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Merlin: S2|E8: "The Sins of the Father" [WTF!!!]
Of course, I should have known they'd press the damn reset button. This time at least, Arthur wasn't enchanted - so his actions against his father were based on the information he received from his mother and his feelings on the matter.
I don't know whether to shake Merlin or just accept why he persuaded Arthur to stop him from killing his father (Merlin knew that Arthur would regret it afterwards, so Merlin was saving him from dealing with the fallout...when Arthur's head was clearer and not blinded by rage that his father condemned so many for practicing magic while his own son was born of magic).
BUT STILL, Arthur was finally coming around (the closest he has been so far during this series) to accepting magic...and it all culminated with his mother telling him that he himself was born of magic, which of course, caused Arthur to really rethink his father's stance against magic.
SO CLOSE. And then Merlin had to come in and say it was all a lie, an illusion, a trick - so Arthur would not kill his father. I imagine it was *so hard* for Merlin to go ahead with that - knowing what it would cost him when the time comes when Arthur would find out about Merlin's magic. Because, really, Merlin - did you hear Arthur? He's back to his old stance - following in his father's footsteps - about magic being evil and dangerous.
URGH. IT BUGS ME SO MUCH. So, I'm sorry, but the ending of the episode where Merlin and Gaius have a moment - and Merlin is all pleased that Arthur, the king, and Gaius are thanking him and proud of him for what he did - it just doesn't work for me.
I don't know - it's jarring and doesn't fit. I'm sure Merlin realized the gravity of what he did, of this lost chance. If Merlin had revealed his magic to Arthur after Arthur found out what he did from Igraine, then I would think Arthur would have taken the reveal *much better* than after Merlin persuaded him that Morgause had tricked him.
*sigh*
STOP PRESSING THE RESET BUTTON, DAMNIT. IT'S NOT A TOY. AND LIKE A PROFESSOR OF MINE TOLD THE CLASS - JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD.
~ * ~
On the upside, some positives:
++++ I *loved* Morgause. Of course, of course she'd be Morgana's half-sister! I should have realized that by how much she was kicking arse and was totally in charge. Looks like awesome sword-fighting runs in the family. So...Morgause was presumed dead, but really she was given to the High Priestesses of the Old Religion and was raised by them.
++++ I liked how Morgause wanted to help Morgana with her nightmares - and left her the healing bracelet. So frustrating that Morgana didn't find out who Morgause really was - Morgana has the right to know! CAN EVERYONE PLEASE STOP KEEPING THINGS FROM HER? DAMNIT! FOR THE LOVE OF ...
No wonder she goes evil and turns against Camelot. Don't anyone dare wonder why she would do that - THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU KEEP SOMEONE IN THE DARK. JEEZ. WHAT THE HELL, Gaius (and Uther, too).
Now I expect Morgana to ally herself with Morgause... and so it begins...
It appears that my positives of this episode are turning a bit negative...whoops. ;)
I'm glad at least Merlin had the guts to help Morgana out in 2x03 and persuaded her to seek out the Druids to learn more about her powers. At least that's something... (still didn't muster up enough courage to tell her about his own powers, but whatever... all in good time).
++++ I liked when Morgause told Morgana that she hoped Morgana "would remember her fondly." I just really liked how Morgause said it - with that emotion inherent in her words. You could tell then that there was a close connection between them (and then it turned out to be familial).
++++ I also liked how Merlin and Arthur bonded a bit over their shared parent issues. Cheers for a mention of Merlin's father... and connecting that with Arthur's lacking knowledge of his own mother. I found it interesting when Merlin said he had a vague memory of his father...wish there had been a bit more to it, but I'll take it. Merlin's father has to be alive - I bet he's hiding out somewhere. Or maybe it's better if he's dead... though it's still uncertain how the show will take the legend about who Merlin's father really was (cambion, a god, powerful sorcerer, etc.). Still, I liked how it gave Merlin and Arthur a common bond...an understanding of what it's like to have a parent who's not there...
++++ Small bit: Arthur saving Merlin from being attacked by one of Odin's men. Aww, how sweet. ;)
It's a good thing, I suppose, that Merlin isn't using his magic as much (he used it only once in the fight against Odin's men) because it shows that he learned his lesson from "The Witchfinder" episode.
Still, massive, massive fail at the reset button. Whatever, show.
Next episode: The one with Freya - the girl Merlin saves and tries to get the bounty hunter off of her back. I expect a bittersweet ending here. Already thinking, "Poor Merlin." :(
I don't know whether to shake Merlin or just accept why he persuaded Arthur to stop him from killing his father (Merlin knew that Arthur would regret it afterwards, so Merlin was saving him from dealing with the fallout...when Arthur's head was clearer and not blinded by rage that his father condemned so many for practicing magic while his own son was born of magic).
BUT STILL, Arthur was finally coming around (the closest he has been so far during this series) to accepting magic...and it all culminated with his mother telling him that he himself was born of magic, which of course, caused Arthur to really rethink his father's stance against magic.
SO CLOSE. And then Merlin had to come in and say it was all a lie, an illusion, a trick - so Arthur would not kill his father. I imagine it was *so hard* for Merlin to go ahead with that - knowing what it would cost him when the time comes when Arthur would find out about Merlin's magic. Because, really, Merlin - did you hear Arthur? He's back to his old stance - following in his father's footsteps - about magic being evil and dangerous.
URGH. IT BUGS ME SO MUCH. So, I'm sorry, but the ending of the episode where Merlin and Gaius have a moment - and Merlin is all pleased that Arthur, the king, and Gaius are thanking him and proud of him for what he did - it just doesn't work for me.
I don't know - it's jarring and doesn't fit. I'm sure Merlin realized the gravity of what he did, of this lost chance. If Merlin had revealed his magic to Arthur after Arthur found out what he did from Igraine, then I would think Arthur would have taken the reveal *much better* than after Merlin persuaded him that Morgause had tricked him.
*sigh*
STOP PRESSING THE RESET BUTTON, DAMNIT. IT'S NOT A TOY. AND LIKE A PROFESSOR OF MINE TOLD THE CLASS - JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD.
~ * ~
On the upside, some positives:
++++ I *loved* Morgause. Of course, of course she'd be Morgana's half-sister! I should have realized that by how much she was kicking arse and was totally in charge. Looks like awesome sword-fighting runs in the family. So...Morgause was presumed dead, but really she was given to the High Priestesses of the Old Religion and was raised by them.
++++ I liked how Morgause wanted to help Morgana with her nightmares - and left her the healing bracelet. So frustrating that Morgana didn't find out who Morgause really was - Morgana has the right to know! CAN EVERYONE PLEASE STOP KEEPING THINGS FROM HER? DAMNIT! FOR THE LOVE OF ...
No wonder she goes evil and turns against Camelot. Don't anyone dare wonder why she would do that - THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU KEEP SOMEONE IN THE DARK. JEEZ. WHAT THE HELL, Gaius (and Uther, too).
Now I expect Morgana to ally herself with Morgause... and so it begins...
It appears that my positives of this episode are turning a bit negative...whoops. ;)
I'm glad at least Merlin had the guts to help Morgana out in 2x03 and persuaded her to seek out the Druids to learn more about her powers. At least that's something... (still didn't muster up enough courage to tell her about his own powers, but whatever... all in good time).
++++ I liked when Morgause told Morgana that she hoped Morgana "would remember her fondly." I just really liked how Morgause said it - with that emotion inherent in her words. You could tell then that there was a close connection between them (and then it turned out to be familial).
++++ I also liked how Merlin and Arthur bonded a bit over their shared parent issues. Cheers for a mention of Merlin's father... and connecting that with Arthur's lacking knowledge of his own mother. I found it interesting when Merlin said he had a vague memory of his father...wish there had been a bit more to it, but I'll take it. Merlin's father has to be alive - I bet he's hiding out somewhere. Or maybe it's better if he's dead... though it's still uncertain how the show will take the legend about who Merlin's father really was (cambion, a god, powerful sorcerer, etc.). Still, I liked how it gave Merlin and Arthur a common bond...an understanding of what it's like to have a parent who's not there...
++++ Small bit: Arthur saving Merlin from being attacked by one of Odin's men. Aww, how sweet. ;)
It's a good thing, I suppose, that Merlin isn't using his magic as much (he used it only once in the fight against Odin's men) because it shows that he learned his lesson from "The Witchfinder" episode.
Still, massive, massive fail at the reset button. Whatever, show.
Next episode: The one with Freya - the girl Merlin saves and tries to get the bounty hunter off of her back. I expect a bittersweet ending here. Already thinking, "Poor Merlin." :(
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Please excuse my rant... Great review! Agreed about Morgause and everyone keeping Morgana in the dark, it's getting old now and annoying. I was also very interested by the mention of Merlin's father - I hope when they do explore that further, they remember that Merlin's magic is like NO-ONE ELSES (which they have already made clear) and so hos father needs to be someone truly impressive/otherworldly and not just a 'powerful sorcerer'. I would love if they stuck to the legends with that one!
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One thing is for sure, Morgause was behind what Igraine said - I definitely found it jarring when Igraine started putting all the blame on Uther. It didn't fit.
Roll on next week .... (just got to get through TWoM later first O-0)
I still haven't seen the latest Doctor Who :( - may have to check if it's online tomorrow... I'm still reeling from "Merlin" a bit...
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I'm with you - it is rather frustrating. I was at the point that I feared I would be off the show completely, but now I'm starting to see the episode in a better light...
I don't care if the reset button is made of chocolate, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Or at least do not have a hugely inappropriate laughing scene tacked on. GRRR
Oh yes. If only the writers had done that. And, I think the biggest frustration was that laughing scene at the end there... it just felt so wrong. The episode really should have ended on a more somber note. *sigh*
Please excuse my rant... Great review!
Feel free to rant away...really, this episode is just bringing that out in people. Everyone's divided on what they think of it...
And thank you! :)
Agreed about Morgause and everyone keeping Morgana in the dark, it's getting old now and annoying.
I agree! Pleaase stop that, writers! Although I fear it's a way to get Morgana to turn evil - due to anger at everyone keeping things from her.
I was also very interested by the mention of Merlin's father - I hope when they do explore that further, they remember that Merlin's magic is like NO-ONE ELSES (which they have already made clear) and so hos father needs to be someone truly impressive/otherworldly and not just a 'powerful sorcerer'. I would love if they stuck to the legends with that one!
Oh yes, I do hope they stick to the legends on the matter of Merlin's father. You're right - a powerful sorcerer probably won't be who he is considering how unique Merlin is. Apparently in one of the legends - Merlin's father was the/a devil? And his father was mad that Merlin turned his back on evil and chose to be 'good' instead? Just what I read from another reaction post... I doubt the show will go that route.
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I hope so too! I'm spoiling myself shamelessly... and I'm just glad that Morgana will have more to do in the coming episodes. This episode was a good start - by touching upon her familial connection with Morgause.
Enjoy watching TWoM, I'm still trying to get my head in gear what I saw ...
Just finished watching TWoM and I'm with you on the reaction... it's hard to watch those sorts of episodes, I think.
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I don't know - it's jarring and doesn't fit. I'm sure Merlin realized the gravity of what he did, of this lost chance.
That's what killed me. I loved, loved the rest of this episode. It was perfect in virtually every way: Morgause besting Arthur in the fight, Arthur and Merlin bonding over never having known a parent, Arthur's obsession with his mother and his wrath against his father after learning the truth. Even Merlin talking him down with out-and-out lies. All of that was brilliant.
The scene with Gaius, however... way to leave me with a sour taste in my mouth. You're right. Merlin must realize the gravity of what he has just done and yet with all the self-congratulation going on, you'd never know. I would expect Merlin to still be conflicted and upset over having to lie to Arthur as such, not patting himself on the back.
This is the second time there's been such a scene; the first was in the episode in which Merlin didn't reveal his magic to Morgana. Then too he and Gaius reassured each other that they'd done the right thing and were awesome when in fact those decisions they made might yet ruin everything. And it would be different if it was done in a way that conveyed their uncertainty and implied that they were mostly trying to comfort each other in the face of hard choices. But they come across as too light hearted and too self-assured for that. Idk. It all sits wrong with me.
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And disliking this trend of keeping things from Morgana. Very much stupid, methinks. Don't blame her for going off the rails, if this is what they do to her.
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Yes, I agree with what you say. I could take Merlin talking Arthur down with lying (although it was partially true - Morgause was tricking him/manipulating Arthur to turn against his father). I could really see that Merlin was having a difficult time saying those words - knowing what it would cost him.
Yet still, the scene between Merlin and Gaius just didn't work with the general somber feeling of this episode. I would have appreciated something that truly showed, at the end, that Merlin understood the gravity of what he did... but the writers, instead, chose to smooth over the situation with a "funny" scene... *sigh*
This is the second time there's been such a scene; the first was in the episode in which Merlin didn't reveal his magic to Morgana.
Do you mean in S1 when Merlin first finds out about Morgana's magic in the Sophia episode? Or this season - when Morgana seeks out the Druids in "The Nightmare Begins"? It definitely bugged me in "The Nightmare Begins" where Merlin had so many good chances to tell Morgana about his magic and he doesn't take the opportunity. All the almost-reveals in that episode were frustrating to watch...
And it would be different if it was done in a way that conveyed their uncertainty and implied that they were mostly trying to comfort each other in the face of hard choices. But they come across as too light hearted and too self-assured for that. Idk. It all sits wrong with me.
Yes, I agree. If Merlin and Gaius showed some uncertainty with the hard choices they make, then that would help.
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Oh, you're welcome. It was my immediate reaction upon watching it, but then I read other reaction posts and I feel like I came down too hard on the ending. Still, even having a few days to come to terms with it, I still don't like how they ended the episode. I keep remembering Arthur saying, "magic is evil and dangerous" and all I think is, "huge setback!" :(
It annoyed my so much in this episode. I haven't been so bothered by it before, but it's becoming habit and each episode is basically a formula and I don't like it when things are that rigid and predictable.
Yeah, it's not good at all if they're going to make a habit of this. The writers better get off the predictable formula soon... baby steps...
Merlin should not have been smiling at the end, because surely he feels like he just sold his soul. So wtf writers?
I know, I completely agree! It should have hit him there at the end... his realization of the major setback he caused (for when he plans to tell Arthur his secret). I mean, we did get that sense in the scene where Merlin just managed to get the words out to talk Arthur down (though it's clearly hurting him inside to do so). Then, the sad look on Merlin's face when he hears Arthur's words regarding going back to supporting his father in the ban on magic... that was heartbreaking. :(
It really didn't help that the final scene with Gaius lessened the impact of the scenes prior to it.
And disliking this trend of keeping things from Morgana. Very much stupid, methinks. Don't blame her for going off the rails, if this is what they do to her.
Yes, I fear this is all done intentionally. Now, I'm like, "Oh, so that's why Morgana turns evil -- everyone's keeping her in the dark and deciding what's best for her without her own input." It's not hard to feel sympathetic for Morgana when the show portrays it like this...
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Anyhow, I realize this is supposed to be a "family show" and they achieve that by tempering the drama with comedy but the writers really need to get a better grasp on what situations invite some levity and which would better be left alone.
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LOL did you read my rant? I went into the biggest explosion of rage spots filled capslockfury I think I've ever had. Although I did feel like I went a bit OTT afterwards. XDD
But I stand by my anger. I really feel cheated, like the episode was just a huge cop out. They give us a little something and then they take it away almost straight away - and making it even worse by Merlin having to do the taking away! Almost like they went 'what's the worst possible way we could end this?' and ran with it. Grr, IDEK. >:(
Yeah, it's not good at all if they're going to make a habit of this.
If they keep making a habit of it, I will kill some sons of bitches. There are so many amazing writers out there that could do such a better job. Get them in on the team and shake things up a bit!
his realization of the major setback he caused (for when he plans to tell Arthur his secret)
YES. If he had actually done that, I might not feel so bitter about the episode now. Having just that one scene with Arthur is just not enough (heartbreaking though it was), because it's such a huge deal! The fact that Merlin has practically shot himself in the foot, I would have thought he would be clinging at Gaius in fear or something. Not grinning like a buffoon.
It's not hard to feel sympathetic for Morgana when the show portrays it like this...
I completely agree. I've never really known any other Morgana (except for the one in the Disney's Sword in the Stone), but they are making it really easy to sympathise with her in this series. And I expect it is done intentionally (the 'self fulfilling prophecy' everyone keeps talking about), but I still don't like it. *wants to hug Morgana*
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If both of Uther's 'children' ever knew the offal truth Uther would be in ruins within hours.
I loved Merlin and Arthur bonding over lost parents. I'm so curious about Merlin's father. I felt so bad that to protect Arthur he had to take away his one memory of his mother and cast away as false.
It was a such scarfice Merlin made in the battle for Arthur's soul.
Still, massive, massive fail at the reset button. Whatever, show.
It's so painful when they hit reset. I want Arthur's secret to come out to Arthur. Then the show could be Arthur/Merlin against Uther. It's be fun!
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Yes, Morgana is just so isolated. It's terribly frustrating. I definitely see her aligning herself with Morgause. Looks like Morgana will do just that in the upcoming episode (2x12).
If both of Uther's 'children' ever knew the offal truth Uther would be in ruins within hours.
Oh definitely! Not good to keep all those secrets. Shame on Uther.
I loved Merlin and Arthur bonding over lost parents. I'm so curious about Merlin's father. I felt so bad that to protect Arthur he had to take away his one memory of his mother and cast away as false.
I really like that scene as well. It was really nice to see them bonding like that. I look forward to learning more about Merlin's father. :)
That is unfortunate what Merlin had to do -- take away the one memory Arthur had of her. :( Unfortunate, but still necessary.
It's so painful when they hit reset. I want Arthur's secret to come out to Arthur. Then the show could be Arthur/Merlin against Uther. It's be fun!
Oh yes! That would be great to see -- Arthur & Merlin against Uther. I can't wait to watch an episode where Arthur knows about Merlin's magic and he goes on an expedition with Merlin where they kick ass and take names.