Merlin 2.01-2.04 aka I'M CAUGHT UP!
Oct. 17th, 2009 11:34 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
emeraldstagI think it happened in the last few episodes of Season 1 where they finally figured out how to make outstanding Merlin episodes because I thoroughly enjoyed the end of the season and that has continued into the first third of Season 2. I also notice that with a new season brought a slight upgrade to the look of the annoyingly irritating great dragon so he no longer looks cheaply produced. And I'll admit that Merlin's canon pairings have won me over in this second season. I've never been one to be held to the scripted coupling and have shipped outside of that and with the first season the only real ship that seemed believable was Arthur/Morgana. Now I'm completely all over Athur/Gwen & Merlin/Morgana, there's been a definite shift in the tone of those relationships just in the first few episodes of S2.
The only episode I really haven't cared for in the new season was the Curse of Cornelius Sigan. This was the one time where it felt too much like when Merlin first started out with Arthur and wouldn't be listened to or trusted. I wanted to slap down that smug thief and Arthur for being such a pompous ass. The one thing that bugs me about Merlin, when they say they were inspired by Smallville when crafting the show is that they don't show Merlin learning new spells or how he knows the ones he does. He just does the magic. The first season had him trying new spells from a spellbook sometimes but that was rare and not really a spell he'd use again in the future.
I never really had a strong feeling one way or another about Gwen, but in the Once and Future Queen, I finally started to like her as a character. Speaking her mind against Arthur, making him see the error of his ways while being of a lower class - I was totally getting the star-crossed lovers feeling starting to bubble up between them. I wonder if that will carry the entire season. I thought the assassin had way too many convenient incidents happen for his favor, like how did he find out of Arthur's "trip" when he had just notified Uther the night before and there was no sign that the assassin had made it into the walls of Camelot already. And then Merlin stupidly talking about "his master" to a man he doesn't even know that's talking him up. But this was all about Gwen/Arthur and it really got pushed to the forefront, nice magical kiss - didn't expect that so soon.
If there was something that was definitely lacking in the first two episodes, it was Morgana's presence. So I was glad that she was the focus in The Nightmare Begins. It was nice to see the Druids again, along with Mordred - who continues to get creepier with that magical outburst he had during his escape. I really like the idea of Merlin finding a kindred spirit in Morgana and wanting her to have the guidance and security he has. If there was anyone who treated people as terrible as Uther, I've always thought it was Gaius whenever he misled Morgana and refused to give her problems any true consideration. I was happy to see Merlin step up and do something when he saw her being wronged, it's just unfortunate that it looks like he inadvertently destroyed the druid village and has left Mordred without anyone to guide him and keep him from developing a hatred towards Uther and Camelot.
And just when Gwen was starting to win me over, she had to get attached to Lancelot while held captured in Lancelot and Guinevere. I know she was in there for a few days and it seemed destined for her to die, it just felt like if they were rushing Arthur/Gwen they put Lancelot/Gwen on afterburners. I'd wondered when we would be seeing Lancelot again after enjoying his appearance in Season 1, but for them to start the love triangle so early seems interesting but perhaps the only way to not make everyone hate Gwen with her and Arthur not being able to be together for now letting her be free to be pursued by more viable candidates. Still didn't stop me from being a little miffed at Gwen for breaking Arthur's heart after his daring rescue journey with Merlin. At least in this episode there was plenty of Arthur & Merlin bonding, which I'm enjoying a whole bunch with the parallels of Arthur pining for Gwen and Merlin paying more attention to Morgana and the barriers that stand between them. This is the best interactions the cast has had with each other since the show started, and it's definitely feeling more intimate and personal. I'm just waiting to see who of the other main 4 will be the first to learn of Merlin's abilities. I think that's the next step but I don't know if we'll see that this season.
And the previews for the next episode looks hilarious, looking forward to having some fun with Uther. Can't wait for Season 2 to continue. :)
The only episode I really haven't cared for in the new season was the Curse of Cornelius Sigan. This was the one time where it felt too much like when Merlin first started out with Arthur and wouldn't be listened to or trusted. I wanted to slap down that smug thief and Arthur for being such a pompous ass. The one thing that bugs me about Merlin, when they say they were inspired by Smallville when crafting the show is that they don't show Merlin learning new spells or how he knows the ones he does. He just does the magic. The first season had him trying new spells from a spellbook sometimes but that was rare and not really a spell he'd use again in the future.
I never really had a strong feeling one way or another about Gwen, but in the Once and Future Queen, I finally started to like her as a character. Speaking her mind against Arthur, making him see the error of his ways while being of a lower class - I was totally getting the star-crossed lovers feeling starting to bubble up between them. I wonder if that will carry the entire season. I thought the assassin had way too many convenient incidents happen for his favor, like how did he find out of Arthur's "trip" when he had just notified Uther the night before and there was no sign that the assassin had made it into the walls of Camelot already. And then Merlin stupidly talking about "his master" to a man he doesn't even know that's talking him up. But this was all about Gwen/Arthur and it really got pushed to the forefront, nice magical kiss - didn't expect that so soon.
If there was something that was definitely lacking in the first two episodes, it was Morgana's presence. So I was glad that she was the focus in The Nightmare Begins. It was nice to see the Druids again, along with Mordred - who continues to get creepier with that magical outburst he had during his escape. I really like the idea of Merlin finding a kindred spirit in Morgana and wanting her to have the guidance and security he has. If there was anyone who treated people as terrible as Uther, I've always thought it was Gaius whenever he misled Morgana and refused to give her problems any true consideration. I was happy to see Merlin step up and do something when he saw her being wronged, it's just unfortunate that it looks like he inadvertently destroyed the druid village and has left Mordred without anyone to guide him and keep him from developing a hatred towards Uther and Camelot.
And just when Gwen was starting to win me over, she had to get attached to Lancelot while held captured in Lancelot and Guinevere. I know she was in there for a few days and it seemed destined for her to die, it just felt like if they were rushing Arthur/Gwen they put Lancelot/Gwen on afterburners. I'd wondered when we would be seeing Lancelot again after enjoying his appearance in Season 1, but for them to start the love triangle so early seems interesting but perhaps the only way to not make everyone hate Gwen with her and Arthur not being able to be together for now letting her be free to be pursued by more viable candidates. Still didn't stop me from being a little miffed at Gwen for breaking Arthur's heart after his daring rescue journey with Merlin. At least in this episode there was plenty of Arthur & Merlin bonding, which I'm enjoying a whole bunch with the parallels of Arthur pining for Gwen and Merlin paying more attention to Morgana and the barriers that stand between them. This is the best interactions the cast has had with each other since the show started, and it's definitely feeling more intimate and personal. I'm just waiting to see who of the other main 4 will be the first to learn of Merlin's abilities. I think that's the next step but I don't know if we'll see that this season.
And the previews for the next episode looks hilarious, looking forward to having some fun with Uther. Can't wait for Season 2 to continue. :)
