Merlin 2.06 "Beauty and the Beast Part Two"

[emeraldstag]

I was so looking forward to the second part of this story and I certainly wasn't disappointed when it was all said and done. As much as "Katrina" and her actions at times disgusted me, there were just as many moments that had me laughing up a storm. Especially when it came to Uther's interactions with "Katrina". You could really feel how close the cast has become in the 18 episodes they've created for Merlin so far.

• Arthur & Morgana. There was very little of Morgana in this story, but I did enjoy the tag team conversation she and Arthur held with Uther when they tried to point out to the king that Katrina was in fact a troll.
• Arthur & Merlin. Two great moments, first when Merlin popped out from under Arthur's bed after whispering his name over and over with Arthur wondering if he'd been there the whole time and at the end of the episode when Merlin thought Arthur was initiating a hug in the hallway. Those two have come a long way from the rough first episodes and with Merlin's word growing with Arthur hopefully we'll see more trust between the two.
• Uther & Gaius. King and his trusted physician/adviser. They are very much alike, old, stubborn, cold, yet with a son-like figure in their lives giving them a soft spot in their hear. While it's clear we're supposed to see Uther in this very strict light, I wonder if it's the right direction for Gaius or not. While he has gentle moments with Merlin, I can count numerous others where he's dismissing the other characters plights (Gwen, Morgana). He does get some funny moments but they're always with Merlin - like the scene with the death potion/poison that they give Arthur. He's still too much like Uther to really feel much for the character outside of Merlin's feelings for him.
• The Great Dragon. Most of the series and characters are based on the old Arthurian stories and myths, but I never reading about a dragon. I wonder what the purpose of this beast is to be besides being a "Jor-El" like character for Merlin. I can't stand the dragon and the fact that Merlin continually has to crawl back to him for his aid.

Next week's episode looks interesting, Merlin and even Gaius appear to be in very serious trouble. Feels like it's going to be up to Arthur to save the day - as it should be. Can't wait! :)