Mystic Guildmistress
12 years ago
Mystic Guildmistress
Mage
No news on how long Australia has to wait?
And yay for a fifth season :D
I recently got re-addicted to this. I bought seasons 1-3 on DVD and watched them all within two weeks so I've seen everything now.
Gawain. [act]drools[/act] I want him.
12 years ago
Fri Sep 23 2011, 12:16am
+++++++++++++++ Merlin Season 4 News +++++++++++++++++++
The BBC has confirmed that the Merlin fourth series premiere will air on the same night as this year's Doctor Who finale.
The two shows will share an airdate for the first time on October 1, with Doctor Who transmitting first.
'The Wedding of River Song' - starring Matt Smith and Alex Kingston - will air at 7.05pm on BBC One.
The Merlin premiere - titled 'The Darkest Hour' - will then follow at 7.50pm. If the series airs uninterrupted, the fantasy drama's fourth run will likely conclude just prior to Christmas.
Stars confirmed for future episodes of Merlin include Whitechapel's Phil Davis, former Spooks star Gemma Jones, Battlestar Galactica's James Callis and Rome's Lindsay Duncan.
Season 4 Episodes 1 & 2 - The Darkest Hour (parts 1 & 2)
So Morgause is now dead, or is she? I wonder if this is the last we'll see of her?!
It's nice to finally get the prophecy that Merlin (Emrys) will defeat Morgana.
The deserted village was very creepy, and this episode is a great start to the new series.
We get to see Old Merlin in Morgana's dream. Now, does this mean that it will be a long time before he defeats her, or will it be sooner than we think? We know that Merlin can transform into his old man guise, as he has done it before...
The second part was just as good as the first, and the creature effects are getting better. The Wildren almost looked real (and Merlin seems to have better creature effects than the new Spielberg series, Terra Nova!)
I didn't see that solution to closing the rift! Lancelot sacrificed himself! I wonder how they'll bring him back?
Re: the Darkest Hour 1 & 2
I saw the Lancelot thing coming.
Also; does it seem to anyone else like Gawaine is turning into a comic relief character? What with the apple, the bees and the socks catching alight. (There is a great post on Tumblr with 'couple names' for Gawaine and everything. Gwerlin=Gawaine/Merlin, Arwaine=Gawaine/Arthur, Gwapple-Gawaine/Apple, Gwair=Gawaine/Hair, Gwall=Gawaine/Wall, Flaine=Gawaine/Flower. I love me some Gawaine.)
Okay, so I got a bit behind watching Merlin. Here's 3-6
Episode 3 - The Wicked Day
Fantastic episode!
It was nice to see Uther making an effort for his son's birthday, and he fought to save his life. The scene with Uther wounded in Arthur's arms was very touching and well written and acted.
So Morgana has finally killed Uther. We've finally got what we've been waiting for since the first season: Arthur is now king of Camelot!
A slight nitpick with this episode: When Arthurs trousers fall down, he seems to be wearing modern boxer shorts!
Episode 4 - Aithusa
Arthurs loses his trousers again! Though the bit where Merlin was trying to pull them up was funny.
There was a sort of Indiana Jones moment when Merlin takes the dragon egg, and the baby dragon was very cute.
All-in-all a good episode, but one that was mainly about the prophecy and to get the story moving forward
Episode 5 - His Father's Son
I hope Arthurs uncle meets a grizzly end! What a nasty person he is
Arthurs calls Merlin 'old friend'. It's what Arthurs calls Merlin in the original stories.
The trial by combat seemed to be a nod to 'David and Goliath'. The opposing champion was a big man!
Arthur is starting to prove that he is a good king, and I think that's what this season will be about.
Episode 6 - A Servant of Two Masters
The opening scenes of this episode prove how much Arthur cares for Merlin.
The bit where Gwen see's Arthur naked is funny, but I hope this isn't a trend for the season, where Arthur is either naked or semi-naked in each episode.
The battle between Morgana and Emrys was suitably epic, and should set a good standard for the battles to come.
I was losing faith in this show, having loved it so much for season 1-3 it seemed to be waning, but the latest episode has restored my delight. I am looking forward to next weeks.
And re: a Servant of Two Masters
...and Arthur's nudity. I don't see it becoming a trend... but at the moment I'm so happy that the quality is picking up again that I'm not going to complain. And I was pleased than Gwen and Gwaine actually had roles in this episode, that they weren't just fading into the background as they have been so far this season.
I just want to say that
I absolutely adore how much old Merlin is present in this season. I absolutely love the character and I think the scene where Morgana first sees him in this guise was really well done. Her initial reaction was brilliant.
The latest episode;
I was SO SURE that Morgana was going to find out that Merlin is Emyrys. So DNSJKAHFGSHGBADVJ SDKVB ASKJXHADVM for it being hidden from her. The episode was a little predictable but there was Gawaine in it, and this pleases me.
12 years ago
Thu Nov 24 2011, 07:56am
Alyse, when talking about an episode, please say which one you are referring to. Saying 'the latest episode' can mean different things to different people on Obernet, depending on where they are from.
But I agree with what you said: Episode 7 - The Secret Sharer
I thought she might discover it too, but it would've been too easy.
Talking of too easy, Morgana does seem to be able to get into Camelot quite easily without anyone noticing!
Alcator turned out to be an honourable man, and now Merlin has another ally. I suspect we'll see him again.
I thought the scene between Arthur and Giaus was very touching.
Episode 8 -Lamia
It's nice to see the Knights sticking up for Merlin, though that soon changes after they come under the lamia's influence. It's great to see them play something other than nice guys for a change.
The hall of bones was cool, and the lamia's true form is suitably gruesome.
Arthurs uncle really needs to be killed. Hopefully this will happen by the end of the season.
Sorry! I couldn't remember what it was called.
No worries. No harm done
Episode 9: Lancelot du Lac
This was turning out to be such a happy episode, with the long awaited marriage of Arthur and Gwen, but sadly it was not to be.
There will be some way to resolve this i'm sure.
The scenes between Arthur and Gwen, especially towards the end were well written and acted.
Lancelot acting bad was an interesting change, but it was nice to see that Merlin manged to bring the real him back just before the end.
12 years ago
Mon Dec 05 2011, 09:56am
MERLIN IS THE BEST TV SHOW EVER!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! And hey why shouldn't Merlin be young? Hey it might be different from the Merlin figure as an old guy we have come to know. But I have watched a documentry on the changes of how Merlin has been anticipated throughout history and at one stage he was young and a hopeless romantic! So yeah!
Anyways!!!! MERLIN IS AWESOME!!!!!!! Though Gwain is my favouurite character!!!
And yes, Arthur's uncle does have to die! I don't like him at all!
Episode 10: A Herald of the New Age
The spirit from the shrine looked suitable creepy, and he, and later Ellian reminded me of the Doctor Who Waters of Mars Xmas episode.
It's good to see how Ellian has coped with the banishment of his sister, and that he is still loyal to Arthur.
Arthur apologising for his wrongs was a great scene and shows that he is becomming a great king.
Episode 11: The Hunters Heart
Gwens back!
Arthur and Princess Mithian seem well suited, and would be a great match if he wasn't still in love with Gwen. Glad to see he's finally realised it.
Morgana tuning Gwen into a deer for the hunt was a masterstroke, and shows just how cruel she can be.
All in all a good entertaining episode, which does what it intends: To set the story up for the finale, which looks like it may be in three parts (including this episode)
I stopped watching for a couple of weeks because I was busy but I'm catching up now, so;
Lancelot du Lac
The proposal scene was just... I couldn't take it seriously... I like Gwen and Arthur when they're awkward, it's gorgeous... I wanted the proposal to be more awkward to begin with. It felt too stylised and idealised to me.
A Herald of a New Age
I haven't finished watching this episode yet so I'll come back and write some more, but I am liking that the focus of the episode is on Elyan as Elyan, and not Elyan as one of the knights or Elyan as Gwen's brother.
Possession aside.
Episode 12: The Sword in the Stone Part 1
I was right, this is a three-part story, and if the scenes of the invading army are anything to go by, a well shot and directed episode.
Arthur with no free will is funny.
Tristan and Isolde make an interesting couple. I wonder if their story will play out like Wagners opera of the same name...
It's good to see Merlin's mum again, and to see Gwen and Arthur back together.
If this episode is anything to go by, the finale should be fantastic
Sidebar filla
What? It's a three part episode? That means we'll be waiting till next season for the conclusion. GROOOAN
But anyway, I loved will-less Arthur too. There was something so adorably pathetic about him.
Sionainn:
The three part story conlcudes with the last episode of the season (see below)
Episode 13: The Sword in the Stone Part 2
It's great to see the Dragon back again, and Agravain is finally dead, though its a shame that it had to be Merlin that killed him.
Arthur admitting that Merlin is his only friend and that he couldn't bear to loose him was a great scene.
The drawing of the Excalibur from the stone is such an iconic scene, and was handled very well by the production team.
I was hoping that Isolder would survive. It's a shame she had to die.
Gwen is finally Queen! It should create some interesting dynamics for next season.
Now that was a surprise ending! I knew Morgana couldn't die yet, but I didn't see the baby dragon reviving her!
A fantastic finale to a fantastic season!
The new series of Merlin starts on BBC1 at 7.45pm BST on Saturday 6th October.
Note: This season is set three years after the end of the last season
Mystic Guildmistress
11 years ago
Mystic Guildmistress
Mage
Aaaand... It starts on 14th of October @ 6:30pm on Ten for any Aussies :D
Sea5 Ep1: Arthur's Bane Part 1
It's nice to see the subtle changes in the characters, as its supposed to be 3 years after the end of the last series. Arthur and Gwen have taken to their roles well, and although Merlin seems the least changed, he is definitely more confident.
Its also nice that Arthur and Merlins relationship hasn't changed. They still care for each other and have a good humoured banter. And it shows just how much respect Merlin has, as he rides on a horse with Arthur whilst a lot of the royal entourage have to walk.
A lot of this episode seems to be set up for the epic battles that are to come in the second part.
Lots of returning great actors in this episode. Ruadan is played by the wonderful character actor Liam Cunningham. Cunningham has been in many films and TV shows, and right now he is Davos Seaworth in Game Of Thrones. You may also have missed Julian Glover as the dying Lochru, the villager with the druidic tattoo. Glover has of course been in everything from Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade and Doctor Who‘s “City Of Death†to The Empire Strikes Back and recently Game Of Thrones.
The glowing sprite we see appear to Gwaine is apparently called The Euchdag. We may learn more about this next episode.
Nice to see the Great Dragon again, but what became of the baby dragon that Morgana took?
Some Arthurian legends have appeared in this episode: The Round Table at the beginning, but more importantly the final confrontation between Mordred and Arthur, glimpsed in the druid’s vision, probably refers to the mythical battle where Arthur falls: the battle of Camlann. Its earliest mention is in the 10th century Annales Cambriae which also mentions Arthur’s victory at the battle of Badon 21 years earlier.
I don't know if this was intended, but some scenes in this episode seemed to reference other great films: Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (the slaves being forced to work in cavernous mines), Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (about 36 minutes in, when Arthur and Merlin hide from the riders beneath the bank of old trees, there’s a whiff of Hobbits hiding from Nazgûl) and Return Of The Jedi (food being used as a forest trap to catch our heroes in a big rope net).
All-in-all a fun episode. Lets see what happens in the second half
Mystic Guildmistress
11 years ago
Mystic Guildmistress
Mage
Yay Merlin :D
Arthur's Bane Part 1:
Euchdag? I know this show is supposed to be mythical, but that thing looks like it's straight out of the x files...
I was disappointed that they didn't show more of the relationship between Gwen and Arthur, I was quite excited to see them in the future and you hardly saw them together. And Gwen was a bit quick to sentence that girl to death which is a bit worrying.
Maybe the baby dragon will show up when we least expect it? I have this image in my head of Merlin and Morganna battling on dragons :P
And OMG, it's Mordred! Was wondering when he'd come out of the rabbit hole.
For some reason the mine also reminded me of a late Buffy and the Vampire Slayer episode lol. And I did notice the hiding from Morganna was a bit much like Lord of the Rings. Probably unintentional.
Sea5 Ep2: Arthurs Bane Part 2
Well, you were right, Elspethinnle, the dragon did appear when we least expected it. It looks sick though, and can't seem to speak (wonder what happened to, and who imprisoned Morgana and the dragon in the oubliette that we saw in her dream). Great to see that Merlin can control Morgana's dragon with his Dragonlord voice.
So Gwen isn't as cold-hearted as we're lead to believe. She's faking the killing of Sefa to draw out Ruadan. Shame he was killed though, as his character could've progressed well through the series.
Some great swordplay this week, though a little short, and not much magic from Merlin.
Merlin says, “I feel that the die is cast, and for good or ill Albion’s great trial has begun!†As every fan of Asterix knows, “the die is cast†(referring to dice having been thrown) is from the Latin alea iacta est, said by Caesar in 49 BC to mark the point of no return as he marched against his enemies in Italy.
So Mordred has been indcuted to the Knights of Camelot. Hmm..., i still don't trust him though
The first mention of Mordred in the legend – as Medraut – is in the tenth century Welsh chronicle Annales Cambriae under the entry for AD 537. It’s that reference to the battle of Camlann (“in which Arthur and Medraut fellâ€) again. The concept of Mordred being Arthur’s incestuously illegitimate son is not introduced until the later medieval cycles and the creators of Merlin have chosen to ignore that, quite wise for a Saturday early evening BBC show. Early on in literary history Mordred’s name becomes synonymous with treachery, and Dante has him confined to Hell. Later storytellers, however, reinterpret him as somebody who had been wronged. Even Malory, who portrays Mordred as a villain, claims the people of England thought that “with Arthur was none other life but war and strife, and with Sir Mordred was great joy and bliss.â€