dk323 | Merlin: S2|E7: "The Witchfinder"

First things first - so there was no context to that scene where Merlin conjures the smoke-horse. *headdesk*

I had a bad feeling that that would be the case (just a result of Merlin's carelessness). Please let that be a lesson for him not to be overly complacent about using his magic. I hope he'll remember *not* to do magic tricks in view of the castle. Please, thank you. That would be great.

But other than that, I really wanted to hug Merlin in this one. OMG, his teary-eyed face -- what a painful way to learn a lesson when Gaius took the blame for him. :( Seriously, Merlin just broke my heart in this episode. The Dragon even noticed it - but, of course, he was unhelpful as usual (makes sense as it's clear the main thing the Dragon cares about is getting freed and making sure Arthur becomes King).

But oh, when the Dragon was like, "If you were to die, then you would endanger the lives of all those who rely upon you" (*cough* Arthur and some other miscellaneous people...but really Arthur is the one who matters...this is the Slash Dragon here after all).

Merlin/Arthur

I loved all the little Arthur/Merlin moments... nice to see the scene where Arthur manhandles Merlin away when he cries, "He's a LIAR!" (oh, you could see the anxiety in Merlin's face in that scene... he must have been so frustrated and distraught that Gaius was facing execution on his behalf :(().

And Arthur's little "I'm breaking the law [for you]" to Merlin and he allows Merlin to see Gaius and have some time with him. *loves Arthur* We all know that overload of pratliness at the start of Season 2 was all a ruse...

One of the earlier scenes where Arthur is the one who comes to release Merlin from the dungeons (after the Witchfinder ransacks Gaius' rooms) -- I was like, "Of course, Arthur would be the one to see him out of the dungeons." Arthur was just love in this episode...

Arthur is still oblivious -- not surprised at his incredulous, "Merlin? You can't be serious!" to the Witchfinder's accusation of Merlin being a sorcerer. Yeah, so in the previous episode, Arthur did say he thought Merlin looked like he had something to hide and had a "shifty look about him", but I suppose sorcery is the last thing Arthur thinks that Merlin is hiding from him... oh well...

*LOVED* Arthur standing by Merlin's side - throwing his support with him - as Merlin accuses the Witchfinder of planting evidence. *cheers for Arthur* That's a big step...showing that he has so much trust and faith in Merlin that he'll stand with him in front of everyone (that he won't let Merlin be alone on this). Arthur was awesome this episode - that can not be denied.

Gwen's scenes

This show is reading my mind, I swear. I was just hoping that S2 would finally have some Merlin & Gwen friendship/working together scenes. And this episode completely delivered. It was great seeing them work together trying to save Gaius. I was thinking, at first, why didn't the writers have Gwen go to Arthur or something to push Arthur/Gwen? But it definitely makes more sense that she went to Merlin because he does have a personal stake in the Witchfinder ordeal, what with Gaius facing certain death. And I still think Gwen doesn't feel completely comfortable around Arthur... and well, much easier to seek help from a fellow servant who's also a good friend.

And anyway, the writers did pigeon-hole in that small Arthur/Gwen scene where Gwen pleads with Arthur to stop Gaius' execution. She gave a lovely, little speech and all... but um... I thought it was a bit sudden when Gwen was all like, "Leave Arthur to me" to Merlin...without any sort of explanation why she felt it best that she be the one to entreat Arthur to take action. Maybe she thought Merlin had done enough already and she wanted to do her part (although she *did* help out with finding the man who sold the belladonna).

The shoehorning of the small Arthur/Gwen scene just felt off to me... I'm not sure why exactly. I think a few more words from Gwen as to why she could convince Arthur would have helped...

I feel like I'm coming down hard on Arthur/Gwen, but I really do feel a number of their scenes don't flow as naturally as they should. It's more like the writers including scenes between the pair because they want to progress their interactions somehow...but still, some scenes are lacking necessary support and backup to their execution...

On a lighter note, we finally found out the identity of the two people running in the dark... somewhat disappointed that it wasn't Merlin in a dress (too cracky for this episode, maybe?). So it really was Gwen and Merlin...with Gwen's cloak waving about to make it appear like Merlin was wearing a dress. I really loved the teamwork between the two this episode... wouldn't mind more of that please. :-)

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I felt so badly for Morgana in this episode -- she was clearly scared out of her mind. I liked Gwen's concern for her and turning to Merlin for assistance. Not really a Merlin/Morgana moment, but still it was sweet how Merlin burned the knife to get the Witchfinder away from her. Tiny moment is tiny. ;)

Cheers for Merlin planting the bracelets in the Witchfinder's room and major LOLs and the spell to make him gag toads... FTW. Merlin is really stepping up the magic this season. I liked the little laugh Merlin and Gaius had over the toad spell at the end there. *grins* Also, earlier, Merlin's "But I'm not a witch, I don't have a dress" to Gaius' raised eyebrow. LOL. Merlin never fails to deliver.

Next Episode: Morgause knows about the circumstances surrounding Arthur's birth... and it's making Uther anxious. I really hope Arthur learns the truth about his birth and that he remembers it after the end of the episode (and it's NOT conveniently memory-wiped 'cause that would be complete FAIL).

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I agree with you about Gwen in this episode. I'm surprised none of the other commentaries I've read so far have brought it up (maybe it's because Gwen in general tends to be a touchy subject for some. *shrugs*). I didn't really like that the only time she brought up her father's death so far in this season (I think), it's as a means to make Arthur feel guilty, in order to persuade him to do something for her (basically she wanted him to "delay" the execution, so that her and Merlin's plan could work).

Same for Gwen's scene last week. It felt "added", and her speeches tend to be similar (doing the right thing, being a good man, having a good heart, etc.). They need to give the character more depth. So far, it's been lacking. Though, I have to admit, this season is a definite improvement on the last, and I like how she teamed up with Merlin in this episode.

IAWTC like whoa.

I didn't really like that the only time she brought up her father's death so far in this season (I think), it's as a means to make Arthur feel guilty, in order to persuade him to do something for her (basically she wanted him to "delay" the execution, so that her and Merlin's plan could work).

Yeah, the guilt trip was a little much, but it did end up doing the job. I suppose I can accept it if Gaius is still alive because of Gwen's persuasive tactics (however underhanded they're perceived as).

I agree with you about Gwen and her being a touchy subject -- the love triangle is starting to unravel and that doesn't paint her in a positive light. I almost didn't want to go into the weak points of Arthur/Gwen - it's just easier to go along with it and hope the writers can improve their portrayal of that relationship. It needs a lot of development, to be sure.

It felt "added", and her speeches tend to be similar (doing the right thing, being a good man, having a good heart, etc.). They need to give the character more depth. So far, it's been lacking.

Yeah, I feel that way too. She essentially gives variations of the same speech. And I read in another post about how Gwen hasn't done anything questionable yet. That she isn't a flawed character - something negative about her to give her more depth. For example, Arthur is at heart a good man, but he's also an arrogant prat... on the other hand, Gwen is veering toward Mary Sue territory.

Of course, the love triangle situation gives her some interesting characterization...but that whole thing is out of her control now. Lancelot left without asking her what *she* wanted and Arthur told her that nothing could happen between them for now. There's not much she can do about that. She can't help who she loves either. :( All together frustrating.

and I like how she teamed up with Merlin in this episode.

I really liked that part too. It was nice to have them show that Merlin and Gwen are, in fact, still good friends. And they worked so well together. :)

Not really a Merlin/Morgana moment, but still it was sweet how Merlin burned the knife to get the Witchfinder away from her. Tiny moment is tiny. ;)

I didn't even think of that! :D *is bad M/M shipper*

I didn't even think of that! :D *is bad M/M shipper*

I was hoping for interaction between the two in this episode, but it didn't happen. :( I doubt many would see it as a M/M moment since it was so small... but still, I do love it when Merlin saves the day. This just happened to involve saving Morgana (she had a bad time of it this episode - looking on the verge of a nervous breakdown :().

The writers are seriously underutilizing the mad chemistry that exists between the players in their cast. From the dialed-back Merlin/Arthur interaction to the non-existent Morgana/ANYONE interactions. This series feels so empty of that camaraderie I felt in almost every episode of the last series, imho.

I agree with this post. That's everything I was thinking.

Thanks! Glad to hear that. :) Thanks for stopping by.

I'm still hoping for Merlin in a dress but I doubt it. :P

I really adored this episode and I didn't even mind the argument Gwen had with Arthur. She knows that he likes her and she can guilt-trip him into doing the right thing. I think in this case guilt-tripping is acceptable. Otherwise, Gauis would have been toast.

I'm still hoping for Merlin in a dress but I doubt it. :P

LOL. Me too. That would be awesome.

I think in this case guilt-tripping is acceptable. Otherwise, Gauis would have been toast.

Yes, I do see what you're saying. In the end, I didn't really mind if it saved Gaius from being executed. I just think Merlin could have convinced Arthur just as well. I believe in Merlin's persuasive abilities ;)... and if this took place during S1, it probably would have been him.

It just felt like the writers were flashing, "Obligatory Arthur/Gwen scene is here!" at the audience. But other than that, it's not much to fuss about in the bigger scheme of things. I was happy with Merlin and Gwen working together to save Gaius, so any Arthur/Gwen scenes didn't bother me all that much.

OH YES, TOTALLY LOVED THIS.

I completely agree on the Arthur love this episode. He was really fabulous, back to being his awesome self in this episode. :D Everything he did for Merlin just had me cheering, not even in a slashy context. Because it's showing his future greatness. :D

OMG WASN'T GWEN/MERLIN TEAMWORK JUST AMAZING?!!? :DDDDD I was so ecstatic, I can't even tell you.

And even if the Merlin/Morgana moment is tiny (I have a few more eyesex moments in my post), I still grab it with both hands. ;)

I completely agree on the Arthur love this episode.

I know, right? It's so clear that he feels a close bond with Merlin - at least as a good friend - *enough* to break the law for him. There was no end to Arthur's awesomeness in this episode. :) It was definitely great
foreshadowing to "his future greatness" as you said.

OMG WASN'T GWEN/MERLIN TEAMWORK JUST AMAZING?!!? :DDDDD I was so ecstatic, I can't even tell you.

I completely agree. It was nice to see them working together like that - especially when I'm currently interested in exploring their friendship.

And even if the Merlin/Morgana moment is tiny (I have a few more eyesex moments in my post), I still grab it with both hands. ;)

I'm the same way. Oh, if only Merlin would realize his feelings for her *sigh*. It's all right though - Arthur's probably distracting enough. Poor Merlin's not sure who he likes...

I did rewatch the scene where Gaius confesses to being a sorcerer - and I did see Morgana make eye contact once with Merlin. I feel bad for missing it the first time. During the same scene, Arthur made eye contact with him about three times (Arthur wins, I guess ;)).

I know, I was so happy that he would even phrase it like that ("breaking the law") because it implies that he is really willing to defy his father if it will help his friends. :DDD And we all know he is going to need that for the future, so yay. :D

Fingers crossed we get more Gwen/Merlin friendship teamwork in the future. I would be so happy with that. :D

Oh, if only Merlin would realize his feelings for her *sigh*

LOL IKR? Poor Merlin, torn between his great Destiny Love and Sorcerer Love. Although I don't know why they don't just jump in a threesome already and get it over with. There is enough UST between the three of them to light a house of fire. Geez.

Squee, yes, I saw that moment too. I was all EYESEX FTW YAY especially since it hints towards Merlin's concern for Morgana, since he knows she knows now. And Arthur watching Merlin the whole time, just waiting for eye contact? Made of Epic Win. :D

Merlin: S2|E7: "The Witchfinder"

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