircase (is that the first time we see it?) as a journey or transformation; the musical cue implies religion or mysticism or some form of worshipful humility which is further stressed by Arthur’s bare feet, also a sign of penitence. The throne room with the row of saints staring down at Arthur is huge and lit like a cathedral. And after the credits, Arthur’s white purity is set in contrast to Uther who is entirely encased in thick, black leather. He even wears gloves and all his clothes cling to his body whereas Arthur’s garment falls freely.
The sun and lighting in the Perilous Lands may be a little over the top but it plays with the symbolic colours and sounds for a ‘dying’ sun or land. It’s a sickish, feverish orange-red and later on the buzzing insects show the sweltering heat as well.
I think the only two instances where symbolism has been subverted are the Eye itself and the trident. Phoenixes, traditionally, are positively connotated and stand for rebirth and an unquenchable life force. Here, weirdly, they mean the exact opposite.
Equally, the trident of the Fisher King is possibly, subverting traditional meanings. The King throws it to the ground because it is not the ‘real prize’. Now, I remember reading a medieval romance by Chretien de Troyes which mentions the Fisher King (well, actually, he is integral!). I don’t know if that was the original of the legend but then so much material has been lost. In the story, Percival comes upon the castle of the ailing Fisher King and has a bleeding (no expletive) lance, a silver platter, candles and the holy grail itself paraded in front of him while he is having dinner. However, because Percival doesn’t ask about the objects, he fails to lift the curse of the King and to bring healing to the land. So, there firstly isn’t really any mention of a trident but I guess if we take the bleeding lance or any of the other objects as significant and closely associated with the Fisher King of legend, these objects and the knowledge about them is essential to Percival fulfilling his quest. In the show, the trident is shown as having merely a worldy/Uther-approved value. However, I think the original legend would have narratively favoured the symbolic significance of objects over little pots of water.
Also, regarding your comment that the waters of Avalon are a little underwhelming, I always have that feeling because I think, ‘Well, Merlin could just go to the lake and fetch some more water, right?’ I think it’s probably meant to stem from some kind of lake in the ‘underwater’/magical land of Avalon itself. But even that is underwhelming because we have no real knowledge of that land or any notion beyond the fact that that’s where the Sidhe live. Sad, this could have been set up better.
31st October 2020 @ 11:47 am
That makes so much sense if they swapped around The Eye of the Phoenix and The Queen of Hearts- given Gwen’s realisation this episode I think she is a little too easy with Morgana then, but I can’t really remember. And also yea the water of Avalon was so badly set up, but at least its pretty and holds upside-down Colin Morgan inside 🙂
31st October 2020 @ 1:11 pm
Yeah, I think we’re going to really get why the swap was insane in two weeks’ time… 🙂 (I might have already jumped ahead with watching, I couldn’t help myself!)
I hereby add “upside-down Colin Morgan inside the water” to my list of the most outrageous reasons for loving Merlin 😀
1st November 2020 @ 5:52 pm
Danuta, that’s not an outrageous reason. Loving Merlin for ‘Colin Morgan, inside or outside anything, upside down or right side up’ is one of THE reasons for being a fan. But I do agree that in the water, it looks extra cool. Alice Troughton, the director of this episode, always does so much with her art direction. I think she’s my favourite of all the Merlin directors for this reason.
I’m not exactly sure that they did a straight swap of ep 8 and ep 10. But it could well be. In any case, I think 8 was meant to be 10.
1st November 2020 @ 6:52 pm
You made my day with that 😀
1st November 2020 @ 9:33 pm
Glad to. 🙂
1st November 2020 @ 11:18 pm
–. I don’t know if we can assume a straight swap of ‘The Queen of Hearts’ and ‘The Eye of the Phoenix’ or if that would even solve/ improve some of the story arc consistency issues we have.–
that’s so interesting because with most other people I would assume that a confusion of episode numbers or titles is just down to the acotrs getting confused and getting things wrong, but the merlin cast have always been insanely on it with the numbers, so when colin said ’10’ and bradley instantely agrees, and then they both talk about the fisherking ep, there is no way that’s them getting the number wrong… so yeah, maybe not a straight forward swap, but a bit of a reshuffle. And of course, as I mentioned above, and as Ruth (may or may not have) mentioned on the podcast, this is a weirdly stand alone episode, so you can see why they thought it could be reshuffled. and of course the show was never huge on character consistency across the episodes/seasons…
–I think the only two instances where symbolism has been subverted are the Eye itself and the trident. Phoenixes, traditionally, are positively connotated and stand for rebirth and an unquenchable life force. Here, weirdly, they mean the exact opposite.–
it did strike me as odd that they chose the phoenix for this jewellery and spell… but thinking about it now, that’s just gaius’ interpretation, and of course, the phoenix brings death, and with it’s death (in the episode) brings the rebirth to the fisherking’s kingdom…
–Also, regarding your comment that the waters of Avalon are a little underwhelming, I always have that feeling because I think, ‘Well, Merlin could just go to the lake and fetch some more water, right?’ I think it’s probably meant to stem from some kind of lake in the ‘underwater’/magical land of Avalon itself. But even that is underwhelming because we have no real knowledge of that land or any notion beyond the fact that that’s where the Sidhe live. Sad, this could have been set up better.–
yeah, absolutely the fact that merlin at this point has been to the lake of avalon (or at least the lake we use as the gateway to avalon) twice, and on top of that has killed the Sidhe main dude, as we concluded the other week… kind of makes it underwhelming. and of course there’s the actual spoilers conclusion to what the water it going to do which… well. we’ll get there when we get there lol
M Xx
22nd November 2020 @ 6:18 pm
I’m pretty sure that the producers switched the episodes around. If you look at the deleted scenes for Eye of the Phoenix on the DVD, they are ‘mislabeled’ as episode 10. I always thought it strange.
23rd November 2020 @ 4:45 pm
it makes me want to come up with a ‘ideal viewing order’ for Merlin, and see if one could make the characters more consistent, by reordering the episodes…. hmmmm
30th October 2020 @ 9:40 pm
Hi guys! Loved this week’s podcast and this episode is just such a cracker! I don’t have too much to add because you covered it so well in the podcast and I really share your love of all the camera work, lighting, storyline and acting that is so brilliant in this episode. I’ll just simply say that Gwaine is back and I’m super happy! When Merlin comes to find him in a tavern, I love how they pretty much pick up where they left off, showing how they really have formed a special bond. The way Gwaine casually says hello to Merlin after being thrown across a table is brilliant and shows how comfortable he is in Merlin’s presence because he shows no sense of embarassment. He doesn’t seem too surprised that Merlin has suddenly appeared in front of him which I think is a sign of true friendship because he is just delighted to see him rather than straight away asking him questions.
LESSONS
From Gwaine, Merlin learns that wyverns are related to dragons and therefore there is a possibility that he can command them like Kilgharrah, which actually works momentarily and comes in very handy at the most crucial point, i.e. when Arthur is just about to get munched up by them. Therefore Merlin learns that there are new aspects to his powers of being a Dragonlord that don’t just concern commanding Kilgharrah and I love how he learns it from Gwaine. Gwaine may be perceived by some as being stupid because of his spontaneous and reckless way of living, however, this proves that he is far more intelligent than some may give him credit for and fits in with the fact that his character is well-travelled and has picked up various types of knowledge on his way – go Gwaine! Its also another example of how ‘strength’ aids ‘magic’ in the hero triangle thing that is made known to us by Grettir which I love.
Merlin also learns that he has found a true friend in Gwaine and is now fully aware of it because of the heart to heart they have by the campfire and when Gwaine gives him a big hug after Arthur simply pats him on the back in the throne room.
1st November 2020 @ 6:20 pm
You know, I always forget how fortunate it is that merlin can command wyverns as well. Probably because when I first see them on screen, they just look so much like small dragons that I don’t even need Gwaine’s explanation of their relationship to the actual dragons to know that Merlin will be able to control them.
I also just looked up wyverns, for the fun of it, and realised that they are actual legendary beasts. I always assumed the Merlin people made them up.
Additionally, I have a really soft spot for wyverns because in what is probably my favoruite Merlin fanfiction ever, Merlin has one as a sort of pet and his name is Wyrmbasu. He’s the cutest! 🙂
1st November 2020 @ 11:19 pm
I wish every week could be fisher king week! also every week should be gwaine week!!!!
M Xx
30th October 2020 @ 9:15 am
I’ve just finished your podcast but haven’t managed to watch back the episode to figure out my lessons. However, your discussion this week, as always, had my brain working really hard and I wanted to write in with some comments now before I forget them.
The first thing that I noticed is about the trance Arthur goes into to attain his vision of his quest. Wasn’t it only last episode that Merlin asked Arthur whether he would go into some sort of trance when he is tortured and Arthur gave him the ‘What a stupid suggestion?’ look? So, how can he within the space of a few (assumed) weeks go from dismissing trances as a ridiculous suggestion to literally basing his entire future kingship/reputation on a vision received in a trance? Okay, let’s say that Arthur’s reaction to Merlin in the dungeons was about Merlin suggesting trance when Arthur was going for a more straightforward escape plan, but even so, it feels a bit odd to dismiss the notion so scathingly when this episode we are told that the trance and all that follows is one of the most important moments of a prince’s life.
I loved your analogy of Merlin being a knight for magic and Arthur being a knight for humanity! That was so great and I wish (LOUD SPOILER MUSIC!) the show would have picked up on this in the future, instead of just making Merlin a knight for Arthur at the exclusion of anything or everybody else as he becomes later on. ☹ Also, your discussion of Grettir, comparing him to Anhora actually made me wonder whether Merlin (DYNAMIC OF SPOILER MUSIC INCREASES TO UNBEARABLE LEVEL!!!), after 5.13 will also join their ranks as this magical un-presence that has a bridge to protect or unicorns to keep or, you know, a lake to watch. I don’t know if this will make the end any better but…at least it would give Merlin something to do and someone to hang out with?
Now, as to your idea about destiny, I think I reject the ‘The Fisher King is coordinating all of this’ theory for the same reasons that you are: it suddenly doesn’t seem big enough anymore. Also, if the Fisher King determines their destiny, why hasn’t he called Merlin to him much earlier? If you decide on manner and timing, when Merlin comes to release you could be completely arbitrary and you could have arranged for him to get his hands on the Eye of the Phoenix much earlier. So, no, I think if the King had any influence, he is using it to support the destiny wrought by a greater power.
However, I don’t have a problem with destiny in this episode (for a change) and I don’t think it works in such mysterious ways after all. Only in unexpected ways. Similarly to last week’s quest that wasn’t really a quest but was about establishing and developing relationships, I think the quest here, as you said, isn’t necessarily about the trident. However, I don’t think it’s a cheat quest either: Uther attaches value to Arthur achieving the trident: a treasure or physical symbol of his readiness to be king. Arthur, also, believes the same and also, mistakenly, that he can only prove himself if he finds this object alone and unaided.
However, is Uther’s and Arthur’s definition of what makes a good king the be all and end all? I don’t think so. A good king can win the loyalty of his people, inspire them with courage and strength to use all in their power (including magical power) to support and aid their king. A good king can build relationships and friendships that are true and unwavering in the face of danger. So, conversely, I think Arthur’s ‘deeper’ quest to prove that he is a good king began long ago when he first met Merlin, when he first met Gwaine, when he first met anyone whom he subsequently inspired to trust and follow him. And this quest to the Perilous Lands is kind of just the last test. The very repetition of ‘alone and unaided’ in ever more comical and dismissive tones suggests that what destiny decided as Arthur’s quest was really to not be alone and unaided even when he thinks he has to be. I hope that makes sense.
I also have a lesson unlearned which is why I am putting this in comments and not in the lessons section. With the way destiny interconnects so many people’s destinies or ‘quests’ in this episode to bring about their ultimate completion (Uther’s traditional ritual and quest, Gwaine’s determination to help Merlin, Merlin’s determination to help Arthur, Arthur’s determination to seek the trident and to prove himself, The Fisher King’s need for the Eye to speed his demise) or failure (Morgana and Morgause’s plot to kill Arthur), Merlin should have learned that destiny is never just ‘his job’. Actually, he should probably have learned this in The Crystal Cave, but Merlin, unfortunately, will continue to single-handedly try to change or impact destiny without taking into account the uncontrollable presence of the destinies of other people. Maybe he should become a little bit more like the Fisher King: quietly wait for destiny to work itself out in all people connected to it by their own small destinies/ quests. (SPOILERS) Unfortunately, I don’t think he ever learns this as he continues trying to make everything happen by himself and, as seasons pass, he confides in and relies on people less and less. Which is a real shame since I really like the ease with which he sought out help from Gwaine in this episode.
1st November 2020 @ 11:37 pm
good shout on the trance… hadn’t made that connection but you’re absolutely right. and yeah, literally one week ago. man, arthur’s short term memory is getting worse by the episode.. lol
–I don’t know if this will make the end any better but…at least it would give Merlin something to do and someone to hang out with?–
I don’t think anything’s gonna make things better at the end there, but yes, you have to assume that Merlin is going to keep himself busy somehow, until… you know… lorry’s are invented. and I hope it’s something better than guarding a bridge or a lake, but also clearly grettir pops in and out… and that may be ‘the physical location’ but it may also be ‘existence’… he materialises when needed, and otherwise sort of hangs out in stasis?
–However, is Uther’s and Arthur’s definition of what makes a good king the be all and end all? I don’t think so.–
I look forward to… I think season 4? where we meet another few kings that don’t completely suck. Because yeah, I completely agree.
I mean, Arthur is obviously the best king ever, no point arguing over that. But once we put that aside… lol I like the moments in the show where it seems that uniting the land of albion isn’t about arthur conquering and taking over from every other king, but more about making peace with other kings and coming to trade agreements and building friendships with kings and queens that rule fairly and justly, that will benefit all of the people of albion. because there isn’t just one right way. though there are a lot of wrong ways. and of course the cendred of the worlds need to be stopped. (though having said that, I realise, that I don’t actually know what happens with for example, cendred’s kingdome. hmmmm.)
M Xx
29th October 2020 @ 4:31 pm
First of all, I’m really glad I made you laugh with the Polish translations 🙂
And I’m also really happy you put this episode on the top of the list – it’s definitely one of my favorite episodes of the entire show! When the trio is complete, my heart is complete as well <3
I have many comments, so let's start from the beginning.
The confusion about Arthur's vision of his quest probably arises from the general confusion about religion in this show. This episode is one of the most purely Arthurian in the whole show, and therefore, it has loads of elements which would be heavily Christian in the original legends. Like, a knight going on a quest would probably do an all-night vigil in the chapel, attend the mass, etc. Obviously, we don't have anything like that here, so we are given those vague non-referential "transcending your body" stuff and we're not entirely sure whether Arthur's vision has anything to do with the Old Religion (in theory, it shouldn't, Uther banned it!). That being said, I really, really like all the purely Arthurian stuff in this episode: the reveal of the quest, the quest itself, the Keeper of the Bridge, the triads, the Fisher King, the magic-ness of it whole!
The scene between Merlin and the Fisher King is a masterpiece of acting. We are able to instantly form connection and feel pity for this character we barely met, and this is due to Donald Sumpter as well as to Colin Morgan. There is such a variety of micro-emotions on Merlin's face, not overplayed, but perfectly guiding us through the feelings he has for this man’s suffering. And of course, visually the scene is completely stunning.
A very long note on the Fisher King: he is the purest embodiment of the belief in the power of story and destiny, and probably an actual cautionary tale for Merlin: he literally can’t die, because he’s waiting for a fulfillment of a prophecy that doesn’t want to come. It’s interesting that the king chooses to die when Albion’s and the Future King's time is coming, but it hasn’t come just yet! It’s almost as if he was afraid that the actual fulfillment of the prophecy won’t be as glorious as the prophecy itself! This is tied nicely with the remnants of Arthurianism in this story, a.k.a. the "hidden" Christian aspect of it. The Emrys/Arthur prophecy is one of the “promised land” prophecies. A story about a Golden Era which is always waiting somewhere in the future, giving a source of hope, but never actually coming to pass during one's lifetime. The tales of a Christian paradise work in the same way. So, paradoxically, the druids, the dragon, Taliesin and the Fisher King, aren’t very pagan in their idea of history: a pagan usually thinks the best era is already bygone, and the world will rather end in destruction. European paganism was much more fatalistic, but, paradoxically, this helps to focus on the present. The danger of believing in some kind of a future paradise is that the believer stops making active attempts to change their environment here and now, only focusing on his private “virtue” (only “good” people go to Heaven). And so, the Fisher King waits for Albion, while his kingdom is destroyed and turned into Perilous Lands (his illness, metaphorically, seems to be literally the inability to act). He’s kind of a cautionary tale both for Arthur and for Merlin (though, obviously, it's we who see the parallels, not the characters). For Arthur, because he tries practicing knightly virtue in this episode, but it’s a pretty abstract virtue which isn’t about actually helping the people etc., but about proving himself and gaining a shiny thing. But the king is there for Merlin as well. Slowly, I think, Merlin changes position from a boy who just waited to be able to show his true talents to the world and was suffering that he couldn’t do it, to someone for whom hiding magic becomes almost a virtue, and something he should be doing to prove his goodness, rather than try to change Arthur’s approach towards magic. He is slowly transforming into the Fisher King, just waiting and waiting. The tragedy is, he sees and pities the king’s suffering, but he can’t see the danger he might be in himself. But that is a problem for future episodes… *ominous foreshadowing music*
A quick soundtrack nerdgasm: I love this episode’s soundtrack and I’m really sad so much of it is unreleased! Especially the music from the scenes with the Keeper of the Bridge. It’s very subtle, yet very clearly heroic. When they pass onto the bridge, French horns start playing in a perfect fifth – which is to say, in plain English, they are using instruments that were always associated with hunts or calls to battle, and the perfect fifth (=the interval of five tones) has traditionally been seen as heroic and “pure” – perfect for this type of quest! I also love the piece from Merlin’s meeting with the Fisher King. Notice, it starts with a harp, just like Taliesin’s motive! SO COOL!
A quick note about Morgana's sand-burning: it seems her magic is very much in need of constant maintenance. It was the same with the mandrake root in the Tears of Uther Pendragon. I don't know what to make out of it, but it's interesting! Also, I swear, every time Morgana is caught by Gwen and is closing a box, I'm confused because I think she's closing a laptop! Magical indeed 😀
Gaius and gaslighting: I will have more to write about it next week, for sure. Let's just say here that it's probably an almost automatic response to a possible danger for Gaius by now. You know, years of fear and the Great Purge would do that to you… which is, obviously, not perfect, but it's consistent within his character and understandable.
Finally, LESSONS (I might be repeating some of the stuff from above, sorry about that!)
I think the whole trio learned that they would be lost without each other.
But it's really interesting how the characters, in their eyes, learn different things than we learn on their behalf, if you know what I mean. So in his eyes, Arthur learned that his virtue will be rewarded (he got the trident = he passed the challenge). But in our eyes, the lesson there was that proving your virtue may be more complex than a simple quest and maybe it's more about looking out for those who are important for you. It's very visible right after the Fisher King's death, when Arthur walks in and finds the trident – and he looks almost shallow with his triumphant laughter in comparison with what just happened!
Merlin learned of his purpose in the destined future, but again, in our eyes, the lesson was more that he should have learned to live in the moment with Arthur, the not-yet-Once-and-Future-King, instead of waiting for a fulfillment of a prophecy that may never come.
Gwaine and Merlin both learned that they would be there for each other no matter what, and I'm crying! Also, I think Gwaine is starting to get a hint that his life is really sad despite the pretense and he now has the incentive to change something about it.
Gwen learned that Morgana is evil. Will she remember that in future episodes? Um, no. 🙁
1st November 2020 @ 6:10 pm
Let’s just say here that it’s probably an almost automatic response to a possible danger for Gaius by now –
You know, it has taken me this long to realise that Gaius is basically nothing but a plot device to make each episode last longer “No Merlin, you can’t tell Arthur.” “No Merlin, we have to do research first; we can’t just heal everyone!” “No Merlin, you need help if you want to rescue Arthur.” Without Gaius, episodes would be roughly 20 minutes long, characters would be a lot less repressed, people would actually talk about things and take action and then just solve the darn conflict. Done. Hm…interesting. Ruth and Michelle have said several times that both Gaius and the dragon are avators for Merlin, Gaius representing the old sage Merlin we know from legend. So, does that mean old, sage men just make the plot of the world just so much more lengthy and complicated to solve?
Thank you so much for your extensive note on the Fisher King and religion and what that could imply for Merlin and his own future. I will be honest, I got a little lost but it sounded good. Basically, what I got from it was that the show was trying to tell a Christian-imbued tale without the Christianity but couldn’t quite manage it, hence the paradisiacal outlook towards a coming fufilment of prophecy, even by characters (like the pagan druids) whose attitude towards the future should have been more bleak. Is that what you meant to say?
Your explanation of the perfect fifth on the trombones for Arthur’s heroism was so great! I read your comment before re-watching the episode so I really paid attention here. Musicians are so clever, aren’t they? And the majority of people will never know, will at best subconsciously register a feeling or mood but nothing beyond that. That says a lot for why the arts are essential and worth preserving!
1st November 2020 @ 6:50 pm
“You know, it has taken me this long to realise that Gaius is basically nothing but a plot device”
He is 🙂 He’s also the “exposition man” 😉 Though his response of “you can’t tell Arthur” /”you can’t accuse Morgana” / “you can’t do magic, it’s dangerous!” is also pretty consistent with his rather fearful and cowardly character. I suppose I’ll have a lot to say about it next week 🙂
“Basically, what I got from it was that the show was trying to tell a Christian-imbued tale without the Christianity but couldn’t quite manage it, hence the paradisiacal outlook towards a coming fufilment of prophecy, even by characters (like the pagan druids) whose attitude towards the future should have been more bleak.”
Yes, that’s what I meant 🙂 I’m sorry if I sometimes write things in an unnecessarily complicated way 😉 It just came to me when I started wondering about the Fisher King’s death request. He has been waiting for the Once and Future King, and yet he dies right before Arthur enters the room, not even mentioning before any prophecy about Arthur is fulfilled… that got me thinking and I realized that they are all waiting for the Golden Era of Albion like it’s a paradise that never comes, and the waiting itself becomes the goal…
Lastly, I’m glad I could bring the music to your attention 🙂 soundtracks are so important and powerful on an emotional level, and yet we rarely see how much thinking and intricacy is going on underneath 🙂
1st November 2020 @ 9:39 pm
I realized that they are all waiting for the Golden Era of Albion like it’s a paradise that never comes, and the waiting itself becomes the goal… –
So, this episode is basically ‘Waiting for Godot’ but in as a Merlin quest? 😀 Maybe the Fisher King knew he would never see Albion itself. Maybe there was a prophecy for him or knowledge of some kind that said that he would live to see the dawn but never the golden sun rising. But he would get to meet Emrys. I wouldn’t say the waiting was the goal for the King; he was clearly suffering and wished an end to it. But he knew he had to and whenever Emrys appeared it would signal both the dawn and his own demise.
Also, I really didn’t mean to imply that I couldn’t follow your explanation because of how complicated it was. No, I think I was just a little too dumb or tired to follow all of it. Please keep writing insipiring comments like that!
1st November 2020 @ 9:49 pm
Thank you 🙂
I think the whole show has the tint of “Waiting for Godot” – if you know what I mean 😀
I know this is just headcannoning on my part, but I kinda imagined the Fisher King to have been waiting eagerly at first, only later realizing how much suffering it brings… well, maybe it’s because I know the whole show and the SPOILEROUS parallels with Merlin…
2nd November 2020 @ 12:03 am
it’s very late and I’m very tired, but the whole waiting for godot, waiting for the promised land, fisher king dies before he ever even meets arthur, nevermind sees the golden age of albion brought to pass…
it makes me think of stories of warriors fighting for peace and the promised land, but when they achieve it, being unable to enter it themselves, because they have spilled too much blood to ever be at peace again. Or Solomon not being allowed to build God’s temple, because he is a man of war, and therefore God forbids it, even though he is doing it in God’s name.
If I was more awake this may be more coherent, but as I am not, this is what it is… I apologise in advance for wasting your time haha
M Xx
2nd November 2020 @ 12:14 am
It is coherent! And I actually haven’t thought of the biblical characters (trying to come up with some parallels from European legends instead), so thank you! 🙂
Yeah, the prophecies somehow never manage to come to pass for the prophets / heroes themselves… 🙁 It’s sad, but it’s also… I don’t know, relatable? Painfully? Gosh, I’m a tragedy junkie 😀
2nd November 2020 @ 12:25 am
Have you watched Dollhouse by any chance? 🤔
2nd November 2020 @ 3:01 am
I haven’t. Should I? 😉
3rd November 2020 @ 1:03 am
i mean YES because it’s really good. But mostly it means you’ve just saved yourself from me writing another long rambling response about people fighting for and maybe not being allowed to enter the promised land… lol
we did a thinky thoughts podcast episode on it, if you fancy giving it a listen to see if you might be interested in watching the show 🙂
http://www.fascinationandfrustration.com/thinky-thoughts-about-pilots-dollhouse-aired-pilot-ghost/
3rd November 2020 @ 1:19 pm
Thanks, I’ll give it a listen! 🙂
4th November 2020 @ 11:20 am
Dang it Michelle, you really got me out here watching 6 straight episodes of this new show instead of packing
4th November 2020 @ 11:33 am
AMAZING!!!
Also, I hope you’ll pause for a moment and pack, but also… I AM SO HAPPY!!!!! hahaha
1st November 2020 @ 11:53 pm
–There is such a variety of micro-emotions on Merlin’s face, not overplayed, but perfectly guiding us through the feelings he has for this man’s suffering. And of course, visually the scene is completely stunning.–
I’ve been thinking a lot about S1 and the realisation of just how good Bradley James is, and that the longer you watch Merlin, suddenly you get to the end of it, and Colin’s talent is what sticks in your mind, when you think back on the show. And a lot of it is simply down to the fact that Colin really is just that good. But it’s not like Bradley doesn’t continue being good, too. It’s just that this is where the show I think suddenly looses it’s own balance, and it can’t quite stick with the ‘The show is called Merlin, but it’s all about getting Arthur to where Arthur needs to be, and therefore it’s Arthur’s show’ thing it had going in Season 1 and much of Season 2. And I think part of that is because —– SPOILERS —— the show looses it’s path a little on where they want Arthur to end up, and where they do have Arthur end up. So we have to have Merlin keep more and more things from Arthur, and continue living (and therefore Colin acting) in his own little world, while Arthur does a thing over there, that may or may not at some point unite the land of albion. Who knows? and of course the random introductions of new characters (coughAgraivaincough) is not helping with a lot of that, and separates our two protagonists and the path they should be taking even more… hmmm. Sorry, that was a whole lot of rambling to ultimately say Yes, I agree, Colin is insanely talented lol
–A very long note on the Fisher King: he is the purest embodiment of the belief in the power of story and destiny, and probably an actual cautionary tale for Merlin: he literally can’t die, because he’s waiting for a fulfillment of a prophecy that doesn’t want to come.–
A cautionary tale for Merlin and ——— SPOILERS ——- a strange metaphore for merlin fans and the stockholm effect that weekly watching of the show live at the time had, and how they kept moving the goal posts further and further away, and justifying it one way or the other every week, until you got to the end and… sort of just accepted it. and then you slept on it and the next day went ‘hang on a minute, what the hell happened to all of the promises you made us???’
–A quick note about Morgana’s sand-burning: it seems her magic is very much in need of constant maintenance. —
that makes so much sense, and I will happily accept that as 100% canon, thank you!
==Also, I swear, every time Morgana is caught by Gwen and is closing a box, I’m confused because I think she’s closing a laptop!–
considering uther had a gameboy for most of shooting tucked away somewhere on his person, I will also happily accept the laptop as canon hahaha
M Xx
2nd November 2020 @ 12:42 am
I mean, there will be plenty of instances I’ll admire Bradley’s acting 🙂 He and Colin really shine, both of them!
As to Stockholm Syndrome and the promises made: I know it’s a discussion for another time entirely, but since you mentioned it… SPOILERS FROM NOW ON I have no idea how I’d react to it all if I’d been watching Merlin weekly over the years as my much younger self, but as it is, I binge-watched it, and right from season 1 when the dragon told Merlin about the prophecies of Mordred and Morgana, with the ominous titles of the episodes such as “The Beginning of an End” etc., I was like “oh, okay, so Merlin didn’t let Mordred die, so it won’t end well” and I was bracing myself for that, not only for the ultimate sad ending but also for the screwing up of the prophesied Golden Era. It resulted in me looking out for clues of the potential screw-up rather than for fulfilling the prophecy 😀 I think it might be also due to the fact that before being in Merlin fandom, I was in Tolkien fandom (and I mean deep lore Tolkien, Silmarillion and all that), and every hardcore Tolkien fan knows there is nothing less to be expected than tears and tragedy in the end (there is actually one character in the Silmarillion who does outlive everyone else and wanders on the shores of Middle Earth till basically the present day, so imagine my reaction at the last scene of the finale!).
I didn’t brace myself for the much delayed magic reveal, granted, but I accidentally learned that it happens in the finale while still watching season 1 😀 I must say I had a minor fit back then, but I got over it eventually 😉
3rd November 2020 @ 11:50 am
that’s interesting as a very different perspective on this show and yes, i cannot imagine what it would be like to binge this show. it’s something ruth and I talk about quite a lot. the shows that hugely benefit from being dumped in netflix in one lump and binge watching and the shows that just really don’t. and in extension also what it does to the creation (or lack) of fandom, and the people’s ability to diseminate and emerse themselves in a thing, vs just watching it and being done with it, cause it’s over now and on to the next. And merlin is sort of extra complicated in that, because obviously now it can be binged, but the fandom exists, from the previous week by week viewing and waiting, plus the ten years since… so it’s kind of it’s own beast in that way, anyway.
we will have A LOT to say about all this, at the end of 2021 lol