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Showing posts with label Merlin TV series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Merlin TV series. Show all posts

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Merlin Season 5 Episode 10: The Kindness of Strangers


Don’t read if you haven’t seen the episode
Morgana captured Alator of Catha to find out the true identity of Emyrs. Despite the torture inflected by Morgana, Alator refuse to talk. Finna, an associate of Alator, goes to Camelot to seek Merlin. Merlin was cautious and eventually promised Gauis not to meet her again. Merlin broke his promised to learn more about the great battle of Camlann.
Gauis decided to tell Arthur about Finna. Arthur then ordered a squad led by Mordred to capture Finna. Back to Morgana, a guard found a paper with the message that Finna sent to Alator. Realizing that Alator would not reveal Emyrs identity, she killed Alator and decided to capture Finna instead.
Finna is now being hunted by Arthur’s knights and Morgana’s men. Merlin was able to locate her first but was injured by one of Morgana’s men. They fled to an abandoned tower to escape their pursuers. In order to escape Finna decided to give up her life to save Merlin. But before doing so, he gave a small chest with details regarding the great battle. Morgana was able to corner Finna but before she was able to question her, Finna stab herself keeping her promises to protect Merlin and keeping Morgana from learning the truth.
Before the episode ended, Morgana use a curse use by the High Priestess when they are declaring war on their enemies. An unknown knight was killed by a Morgana’s spell that has caused his skin to covering his face leading to suffocation.
The preview of the next episode, The Drawing of the dark, shows us that Merlin has angered Mordred which might lead to his betrayal of Camelot. Mordred is imprisoned and later escapes. Kara, presumably Mordred’s love interest and a druid, would be captured. Her fate would lie in Arthur’s hand. This might be the episode that will push Mordred to Morgana’s side.
The plot of the episode is pretty simple. Morgana is desperate to find out Emyrs’ true identity but failed in the end. I have to say that there are a lot of unnecessary plots in this season. One plot in particular is the Gwen under Morgana’s spell plot. With only a few episodes left the series, I think a lot of fans would agree with me that there are too much stories which are left untold. Instead of the Gwen arc, they should have reveal Merlin’s magic instead. Arthur should have learned about the truth and the rebuilding of Arthur’s trust could have been a better plot. But instead I think the writers are looking at the idea of revealing Merlin’s secret on the last episode. That something, on my opinion, is a mistake that Smallville, a tv series about Clark Kent before he became Superman, has made. If that will be the case, I don’t think it will be enough to show the aftermath when the truth comes out. Merlin and Arthur’s friendship would definitely take a toll and would overwhelm with trust issues.
Kilgarrah is yet to face Aithusa. In the legend, the Auithusa prevails over Kilgarrah. In this episode, Kilgarrah has said that he growing old and that his end might be near. It would cool if one whole episode would be dedicated on their fight.
Despite everything, I will still watch the show until the end. I hope the ending would be disappointing though.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Merlin Season 5 episode 8: The Hollow Queen


Queen Guinevere Pendragon continues to be under Morgana’s control. Arthur opens his door to King Sarrum of Amata, a ruthless king known to have killed men, women and children during his reign. A mysterious boy Daegal appears in Camelot to seek Merlin’s help to save his sister. He told Merlin that he was a druid and showed a tattoo to convince him. Merlin eventually agrees to help the boy and left Camelot secretly. Later it is revealed that Daegal is in league with Camelot’s worst enemy Morgana. Morgana was able to get the upper hand, poisoned Merlin and left him to die.


 
Back in Camelot Arthur spars with one of King Sarrum’s men Albin. Albin got the upper hand during the sparring and had Arthur in his mercy. But Sarrum did not have the intention of killing Arthur then. Sarrum admitted that they had Morgana captured and put her and her Dragon in a well. But eventually Morgana escaped.
 
Gwen talks to Sarrum about assassinating the Arthur and in return she will surrender a portion of Camelot’s lands. Sarrum thought of a better way of gaining control and ordered Albin to kill Arthur and then Gwen after.



 
During all of this Daegal was guilt driven and decided to save Merlin. Later it was revealed that he was not a druid at all but her mother was like Merlin and possessed Magic. He help Merlin reached Camelot and found Albin about to shoot an arrow to Arthur. Using Magic, Merlin was able to distract Albin but the later retaliated and start throwing knives. Merlin was able to evade the knives and magically threw a spear to Albin and causing an arrow to hit Sarrum instead. Merlin then realized that Daegal was not unscathed and was dying from a knife wound.  He died eventually and was given a proper burial as Arthur has commanded.
 
In the next episode, Arthur will finally learn that his wife Gwen is under Morgana’s spell. Merlin would try to lift the spell but Morgana would not give up the fight. In the preview, Merlin told Arthur that Modred gave them a chance to escape and advised the later to leave. We have to wait for the next episode what will Arthur do. We all know that eventually Modred will fight Arthur in the battle of Camlann. Is this the episode where Mordred will eventually decide to turn his back against Camelot?
 
 
With only a few more episode left in the show, will Merlin gives us proper ending to the show? It is hard to tell what the writers have up their sleeves. Based on the preview, the white dragon Aithusa would appear. I have been reading that the Aithusa and Kilgharrah will have a face off. Aithusa is supposed to be a good omen to Merlin so why are they going to fight if that will really happen. Let’s wait and see how the TV series would end.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Merlin ends after the fifth season


This is bad news for all Merlin fans out there. BBC one has pulled the plug on the TV series based on the Arthurian Legend.  I am sad to hear that Merlin would end after this season. I have been watching the show since it first aired back in 2008. I don’t how they will cram all the stories they need in the last remaining episode for them to give Merlin a proper ending. Why would they cancel it now that it is starting to become really great. 
 
I thought this season was off in a good start with the inclusion of Mordred in the story. Based on the Arthurian legend, Mordred betrays Arthur and fights the later at the Battle of Camlamn. In some of the stories, Modred kills Arthur during the battle while some says that it is the other way around.  In other stories Modred dies during the battle and Arthur was brought to Avalon to recover from his wounds.
 
It is still unknown how the show will tell the story but in the earlier episode of the fifth season, Merlin sees vision of Modred stabbing Arthur in a battle which is probably the battle of Camlamn.
We yet still how to see how Morgana’s power grows and how the two dragons battle each other. There are too many things that I want to see from the show and I hoping to see them before they close the curtain.
 
I know Merlin hasn’t been as good as the early seasons but I am not sure they should end it with this season. Merlin hasn’t really reached his full potential. At his current state Merlin isn’t considered legendary. I hope they reconsider because this is one of the series that I enjoy watching. Now that Merlin is ending what should I watch next? One of the reasons why I enjoy this series is that this is the only show that the timeline is during medieval era. Meaning, there is no electricity, no gadgets and no guns. That means a lot of sword fights. There is this new show called revolution but it won’t cut it.What are your thoughts?  
 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Merlin season 5 episode 7: A Lesson in Vengeance


Warning: Don't read if you haven't seen this episode

In this episode, Gwen attempted to have Arthur killed twice. First during a picnic, Arthur almost got killed when he was thrown off his horse while two assassins waited for him, Gwen and Merlin. Got thing Merlin was there using his magic. Off course Arthur was unaware that magic was involve.



Camelot made an investigation and found out that Arthur's saddle was tampered. John Bradley (Samwell Tarly of Game of thrones) guest stars as stable hand Tyr Seward . He is responsible for keeping Arthur's saddle in order. It is revealed that Tyr saw Gwen enter the stables. Afraid that her mother will be put in danger, he choose to keep silent. Merlin learned that Tyr was in duress and told Arthur. Before Arthur was able to talk to him, Gwen visited the prison in the middle of the night and stabbed him.



The second attempt involves Gwen poisoning Arthur's cup. Afraid that Gwen will be discovered, she blamed Merlin and had him arrested. Merlin had to change to Dragoon the Great, an older version of Merlin, to escape the guards. Using his healing magic he was able to save Arthur.



When Arthur recovered, he had Merlin released immediately. Gwen again planned ahead and had someone to take the blame by giving out information of who created the poison. Gwen was able to prevent people from learning the truth and is free again to make an attempt on Arthur's life. Merlin and Gauis now knows that Gwen is under Morgana's spell.

This episode shows us more of how talented Angel Coulby is. They way she portray a grieving wife and a villain in the same episode just show how much a good actress she is. Off course a lot of people would disagree specially the Gwen haters out there. Although they end Gwen's spell soon. Unfortunately, I find her performance in this episode more memorable than any of the episode in the TV series.

Colin Morgan (Merlin) also did a splendid acting job. The part where he thought that Arthur is dead was well acted. Actually he has gone a long way in terms of his acting in the last few years. It is evident in the last episode, Disir, that his acting has very much improve. The part where Merlin had the chance to bring magic back to Camelot was really great. It showed how much Merlin was torned between telling Arthur the truth or having Modred die.

Next episode we will see Gwen another attempt to kill Arthur. I just hope that spell will be lifted soon rather than later because it is pretty hard to watch Gwen a villian.

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Merlin Season 5 Episode 6: The Dark Tower

Gwen and Elyan visited their fathers grave accompanied by Gwaine, Percival and Leon. On their way back to Camelot, they were attacked by Snakes and Percival and Leon was bitten. Elaine told Gwen to make a run for it but Morgana was able to capture him. The rest went back to Camelot to have Gauis treat the injured knights. Immediately Gauis recognizes that wounds are not ordinary and Morgana was involve.



Arthur then ordered a rescue party to leave at Dawn. Arthur and Merlin along with other knights set out to search for Gwen. They had to went through an enchanted forest that keeps on tricking them in finding right direction. Finally they were able to get past through using Merlin's magic. Off course Arthur and the other knights are unaware of that Merlin was using Magic.

They were able to reach the Dark Tower where Gwen was being kept captive. All this time Gwen was being tortured by illusions but Gwen was able to resist. As they were about to reach Gwen, they were lead to a room filled with Bobby traps. Elyan was first to get pass through and reached Gwen. Unfortunately another trap is waiting for him. Morgana enchanted a sword to prevent them from saving Gwen. Elyan was able to beat the trap but was mortally wounded in the process.



They returned to Camelot and gave Elyan a knight's burial. At night fall, Gwen slipped out the castle and meet Morgana. It was revealed that Gwen was able to resist the tortured and has become Morgana's ally.

Hopefully Gwen is only under a spell. In the next episode's trailer, Gwen would betray Camelot and Merlin will grow suspicous of Gwen's behaviour. I guess we will have to see how the story unravels.


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Friday, November 2, 2012

Merlin season 5 episode 5: The Disir


Warning: Don't read if you haven't seen this episode

A sorcerer by the name of Osgar killed a knight of Camelot to lure Arthur. The fallen knight, Sir Ranulph, is supposedly  one of Arthur's friend. Weird thing about is that Sir Ranulph was never mentioned before in the show. Moving forward. Arthur seeks out Osgar and not long after Gwayne stab him and was almost dead when he encountered Arthur. Right before dying, he told Arthur of the judgement of the Disir.



Arthur then decided the look for the Disir and confront his Accusers. An argument between Arthur And the Disir broke out. Being offended by Arthur's arrogance, one of Disir, magically threw a stick which was aim at Arthur. Mordred being new and was desperately trying to prove himself. Threw himself in front of Arthur and saved. Merlin told Arthur that he is not capable of healing wounds inflicted by Magic and only Gauis could help.

Gauis unable to heal Mordred as well forced Arthur to seek the Disir's forgiveness. The Disir agreed to help if Arthur would lift the ban against magic in Camelot. If he does agree, Mordred lives and Magic returns to Camelot. If he doesn't allow magic to return, Mordred would die.



Now here is the interesting part. When Arthur asked Merlin wether he should allow magic and maybe that magic is not as evil as they believe, Merlin replied that thereis no place for Magic in Camelot. Merlin had the chance to return magic to Camelot. Instead he listened to Kilgarrah's advice to kill Mordred. When they returned to Camelot, they were surprised that Mordred is alive.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Merlin Season 3 Episode 1:The tears of Uther Pendragon Part 1

A year has passed since Morgana has gone missing and King Uther has not lost hope in finding her. Despite Gaius’ advice Uther refuses to call off the search for Morgana. Prince Arthur and Merlin were on a patrol when they found an abandoned camp. A skirmish broke out and Merlin has to secretly use magic to save Arthur. After the scuffle was over they found an exhausted Morgana. She was then brought to Camelot and was immediately attended by Gaius. King Uther wanted to talk to her but Gaius advised him that it would be better if she gets some rest.
Merlin was then summoned to Morgana’s chamber. Merlin feared that Morgana would tell Uther that he tried to poison her. In the last season Merlin tried to poison her to lift the sleeping spell over Camelot. Arthur was already in Morgana’s chamber when Merlin arrived. When he left, Merlin was asked to stay. Morgana told him that she knows that he tried to poison her. But she then told him that he understand why he did it and she would have done it herself. Morgana does seem to hold any grudges against Merlin and everything seems fine.
Morgana then talk to King Uther who fell into tears when he talked to her. She then used a handkerchief to acquire Uther’s tears. She then met when her sister, Morgause, to make a spell to put fear into Uther. Using a enchantment, Uther saw those he ordered drown because they are suspected to posses magic. 

He was in constant fear and they feared that king was going mad. Rumors swiftly spread of Uther’s condition. Merlin then discovered the source of Uther's hallucination and that Morgana was behind the spell. He then followed her to the woods and discovered that Morgana was in league with her sister. Morgause has found an ally that agreed to attack Camelot while Uther is in his current condition.
Morgana knew all along that she was being followed and Morgause cast a spell to bind Merlin. He was then left in the woods and several giant scorpions appeared. Merlin was defenseless then and eventually got stung. He was left with no choice but to seek the help of the dragon Kilgarrah and was saved.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Merlin


The TV series is loosely based on the story of Wizard Merlin and King Arthur of Camelot. Shine Producers Julian Murphy and Johnny Caps got the idea from Smallville where the series is about how Clark Kent became Superman. In the series, Arthur is still a prince of Camelot while Merlin is just starting to learn Magic and is still long way to become the greatest wizard in the world. Arthur’s father, Uther is the king and Magic is banned in Camelot. Morgana, Merlin’s arch enemy, is king Uther’s former ward.

Since Magic is banned in Camelot, Merlin has to hide his abilities. There are only a few who knows his abilities. One of these people is Gaius, Merlin’s uncle and Camelot’s court physician. He is also a former sorcerer. The dragon Kilgharrah, is another person who knows about Merlin’s secret. Kilgharrah told Merlin that his and Arthur’s destiny are entwined. He is tasked to watch over Arthur until he becomes the king of Camelot. Lancelot is another person who eventually learned about Merlin’s secret though he has not told anyone about it. In the Arthurian legend, Lancelot would become Arthur’s first knight and would be a rival to Guinevere’s affection.
 
In the series, Morgana’s Magic is just starting to awaken. Afraid of being discovered, she grew bitter towards King Uther’s and his approach to anything that has anything to do with Magic. She eventually would learn about her sister (Morgause) existence. In the beginning of the third season, she started to plotted the demise of Camelot with the help of Morgause. But their plans failed thanks to Merlin

The series is a refreshing alternative to shows that are based on modern times. Another series which is also based on a medieval like timeline is Legend of the seeker. Unfortunately the series was cancelled. The series is worth the watch since you can’t wait for events to unfold. We do know that the Arthur would eventually become king, Merlin would become a great wizard and Morgana would be the greatest foe of Merlin. But waiting for it to happen is what makes the series fun to watch. Although I hope that they learn from Smallville’s mistake. The problem with that series is that they are making the viewers wait for Clark to eventually fly longer than they should. I hope it doesn’t take a couple more seasons for Merlin to become a great wizard.

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