Episode IV.III – The Wicked Day
We discuss Episode 3 of Season 4 of Merlin, The Wicked Day.
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12th May 2021 @ 9:37 pm
I am so so far behind. I did really like this episode from the light tone at the beginning to the devastation in Merlin’s eyes at the end. I really felt so sorry for him.
So funny story. When I was at Raglan watching them filming S4E1-2, a little girl sat next to me and proceeded to tell me all about how her dad told her that Uther was going to die in the next episode (he was one of the crew). I put my finger to my lips and said that I’d keep it a secret for now. So I knew before the season aired that Uther was going to die.
And a complete aside, I’m a huge Mary Stewart fan and was thrilled when they used her book title for the episode (as they had done before).
14th May 2021 @ 8:27 am
you’re in season four, that’s pretty impressive!! and you’ve got the entire hiatus to catch up, so I have absolute faith that you’ll be live with us in season 5 when we return from summer break 🤞🤞🤞🤞
lol and that’s why small children shouldn’t be trusted with secrets haha
8th March 2021 @ 4:53 am
This episode has some really beautiful moments – particularly Arthur’s reaction to Uther’s death, and the interaction between Merlin and Arthur after the overnight vigil. I really appreciate the points made about how Dragoon’s presence means that Arthur is lacking Merlin’s emotional support during this traumatic ordeal.
The thing that most often brings this episode to mind for me is Arthur’s statement that both of his parents were killed by magic. In season 2, he very nearly murdered Uther when he learned of the nature of Igraine’s death. Merlin’s lie was the only thing that stopped him. Yet the tone of Arthur’s statement implies that someone went out of their way to make up a story about his mother’s death involving magic, rather than letting him continue to believe that she simply died during childbirth, and that he found the time and emotional space to come to terms with this. I know there are lots of writing inconsistencies, and I’m willing to forgive many of them for the sake of my enjoyment of the show. But this has always stuck out to me as a major character development that we should have context for, especially because it appears to stick with Arthur throughout the rest of the series.
8th March 2021 @ 3:58 am
Before I say anything else, happy belated birthday, Michelle! Hope the interview went well!
Ok, so I have a few thoughts from a medical perspective (I am only in school, so don’t take these ideas as actual advice). I cannot understand how Uther did not die within an hour. An American Heart Association article from 1957 (just found via a quick Google search) says that of stab wounds to the heart, only 12.7% survived over 1 hour and long enough to reach medical attention (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/01.CIR.17.5.953). If someone is poisoned or otherwise magically affected and dying in the show, I suspend my disbelief. But how did Uther not bleed out and die from injuries within an hour from a non-magical stab wound that reached his heart? Let alone long enough to go find a crotchety Dragoon in his hut in the woods? My frustration about this is not unique Merlin, but I thought it worth pointing out here.
On the subject of medically-related stuff, I want to comment on Arthur’s choice to use magic to heal his father. At least in the US, when a person does not meet the criteria for decision-making capacity, they cannot make autonomous decisions for themselves about their medical care (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7388558/#:~:text=In%20the%20U%2DARE%20protocol,or%20she%20would%20withdraw%20from). Uther is effectively our incapacitated patient. When patients can’t make decisions for themselves because they are incapacitated, a (generally pre-designated) surrogate decision-maker is encouraged to use the substituted-judgement principle, meaning the surrogate makes medical decisions for the patient based on what they think the patient would want for themselves if the patient could make decisions (https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1532-5415.1991.tb04051.x?sid=nlm%3Apubmed). So, Arthur, the surrogate decision-maker for Uther, really ought to have honored his father’s known preferences of not using magic to heal him. But alas, Arthur did not want to let go, which can be a difficult conflict of interest for surrogate decision-makers. He followed the best-interest principle instead (choosing what is in the medical best interest of the patient). I could go on about real-world examples of this ethical conundrum, but I came here to comment about Merlin! Hope this sheds some light on Arthur’s decision to use magic to heal his father, when we all know Uther would not have been happy about that. Even Gaius knew that.
One of the reasons the episode sticks out so much to me is because there was so much hope in it. Merlin is so excited at the opportunity to change everything for himself and magical people, but loses the bet. He is torn up by Arthur’s grief as much as his own grief that his goals just took two (or more) steps back. I still vividly remember watching Uther’s eyes open for the (unknowingly) last time, thinking that this would be the much-awaited moment and we could get Merlin’s reveal. Maybe Merlin was stronger than Morgana’s enchantment, or he could find the trinket in time. Only for the hopes to come crashing down seconds later. This show is brutal on the emotions, but it is so, so good.
On the idea of other ways Merlin could have attempted to save Uther instead of Dragoon, I really liked the idea of using Gaius as a vessel for Merlin’s magic for Arthur’s and I suppose Uther’s benefit (assuming he could be saved and that he would appreciate being saved by Gaius even by magic). I also had another idea if Merlin and Gaius were worried about the efficacy of their work. If we actually have more than one hour before Uther kicks the bucket, why not find Alice? We all know Merlin sucks at healing and she is THE most gifted healer. I’m sure there are logistical concerns from Merlin’s end, but if he has the same amount of time to get Arthur to believe in and summon Dragoon, why not get Kilgharrah’s help to find her or something? I mean, I don’t think Kilgharrah would want to help save Uther, but that is just one possibility. I really wish more was done with the Dragonlord stuff in the series in general. I can’t tell you how excited I was the first time watching the series seeing Merlin be a total badass controlling wyverns and gaining wisdom and so much more from Kilgharrah. I am SO excited to talk about Aithusa next week. Anyway, sorry I got really off-topic there. They could have found Alice.
One of the things that hits me hard with Arthur’s decision at the end of the episode that magic is evil is that he doesn’t seem to remember that the ball of light magic saved him in the Poisoned Chalice and that he literally only exists BECAUSE of magic. He would not have been born without magic! I assume he is too stricken with grief to see these points, but agree that this assumption would have needed a more upset-appearing Arthur on screen.
Just want to say that from Merlin and Gaius’s heart-to-heart to the end of the episode is just stunning in so many ways. It is visually beautiful, the musical themes are beautiful and I love them, and I cry every time I hear “I didn’t want you to feel that you were alone.” The music and performance and the lines just get me every. single. time. These are some of the moments that keep me coming back to the series.
That’s all from me this week. Cannot, cannot, cannot WAIT for Aithusa next week. It’s currently my favorite episode of all of Merlin, and I am excited to pick it apart out of love with you all.
9th March 2021 @ 11:49 am
Thank you Kate! The interview went well as far as I’m concerned. Just waiting to hear what they say haha
the medical stuff’s super interesting, thank you for the research and the links for further reading!
— I still vividly remember watching Uther’s eyes open for the (unknowingly) last time, thinking that this would be the much-awaited moment and we could get Merlin’s reveal. Maybe Merlin was stronger than Morgana’s enchantment, or he could find the trinket in time. Only for the hopes to come crashing down seconds later. This show is brutal on the emotions, but it is so, so good.–
i completely agree that that moment of hope and excitement that it worked and that finally Merlin can be known, or at least finally the journey toward Merlin being known can begin, because magic did a good thing, and Arthur will not forget that… only to have it all come crashing down when Uther dies is BRUTAL and it really works for it’s brutalness. I think the problem for me at this point is that we’ve done it over and over and over. and we’re going to continue doing it.
I would say this is probably the most emotionally brutal version of it, and therefore this is the one that absolutely does stand out… but when you think back on all the episodes of the show so far it does make you wonder how many more times they can do this.
it’s something we’ll b e talking about in the show round up quite a lot at the end of the year / right at the start of 2022, but just to briefly touch on it, it’s insane the level of stockholm syndrom that BBC Merlin pulls on it’s viewers… lol
–If we actually have more than one hour before Uther kicks the bucket, why not find Alice? We all know Merlin sucks at healing and she is THE most gifted healer.–
but that would require the show to remember previous plot lines and characters hahaha you’re totally right, could have done that, and it would have been the same “waste” of time as going to find dragoon would be. so yeah, totally a possibility!
— I mean, I don’t think Kilgharrah would want to help save Uther, but that is just one possibility.–
no, Kilgarrah probably wouldn’t, but we’ve been comfortable in the show before having Merlin force Kilgarrah to do things against his will. And while I do think we’ve got over that, and they did almost sort of address and resolve it, it’s not like the show has never double back on one of its decisions before. But I must say, I’m glad we’re not doing it, as it was really unpleasant the first time, and it’s good that we seem to have learnt from it!
M Xx
8th March 2021 @ 2:13 am
I agree that this episode is very frustrating and could have been used to tie up many loose ends. This is Uther’s death episode and I really wish they had used this episode to broach the “Morgana” mystery that should be confounding and agonizing Arthur; why is Morgana consumed with bitterness? Instead, it is used to construct a convoluted way for Arthur to reject magic once and for all. Making it impossible for Merlin to reveal his magic to Arthur and it’s primarily Merlin’s fault.
Arthur never confronts Uther about the many elephants in the room: Uther’s unfaithfulness, and his irresponsibility, selfishness, and callousness in never acknowledging Morgana’s paternity. All of which helps explain Morgana’s hatred of all things Pendragon.
Odin sends an assassin to kill Arthur and instead he succeeds in killing Uther, yet Arthur only blames magic for his death. Arthur as far as I know never attempts to exact any kind of revenge on Odin. He just lets it slide. How is that possible?
The use of Dragoon in this episode is completely inexplicable. If Merlin wanted to demonstrate to Arthur that magic could be used for good, what better way than by saving his father. Gaius could have confessed to Arthur that Uther had “asked“ him to use for magic to heal Morgana, making magic a safe, acceptable and the only option under the dire circumstances. If Merlin wasn’t ready to reveal his magic, they could have just given Gaius credit for it. The use of the Dragoon charade is so frustrating and such waste of time.
I was extremely disappointed by how Arthur and Gwen’s relationship is written and portrayed in this episode. They are never affectionate. She never provides comfort or empathy, nor does he seek solace from her. She has reverted to the role of servant and it is so sad to see a regression in their relationship. I would have loved to have seen her waiting with Merlin, like she did in the Perilous Lands, to comfort Arthur after the vigil and to let him know that she too was there for him.
I find it very frustrating to see Arthur’s pathetic obliviousness. The part is so poorly written, and I cannot understand how Bradley tolerated it. He is a brilliant actor and does what he can with the little that he is given but how was he not able to convince the writers that the Once and Future king should not be an idiot. He blames magic but not Odin. He knows Gaius practiced magic because Uther told him in The Witchfinder, but he does not seek Gaius’ help to heal Uther. He never asks Uther anything about Morgana’s hostility. If Uther is her father, why was she aligned with Morgause against him? He trusts Agravaine above all others, why? He doesn’t think he’s ready to rule yet he’s been ruling for over a year. If he’s insecure, surely, he knows that he can lay that at his father’s feet.
And then there’s Merlin who time and time again, undermines himself and Arthur’s destiny. So many missed opportunities and it’s so sad and frustrating.
8th March 2021 @ 9:06 pm
I also always wondered about what Arthur thought of Uther’s unfaithfulness, too, Iris. Surely the extremely principled Arthur would be distraught by the knowledge of the wrong done to his mother on this level as well as the magical death level. Uther took out his guilt for the magical part on magical people. Literal genocide when he thinks others wronged his wife. But when HE wronged her, what was done? Perhaps he felt no remorse for this because he loved Morgana and/or perhaps he felt no remorse because he was a bit of player (thinking back to the episode when he says he had his “fair share” with serving girls after catching Arthur and Gwen. Looks like noble women, too…).
Regarding, Odin, I wonder if Arthur ever actually found out that it was Odin. Maybe he didn’t know where the circus group came from, and that is why nothing is ever said? Surely, an investigation would have been done because he clearly knew who stabbed his father. I totally share your concern.
Great point about Gwen. I think I am so in love with that scene of Merlin waiting outside like a puppy that I forgot to think about Gwen. Shame on me.
9th March 2021 @ 12:08 pm
–Odin sends an assassin to kill Arthur and instead he succeeds in killing Uther, yet Arthur only blames magic for his death. Arthur as far as I know never attempts to exact any kind of revenge on Odin. He just lets it slide. How is that possible?–
huh. I’d never even thought about the bit where this is now the second attempt on Arthur’s life where multiple other people died, including the assassin (I guess at least that means Odin doesn’t have to pay them….) and yet, Odin doesn’t face and repurcussions from Camelot, or deals with the fact that clearly he sucks at killin Arthur. Though I would at least hope that killing Arthur’s dad would be a “good enough” quid pro quo for killing Odin’s son….
–I was extremely disappointed by how Arthur and Gwen’s relationship is written and portrayed in this episode. They are never affectionate. She never provides comfort or empathy, nor does he seek solace from her. She has reverted to the role of servant and it is so sad to see a regression in their relationship.–
I think they could have done a much better, and more explicit, choice to show us how very much between pillar and post Gwen is at the moment, very much like Arthur himself in regards to Uther still being alive (pre The Wicked Day, and the entire year during the off season) where Arthur was in charge, but not really. Gwen and Arthur are together, but not really. Gwen is the queen to be, but not really. And because everyone is holding on to hope that Uther may still recover, Gwen can’t let herself believe just yet that her and Arthur will get to marry, and then there’s |Agraivain, who very clearly has Arthur’s ear and very clearly does not like Gwen… I think there’s a lot that could have been done to justify the lack of intimacy between Arthur and Gwen. They just didn’t. 🙁
–He knows Gaius practiced magic because Uther told him in The Witchfinder, but he does not seek Gaius’ help to heal Uther.–
I’m never sure where the show wanted to leave all the characters in regards to that, because the Witchfinder himself was ultimately revealed to be the Evil Sorcerer, I assume we’re meant to think that means all the characters are re-set to the beginning of that episode in terms of what they learnt… It’s literally the main problem of BBC Merlin. Non of the characters ever seem to act following on from knowledge they have aquired previously. And the longer it goes on, the more frustrating it makes everything.
— So many missed opportunities and it’s so sad and frustrating.–
I’m obviously not happy that you feel like that, but…. I’m kind of happy that you feel like that? lol it just makes me feel less bad for feeling like that, myself, and saying it out loud on a podcast lol
M Xx
8th March 2021 @ 1:43 am
Hi!
I guess I’m going to be the oddball on this site because I actually really enjoy this episode.
I love how Arthur is such a good sport at his birthday celebration. He thinks all of these celebrations are over the top, but he doesn’t have a bad attitude. I especially love the music and his facial expressions while being spun on the wheel. Angel nails Gwen’s reaction to the “fun.” I absolutely adore how Arthur plays to the crowd by tossing the apple up and catching it. Then later he takes a big bite of the apple and performs that adorable bow. Oh, Bradley! ❤️
I don’t mind the trousers bit because it seems very believable if Arthur really is drunk and drugged that he would take his pants off as soon as he got into his chambers…. seems like something my husband would do. Haha
I know Ruth and Michelle mentioned why would Merlin just let Arthur wander around alone drunk to his father’s chambers. This doesn’t bother me either because there are guards stationed in the hallway (even if they are useless) and it doesn’t seem like his father’s chambers are too far away.
I love that Uther comes out of his stupor and battles like the warrior he was to save Arthur. I don’t like Uther but I do like this nod to his past and who he was before he passes. Bradley is again…. amazing.
I agree with whoever commented earlier with how people who are grieving do desperate and irrational things because they are not ready to accept their loved one’s death. I am a nurse and I see this all the time. Perfectly rational and logical people making horrible decisions at the end of their loved one’s life. This is why Arthur turns to magic.
As far as Merlin not revealing himself in the moment when Arthur mentioned using magic, I wish it could have happened but I have to agree with whoever mentioned that Arthur was in too vulnerable of a place. Also, I think Merlin viewed revealing himself at this point in time as selfish since it would have taken Arthur’s focus off of dying Uther.
The issue of Dragoon-
I agree that he does act a little over the top and is unnecessarily mean to Arthur. I do really love the pot and broom scene however… Maybe Merlin acts this way because if he was too kind (like his normal self), he fears Arthur would recognize him? Arthur did notice/recognize his eyes at one point before when he was Dragoon. When we do see Merlin come through when he says “he’s dead,” I’m sure Arthur would have recognized him if his father hadn’t been cured and died all in a matter of seconds right before his eyes.
I do think him kicking Arthur when he gets his piggy back is too far, but again, this is a family show and you know kids love that sort of stuff. I know the writers probably didn’t want it to be as dark as it should have been because some of their audience is young.
I’ve seen this episode many times but I never thought Merlin was in the tavern the entire time. I guess I always thought Merlin came back from the tavern and was instructed by Arthur or he volunteered to distract others so no one would walk in on the sorcerer in Uther’s room? Be a look out of sorts? 🤷🏼♀️ If Arthur really thought Merlin was in the tavern the whole time, my heart is broken, but I don’t think that’s the case because wouldn’t Arthur had mentioned this or be angry with Merlin?
I love how Morgana said she felt Uther’s pain. I wonder if that’s because her magic did it? I think she really is mourning her father, even if she doesn’t want to admit it. A part of her did love Uther.
The way Merlin stays in the hallway all night! ❤️
I know a lot of you think the last shot is weird with Merlin not chanting at first with everyone else, but I love it! This is a huge moment for Merlin! You can see on his face all the emotions and how long the journey has been, but they made it to this point, which is huge considering how many times Merlin saved Arthur’s life! You can just see how he is bursting with pride!!
I think the reason I am not as critical as some of you about this show in general is because it is a family show. Had this been a show on the level of Game of Thrones, then I would 100% be more nit picky. I think some of the cheap comedy bits and holes in plot lines are because it is a family show dealing with a tragedy.
8th March 2021 @ 3:14 am
You are not alone, I really like this episode too 🙂
And I think that, though it does have holes, still it’s not so bad because a lot of the characters’ irrational behavior could be explained by their vulnerable emotional state. Like Arthur’s desperation, Merlin’s recklessness etc. Not Gaius telling Arthur that Merlin’s in the tavern though!
8th March 2021 @ 3:18 am
Merlin really needs to leave Giaus a list of excuses for him to reference when he needs to sneak off….
9th March 2021 @ 12:11 pm
I think there even is a scene where Gaius is like ‘what do you want me to say??’ and Merlin says ‘Anything BUT the tavern’… rather than giving him a helpful list of other options. And occassionally Gaius does (or at least did) say he was out gather herbs or something… lol
M Xx
9th March 2021 @ 12:25 pm
–Angel nails Gwen’s reaction to the “fun.”–
oh she is AMAZING. the stuff Angel is able to do without actually being given any lines at all is astonishing! She’s got such a mobile expressive face, it’s a delight to watch.
–I don’t mind the trousers bit because it seems very believable if Arthur really is drunk and drugged that he would take his pants off as soon as he got into his chambers…. seems like something my husband would do. Haha–
and me. Honestly, I don’t even need to be very drunk. I can go from ‘walkinig through the front door after work’ to ‘in PJs’ in 3.5 seconds hahaha
–This doesn’t bother me either because there are guards stationed in the hallway (even if they are useless)–
It does become harder and harder to square the “castle guards” as a way of protecting the royal household, but you’re right, that is what they are there fore, and the fact that they SUCK is soemthing we do just have to accept, because they need to, for story purposes.
— Also, I think Merlin viewed revealing himself at this point in time as selfish since it would have taken Arthur’s focus off of dying Uther.–
yep, i think that’s very true. In that moment, Arthur is dealing with a HUGE decision. the last thing he needs is another HUGE thing piled on top, for him to deal with.
— Maybe Merlin acts this way because if he was too kind (like his normal self), he fears Arthur would recognize him? Arthur did notice/recognize his eyes at one point before when he was Dragoon.–
I absolutely think that’s a possible “excuse” as mentioned, I just wish that the writers had thought of that and were leaning into it more. Because it’s an excuse I feel like I have to reach for and try and make it work, rather than an excuse that’s shown to me on screen, I do feel like they are just using Dragoon for the hilarity, and yes, as you say, they have younger viewers and things are getting darker in the overall plot. And forgetting what it looks like separated from the joke. because yeah, the joke is funny! the pot and broom scene is hilarious! the sneering and coughing and grumbling that dragoon does makes me laugh… until I take a step back and remember the circumstances. It’s really the balance that just doesn’t 100% work for me.
–If Arthur really thought Merlin was in the tavern the whole time, my heart is broken, but I don’t think that’s the case because wouldn’t Arthur had mentioned this or be angry with Merlin?–
honestly, your excuse that Arthur asked Merlin to be a look out so no one would “catch” Dragoon is a perfect excuse, and would have been so so simple. And you could even go as far as Arthur wanting Merlin with him through all of this, because of course he would want Merlin by his side, and Merlin being the one to suggest it (as a great way for him to be able to slip away and become Dragoon, adding competency to his plan) and Arthur reluctantly agreeing that yes, it makes perfect sense, they probably should do that. If only they had shown us!! hahaha
–I know a lot of you think the last shot is weird with Merlin not chanting at first with everyone else, but I love it! This is a huge moment for Merlin! You can see on his face all the emotions and how long the journey has been, but they made it to this point, which is huge considering how many times Merlin saved Arthur’s life! You can just see how he is bursting with pride!!–
oh absolutely and I’m worried that what we said came across like we thought it was weird for Merlin within the context of the show, which I absolutely did not mean and I feel safe speaking for Ruth on this, too. It was very much a second hand embarrasssment in regards to having to be in Colin’s shows to do this scene, meta textually. For Merlin, that pause and that build up and the significance it gives the moment when he actually says it is GORGEOUS!
For myself, if I was Colin and had to do it, I would want to the earth to open up and swallow me whole!!! hahaha
M Xx
7th March 2021 @ 10:06 pm
I really struggled with this episode overall; what bothered me were the absolutely awful Dragoon scenes. I hate to say it, but I didn’t even really like Colin’s performance as Dragoon, at least not the “comedy” aspects. I could just about deal with Dragoon when he was being serious, but I would have much preferred to see… well, about anything else, really. Any of what you guys suggested (Merlin ‘helping’ Gaius) or maybe Merlin administering something the druids had given him, or standing guard while a druid or a priest/ess did something – anything but Dragoon!
I completely agree with you about Merlin’s actions being ridiculous – his plan made no sense (especially with regards to his confidence in his own ability to heal Uther and his failure to warn Arthur that it might not work) – I honestly wonder why he didn’t go find the druids or some other powerful magic users to help him? However, acknowledging all of that, I personally can watch the episode and just accept that Merlin was too caught up in the fact that /Arthur/ had approached /him/ about magic – the excitement and the surprise and the possibility it opened up – to really think clearly about it. Now, why Gaius didn’t warn Arthur is less excusable. Anyway, a lot of the logical problems with the episode were forgivable for me since they felt emotionally true to me. But that’s very subjective, of course.
I was very glad you said something about the awkwardness of Merlin not saying “long live the king” with everyone else – it felt so weird to me! And, yes, there’s something powerful about hearing him loudly join in, but I couldn’t help imagining anyone stood nearby thinking “wait, why isn’t his manservant joining in? …oh, huh, that was loud” – you know? Like, yeah it’s powerful when he joins in, but why wasn’t he joining in from the start? It’s not like the chant started gradually, everyone but him knew when to begin!
I feel like the show is obsessed with these “big reveals” that necessitate withholding information from the characters until the absolute last minute. For example, Morgana’s evilness: Merlin and Gaius get to know, and Gwen gets to suspect because she’s a girl so she can’t do much plot stuff anyone unless it’s a Gwen-centric episode, but Arthur and Uther cannot possibly have any inkling because that would ruin the massive surprise of seeing her on the throne smirking. Also, Agravaine’s evilness: I don’t remember precisely how it all works out, but I feel like the writers are building up to this big “oh my goodness!! My uncle is EVIL?!” moment for Arthur, which can’t happen if he has started to doubt him already. Hence, Merlin and Gaius have to have some weird half-baked reason for not telling him. I don’t like this – I would much much rather that we skipped the “big reveals” and had gradual realisations, slow losing of confidence, and difficult conversations – and of course I’m avoiding the obvious spoilery topics here. I just find it very frustrating that we sacrifice interesting character/relationship stuff in order to have these big dramatic showdowns.
Finally, I had vaguely remembered the knife-throwing scene (though none of the surrounding context nor the apple’s significance) and I had obviously remembered the beautiful stairwell scene, but I had utterly forgotten that they were the same season, let alone the same episode, so… I am conflicted. I want to like this episode purely for the stairwell scene (which is utterly perfect in every way and makes me very emotional), but it feels so wrong to put that in the same episode as Arthur tied to a wheel with an apple shoved in his mouth like a hog’s head on a banquet table, or in the same episode as Dragoon for that matter.
9th March 2021 @ 12:37 pm
–I could just about deal with Dragoon when he was being serious, but I would have much preferred to see… well, about anything else, really.–
I really don’t know whether this was a geniune ‘we think this is the best idea ever, and love every choice we have made about Dragoon!!’ decision, or whether this was just part of ‘make it fresh and unexpected’ and therefore they decided to do Old Merlin, but in a way we didn’t see coming, and then just got kind of… stuck with it. I kind of hope the second one. but yeah, literally anything else would have been my preference, too.
–However, acknowledging all of that, I personally can watch the episode and just accept that Merlin was too caught up in the fact that /Arthur/ had approached /him/ about magic – the excitement and the surprise and the possibility it opened up – to really think clearly about it. Now, why Gaius didn’t warn Arthur is less excusable. Anyway, a lot of the logical problems with the episode were forgivable for me since they felt emotionally true to me. But that’s very subjective, of course.–
I think that’s a very fair point! Obviously, watching it from the outside, it’s easy enough to say ‘do better!’ but in the moment, I think you’re right that merlin is just caught up in the excitement of it all. And possibly simply doesn’t want to acknowledge that it could fail, because he can’t let it fail, because he’ll be letting down the entire magic community, so he can’t even allow that thought to cross his mind? hmmm.
–I couldn’t help imagining anyone stood nearby thinking “wait, why isn’t his manservant joining in? …oh, huh, that was loud” – you know?–
hahahaha oh god, I hadn’t evenn thought about it that far lol
I do think it really works for the scene, and for merlin’s thought journey, that Colin is doing a lovely job of delivering to us, as the camera pushes in on him. (though yes, works less well within the scene, if you think about the other humans in the scene. hmmm. let’s just say they were all caught up with the joy and excitement of doing their own shouting and didn’t notice… lol)
— I don’t remember precisely how it all works out, but I feel like the writers are building up to this big “oh my goodness!! My uncle is EVIL?!” moment for Arthur–
because that’s new and we’ve never experience that before… SIGH.
— I would much much rather that we skipped the “big reveals” and had gradual realisations, slow losing of confidence, and difficult conversations – and of course I’m avoiding the obvious spoilery topics here. I just find it very frustrating that we sacrifice interesting character/relationship stuff in order to have these big dramatic showdowns.–
I completely agree. I think they just got wrapped up in this method of story telling, and couldn’t find a way of doing things differently, which means that not only are you repeating the same ‘big dramatic thing’ over and over (and really, there’s nothing that makes a thing less big and dramatic, than repeatedly doing it) but you’re also relying on your characters not learning anything from previous experience. Which is why I’m kind of worried to go through S4 and S5 because a lot of that frustration is mounting frustration… 🙁
— I want to like this episode purely for the stairwell scene (which is utterly perfect in every way and makes me very emotional)–
and doesn’t that pretty much summarise BBC Merlin right there??
M Xx
7th March 2021 @ 5:12 pm
Hey ya’ll – great comments, as usual! I just have a thought on Uther’s death. I totally agree that it was a strange way to remove his character and make Arthur king, but I started thinking about what Ruth and Michelle said (and the listeners comments, as well) about Lancelot’s death. His death seemed to reflect his life, his humility and nobility. It confirmed his being “the bravest and noblest of all the knights”.
I’m not sure whether or not this happened on purpose (ever the question with this show) but maybe the way Uther died also reflected his life. He was murdered when he himself was responsible for the murder of so many magic-using people. He died saving his son, whom he sacrificed so much for and did everything in his power to protect and make into a strong kind, however hard that was on Arthur, ultimately. He went down fighting, and he was a great warrior in his life. Finally, and most tragically for us as the audience, he died by magic.
I think it’s brutal but great tragic writing that Uther dies by magic under the hope that he will be healed by magic. It’s so terrible, so devastating for Arthur and Merlin and for very different but intersecting reasons. I wish this episode had dedicated more of itself to that struggle, because that is some solid gold tragedy material right there!
While I would have loved an epic death for Uther at the end of Season 3, by Morgana’s magic in the throne room and Arthur witnessing the whole thing with Merlin from their hiding place, I think this death has some merit and humanized him a great deal.
Ok, one more thing, this time about Merlin and magic – I dearly wish Merlin’s magic had been somehow revealed at the end of season 3 or early season 4. I love how Morgana begins to own herself in this season, she’s a much more convincing villain and appears less easily manipulated. I wish Merlin could be the counterpoint to that, I would have loved to see him rise in the same way; owning his power, his magic, and his desire to use it for good and service to Camelot in contrast to Morgana’s desire to use it for evil and personal gain.
7th March 2021 @ 5:47 pm
I dearly wish Merlin’s magic had been somehow revealed at the end of season 3 or early season 4. –
You know, I just thought: if we had done this and then have the Cailleach give the ‘Emrys is your doom’ prediction to Morgana, Arthur and Merlin (after some initial shock and rebuilidng of their trust) could have fought together against Morgana finding out about Merlin being Emrys. At the same time, that could have given Morgana a more believable and single-minded focus: find and destroy Emrys before he destroys you. Oh, and if Agravaine had then told her that he thinks Arthur knows Emrys’ identity and is hiding him, she would also have an actual reason to go against Arthur. And all that could be a fitting backdrop to M&A building their united Albion and working towards freedom for magic users. Oh, wouldn’t that have been nice!
7th March 2021 @ 11:22 pm
Yes, it could have been really interesting! And it would have taken Arthur and Merlin’s relationship forward, because by this season and onwards I feel like that stagnates a bit. I also think that by this point, every other character (with the exception of Gaius) goes through more changes in their lives than Merlin ever does in the show. Their stations, belief systems, relationships, etc, all of those change and meanwhile Merlin just stays exactly as he is. As a character I think he doesn’t get to do much from this point on except hide, and that was believable in the first few seasons, but less so in the later ones.
I surprise myself with how much I can ramble on about this show 😅
9th March 2021 @ 1:33 pm
—I surprise myself with how much I can ramble on about this show 😅—
hahaha welcome to our lives!
7th March 2021 @ 10:13 pm
I like your take on Uther’s death. He was a great warrior and it’s good to see him become that one last time as he defends his son.
Also, I do dearly wish Merlin’s magic was revealed to Arthur around that time as well! Would have been so interesting…. 😔
9th March 2021 @ 12:50 am
Same here about the magic reveal. I really and truly thought this would be the moment the first time I watched the show. I was so wrong. I suppose all our wishes are part of why the fanfic (which I have yet to get into, but want to after R&M’s recommendations) is so proliferative.
7th March 2021 @ 12:26 pm
I saw a little bit of the preview last episode when I watched it for the first time (I usually skip them, I don’t want to be spoiled.) and just saw the fire and Arthur on a wheel with an apple in his mouth and thought: “oh this must be a lighthearted episode. I really need that after this two parter.” I was so wrong…
I didn’t really like this episode simply because I hate tragedy and angst and this episode is so tragic. I just hurts so much and I can’t bear it. It’s really unfortunate that I got into the show and therefore podcast this late because s4+5 are my least favourite because of that. I just get too emotionally invested and things like this wreak me. I just want them to live a happy life, without trouble, everyone loving each other and lot’s of magic. But that’s not what we’re going to get so I’ll just be crying every other episode.
Anyway, let’s try to talk about this episode.
This episode is so frustrating because Uther’s death should be a huge deal and this episode doesn’t give me that. I feel like his death should be caused by some major plot, something epic like a season finale allows us to have. The problem with that could have been that we couldn’t get as much time for the emotional gravity but it’s not like this episode is giving us a lot of that either. Instead we waste time on dragoon, who I have so many problems with, especially in this episode.
Uther’s death felt small because of this episode. It isn’t given the framework or time to feel bigger. There were moments in the show it felt forced that he survived. Now it feels forced that he dies. I’m not given a big enough reason why this is the moment of his death instead of anything bigger and more dangerous before. It felt like they forgot to kill Uther and now they quickly tried to deal with that. Usually it would be fine to put short cuts in the story to move the plot along quickly and get to what they actually want to talk about, but that’s just so wrong when you deal with an important story like this.
Then at the same time they try to make this episode about the magic conversation and they don’t give that enough room as well, not taking it far enough. They try to give Uther’s death significance by it causing this conversation but it just falls flat for half the episode.
Tonally this episode is so odd which causes so many scenes to not work.
The tonal shifts are huge. We start with the lightheartedness of Arthur’s birthday. It’s all bright colours and fun music. Everyone looks happy. It would be fine if this was the only bit of the episode which is trying to be lighthearted so that the drastic shift to Uther death hits harder but that’s not what the episode does. Instead we get Dragoon…
He doesn’t fit in this episode at all. The rest of this episode should have gone dark from the moment of Uther’s murder. This is Merlin, of course, and usually Merlin and Arthur are amazing at shifting from comedy to drama in the matter of seconds but they don’t manage it at all this episode. The peeing joke is silly and stupid. Dragoon is just disrespectful to the emotions of this episode and especially to Arthur. The only time they manage to get the tone right in this episode is the end from the moment the healing bit starts.
Why is this episode so keen to ridicule Arthur (apple, dragoon riding him like a horse etc.) while at the same being the episode to make Arthur king?
Added to that, Merlin is such a bad liar sometimes how the hell does Arthur not notice? How doesn’t he suspect anything? Why do they always make Arthur so stupid for the plot to work?
Arthur is very emotionally vulnerable this episode but at the same time we know how capable Arthur can be despite being mental states like that. This is such an important episode for Arthur and it feels so wrong for this to happen.
The scene in Arthur’s room at the big table he says: “We will never know” and “all I know it’s pure evil.”
That’s literally a contradiction. He just said he didn’t know whether magic did the actual harm and then he goes on to say it’s definitely evil? This just doesn’t make any sense to me. It feels like the writers just forgot halfway where they wanted Arthur to be on his stance with magic in this conversation, first giving us a little bit of doubt and the hope that there’s still a chance for him to turn around and then they wanted him to be absolutely sure about his opinion on magic, making to look like Arthur can never have a positive opinion on it. Decide, what is it?
I need to end this comment on a positive note by saying just how beautiful the staircase scene is. I will never be over it. It’s perfect and I love it.
7th March 2021 @ 4:50 pm
I didn’t really like this episode simply because I hate tragedy and angst and this episode is so tragic. I just hurts so much and I can’t bear it –
Oh, Denise! I get you so much! These last two seasons (but especially season 5) are really hard for me to watch. I don’t like it when characters go darker or loser their kinder selves to some greater goal or idea. I would like my Merlin to remain pure and gormless and not so oppressed and hurt by all the evil battering him. In season 4, there are still enough light-heartedness left and it feels very hopeful because Arthur has ascended to the throne and the promise of the Golden Albion seems about to come true. And then season 5 happens…
Uther’s death felt small because of this episode. It isn’t given the framework or time to feel bigger.-
Personally, I don’t actually mind Uther not getting a spectacular, epic death. In fact, in one of my favourite Merlin fanfictions, he is suddenly, out of the blue, shot by an unknown through the neck, dead on the spot. I chatted with the author afterwards and we both agreed that with all that Uther has done, he didn’t deserve anything that would grant him importance and heroism. The only reason why I would want Uther to have a more ennobling death is for Arthur’s sake.
I think your grievance with the point of Uther’s death in the overall structure of the show echoes something R&M said in the podcast and I spend some time thinking about all of it. I agree that Uther should have died at the end of season 3 but they probably made the choice to be surprising and unconventional. In fact, I think the show Merlin suffered quite significantly because the producers were so intent on making it different and new. Sure, they may have surprised viewers and kept them on their toes but I think their approach often led to wrong choices, or choices made for the wrong reasons. Should ‘different’ and ‘new’ guide your narrative or character and story development that makes sense and is meaningful? Sometimes the obsession to be unconventional probably hampered and restricted their choices as the conventional stories had often already explored many of the best options. I think the best example of this is the very end of Merlin – but we’ll get to that.
The scene in Arthur’s room at the big table he says: “We will never know” and “all I know it’s pure evil.”
That’s literally a contradiction. –
Yep! It’s like the forced conclusion at the end of ‘The Sorcerer’s Shadow’ where Gili (and viewers) are meant to agree with Merlin. But the reasoning is just absent. Also, wouldn’t it have been great if Merlin had whipped out the necklace, saying, “Actually, we have proof that the sorcerer was honest and didn’t mean to kill your father.”
7th March 2021 @ 11:20 pm
I fear season 4 will be even harder to watch now that I know that the hope one gets is fruitless and will lead to the events of season 5. I’m absolutely unprepared…
While I agree that Uther doesn’t deserve an epic death, it’s really about what it means for Arthur and that it’s the event which leads to Arthur’s coronation. That’s what deserves to have a lot of power.
Because it doesn’t work in this episode I didn’t think about a small/anticlimactic death but now that you mentioned it I feel like it could have been really great. I’ve seen other shows and movies execute that beautifully, especially for their villains. In theory it should have worked for Uther’s death, but in the episode that we are given it just doesn’t.
I definitely agree with your thought on the writers trying to be unconventional and it really hurting the show. I didn’t think about it before but it definitely explains a lot!
7th March 2021 @ 10:09 pm
“Why is this episode so keen to ridicule Arthur (apple, dragoon riding him like a horse etc.) while at the same being the episode to make Arthur king?”
I completely agree. It seems so strange to have “You’ve been ready to king for a long time,” “You’re not wearing any trousers” and “long live the king!” all in one episode… It feels like Arthur /isn’t/ ready to be king, despite proving time and time again in seasons 1-3 that he is.
9th March 2021 @ 1:42 pm
–I saw a little bit of the preview last episode when I watched it for the first time (I usually skip them, I don’t want to be spoiled.) and just saw the fire and Arthur on a wheel with an apple in his mouth and thought: “oh this must be a lighthearted episode. I really need that after this two parter.” I was so wrong…–
oh wow, that must have been brutal! I haven’t seen the preview in a long time, but I’m pretty sure you at least see the attack on Uther and that his life is hanging in the balance if you watch the full preview, but wow, going from wheel of death hijinx to what the episode actually ends up being is ROUGH.
–But that’s not what we’re going to get so I’ll just be crying every other episode.–
LOTS OF HUGS
I’m cery sorry you’ve encountered similar struggled with this episode as we did, though as I’ve said above to someone else, it does make me feel less bad for my own struggles and frustrations, and voicing them out loud, that other people have the same problems. at least we’re all in this together… or something. hmmmm.
–It would be fine if this was the only bit of the episode which is trying to be lighthearted so that the drastic shift to Uther death hits harder but that’s not what the episode does. Instead we get Dragoon…–
yeah, I think birthday festivities into Uther’s death would have been great. Just this proper jump off a cliff. Literally what you got by watching a bit of the preview, thinking it was all going to be fun and games, and then it isn’t. But yes, they would need to stay there. the fact that they don’t is really frustrating 🙁
–This is Merlin, of course, and usually Merlin and Arthur are amazing at shifting from comedy to drama in the matter of seconds but they don’t manage it at all this episode. —
I think a huge part of the problem is that it’s NOT merlin and arthur for most of the episode. it’s dragoon and arthur. and to us that reads as Merlin, but it isn’t. I think a lot of why they are so good about those tonal shifts normally is because they are often doing it when they are both 100% aware of just how dire a situation is, and therefore the cheering up is force, but purposefully so, because they are trying to make light of the situation for their own sake, or each other. Dragoon is solely there for the audience’s benefit, and that’s why the comedy is jaring to me.
–I need to end this comment on a positive note by saying just how beautiful the staircase scene is. I will never be over it. It’s perfect and I love it.–
YES! yes yes yes yes yes.
yes.
M Xx
PS: yes.
7th March 2021 @ 12:26 pm
Hi everyone! It’s great to be back for another season. I got a bit confused last week so sorry for the late lesson submission, also I can’t beleive how many comments there were last week! It’s great to have so many new people.
I was really happy with Katie’s performance in this episode too! Its such a shame about the script because here you can really see that this should have been Morganas time to come into her own. She’s got her new witchy look which is such a brilliant contrast to her colourful and put together silk dresses, and now she is messier but also more free and magical. But this scene was brilliant because she has to face up to her own actions and we see a human side to her rather then the hahahaha evil one. Despite her best efforts, Morgana is very human here as her turbulent relationship with Uther reaches it’s unfulfilling and rather tragic end.
7th March 2021 @ 12:35 pm
Katie’s performance is beautiful! She gives the character so much more depth than what the writers gave her. I think that’s why the character worked really well for me the first time I watched the show because I could see so much emotion on Morgana and that gave me reasons for her actions instead of the writing itself. I really wish the show would have given her more opportunities to be human, because she drifts off to be a smirky villain most of the time and that’s not what a villain makes great. It’s the small vulnerable moments which make them complex.
7th March 2021 @ 9:38 pm
It is such a shame how they set her up to potentially be a nuanced and human villain, rather than just another kind that is all evil and delivers half-baked murder plots, but unfortunately this is just the role I think she takes up. However, overall I do think Morgana’s descent from this point is really interesting so I’m looking forward to some more great Katie as Morgana vulnerable moments!
9th March 2021 @ 3:04 pm
I completely agree. I think Katie does an amazing job going forward of trying really hard (she shouldn’t have to, dont get me wrong!!) to sell Morgana’s journey in spite of what the scripts tell us. Just imagine how astonishing she could be, if she was given a story line that worked with her, rather than almost against her 🙁
M Xx
6th March 2021 @ 10:43 pm
I think this is one of those episodes where I always question whether I like it so much because it is so seminal and has those few incredible scenes or because it has actual merit. Your commentary pointed out many inconsistencies and I agree that one of the worst is Merlin bartering his own freedom and Arthur’s opinion of magic on a healing spell he hadn’t even researched at that point. (Is this scene in the wrong place in the episode?) I am offended by Merlin’s lack of intelligence in this episode which is not in character. Surely, he would have considered that, if he was unsuccessful, Arthur’s views on magic would deteriorate. That’s a very real possibility and it isn’t acknowledged. It’s as if Merlin is completely blinkered by the possibility of fulfilling his destiny.
Speaking of being blinkered, I don’t think that Arthur being shocked and unprepared for his father’s death indicates that he as a character hasn’t lived through the first three seasons and the last year with Uther practically an invalid. Last year, we lost my grandma and she had been doing very badly for many years. We could see it coming from miles away but when her loss was imminent, I still found that I was unprepared because until then I couldn’t fully realise what it actually meant.
However, what I do find illogical is Arthur’s decision to use magic to heal his father. The episode downplays the immensity of that decision. He is breaking his own law which incurs a death sentence! In 3.5. Uther asked for magic to heal Morgana as a shock reaction to her sudden accident. But Uther’s imminent demise has been coming on for a while and I don’t think it is reasonable that Arthur has turned to magic so rashly. Again, I am offended for Arthur because of his lack of intelligence and level-headed thinking in this episode.
I won’t even start on Merlin and Gaius not showing Arthur the necklace.. Arthur knows that the sorcerer couldn’t have placed the necklace on Uther as the man was under his constant observation. So, he would have to admit that Dragoon was honest and his plea for peace and freedom for his people would be valid and at least worth Arthur’s consideration. It would cause Arthur to feel at least somewhat beholden to ‘Dragoon’. Why! Why? (Okay, I did start on it anyway. Sorry.)
Speaking of Dragoon, I have many questions about the hut. Perhaps I should feel offended again about the producer’s belief in their audience’s lack of intelligence? We recognise this hut! Literally last episode, we saw the hut and it had a dead man inside. Merlin and Lancelot ran from the Dorocha, so they didn’t remove the corpse, just covered it with a blanket earlier in the day. So, there’d now be a foul-smelling, half-rotten body there. Also, in 4.1. Arthur & Co rode two days until Merlin was attacked by the Dorocha. Then Lancelot took him back towards Camelot for one day before he was healed. Then they tried to catch up Arthur and after one day found the hut. This hut should be two days’ travel by horse from Camelot! Glad Uther lasted long enough!
I also really don’t understand the reason why this isn’t the moment when Merlin reveals himself to Arthur (apart perhaps from a debilitating, irrational fear). Arthur couldn’t kill Merlin because he himself just proposed using magic to help Uther. He couldn’t send Merlin away because he needs him to heal his father. Since Merlin is right there and there would be no need to spend time on an elaborate subterfuge, Agravaine wouldn’t have time to warn Morgana or do the necklace trick. And once Merlin has healed Uther, Arthur definitely wouldn’t send him away and would be open to listen to the case for magic not only because he has seen it be used for good by a random sorcerer who was previously convicted for enchanting him but because it’s his loyal friend Merlin who champions it. This was the perfect moment and they blew it!
Odin’s out-of-the-blue assassination attempt actually makes a lot of sense to me, both as a surprise element but also because grief can have so many different faces. Sometimes, in Odin’s case, the need for revenge drives him to action. Sometimes his grief will send him into long periods of apathy. Remember how he mourned over the tomb of his son in the very first shot in 2.2.? I am not surprised he didn’t stage another attempt until now. What remains true is that Odin (who will reappear later) is probably the most clever and effective adversary we will ever see on Merlin. Myror the assassin was a great idea. The gleeman plan was ingenious and his future plans will be equally competent. Unlike Morgana or Morgause, he is actually very adept at evil-ing!
These are just some extra things that I picked up on:
– Did anyone else notice that the knives thrown at Arthur were the exact same ones as the one used by ‘Lady Helen’ in 1.1. I went back and checked! Also, after that incident, how does anyone allow knives to be thrown at Arthur, even as a test of bravery?
– I like that ‘The Bond of Sacrifice’ theme underscores the scene when Arthur cradles Uther. It ennobles Uther’s final demise as he is acting selflessly to rescue his son. In that, he also joins his wife in a bond of sacrifice who, on the same day, gave her life for Arthur to be born. (Curiously, not one mentions or commemorates Ygraine at all in this episode.)
– Gaius tells Merlin that he is ‘playing a dangerous game’ (bla bla bla vague, empty but impactful-sounding nonsense). However, to belatedly research the healing magic, Merlin pulls off books from Gaius’ regular bookshelves! This room has been searched a fair few times and Gaius just has magic books on his shelves?! Oh, and Gaius’ tavern excuse is now outright vile: last time, an old sorcerer had been found enchanting Gwen and Arthur, nearly costing Gwen her life: Gaius says Merlin is in the tavern. Arthur’s father, the king of Camelot, is dying and Arthur has agreed to meet with a dangerous sorcerer: Gaius says Merlin is in the tavern. I would say he is actively working against Arthur and Merlin’s destiny!
– I wish I could say something good about Dragoon but I cannot. The only part where I can accept this character as credible and consistent with Merlin’s personality and morality is when he speaks to Arthur over Uther’s death bed because I recognise Merlin’s regular voice in Dragoon. Otherwise, this whole this is a puzzling farce which makes me seriously question Merlin’s kind-heartedness and relationship with Arthur.
My favourite bit of the episode is the scene in his chambers before Arthur goes to mourn Uther. Bradley is placed very centrally between two very distinctively lit parts of his room. Dark/blue with silver moonshine which could signify his grief or the past and a softer but yet subdued red, golden tone, hinting at the colours of Camelot that will flourish under Arthur’s reign. Arthur is yet caught in the middle of those two, quite stationary, lingering in limbo between darkness and the dawn of a new day, the past and the future. Then he moves towards the door and into the golden-red lit side of the room. It indicates his decision to move on instead of remain apathetic in his grief or leadership.
7th March 2021 @ 1:12 pm
I thought the same thing about Merlin not revealing his magic this episode.
We see Arthur willing to accept magic. The way he looks when he says he wants to use it suggests that he doesn’t think it’s pure evil and Merlin could have used that.
This episode really establishes the closeness of them and how much they care about each other. Therefore It would have been such a great episode to build on that bond through the reveal. We know Arthur wouldn’t have him executed if Merlin would have said something this episode. Surly Merlin should have been able to see that.
What I was wondering about the books about magic is what exactly I allowed? Because we have seen many books about magical creatures and artefacts before and those evidently aren’t forbidden. However, a book with a healing spell in it really stretches that too far and that would certainly fall in the definitions of forbidden objects.
I honestly don’t understand why Gaius is never coming up with a better excuse for where Merlin is. He certainly always has an excuse why Merlin shouldn’t do whatever he plans to do. He should be the master of excuses by now. So yes, that excuse is just cruel and I don’t understand why Arthur isn’t more upset about it, because if he really believed that Merlin was at the tavern while his dad is dying, that would just be awful. Gaius is driving them apart, so I agree with you, he’s working against destiny. Thank god that Merlin and Arthur’s bond is so tight that Gaius’s rubbish excuses don’t actually drive them apart.
7th March 2021 @ 4:06 pm
I love what you wrote about Odin and grief; I would argue that this episode is about grief and the actions it can drive people to make.
Sometimes those actions are heroic and sometimes they’re reckless.
Odin’s assassination attempt, Arthur’s decision to turn to magic, Merlin’s desperate ploy to heal Uther, and Morgana’s repressed anguish when she learns that her plot was successful – they all point to grief and the way it makes people act in their darkest hours.
If this episode wasn’t such a mess I’d say it was a study on that topic, and the only one who seems to learn anything from the experience is Arthur. Unfortunately, what he learns, the belief that magic is evil, is so frustrating for us as an audience, but it makes sense in the context and…anytime this show has context and makes sense, I think it’s a win 😅
7th March 2021 @ 4:59 pm
Oh, I completely agree and I wish that had ostensibly been the focus of the episode: grief, its many forms in as many different people and how to live and move forward with it. I think Arthur, at the end, has also learned how to accept and move forward with his grief, symbolsed when he closes the doors to the throne room he has just left. The expression on his face isn’t so much sad or mournful any more. It’s peaceful. Arthur has made peace with what has happened and is able to move forward into the future which, as he turns around, waits for him with dark circles under his eyes but alive and loyal and by his side. 🙂
7th March 2021 @ 5:01 pm
Sorry, ostensibly is NOT the word I meant to use. I meant ostentatiously.
7th March 2021 @ 4:55 pm
Gaius is the worst. Merlin and Arthur are the best and I wish Merlin trusted more in their friendship than their supposed destiny. Then he wouldn’t have been so single-minded and blinkered in his actions and have revealed himself to Arthur. The painful thing is that Arthur trusts in his friendship with Merlin wholly and completely. He doesn’t berate him for bieng in the tavern when he meets with the sorcerer, understanding his supposed fear of magic-users. He calls him a loyal friend and seems unsurprised that Merlin waited for him outside the throne room. If Merlin realises that he should have trusted and been led by their bond more than destiny in this episode, it only happens at the end, when it is, sadly, too late. Possibly, many of Merlin’s mistakes are made for the same reason, in the past and future. I shall try to keep track of this. Bond of Destiny vs Bond of Friendship…
7th March 2021 @ 2:31 pm
“Gaius just has magic books on his shelves”
In my mind, magic works in understanding and manipulating the things around you in another way than doing it with your hands or tools, so for me it makes perfectly sense. I think, Merlin isn’t looking for a spell, but the knowledge about the heart and it’s function and anatomy so he can manipulate the injury in a magical way. And so for me this would have been no books about magic but about medicine.
“I also really don’t understand the reason why this isn’t the moment when Merlin reveals himself to Arthur”
I believe at this point Merlin is afraid of being exposed for so long and the fear is so much part of his personality, he wouldn’t tell Arthur of his own volition no matter what. So I agree with you that this would have been the perfect moment but I believe it would be out of character for Merlin to tell Arthur. But Arthur being not as dumb as they write him and finding out for himself would have been great.
7th March 2021 @ 3:36 pm
“I believe at this point Merlin is afraid of being exposed for so long and the fear is so much part of his personality, he wouldn’t tell Arthur of his own volition no matter what. So I agree with you that this would have been the perfect moment but I believe it would be out of character for Merlin to tell Arthur. But Arthur being not as dumb as they write him and finding out for himself would have been great.”
I agree with that! From Merlin’s perspective, Arthur is devastated by the fact that his father is dying, and is trying to do anything to help him. His willingness to use magic might be a sign that he doesn’t regard it as truly evil, but a large component of that is Arthur’s desperation. If it was a more peaceful moment in which Arthur was considering using magic, I believe Merlin would feel safer to tell him – but in the vulnerable state Arthur’s in, how would he react to this revelation? Not only is his father dying, but also his best friend uncovers such a huge secret about himself! Arthur could have lost it and reacted in a very exaggerated way – and it wouldn’t have been safe for Merlin, nor considerate of Arthur whose whole world would be spun upside down. But Arthur finding out would be, perhaps, a much better choice this episode!
7th March 2021 @ 5:10 pm
See, but I think Arthur wouldn’t have killed or imprisoned Merlin. He would undoubtedly have been angry but he needed him and his magic. And once Merlin had healed Uther, Arthur would be too elated to retaliate and then, hopefully, would have calmed down enough so he would listen to Merlin. Isn’t it a greater shock to find out something terrible when you are in a good mood and everything is nice and peaceful than when you’re in turmoil anyway?
7th March 2021 @ 5:30 pm
I don’t think Arthur would have imprisoned Merlin, nor killed him. But from Merlin’s perspective, his best friend is in an emotional turmoil, and another disaster (and I believe that’s how Arthur would initially perceive it: as a betrayal, and therefore, a disaster) could tip the scale and push Arthur into despair. MAYBE he’d recognize Merlin’s usefulness at the moment and MAYBE they’d be able to work things through after the crisis passes – but I’m not surprised that Merlin didn’t want to test Arthur’s resilience at that moment. Not only for his own sake, but also for Arthur’s. Arthur probably wouldn’t have resolved to legal measures, but he might have said many things he’d regret afterwards.
Maybe it is a greater shock to find out something terrible when the times are peaceful – but when you find it out when you’re already on the edge, it can push you to enormous levels of anxiety / depression, cause a meltdown, burnout etc. Of course, ultimately, it depends on a person. Arthur is resilient, but I think much of this resilience is for show, for the sake of his subjects (he doesn’t want to be seen as weak), but he’s often suffering greatly on the inside. I think Merlin didn’t want to do that to him. (which, of course, doesn’t explain why he behaved as he did when he was Dragoon – unless we just accept the headcannon that Dragoon is someone that overtakes Merlin, and not his conscious role)
7th March 2021 @ 5:06 pm
I think Merlin says to Gaius, while looking through the books, that he cannot find the spell he is looking for. So, that made me think that these were actual spellbooks on Gaius’ shelves. But I think your point contains some very frustrating truth: we are never really told much about magic, how it work or even what is allowed in Camelot. A magic bracelet nearly got Gaius burned when the witcfinder found it, but books on magical beasts or, clearly, spellbooks, are allowed? Oh wait, wasn’t Merlin found to possess one in the goblin episode and then condemned to death? So, they keep magic deliberately vague so it can serve their often contradictory or senseless storylines and purposes! 🙁
7th March 2021 @ 7:31 pm
Oh, you’re totally right, I forgot about this second scene. So yes, it is quite absurd to hide Merlins magic book but having Gaius’ lying around.
8th March 2021 @ 8:44 pm
Sometimes I think Merlin’s mistakes about whether to reveal magic or not (or save an evil person or not) come from a combination of all the above on this thread (fear of Arthur’s response, especially deep, ingrained fear + not wanting to kick Arthur while he’s down) + him still being a young man. He may not be a young boy, but he doesn’t always think through everything logically, especially in the heat of the moment and when pressed for time. We have the benefit of series hindsight and an omniscient perspective that Merlin does not have. When I get overly frustrated that Merlin could have done X, Y, or Z to make it all work and I have nothing else to blame (except maybe the writers), I just turn toward his youth as the excuse. I think that’s why the Lessons Learnt game can be so fun as the characters grow, learn, and mature, if only they always retained the lessons…
9th March 2021 @ 3:29 pm
— I am offended by Merlin’s lack of intelligence in this episode which is not in character.–
someone made the point above that he gets caught up in the possibility of it all, and it made me ponder on whether he can’t even allow himself to think about potentially not being able to pull off this healing spell, because of what it would mean for the magical community and for his own need to have arthur see him for who he really is. and of course, as it often does, wanting it too much makes him rush in and causes the exact thing he’s trying to prevent to happen. As often though, it would be good if that was actually what I felt the script was trying to tell me, rather than what I’m making up in my head to justify what I see on the screen 🙁
–We could see it coming from miles away but when her loss was imminent, I still found that I was unprepared because until then I couldn’t fully realise what it actually meant.–
I’m sorry about your grandmother. And yes, of course you’re right, non of us actually know how we’re going to react to something that big, even if you’ve played it out in your mind a million times. I guess for me it’s just that in a TV show setting (or any fictional medium) I need to feel like the person creating the story and giving the character the reaction has a clear view point on what that reaction is. I don’t have a problem with Arthur not being able to let his father go and deciding he’s going to do whatever it takes, including magic, to try and heal him. that feels completely natural to me. And the explosive devestating loss that Bradley gives us when Uther is stabbed, and his child like reaction to being faced with losing his father is beautiful. I think there’s also an aspect to Arthur’s reaction that stems from being prepared to loose Uther to this creeping illness that he is not looking likely to recover from with the potential that maybe, just maybe, he will, to suddenly being on death’s door through a completely different and incredibly violent action. that change of pace also justifies a dramatic change in reaction. So I think there were multiple ways in which a change of beahviour could be explained, i just didn’t necessarily feel the writers explained it well, if that makes sense?
–. But Uther’s imminent demise has been coming on for a while and I don’t think it is reasonable that Arthur has turned to magic so rashly. Again, I am offended for Arthur because of his lack of intelligence and level-headed thinking in this episode.–
See I actually find that more explainable, because of the above shift that I just talked about in regards to the fact that yes, uther has been getting weaker for a full year, but there is always a glimmer of hope, and especially with uther’s sudden engagement around Arthur’s birthday and showing those lucide moments, giving Arthur this unexpected hope, and then having him be stabbed and suddenly being very immediately on death’s door, through something completely else.
I guess I would find it a lot harder to justify arthur turning to magic, or even thinking about turning to magic while his father is slowly getting weaker over time, because there isn’t a sudden catalyst for it, so at what point do you jump to the conclusion that NOW is when you should think about magic and how do you justify it, when really uther’s not any different to how he was a week ago, or a month ago. I’d find that a much harder change of mind to write, if I was the creator.
— Why! Why? (Okay, I did start on it anyway. Sorry.)–
justifiable. it’s endlessly frustrating!!!
–Also, in 4.1. Arthur & Co rode two days until Merlin was attacked by the Dorocha. Then Lancelot took him back towards Camelot for one day before he was healed. Then they tried to catch up Arthur and after one day found the hut. This hut should be two days’ travel by horse from Camelot! Glad Uther lasted long enough!–
yep. they really shot themselves in the foot giving us such specific time information in the opening of this season. I don’t know how often we’re gonna keep running into it this year, but I feel this isn’t the last time
–I also really don’t understand the reason why this isn’t the moment when Merlin reveals himself to Arthur —
[edit: having just read all the comments underneath yours, I see that this discussion was had here, again. that’s what I get for responding to stuff before continuing to read the rest of the website hahaha but I’m gonna leave what I originally wrote here, anyway, but fully aware this has already been discussed, so feel free to ignore me! lol]
there’s an argument that’s been made in the comments above in regards to how huge and brutal it would be for Merlin to reveal himself to Arthur at this point when Arthur already has so much to deal with and is already waging a war in his own head over wanting to save his father, but not wanting to go against his father’s wishes. And on top of that having to deal with merlin being a sorcerer and having hidden that from him all this time… I can see how Merlin didn’t think this was the right time.
Completely separate from that I do also think that BBC Merlin as a whole just runs into this massive problem the longer it goes on where they are coming up against there not being a right time EVER over and over and over again. You know when it feels like either you should have said something 3 years ago, or you never say anything… and that’s sort of the time we have reached now. It’s a little bit like ‘Arthur will return when Albion’s need is greatest’ – but so far, he hasn’t. So if you’re writing his return…. how do you justify it, against everything that we know has gone down in history?? it’s a nice mirror in that way, but mostly it’s just sad for these two young men… 🙁
— What remains true is that Odin (who will reappear later) is probably the most clever and effective adversary we will ever see on Merlin. Myror the assassin was a great idea. The gleeman plan was ingenious and his future plans will be equally competent. Unlike Morgana or Morgause, he is actually very adept at evil-ing!–
okay, I am now SUPER intrigued because I thougth Odin was going to show up again, and then I looked up the episode I was thinking about and realised that it wasn’t Odin, so I have NO CLUE when he’ll return, and am very much looking forward to it! 🙂
–– Did anyone else notice that the knives thrown at Arthur were the exact same ones as the one used by ‘Lady Helen’ in 1.1.—
hahaha oh wow. I did not notice that, no! nice spotting!!
–I like that ‘The Bond of Sacrifice’ theme underscores the scene when Arthur cradles Uther. It ennobles Uther’s final demise as he is acting selflessly to rescue his son. In that, he also joins his wife in a bond of sacrifice who, on the same day, gave her life for Arthur to be born. (Curiously, not one mentions or commemorates Ygraine at all in this episode.)–
I find it really hard to remember how much of the ‘Uther never speaks about Ygraine and forbids anyone else from doing so!!!!’ is in my head just because of fanfiction and how much of it is actually real established canon and how much of it is just inferred canon, but yes, you’d think that Ygraine would come up in regards to Arthur’s birthday funk, and then again sooner than just right at the end in the MAGIC IS EVIL NOW M’KAY?!?!? justification.
M Xx
5th March 2021 @ 10:15 pm
I’ll just have to mention it once, instead of every time it happens…please bear with me! I don’t find Arthur’s pant-less scenes funny in any way. They’re desperate, juvenile and quite creepy, considering his vulnerable state in some of them (drugged, wrestled on the ground..)
While we’re at it, let’s talk about another season 4 thing: Gwen’s ‘makeover’. I love her new hair, the new blue/white dresses; it’s so fairy tale. But my cynical side can’t ignore the elephant in the room. Like every other character besides Merlin, it’s a part of Gwen being gradually sexualised. With Gwen the transformation is more obvious because they deliberately put her into really covered up clothing in Season 1 then lowers her neckline, tightens her corset every season. A dedicated routine that continues into Season 5.
We can argue it’s part of her being more confident or having more of an interest in her appearance now that she has a boyfriend. But neither seems to align particularly with Gwen who is seen as the no-nonsense one. More disturbing is when we establish a female character is more ‘confident’ or developed by using her appearance while reducing her actual number of meaningful contributions. 😔
Speaking of character growth, let’s talk about one of the biggest revelations of 2020: Arthur’s alternate look to make him older (darker?) for Season 4 which TPTB changed their mind about. I like to think there’s an alternate universe where they decided to keep the more mature look, cut out the trouser-dropping and made him grow as he becomes king. Sadly the conclusion for me is that Prince Arthur was way cooler than King Arthur.
Disclaimer: I love this show and all the emotions of this episode.😄
6th March 2021 @ 12:22 am
As to Gwen’s makeover – so true. Although I must admit, I do love some of her outfits from seasons 4 and 5, and they really make her look super regal and confident.
“Speaking of character growth, let’s talk about one of the biggest revelations of 2020: Arthur’s alternate look to make him older (darker?) for Season 4 which TPTB changed their mind about.”
I would never forgive them for that! He looked so great!
As to King Arthur vs. Prince Arthur, I do like King Arthur 🙂 He has his darker moments, but I do feel like he’s grown quite a lot. But I guess I’ll talk about it in later episodes 🙂
7th March 2021 @ 12:20 pm
I think they talked before on the podcast about how Gwen showing a little more cleavage and being a little more sexualised is to do with her being the only real love interest of the show, so I quite like her later outfits- I don’t think Merlin is too bad on the sexualizing women front (well maybe aside from poor Vivienne…), partly because the knights’ chests make quite regular appearances… Sometimes this is a little over the top but I wonder if it’s targeted at a more female audience? A lot of fantasy shows are BOOBS BOOBS BOOBS but Merlin, being a family show of course, isn’t like that which I appreciate.
7th March 2021 @ 5:17 pm
I agree – I really don’t like that Gwen has to wear so much more make-up and show more and more cleavage. Not only does it always make me think that she’d be cold (Merlin wears a neckerchief: Camelot isn’t a warm place) and it also seems to say that Gwen wasn’t pretty enough in previous season and they need to ‘beauty’ her up as she become more central in Arthur’s life and the show. But how nice would it have been, if Gwen had been allowed to keep her simple beauty and practical outfits and Arthur loved her anyway?
5th March 2021 @ 5:25 pm
I’ll be breaf this time.
First of all: you guys said my name right!!!!! I did whoop for joy aloud when I heard it (really confusing my parents as I did so, as I was listening on earphones).
Second of all: This episode should’ve been 1 higher on the List of Destiny. It is better than Lancelot, just LOOK AT IT *heart eye emoji*. It has it’s flaws but I think it’s a lot better than you guys give it credit. Maybe the things that really annoy you guys just don’t bother me as much. The only things I really hate is the fact that from Arthur pov, Merlin is in the tavern the whole time and we don’t get to hear Arthur’s opinion on magic throughout the episode. But I think that Colin Morgan and Bradley James carry the changes is tone from comedy to serious really well, even if the episode as a whole doesn’t, it’s basically down to their performance. But the last 5 mins is STUNNING and there are other amazing bits in this that makes me really like this episode, I think it’s pretty good…
Third of all: Forgot to say from last episode, all the Ile of the Blessed scenes were filmed in Raglan Castle, but that big hall with the vagina hole between worlds was set and green screen. Not sure where the other castle scenes were filmed (the one where Merlin diesdoesn’tdie), possibly the same one. Probably the same one.
7th March 2021 @ 5:19 pm
Yep, the part where Merlin doesn’t die was also filmed at Raglan Castle. Just next to the courtyard where he battled Nimueh. 🙂
9th March 2021 @ 3:45 pm
WHOOP WHOOP!
now watch us butcher your name again, next time, just so we can keep this thing going! hahaha kidding aside, yay! very happy we finally got there 😀
–Second of all: This episode should’ve been 1 higher on the List of Destiny. It is better than Lancelot, just LOOK AT IT *heart eye emoji*–
hahaha we do at least acknowledge that we’re aware that everyone is confused in our love for the episode Lancelot. Including myself occassionally. But then I rewatch Lancelot and I love it!! so what can you do ::shrug::
–But the last 5 mins is STUNNING and there are other amazing bits in this that makes me really like this episode, I think it’s pretty good…–
the last 5 minutes of that episode are absolutely some of the best BBC merlin there is and they linger in your mind in the way very little television does, and also if you’re going to have an epsiode that has good bits and wobbly bits, then doing it this way (ie starting off on a high and ending on a high) is definitely the best way to do it!
M Xx
4th March 2021 @ 7:35 pm
Oh, and one more thing – the “requiem” theme which I commented on below has a choir part which also features in the scene in 1.13, when Uther is falling to his knees under the weight of Arthur’s unconscious body. In the Season 1 soundtrack it’s called “Arthur’s final battle” and the Uther’s death theme seems to be a much more pompous, requiem-feeling variation on this theme. Yet another parallel between those two episodes, and one which is also very touching to me.
4th March 2021 @ 6:43 pm
OMG OMG! Thank you for the dedication! And for soo many kind words! And for the point!❤❤ I’m always happy to do the musical homework 😁😁
Also, happy birthday, Michelle! 😊
Now, to the episode!
I’m really happy you dedicated this one to me, because I really like it. I do agree with what you said about logical / tone inconsistencies, though. But still, everyone in the cast is just SO GOOD in this episode! With Colin and Bradley, you can make their acting portfolios out of their combined scenes and you’d have everything: happiness, sadness, anxiety, despair (Colin’s stuttering! Bradley’s broken “guards”!), comedy… that’s probably why I usually spend half of this episode with my mouth open.
I totally forgot that it was Odin who sent Myror back in season 2! Yeah, he did have other projects going on in the meantime, didn’t he? 🤣 But the assassination plot is really good! And I’m with you on liking the fact that it’s not a magic user that starts this all.
I love the contrast in the reaction shots when Arthur is spinning on the wheel. I love how Gwen and Merlin are both concerned, but each in a different way – whereas Uther has this childlike wonder in his eyes, which, I think, is a very interesting choice. Part of it could be, of course, due to the fact of his mental state, but there seems to be also some sense that he just doesn’t believe his son would ever NOT be able to prove that he’s not afraid. There is an echo there of an Uther who’d say “of course my son would win the tournament, that’s the minimum of what I expect from him”.
I like the moment where the people of Camelot are having the vigil. It’s a clear throwback to 1.13, but with the role reversal. Back then, Uther was also angry that the people are treating the dying Arthur as if he was already dead. It’s quite a touching parallel.
Oh, the music! The scene where Arthur enters the hall to spend a night with his father’s body, apart from being so stunningly shot with all the light and darkness, also has the most beautiful soundtrack. It’s as if I stepped into Mozart’s Requiem.
Also, when the people gather for Arthur’s coronation, the Excalibur theme is playing. A sign of what’s to come, maybe?
Katie McGrath is really good here! In general, I do find Morgana of season 4 much more complex than in the previous season. Despite the whole Agravaine nonsense.
As to Dragoon, I can’t ever think of him as of simply a disguise, even though that’s what the show is probably trying to tell me. You’re right, everything between him and Arthur would make so much more sense if he was literally a different person! Especially so he really DOES have this quality of a cranky old wizard from every legend, and it feels like something that’s overtaking him rather than a role he is playing.
The scene with the sun and the new day is the most beautiful in the whole show. Hands down. Also, I do remember Alice Troughton saying something about Arthur being like the sun god Apollo in the video commentary, and how this is the longest shot in the series so far. So glad she directed it this way!
And I get your anxiety in the end, haha 😁 but I also love this moment. There is so much emotional baggage passing through Merlin’s face then, before he’s able to gather strength and join in with the others! Chef’s kiss!
In general, you probably know by now that I do love good tragedy. So I wish this tragedy was more neatly written, so that you really can’t say that there were just a few little things the characters should have done to prevent it from happening.
5th March 2021 @ 10:25 pm
“With Colin and Bradley, you can make their acting portfolios out of their combined scenes and you’d have everything”
I absolutely agree -there are numerous scenes on Merlin that make me think this. Which is why I was quite shocked to discover there were no Merlin scenes in either of their ‘showreels’. I looked them up quite recently so maybe their agents felt more recent acting footage should be on the reels. Or there was a deliberate decision to break away from Merlin to express they can be more than ‘family show stars/teen heartthrobs’. But man, there are certain bits in Merlin that hit you way beyond what a ‘family show’ would and these two have made it happen!
9th March 2021 @ 4:21 pm
there definitely used to be a lot of merlin stuff on at least Bradley’s show reel. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Colin’s. makes me want to look it up. But I guess it’s like a “normal person’s” CV, isn’t it? that job you had 10 years ago fresh out of college really isn’t as important as the jobs you’ve done since. Also I guess with actors there’s also always the superficial shitty element of growing older and therefore not wanting someone to look at you ten years ago and expect you to still look the same? which is less problematic for blokes in this industry, but still a problem
M Xx
8th March 2021 @ 5:41 pm
I’m right there with you, Danuta. The Requiem and on, and I am just completely in the feels. Very powerful.
9th March 2021 @ 4:45 pm
–I’m really happy you dedicated this one to me, because I really like it. —
yay! And I’m so glad that we didn’t like… ruin it or anything. the acting in this episode is outstanding, and it’s a farewell to Tony and that in and off itself makes it worthwhile watching. man, I miss having Tony Head in regular on my screen television!!!
–I totally forgot that it was Odin who sent Myror back in season 2! Yeah, he did have other projects going on in the meantime, didn’t he? 🤣 —
he’s a busy man, he’s got stuff to do! lol I’m sure that the writers actually did remember (and Mary mentioned that Odin comes back, which I have no memory of!! so clearly there is a long form Odin thing in the show) but they could be completely forgiven for accidentally using the name a second time, because poor Odin wasn’t very memorable, it was all about Myror!
–whereas Uther has this childlike wonder in his eyes, which, I think, is a very interesting choice.–
that shots always make me giggle, which honestly does take me out of the moment a bit, as yeah, uther’s almost a bit too gleeful, but I agree with you, there are multiple justifications as to why that is, and all of them work for me. also again, tony! He can do no wrong. and he’s got the sweetest face when he’s happy!!
–I like the moment where the people of Camelot are having the vigil. It’s a clear throwback to 1.13, but with the role reversal. Back then, Uther was also angry that the people are treating the dying Arthur as if he was already dead. It’s quite a touching parallel.–
also I don’t think I said this on the podcast but to Ruth while we were taking our notes, but I was really struck by the choice of how many people were there. definitely more than were there for Arthur. Which I don’t think is a value judgement of them as people, but simply the fact that it is the acting king, and that’s a HUGE deal and affects the lives of everyone in Camlot, in a way that the crown prince dying wouldn’t. certainly not immediately.
–Also, when the people gather for Arthur’s coronation, the Excalibur theme is playing. A sign of what’s to come, maybe?–
this stuff! that’s exactly that stuff that I just utterly miss, but I love it!!
— a cranky old wizard from every legend, and it feels like something that’s overtaking him rather than a role he is playing.–
everything to do with Dragoon is so so much better if you can just keep that in mind.
–And I get your anxiety in the end, haha 😁 but I also love this moment. There is so much emotional baggage passing through Merlin’s face then, before he’s able to gather strength and join in with the others! Chef’s kiss!–
I was really worried as I suddenly thought that we may have been unclear in our comments on that scene, because colin is magnificent in it! i would just die if I had to be him!!! hahahaha
M Xx
4th March 2021 @ 5:39 pm
So, hi to everybody.
I am finally up to the point where I can comment right in time because I’ve done all the catching up with the previous seasons.
There are so many things I want to say, and not all belong into this episode, and I will really try to get some sense and structure into this.
So first of all, this episode continues to make mistakes we’ve all seen before so many times and I don’t understand the reasoning for it. Merlin and Gaius are keeping Arthur in the dark about things that are going on and they spend so much effort in getting him to a point, where he isn’t able to make any informed decision.
This bothers me a little bit about the magic thing in this episode but especially about Agravaine and Morgana. There is no reason to keep this a secret. In the first season we learned that it is not ok to get accusations out about a nobleman when you are a servant and you have no proof, but this was always about Uther, never about Arthur. Merlin did exactly this thing in the second (!) episode ever. In “Valiant” he went to Arthur and said, look, I can’t prove anything (apart from the rubber snake), but this dude is up to no good, and Arthur trusted him then. Why on earth should he not trust him now? I don’t get it. And since we have seen how Merlin wasn’t able to rely on Arthur’s trust in season 3 with Morgana, and this I understand a little bit because of Uther and she being his (foster)sister and it would be much harder to convince Arthur under these circumstances and maybe Merlin had been putting himself in danger back then.
But now I get the feeling exactly the same is happening with Agravaine and I feel we will see Arthur tapping around in the dark and not doing the right things because nobody is telling him what is going on.
Arthur is king now and Merlin is weakening him, and I really can’t see a reason why he should be doing this.
Also, there is this thing about Merlin making mistakes because he can’t stand seeing Arthur miserable. Like in “The Crystal Cave” where he saved Morgana against all better knowledge, he is now trying to save Uther. Merlin himself has no interest in saving Uther and the destiny thingy is telling him that Arthur has to be king. We all can see that Arthur is ready to do that and a living Uther is no good way to get there. And in a way I really like that Merlin is like this because it makes him human and vulnerable and it shows us how much he loves Arthur but it makes me so sad. He tries to protect Arthur from things Arthur shouldn’t be protected from and in the end he always fails. Morgana being rescued by Merlin back then didn’t spare Arthur any pain in the end. It seems to me that Merlin has to little trust in Arthur being a strong and resilient man and king and I can’t see why this is either.
And at least I can’t resist commenting on the staircase scene. I love it. I love how you can see in his eyes all the love he has for Arthur and the pain he feels for him and the angst because he thinks he has messed up the “bring magic back to Albion”-part of the destiny and his fear to not be able to show Arthur his true self. Everything is so beautiful about this.
So, thank you for reading, and maybe someone has any ideas about the things I didn’t get. So glad to be here.
4th March 2021 @ 8:11 pm
Welcome 🙂 So glad to see so many new people here 🙂
-Also, there is this thing about Merlin making mistakes because he can’t stand seeing Arthur miserable.-
I agree! Losing his mind when he sees Arthur or other important people miserable (but especially Arthur) is something which seems to be in the very core of Merlin’s character. Many people act kinda irrationally when they see their loved ones suffer, but Merlin automatically has this response of “I have to do something, anything, as soon as possible”. It’s a very human, but also a very sad trait – he makes himself responsible for the others’ pain and for fixing it – and that’s never a good place to be in emotionally. And, as you said, it often results in him ending up contributing to the pain anyway.
7th March 2021 @ 5:25 pm
they spend so much effort in getting him to a point, where he isn’t able to make any informed decision. –
This actually made me laugh so much. Yep, that, somehow, seems to be their combined goal. But why? WHY? Also, (SPOILER) aren’t uninformed decisions because Gaius and Merlin keep Arthur in the dark a huge part of why the show ends the way it does? Now it’s sad. 🙁
9th March 2021 @ 5:15 pm
WELCOME TO REAL TIME! hahaha Also sorry for making the week you’re caught up with everything the week where we’re having an unscheduled break. very bad timing on our part!! lol
–So first of all, this episode continues to make mistakes we’ve all seen before so many times and I don’t understand the reasoning for it. Merlin and Gaius are keeping Arthur in the dark about things that are going on and they spend so much effort in getting him to a point, where he isn’t able to make any informed decision.–
I honestly feel like that is just the summary statement of all the things that are causing frustration when it comes to BBC merlin as a show. Generally I get frustrated by characters on TV or in books not talking to each other, and misunderstandings / bad decisions happening because of that, but Merlin does take it to a whole new level… argh!!
— In “Valiant” he went to Arthur and said, look, I can’t prove anything (apart from the rubber snake), but this dude is up to no good, and Arthur trusted him then. Why on earth should he not trust him now?–
yeah, hard agree! especially because it would be very different, if what we were doing was actually a Smallville thing, as in the whole problem with smallville was that you started superman and lex luther out as friends, and then you had to separate them, which of course is what BBC Merlin had to do with Morgana’s arc, and didn’t really manage. but Merlin and Arthur aren’t meant to grow further apart the longer things go on, and yet, we start out with Arthur trusting Merlin (inspite of multiple times saying that he doesn’t really understand why he trusts him) and the longer it goes on, the more secret Merlin keeps from Arthur, as if he’s likely to trust him less 5 years into their relationship, then he was, five days into it. grrr.
–And in a way I really like that Merlin is like this because it makes him human and vulnerable and it shows us how much he loves Arthur–
absolutely. and I know that Ruth questions me/destiny a lot whenever I say this, but I would prefere if Merlin decided to keep uther alive and destiny “punished” him for it. And in a way we can totally interpret that that’s what happened. That Morgana got to succeed with her evil necklace plan, because uther *has* to die for Arthur to be king for destiny to get on with its plans. But if that’s the case then uther could have died a dozen times before, whenever Merlin chose to save him in spite of what the dragon told him destiny wanted.
–It seems to me that Merlin has to little trust in Arthur being a strong and resilient man and king and I can’t see why this is either.–
I wonder how far one would get with a read of the whole show that was very removed from the friendship arthur and merlin develop and that we as viewers lament whenever it’s not portrait in the way we want it to be, or when characters actively act against what we believe to be true (such as Merlin should trust Arthur and believe in Arthur, because Arthur has done nothing really to make Merlin doubt him in the way that the cold read of the text suggests he must, due to his actions…) – and instead watch the show from the point of view of Merlin, this innocent kid coming into Camlot and being faced with this massive destiny and put under such an enormous amount of pressure and twisting himself to be what everyone tells him he is destined to be, and twisting himself to act in ways that fullfil his amazing destiny while trying to remain human and kind and help his friends, and often failing, and what that turns him into.
It’s not the show we have, but I do think there’s hint of it every now and again, and you probably could put together a read that was a lot darker and a lot more focused on what merlin becomes, because of destiny, and because of the constant fear he lives in, and because of the hiding and the secrets, and because of his choices/forced actions due to everything that goes on.
well, that was cheerful… sorry. ::facepalm::
4th March 2021 @ 5:14 pm
I think this episode is alright. It’s not the best, but it’s not the worst. I really like the camera work because it’s just gorgeous, the acting was brilliant and the last scene with Arthur and Merlin is just amazing. I like how the sedative drug was on the apple and the fact that Uther, who has prosecuted magic and feared sorecery for so long, was mortally wounded by some random non-magic person. No magic put him in that coma state. Of course, Morgana makes sure he dies with magic, but it wasn’t magic that dealt him the fatal wound. It all just feels poetic. I also feel that a lot of the jokes are good but because this episode is about Uther dying, they should be more serious, especially when Arthur seeks out Dragoon. Some jokes are good in that scene but like you said, Arthur’s dad is dying and Arthur is stressed. Merlin’s behavior just feels a bit off. I know the producers want to remind us that this is a family show, but Arthur’s dad is literally dying and it just feels like Merlin is making a joke out of the situation. But maybe that’s how he copes with it and he feels that he has to, in some weird way, cheer Arthur up even if he isn’t there as the person Merlin, but Dragoon.
Another point that I also feel is off with this episode, and season 4 in general, is Agravaine (or as I like to call him, Llama spit). I mean, shouldn’t Agravaine at least feel some sort of uncle-nephew love for Arthur because they seem to have some sort of history prior to the series, so why would Agravine suddenly be all murdery on Arthur. I mean, I understand his hate towards Uther and maybe he feels that Arthur being born was Arthur’s fault. But that just dumbs down Agravaine’s character because a baby can’t decide to be born. So if he was only against Uther then I wouldn’t see anything bad. Also, because in S2 we get the impression that Arthur looks a lot like his mother, wouldn’t that be some form of comfort for Agravaine, that he always has his sister with him in the form of Arthur and if he knew his sister was a kind woman, wouldn’t he think that she would be against what he’s doing to her son? It all just crumbles the more you think about it.
Also, when Arthur tells Agravine his plans of using magic to heal his father and Agravaine then tells Morgana, Wouldn’t Morgana be more like: “Huh, my magic-hating brother wants to use magic to save our father. Maybe I shouldn’t do anything bad so that Arthur can see the good magic can do and not ruin whatever faith he has in magic so that he’ll be more accepting of it when he becomes king”. But because Morgana has no real motivations, that doesn’t happen. She doesn’t think of the consequences her actions cause. I understand she is incredible mad at Uther, but to hate Arthur is just unrealistic. It’s like when she returned in S3 and was such a douch towards Gwen for no apparent reason except that “She’s evil now and evil people can’t be kind to the people who have literally done nothing wrong or tried to harm her”. I know that they need her to be the villain bacuase “Arthurian legends” and all that but when you really break down these episodes, everything just falls apart.
My last nitpick with this episode (that I can think of) is that Merlin and Gaius doesn’t tell Arthur that Uther dies because of Morgana. If they told him it would just prove the point that magic is simply a tool used for good and bad. Even if Arthur doesn’t understand much about magic, Gaius could explain to him why Dragoon’s magic didn’t work. But that brings us back to the discussion about Merlin’s magic strengh and how Morgana’s magic was somehow stronger. but I like how you talked about why they didn’t just have Gaius ‘preform’ the healing magic. I mean, Gaius could just ask Arthur to wait outside and have Merlin with Gaius because Merlin could help since he’s a physicians apprentice. And if Uther did wake up, he would be the hypocrite he is and probably not do anything against Gaius because Gaius is his friend and he saved him.
I feel that I’ve gone on for a while and I apologize. I really do love season 4 and there are so much good I can’t wait to hear you talk about. But there is so much in the writing that just doesn’t make sense when you break it down. This, however, won’t take away my enjoyment of the show because we’re all well passed the point that this show has a lot of problems but it’s so weird and bizarre I can’t help but love it.
7th March 2021 @ 5:34 pm
Also, because in S2 we get the impression that Arthur looks a lot like his mother, wouldn’t that be some form of comfort for Agravaine –
I always though that. At least with their other brother, Tristan (i.e. Black Knight from season 1), we know he came to avenge Ygraine’s death afterwards. So, okay, Agravaine wants revenge on Uther. But why Arthur when he is all that remains of his sister? And why on earth does he work with Morgana who is Uther’s bastard and has NO links to his family?
I understand she is incredible mad at Uther, but to hate Arthur is just unrealistic.-
Lol, I very vividly remember shouting at the TV when I first watched Merlin, “But why do you want to kill Arthur? Why Morgana? He hasn’t done anything to you! And why do you suddenly want his throne?” Why, Morgana, why? 🙂
‘Tis the fate of all villains to hate Arthur Pendragon because Arthur=good, villains=evil. Villains must hate all that opposes them. For some reason.
9th March 2021 @ 9:44 pm
–I think this episode is alright. It’s not the best, but it’s not the worst.–
Oh it is most definitely not the worst! After all it doesn’t have any anti semitic goblins and fat shaming trolls, so it’s already got a huuuuge head start haha
but on a serious note, the camera work and the light in this episode absolutely are gorgeous and the acting absolutely is brilliant, you’re completely right.
–I know the producers want to remind us that this is a family show–
I always think about harry potter when it comes to this sort of thing where the story line got darker and the books trippled in length, and because it was already a success that was okay and JKR could get away with it, but there was also an assumption that the readers would grow up with the books, so they may have been 11 when they read the first one, but they would be 16 when they read the fourth one, and so on and so forth. And then I wonder if TV works (or should work) the same way, and it makes me ponder Doctor Who and how actually, no, I don’t think Doctor Who changed over the years in a way that would suggest they expected their viewers to be three years older, three seasons in, and therefore more adult themes were fine. But I guess Doctor Who was always geared at an older audience. It’s oddly in that same Saturday tea time television slot, so I think of them in the same way, but it does feel like Merlin from the very get go wanted to span a wider range of viewers, and actually, it’s a set back four seasons in.
Okay, you gotta explain Llama spit to me. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love it! but I feel I am missing context haha
but yes, Agravain simply makes no senes. at all. and from all I remember we’re going to get various moments where he might almost make sense, within that one episode, not linked to anything pre or post, but even then, he still misses the mark. it’s very frustrating.
–My last nitpick with this episode (that I can think of) is that Merlin and Gaius doesn’t tell Arthur that Uther dies because of Morgana. If they told him it would just prove the point that magic is simply a tool used for good and bad.–
absolutely. and they don’t even have the S3 excuse of ‘arthur wouldn’t believe anything bad said against morgana’ because that ship has long sailed. poor arthur, always left in the dark. 🙁
— I really do love season 4 and there are so much good I can’t wait to hear you talk about. But there is so much in the writing that just doesn’t make sense when you break it down. This, however, won’t take away my enjoyment of the show because we’re all well passed the point that this show has a lot of problems but it’s so weird and bizarre I can’t help but love it.–
I’m very happy you say that because yes, that’s absolutely how I feel about the show as well. There’s going to be glorious stuff in the last two seasons, it’s just unfortunate that they keep on with the same frustrating stuff that’s been going on for 3 years, and therefore it gets more frustrating. but that doesn’t take away from all of the things I love about BBC Merlin!
M Xx