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Merlin: S2|E9: "The Lady of the Lake"
First "Merlin" episode I was able to see together with a friend of mine since I slept over at her house Friday and Saturday. :) It was a lot of fun... we saw Disney's "The Sword in the Stone" (I've now seen it three times in the past week - such a cute movie -- the ending was love.) and "King Arthur" with Clive Owen and Keira Knightley. Yeah, it was pretty much an Arthurian-themed weekend... the latest "Merlin" episode just added to the fun.
~ * ~
I liked Freya. I really love the idea of the "Lady of the Lake" and it was nice to see Merlin have a love interest for once. I wish they would have made it a little clearer that Freya was, in fact, the Lady of the Lake of legend...and it wasn't just a title the writers tacked to this episode without really meaning to suggest Freya was *the* Lady. Though, if the Lady of the Lake was one of Merlin's loves in the legends, then this episode definitely tried to keep to that part of the legends. Maybe a little too well because Merlin really did fall head over heels in love with her (over the course of 40 minutes which is really not enough time... for building a friendship, maybe, but love? no...).
But now that she's dead, there's a good chance that she truly is the "Lady of the Lake" because she's usually a spirit, I believe? Or a water sprite... Anyway...
Still, there's a bit of a problem what with Freya's body being set on fire within the boat. I'm guessing there's a magical solution to that and she'll come back to life at some point. As I said before, if only they had taken effort to tell the audience that the episode title really meant what it was hinting at. I suppose I'll take the "I'll repay you, I promise," line from her as the hint that Freya would be the Lady.
Urgh...I'm writing in circles, sorry about that. :(
I've read a good number of reaction posts that discuss Merlin's OOC actions and behavior in this episode. I understand what frustrated people - it was rather rushed and it's a shame that they don't make episodes that could use more relationship development into two-parters. I still liked the interaction between Merlin and Freya and I enjoyed watching it. I think it was mostly due to Colin Morgan's acting and he did such a nice job with showing Merlin in love. I liked his earnestness - it was very sweet, I thought.
And really, coming on the heels of "Sins of the Father", I could see Merlin seeking an escape. Think, Merlin just lied to Arthur to stop him from killing Uther; but that lie came with a price. Merlin now has really buggered up any chance of telling Arthur about his magic secret (what with Arthur's renewed determination to keep to the "magic is evil, dangerous" stance).
So here, in this episode, Merlin finds a Druid girl and decides to look after her... and it must be so nice for him to spend time with someone with whom he doesn't have to hide who he truly is. The point of the matter is that this is still an escape for him - Merlin isn't thinking clearly (no duh) here and he pretty much is pushing his destiny to the wayside. What he wants to do (be accepted for who he is) over what is just sooo hard and frustrating to do right now (living in Camelot and keeping his magic secret or else risk death).
~ * ~
The Morgana Question
There is the Morgana question, of course. I do love Merlin and Morgana together, and yes, it is a shame that Merlin didn't entrust his secret to her even though she now knows what she is. You would think Merlin would trust her more because she has been a friend to him and he to her since S1 (particularly beginning with S1's Mordred episode where Merlin showed how much he trusted her to help him keep Mordred hidden).
But then again, maybe why Merlin would trust a stranger - Freya - over Morgana because Morgana is the King's Ward after all. No matter how many times that Morgana chose to challenge Uther -- she's still too close to Camelot...
I suppose it's much easier to tell someone that has no ties to Camelot, who is simply a Druid girl and desperately needs help. There's no history between her and Merlin - no worry about how this will change things between them because he just met Freya. It's all just so freeing, I suppose.
What bugged
It really frustrated me how Merlin made no mention, no thought about what he was leaving behind, what he has turning his back on - if he did manage to run away with Freya to who knows where.
Really, Merlin? What about your destiny? Protecting Arthur? C'mon - I *understand* that Merlin was just looking for an escape and all - not really thinking through what he was so gung-ho about doing, but STILL, why, Merlin, why??
And it didn't help at all that Merlin almost killed Arthur if Arthur hadn't gotten out of the way of the gargoyle head Merlin almost DROPPED ON HIS HEAD WHICH WOULD HAVE MEANT CERTAIN DEATH.
*shakes head*
Also, on an unrelated note: Where was Morgana? NOT GOOD, SHOW. One thing to have her just sitting there not saying anything, but to have NO Morgana at all? That's just not right!
Ha, I suppose I'll contend with the cameo appearance of Morgana's dress, which led to a cracktastic Merlin/Arthur moment, certain to be a classic. LOL.
~ * ~
I thought the scene where Freya died was absolutely heartbreaking. Very touching. Poor Merlin! I thought the whole scene with the beautiful landscape and the lake was nicely shot. I so thought "Oh, look, it's the Lady of Shalot!" what with Freya lying in the boat as it floats away...
~ * ~
Merlin/Arthur moments
Oh, no matter the Merlin/Freya focus, they spoiled us with all the awesome Merlin/Arthur scenes. *cheers* LOL at Arthur believing Merlin's "you're getting fat" lie... looks like Arthur does have some body image issues. Oh, Arthur. It was so lolworthy though. Merlin comes up with the most ridiculous lies - really, Merlin - that's the reason you give for Arthur's sudden diet?
Okay, granted, Merlin didn't have much time to come up with anything better... anyway, I didn't mind... though I found it hilarious that Merlin kept up with the fib. Thereby confirming that Arthur may have some self-esteem issues relating to his body... (like, "Oh no, all those times I don't wear a night shirt to bed just so Merlin could get a chance to check me out... and now Merlin thinks I'm getting fat? That's not the impression I wanted him to get! Oh, bugger it all! *sad face*)
Honestly, why am I overthinking this, I don't know. It was all very funny all the same.
And ha! Arthur thinks Merlin likes to crossdress in his spare time. OMG, LOLing forever! Love how Arthur saw him and then continued on his way, BUT THEN ARTHUR JUST COULDN'T RESIST. He *had* to know what the hell Merlin was up to.
Merlin's explanation was terribly weak, so I'm sure Arthur still firmly believes in Merlin's interest in crossdressing.
LOL LOL LOL.
Yay for Arthur to the rescue and getting Merlin out of the bounty hunter's clutches. :) Go, Arthur! You tell that bounty hunter - "Merlin is MY servant. He has my absolute trust. You have a problem with him, you come to me. BIOTCH." (haha, I would have loved it if Arthur called the bounty hunter a biotch. LOL. That would have been awesome!).
I loved the last scene between Merlin and Arthur. Awwww... Arthur noticed that Merlin was sad and he wanted to make him feel better so Merlin would smile again!
Awwwww... oh, Arthur. *grins*
I loved how Arthur gave him a noogie (that's a hug, darnit, yes it is :P) to get Merlin feeling better... I love the oh so obvious big smile Arthur gave to him when he got Merlin to smile.
*cheers* That whole scene made me feel all warm inside. What a lovely scene. I think I've said this before, but I do love when the episodes end on nice Merlin/Arthur scenes such as this one. *still grinning*
It's going to be all the more devastating when -- after all these bonding scenes between them -- Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic. I worry for the negative impact it'll have on their friendship. *is nervous*
It should so happen this way:
~ * ~
Arthur sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Really, Merlin. I don’t have all day. Either you tell me you’re a sorcerer or we could try this again another time.”
Merlin stared at him. Arthur knew? What the hell? Well, that was anticlimactic just a bit.
~ * ~
^ from my "Hullabaloo" fic.
Oh, if only it were anticlimactic...
~ * ~
Preview for next week's episode: Arthur knows how to woo a girl, YES HE DOES. :P
The scene where he has the flower in his mouth and he climbs into her window... CRACK! Romeo and Juliet, yes/yes?
LMAO.
Merlin will probably be alternating between tearing his hair out trying to save Arthur's arse (yet again!) from Sophia 2.0 and laughing his arse off at the ridiculousness of the situation. :P
~ * ~
I liked Freya. I really love the idea of the "Lady of the Lake" and it was nice to see Merlin have a love interest for once. I wish they would have made it a little clearer that Freya was, in fact, the Lady of the Lake of legend...and it wasn't just a title the writers tacked to this episode without really meaning to suggest Freya was *the* Lady. Though, if the Lady of the Lake was one of Merlin's loves in the legends, then this episode definitely tried to keep to that part of the legends. Maybe a little too well because Merlin really did fall head over heels in love with her (over the course of 40 minutes which is really not enough time... for building a friendship, maybe, but love? no...).
But now that she's dead, there's a good chance that she truly is the "Lady of the Lake" because she's usually a spirit, I believe? Or a water sprite... Anyway...
Still, there's a bit of a problem what with Freya's body being set on fire within the boat. I'm guessing there's a magical solution to that and she'll come back to life at some point. As I said before, if only they had taken effort to tell the audience that the episode title really meant what it was hinting at. I suppose I'll take the "I'll repay you, I promise," line from her as the hint that Freya would be the Lady.
Urgh...I'm writing in circles, sorry about that. :(
I've read a good number of reaction posts that discuss Merlin's OOC actions and behavior in this episode. I understand what frustrated people - it was rather rushed and it's a shame that they don't make episodes that could use more relationship development into two-parters. I still liked the interaction between Merlin and Freya and I enjoyed watching it. I think it was mostly due to Colin Morgan's acting and he did such a nice job with showing Merlin in love. I liked his earnestness - it was very sweet, I thought.
And really, coming on the heels of "Sins of the Father", I could see Merlin seeking an escape. Think, Merlin just lied to Arthur to stop him from killing Uther; but that lie came with a price. Merlin now has really buggered up any chance of telling Arthur about his magic secret (what with Arthur's renewed determination to keep to the "magic is evil, dangerous" stance).
So here, in this episode, Merlin finds a Druid girl and decides to look after her... and it must be so nice for him to spend time with someone with whom he doesn't have to hide who he truly is. The point of the matter is that this is still an escape for him - Merlin isn't thinking clearly (no duh) here and he pretty much is pushing his destiny to the wayside. What he wants to do (be accepted for who he is) over what is just sooo hard and frustrating to do right now (living in Camelot and keeping his magic secret or else risk death).
~ * ~
The Morgana Question
There is the Morgana question, of course. I do love Merlin and Morgana together, and yes, it is a shame that Merlin didn't entrust his secret to her even though she now knows what she is. You would think Merlin would trust her more because she has been a friend to him and he to her since S1 (particularly beginning with S1's Mordred episode where Merlin showed how much he trusted her to help him keep Mordred hidden).
But then again, maybe why Merlin would trust a stranger - Freya - over Morgana because Morgana is the King's Ward after all. No matter how many times that Morgana chose to challenge Uther -- she's still too close to Camelot...
I suppose it's much easier to tell someone that has no ties to Camelot, who is simply a Druid girl and desperately needs help. There's no history between her and Merlin - no worry about how this will change things between them because he just met Freya. It's all just so freeing, I suppose.
What bugged
It really frustrated me how Merlin made no mention, no thought about what he was leaving behind, what he has turning his back on - if he did manage to run away with Freya to who knows where.
Really, Merlin? What about your destiny? Protecting Arthur? C'mon - I *understand* that Merlin was just looking for an escape and all - not really thinking through what he was so gung-ho about doing, but STILL, why, Merlin, why??
And it didn't help at all that Merlin almost killed Arthur if Arthur hadn't gotten out of the way of the gargoyle head Merlin almost DROPPED ON HIS HEAD WHICH WOULD HAVE MEANT CERTAIN DEATH.
*shakes head*
Also, on an unrelated note: Where was Morgana? NOT GOOD, SHOW. One thing to have her just sitting there not saying anything, but to have NO Morgana at all? That's just not right!
Ha, I suppose I'll contend with the cameo appearance of Morgana's dress, which led to a cracktastic Merlin/Arthur moment, certain to be a classic. LOL.
~ * ~
I thought the scene where Freya died was absolutely heartbreaking. Very touching. Poor Merlin! I thought the whole scene with the beautiful landscape and the lake was nicely shot. I so thought "Oh, look, it's the Lady of Shalot!" what with Freya lying in the boat as it floats away...
~ * ~
Merlin/Arthur moments
Oh, no matter the Merlin/Freya focus, they spoiled us with all the awesome Merlin/Arthur scenes. *cheers* LOL at Arthur believing Merlin's "you're getting fat" lie... looks like Arthur does have some body image issues. Oh, Arthur. It was so lolworthy though. Merlin comes up with the most ridiculous lies - really, Merlin - that's the reason you give for Arthur's sudden diet?
Okay, granted, Merlin didn't have much time to come up with anything better... anyway, I didn't mind... though I found it hilarious that Merlin kept up with the fib. Thereby confirming that Arthur may have some self-esteem issues relating to his body... (like, "Oh no, all those times I don't wear a night shirt to bed just so Merlin could get a chance to check me out... and now Merlin thinks I'm getting fat? That's not the impression I wanted him to get! Oh, bugger it all! *sad face*)
Honestly, why am I overthinking this, I don't know. It was all very funny all the same.
And ha! Arthur thinks Merlin likes to crossdress in his spare time. OMG, LOLing forever! Love how Arthur saw him and then continued on his way, BUT THEN ARTHUR JUST COULDN'T RESIST. He *had* to know what the hell Merlin was up to.
Merlin's explanation was terribly weak, so I'm sure Arthur still firmly believes in Merlin's interest in crossdressing.
LOL LOL LOL.
Yay for Arthur to the rescue and getting Merlin out of the bounty hunter's clutches. :) Go, Arthur! You tell that bounty hunter - "Merlin is MY servant. He has my absolute trust. You have a problem with him, you come to me. BIOTCH." (haha, I would have loved it if Arthur called the bounty hunter a biotch. LOL. That would have been awesome!).
I loved the last scene between Merlin and Arthur. Awwww... Arthur noticed that Merlin was sad and he wanted to make him feel better so Merlin would smile again!
Awwwww... oh, Arthur. *grins*
I loved how Arthur gave him a noogie (that's a hug, darnit, yes it is :P) to get Merlin feeling better... I love the oh so obvious big smile Arthur gave to him when he got Merlin to smile.
*cheers* That whole scene made me feel all warm inside. What a lovely scene. I think I've said this before, but I do love when the episodes end on nice Merlin/Arthur scenes such as this one. *still grinning*
It's going to be all the more devastating when -- after all these bonding scenes between them -- Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic. I worry for the negative impact it'll have on their friendship. *is nervous*
It should so happen this way:
~ * ~
Arthur sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Really, Merlin. I don’t have all day. Either you tell me you’re a sorcerer or we could try this again another time.”
Merlin stared at him. Arthur knew? What the hell? Well, that was anticlimactic just a bit.
~ * ~
^ from my "Hullabaloo" fic.
Oh, if only it were anticlimactic...
~ * ~
Preview for next week's episode: Arthur knows how to woo a girl, YES HE DOES. :P
The scene where he has the flower in his mouth and he climbs into her window... CRACK! Romeo and Juliet, yes/yes?
LMAO.
Merlin will probably be alternating between tearing his hair out trying to save Arthur's arse (yet again!) from Sophia 2.0 and laughing his arse off at the ridiculousness of the situation. :P
no subject
I agree with you I really wish they'd made it more clear about the title and Freya. My only guess is really your guess - But now that she's dead, there's a good chance that she truly is the "Lady of the Lake" because she's usually a spirit.
I agree it was rushed for him to fall so in love in 40 minutes but that's just the way it goes in TV land sometimes. You either go with it or let it ruin things for you.
About Merlin giving up his role as Arthur's protector. I really think he was thinking with his heart rather then with his brain. He was making grant plans and not consisting anything else. I wonder if he thought he could commute to Camelot or come back to Arthur when he's King.
I couldn't agree more WHERE IS MORGANA!? Seriously her role seems less and less each week. I hope we get something big with her soon. I need my Morgana fix!
That cracktastic Merlin/Arthur moment has made me believe Arthur supports crossdressing! Where is the fic about this? I want to read it!
I couldn't agree more with you about Freya's death scene and how it was shot.
We had some really good Arthur/Merlin moments in this episode. I love that Arthur came to talk to him to see if he was alright. I love how their friendship.
LOL at you remarks about Arthur's sleep wear and worry about his weight.
About Merlin/Morgana. You make some good points as to why Merlin might not have told Morgana and he easily told Freya. I wish he would tell Morgana. I wish they would have an romance.
no subject
It definitely was. :) The alternate ending to "King Arthur" was hilarious in a "WTH was that??" sort of way. :p Oh, and how can you beat a movie where Lancelot, apparently, gets reincarnated as a horse. Yes, a horse.
I hope the "Merlin" writers will get inspired by that movie. You know because it would be a great ending if everyone got reincarnated as horses. I'd go for that ending. :p LOL.
I agree with you I really wish they'd made it more clear about the title and Freya. My only guess is really your guess - But now that she's dead, there's a good chance that she truly is the "Lady of the Lake" because she's usually a spirit.
Yeah, I'm just going off what someone else said about the Lady usually being a spirit... so what better set-up than Freya dying so that she can become a spirit?
I agree it was rushed for him to fall so in love in 40 minutes but that's just the way it goes in TV land sometimes. You either go with it or let it ruin things for you.
I just went along with it knowing there was little they could do to make it realistic... the writers had to make Merlin forget for the moment about his destiny and all that. He was certainly thinking more with his heart than his head...
I wonder if he thought he could commute to Camelot or come back to Arthur when he's King.
Now I have an image in my mind of Merlin magically transporting himself back and forth to Camelot. But yes, I'm sure Merlin would come back for good when Arthur's King. I mean, if Arthur doesn't go after him first. Arthur definitely won't stand for Merlin to leave him like that - Arthur'll drag him back to Camelot if he has to, lol!
I hope we get something big with her soon. I need my Morgana fix!
Yeah, I know. :( It's so frustrating to see the lack of Morgana in this season. If after her finding out about her magic, nothing further has been done with that. :\
That cracktastic Merlin/Arthur moment has made me believe Arthur supports crossdressing! Where is the fic about this? I want to read it!
LOL. Of course Arthur supports crossdressing. Was there any doubt? :p
There are a few fics that I've seen touching on the idea.
Here's a cute one (Arthur gives Merlin a gift...):
http://community.livejournal.com/libraryofsol/111993.html
I couldn't agree more with you about Freya's death scene and how it was shot.
It was beautifully shot. I'm glad you think so too. Despite the rush of their 'romance', the view of the landscape and the lake there at the end was gorgeous. And the scene broke my heart - it was so sad. :(
I love that Arthur came to talk to him to see if he was alright. I love how their friendship.
I loved that moment too. Especially how Arthur went down to sit at Merlin's level, so that they were equals. I'm really liking the progression of their friendship this season. :)
LOL at you remarks about Arthur's sleep wear and worry about his weight.
Thanks! Certainly Arthur was thinking that...he's a bit self-conscious, the poor boy. ;)
You make some good points as to why Merlin might not have told Morgana and he easily told Freya. I wish he would tell Morgana. I wish they would have an romance.
Yeah, believe me -- I really do wish Merlin would tell Morgana. At this rate, the writers may surprise us and have Gwen be the first one to find out.
I'm hoping for some Merlin/Morgana - it would be great to see, but it doesn't seem likely. :(
no subject
"spoiled us with all the awesome Merlin/Arthur scenes." They certainly did, and stole the whole show :D
x
no subject
Yes, it was a lot of fun. :)
"spoiled us with all the awesome Merlin/Arthur scenes." They certainly did, and stole the whole show :D
Oh, they definitely did. I wasn't expecting that last Merlin/Arthur scene, but I'm glad they had that moment - showing how much their friendship has grown. It was nice to see. :)
no subject
But seriously, I was really ... amused and yet slightly worried by all of Arthur's body-image issues he seems to have. I probably shouldn't think too much into it (considering it was the crack-insert of the episode), but I guess it's something that stems from his Daddy Issues and thinking he's not good enough. Surely Body Image is only a step away?
[Although, how awesome was the Merlin/Arthur action, even when Freya was mulling around? LOL SHOW, DESTROYING YOUR OWN HET. XDD]
But seriously, I do love when they end on a good Merlin/Arthur note. It's really lovely and makes my heart wibble like crazy. Those two ♥
no subject
Oh, that's all right. The season's still airing - it's current. :)
But seriously, I was really ... amused and yet slightly worried by all of Arthur's body-image issues he seems to have. I probably shouldn't think too much into it (considering it was the crack-insert of the episode), but I guess it's something that stems from his Daddy Issues and thinking he's not good enough. Surely Body Image is only a step away?
Yeah, I agree. It was amusing, but then when you think about it further - it is worrying and it does comment on Arthur's self-esteem/body image issues... :(
[Although, how awesome was the Merlin/Arthur action, even when Freya was mulling around? LOL SHOW, DESTROYING YOUR OWN HET. XDD]
LOL, yes. So true. That's what I love about this show. The het is never completely convincing and the Merlin/Arthur scenes are made of utter win. :)
But seriously, I do love when they end on a good Merlin/Arthur note. It's really lovely and makes my heart wibble like crazy. Those two ♥
When an episode ends on a Merlin/Arthur note, that always makes me happy. That should be a rule or something - end on Merlin/Arthur - distract them with slash! LOL. ;)
no subject
LOL I KNOW, DOESN'T IT JUST?! I guess that's why we love it - Arthur/Merlin just destroys everything else! XD *is so glad for it*
That should be a rule or something - end on Merlin/Arthur - distract them with slash! LOL. ;)
Oh this, I definitely agree with. Seriously, they would distract me from anything that I didn't like in the episode if they consistently ended with epic Merlin/Arthur scenes. XDD *is so shallow* I am too easily distracted by the pretty!! XD