So ends season 3 of Merlin (well, it actually ended a week and a half ago!). And, I have to say, this season has been an improvement. I remember getting the first half of the first season on DVD as a Christmas present a couple of years ago but, as I had no intention of rewatching it, sold the collection on Ebay. I'm still not sure whether I'd want the DVD of this show but it is certainly better than those early days - especially this strangely-titled finale.
There's a splash of circular storytelling going on here as the final two-parter mirrors the two-part episode that kicked off this season. In both, Cenred's men - aided by Morgause - lay siege to Camelot but whereas they failed at the beginning of the season, here they succeed using the "cup of life" (aka the holy Grail) to create an army of immortals. Both two-parters were also the best bits of the whole season (a pity much of the middle bit was just above average).
It's funny how the Grail just happened to turn up, in the hands of some druids and that, whilst Uther wanted it for it's healing properties, Morgause wants it for other magical mischief. Handy that. It would've been nice if there had been some foreshadowing in previous episode. Perhaps reports through the season that the druids were using the cup to heal people or something.
Other things that didn't quite sit right was how, in part 1, Arthur and Merlin easily managed to sneek back into Camelot. There were no guards nor army stationed around the castle just after Morgana had taken control. What happened to them? Also, in part 2, Arthur and his knights-to-be just happened to find an old abandoned castle, that no-one had thought to claim, and in said castle was the round table. And why wasn't Merlin made a knight? Arthur made Elyan, a mere commoner, a knight.
Still, I nit-pick. Overall these were a great couple of episodes that packed a lot in. We got the Grail which is now left on the floor in Camelot (I wonder how it becomes lost so that the knights have to quest for it?), the fall and re-taking of Camelot, the return of Excalibur (and Freya) which later becomes the sword in the stone, the beginning of the knights of the Round Table (why was Percival added so quickly and without any real introduction?), and the fall of Morgause and Morgana.
The status quo has now been changed - Uther is a broken man, Arthur and Gwen's relationship is out in the open, Morgana has been shown to be a traitor, etc - and hopefully this will be reflected in the next season. It would be good to see longer storylines, season arcs, more action and adventure and less burp 'n' fart jokes.
Showing posts with label merlin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label merlin. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Merlin: The Sorceror's Shadow
A tough ruler is faced with the task of ensuring that an evil, corrupting influence is vanquished from his peaceful land. That's sort of one of the messages broadcast in this episode of Merlin, a couple of weeks ago (sorry I'm somewhat behind in my reviews). But more on that later...
This episode features yet another tournament in Camelot - they must have one every month. Mind you, with no TV or radio I guess they have to have something to entertain them. Unlike the other knightly tournaments, this one has no rules and anyone can enter - including Uther himself. Why he's desperate to take part in this one (especially considering how apparently deadly it is) but was happy to just sit on the sidelines for the others, I don't know. Perhaps it has something to do with him winning the last five contests.
Wait, the last five contests? And the tournaments happen only once every 10 years? If Uther won his first at 18 years old, that would make him 58 when he won the last tournament and 68 now. Anthony Head doesn't look that old! I'd also be very concerned if a 60-something year old was able to defeat every other fighter - including any soldiers or knights that entered the competition - in Camelot. The only rational explanation is that, like Arthur in this episode, everyone is letting Uther win. Perhaps they're worried that Uther will accuse them of using magic to win and have them burnt at the stake?
Talking of magic, this episode also features Gilli, a young man who his using magic channeled through a ring to help him in the tournament. Can't say I thought much of the actor who played Gilli. He seemed a little wooden. Anyway, after killing a bully, the power goes to his head and he winds up fighting Uther in the final.
Now, I got the impression that Gilli wasn't using the magic ring all the time during his fights. Which means he must be a reasonably good swordsman without magical assistance. So, not only is he quite good at fighting, he also knows a bit of magic. I'm not sure what he was moaning about.
Anyway, in order to rein in the lad, Merlin confesses to him that he also has magical powers and tries to get Gilli to leave the tournament. There then followed a little emotional scene with both of them in tears. I'm not quite sure why - it seemed a little over-dramatic. It's here where it's inferred that magic is a corrupting influence on people. Considering what it's done to Morgana, Morgause and Mordred (never give you child a name beginning with "Mor" in Camelot - they're fated to become evil) and almost to Gilli, then it seems that Uther is right in trying to suppress magic. He may have used a somewhat heavy hand, but the idea was probably right.
Merlin seeks out some advice from that big ol' Dragon, who tells him that if Uther is killed by a sorceror it might harden Arthur's heart against magic. Which is something neither the Dragon nor Merlin want. And so Merlin risks himself (and, again, uses magic right out in the open) to stop Gilli. So let's hope Uther isn't killed by some other sorceror then - like Morgause or Morgana. Magic-users in Camelot will be stuffed under Arthur's reign if that happens!
In the end, Gilli managed to get to the final and, due to Merlin's intervention, came second only to the king (who, remember, has "won" five times in a row already). You'd think the Captain of the guards, the king's army and any bands of mercenaries would be eager for this young man to join up with them. With a little more training he'd be one of the best warriors in Camelot. But no, Gilli just sulks off at the end of the episode.
This was an okay episode - not bad but not wonderful. At least there was no farting! There were some good fight scenes - especially the little nod to Raiders of the Lost Ark. But it didn't really progress the main plot and the acting was only okay.
Of course, after this is the two-part end of season finale. That should be good!
This episode features yet another tournament in Camelot - they must have one every month. Mind you, with no TV or radio I guess they have to have something to entertain them. Unlike the other knightly tournaments, this one has no rules and anyone can enter - including Uther himself. Why he's desperate to take part in this one (especially considering how apparently deadly it is) but was happy to just sit on the sidelines for the others, I don't know. Perhaps it has something to do with him winning the last five contests.
Wait, the last five contests? And the tournaments happen only once every 10 years? If Uther won his first at 18 years old, that would make him 58 when he won the last tournament and 68 now. Anthony Head doesn't look that old! I'd also be very concerned if a 60-something year old was able to defeat every other fighter - including any soldiers or knights that entered the competition - in Camelot. The only rational explanation is that, like Arthur in this episode, everyone is letting Uther win. Perhaps they're worried that Uther will accuse them of using magic to win and have them burnt at the stake?
Talking of magic, this episode also features Gilli, a young man who his using magic channeled through a ring to help him in the tournament. Can't say I thought much of the actor who played Gilli. He seemed a little wooden. Anyway, after killing a bully, the power goes to his head and he winds up fighting Uther in the final.
Now, I got the impression that Gilli wasn't using the magic ring all the time during his fights. Which means he must be a reasonably good swordsman without magical assistance. So, not only is he quite good at fighting, he also knows a bit of magic. I'm not sure what he was moaning about.
Anyway, in order to rein in the lad, Merlin confesses to him that he also has magical powers and tries to get Gilli to leave the tournament. There then followed a little emotional scene with both of them in tears. I'm not quite sure why - it seemed a little over-dramatic. It's here where it's inferred that magic is a corrupting influence on people. Considering what it's done to Morgana, Morgause and Mordred (never give you child a name beginning with "Mor" in Camelot - they're fated to become evil) and almost to Gilli, then it seems that Uther is right in trying to suppress magic. He may have used a somewhat heavy hand, but the idea was probably right.
Merlin seeks out some advice from that big ol' Dragon, who tells him that if Uther is killed by a sorceror it might harden Arthur's heart against magic. Which is something neither the Dragon nor Merlin want. And so Merlin risks himself (and, again, uses magic right out in the open) to stop Gilli. So let's hope Uther isn't killed by some other sorceror then - like Morgause or Morgana. Magic-users in Camelot will be stuffed under Arthur's reign if that happens!
In the end, Gilli managed to get to the final and, due to Merlin's intervention, came second only to the king (who, remember, has "won" five times in a row already). You'd think the Captain of the guards, the king's army and any bands of mercenaries would be eager for this young man to join up with them. With a little more training he'd be one of the best warriors in Camelot. But no, Gilli just sulks off at the end of the episode.
This was an okay episode - not bad but not wonderful. At least there was no farting! There were some good fight scenes - especially the little nod to Raiders of the Lost Ark. But it didn't really progress the main plot and the acting was only okay.
Of course, after this is the two-part end of season finale. That should be good!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Merlin: "The Castle of Fyrien" and "The Eye of the Phoenix"
Cut down reviews I'm afraid.
Both these episodes of Merlin were decent enough and enjoyable. Certainly the quality of Merlin has improved although it's still not a must-see for me nor one I can't wait to see from week to week.
In the first of these two episodes the evil Cenred, helped by Morgause, captures Gwen and shows her that he has her brother. Morgana has told them that Arthur loves Gwen so they send her back with an ultimatum: either she gets Arthur to come to them or they kill her brother. Of course, Arthur sets out to the castle of Fyrien where Gwen's brother is being held in order to rescue him, with Merlin alongside, and soon they get captured.
Here's where my main criticisms of this episode occur. First, I can understand why they keep Arthur alive but why don't they kill Merlin? He's just a servant so no use to them whatsoever and Morgana knows that he knows she's a traitor. Also, there are clearly manacles in the cells but the bad guys don't think to use them on their captives. Which means Merlin and Arthur can come up with a lame plan to escape which actually works due to the stupidity of their guards! I wish that sort of plan had worked when I used to play RPGs.
Still, enjoyable enough and any episode with both Morgana and Morgause in is worth watching.
Unfortunately, only a brief appearance of Morgause in "The Eye of the Phoenix" but still a rather entertaining - and one of the most fantasy like - quest episode. Fights against wyverns, mysterious bridge guardians, hints of the once and future king from an (almost) dead and cobwebbed king. All very satisfying. We get to see Gwaine again, which is a bonus. And, Gwen discovers Morgana's treachery - which helps push along the series storyline.
Admittedly, the quest seemed rather easy - other than the wyverns and some lifestealing gift from (the rather lovely looking) Morgana. I wonder whether anyone checked that Arthur had actually gone into the land of the Fisher King and not just picked up a trident from a local market?
Anyway, in conclusion, a couple of good episodes.
Both these episodes of Merlin were decent enough and enjoyable. Certainly the quality of Merlin has improved although it's still not a must-see for me nor one I can't wait to see from week to week.
In the first of these two episodes the evil Cenred, helped by Morgause, captures Gwen and shows her that he has her brother. Morgana has told them that Arthur loves Gwen so they send her back with an ultimatum: either she gets Arthur to come to them or they kill her brother. Of course, Arthur sets out to the castle of Fyrien where Gwen's brother is being held in order to rescue him, with Merlin alongside, and soon they get captured.
Here's where my main criticisms of this episode occur. First, I can understand why they keep Arthur alive but why don't they kill Merlin? He's just a servant so no use to them whatsoever and Morgana knows that he knows she's a traitor. Also, there are clearly manacles in the cells but the bad guys don't think to use them on their captives. Which means Merlin and Arthur can come up with a lame plan to escape which actually works due to the stupidity of their guards! I wish that sort of plan had worked when I used to play RPGs.
Still, enjoyable enough and any episode with both Morgana and Morgause in is worth watching.
Unfortunately, only a brief appearance of Morgause in "The Eye of the Phoenix" but still a rather entertaining - and one of the most fantasy like - quest episode. Fights against wyverns, mysterious bridge guardians, hints of the once and future king from an (almost) dead and cobwebbed king. All very satisfying. We get to see Gwaine again, which is a bonus. And, Gwen discovers Morgana's treachery - which helps push along the series storyline.
Admittedly, the quest seemed rather easy - other than the wyverns and some lifestealing gift from (the rather lovely looking) Morgana. I wonder whether anyone checked that Arthur had actually gone into the land of the Fisher King and not just picked up a trident from a local market?
Anyway, in conclusion, a couple of good episodes.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Merlin: The Changeling
Although at first sight this appeared to be yet another average episode full of infantile humour - a sort of cross between Sweet Dreams, The Gates of Avalon and Beauty and the Beast - it was actually more enjoyable than the other two filler episodes this season. Yes, there were a few burp/fart jokes together with comedic moments as Miriam Margoyles' Grunhilda tried to "seduce" Gaius. However, this episode also highlighted and pushed forward the blossoming romance between Arthur and Gwen which, in turn, led to Morgana discovering this secret affair. Her new knowledge looks like it plays a crucial part in next weeks episode and hence provides a welcome feeling of a continuing storyline. It's an effective way of having a standalone episode whilst still progressing the background plot.
Of course, the appearance of Lord Godwyn and his daughter Princess Elena plus Uther insistance that Arthur marry the princess was a little sudden. This need to cement the friendship between the two kingdoms seemed to be introduced very quickly with no prior set-up. By sheer coincidence, of course, the princess is a 'changeling' - her body houses the essense of a fairy or Sidhe - which is part of an evil Sidhe plan hatched decades ago when Elena was a baby to get one of the fairy onto the throne and thus control all of Camelot.
Of course, Merlin finds out about Elena's fairy infestation and the fact that Grunhilda, Elena's nanny, is actually a pixie in disguise. He then uses the staff we haven't seen since the end of The Gates of Avalon to (eventually) blast Grunhilda to dust, whilst Gaius concocts a potion to remove the Sidhe from the princess. Funny that we haven't seen that powerful, crystal-topped staff for some time - perhaps it only works on fairies and the like?
Although this appeared to be the main plot, it was the other storyline which was probably the most interesting. Arthur is placed in the tricky position of doing what is required of him by his father, the King, in order to ensure Camelot's prosperity. The problem here, of course, is that he doesn't love the princess but instead has feelings for Gwen, a mere commoner. In the end, Arthur emerges out of the shadow of blind duty and realises that Camelot will be stronger (and he'll be happier!) if he marries someone he loves and who loves him in return. Aaah.
All in all, a well-played episode by the cast. There are some funny moments as well as emotional scenes in here, all peppered with a few decent bits of action. Surprisingly I enjoyed it, though I'd say it wasn't as fulfilling and dramatic as last week's. The episode next week looks to be a good one from the brief preview though.
Of course, the appearance of Lord Godwyn and his daughter Princess Elena plus Uther insistance that Arthur marry the princess was a little sudden. This need to cement the friendship between the two kingdoms seemed to be introduced very quickly with no prior set-up. By sheer coincidence, of course, the princess is a 'changeling' - her body houses the essense of a fairy or Sidhe - which is part of an evil Sidhe plan hatched decades ago when Elena was a baby to get one of the fairy onto the throne and thus control all of Camelot.
Of course, Merlin finds out about Elena's fairy infestation and the fact that Grunhilda, Elena's nanny, is actually a pixie in disguise. He then uses the staff we haven't seen since the end of The Gates of Avalon to (eventually) blast Grunhilda to dust, whilst Gaius concocts a potion to remove the Sidhe from the princess. Funny that we haven't seen that powerful, crystal-topped staff for some time - perhaps it only works on fairies and the like?
Although this appeared to be the main plot, it was the other storyline which was probably the most interesting. Arthur is placed in the tricky position of doing what is required of him by his father, the King, in order to ensure Camelot's prosperity. The problem here, of course, is that he doesn't love the princess but instead has feelings for Gwen, a mere commoner. In the end, Arthur emerges out of the shadow of blind duty and realises that Camelot will be stronger (and he'll be happier!) if he marries someone he loves and who loves him in return. Aaah.
All in all, a well-played episode by the cast. There are some funny moments as well as emotional scenes in here, all peppered with a few decent bits of action. Surprisingly I enjoyed it, though I'd say it wasn't as fulfilling and dramatic as last week's. The episode next week looks to be a good one from the brief preview though.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Merlin: The Crystal Caves
After a couple of average episodes things improved significantly this week. The Crystal Cave was a very tense and atmospheric episode, though slow in parts and lacking any real action. Still, it helped push this season's theme of Morgana's fall and her plans to murder Uther.
Arthur and Merlin find themselves being chased into a wonderfully realised (and quite LotR-ish) Valley of the Fallen Kings. Arthur is shot by an arrow and lies near to death and Merlin is unable to help him. Luckily, a mysterious old man called Taliesin appears, heals Arthur and, whilst the prince sleeps, shows Merlin the crystal cave - the root of all magic. In here, Merlin sees various visions of the future, one of which shows Uther apparently being stabbed in his sleep by Morgana. Leaving the caves, Merlin and Arthur head back to Camelot where the young wizard finds out that Taliesin has been dead for many years and his future visions appear to be coming true!
Of course, Merlin tries to stop Morgana but finds that fate will not be thwarted. By the middle of the episode, it appears that he has succeeded in stopping - and in the process almost killing - Morgana (who actually wasn't out to kill Uther at that time) only to find that his actions lead to the murderous visions he had seen.
In this episode, we - and Morgana - discover that Uther is her father and not just her guardian. This explains why Uther has been so protective of, and concerned about, her this season. In fact, he is so desperate to ensure that she does not die in this episode that he even begs Gaius to use sorcerous means to heal her.
This, I felt, was a little out of character - Uther knows directly the dire consequences of using magic to keep another from dying (it's the reason he's so set against magic in the first place). Perhaps though, the fact that he abandons his own draconian rule when desperation looms, shows us that he inwardly knows that magic is not univerally evil. It also helps cement his vast love for Morgana, which I'm sure will play a further part in future episodes.
Overall, a very entertaining episode - close but perhaps not quite as good as the first story of this season - which gives me hope that Merlin can continue to deliver the goods. Unfortunately though, next week's trailer looks like we're in for another filler on Saturday.
Arthur and Merlin find themselves being chased into a wonderfully realised (and quite LotR-ish) Valley of the Fallen Kings. Arthur is shot by an arrow and lies near to death and Merlin is unable to help him. Luckily, a mysterious old man called Taliesin appears, heals Arthur and, whilst the prince sleeps, shows Merlin the crystal cave - the root of all magic. In here, Merlin sees various visions of the future, one of which shows Uther apparently being stabbed in his sleep by Morgana. Leaving the caves, Merlin and Arthur head back to Camelot where the young wizard finds out that Taliesin has been dead for many years and his future visions appear to be coming true!
Of course, Merlin tries to stop Morgana but finds that fate will not be thwarted. By the middle of the episode, it appears that he has succeeded in stopping - and in the process almost killing - Morgana (who actually wasn't out to kill Uther at that time) only to find that his actions lead to the murderous visions he had seen.
In this episode, we - and Morgana - discover that Uther is her father and not just her guardian. This explains why Uther has been so protective of, and concerned about, her this season. In fact, he is so desperate to ensure that she does not die in this episode that he even begs Gaius to use sorcerous means to heal her.
This, I felt, was a little out of character - Uther knows directly the dire consequences of using magic to keep another from dying (it's the reason he's so set against magic in the first place). Perhaps though, the fact that he abandons his own draconian rule when desperation looms, shows us that he inwardly knows that magic is not univerally evil. It also helps cement his vast love for Morgana, which I'm sure will play a further part in future episodes.
Overall, a very entertaining episode - close but perhaps not quite as good as the first story of this season - which gives me hope that Merlin can continue to deliver the goods. Unfortunately though, next week's trailer looks like we're in for another filler on Saturday.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Merlin: Gwaine
Well, this week's episode was a step up from last week but still didn't achieve the excitement of the first two epsiodes of Season 3. It was suitably dramatic with a couple of nice fight scenes - the beginning bar-room brawl and the armoured sword fight at the end - but still felt somewhat average. However, I did thoroughly enjoy the character of Gwaine (I always thought it was spelt Gawain - or is that another knight?) and thought Eoin Macken played him in a wonderfully rough but charming manner.
The story seemed somewhat familiar though - a sort of conglomoration of the attempted assasination at a tournament (like season 1's "Valiant" or season's 2's "The Once and Future Queen") with the introduction of one of the knights of the Round Table (like "Lancelot", again from season 1). The bad guys must've had one heck of a grudge against Arthur because they went to a lot of trouble to kill him. Why not just pretend to be a knight and live the high life at Camelot or elsewhere? Also, it was kinda handy for the tournament that they got hold of some magical 'blunt' swords.
In a way, although this week was better, part of me enjoyed last week's episode more for some reason. That earlier episode was lighter, I guess. Still, "Gwaine" was enjoyable just nothing to get excited about. And, again, it did nothing to further any ongoing storyline as at the end we saw Gwaine being sent away from Camelot probably never to be seen again. Pity.
The story seemed somewhat familiar though - a sort of conglomoration of the attempted assasination at a tournament (like season 1's "Valiant" or season's 2's "The Once and Future Queen") with the introduction of one of the knights of the Round Table (like "Lancelot", again from season 1). The bad guys must've had one heck of a grudge against Arthur because they went to a lot of trouble to kill him. Why not just pretend to be a knight and live the high life at Camelot or elsewhere? Also, it was kinda handy for the tournament that they got hold of some magical 'blunt' swords.
In a way, although this week was better, part of me enjoyed last week's episode more for some reason. That earlier episode was lighter, I guess. Still, "Gwaine" was enjoyable just nothing to get excited about. And, again, it did nothing to further any ongoing storyline as at the end we saw Gwaine being sent away from Camelot probably never to be seen again. Pity.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Merlin: Goblin's Gold
Ah, back to the old burp and fart humour.
The first two-part story of season 3 of Merlin ("Tears of Uther Pendragon")
was a cracker. Generally dark, dramatic, entertaining, engaging and action
packed. The ending was perhaps wrapped up a bit too neatly - by which I mean
they pretty much hit the reset button - but otherwise enjoyable.
But this weeks episode took me back to season 1.
It was humorous and amusing in parts - like when Arthur (or should that be
Eeyore?) became a half-donkey - and it was good to see a little more of
Gaius (played by the lovely Richard "I don't believe it!" Wilson). The
goblin was reasonably well-animated - although they didn't quite manage to
pull off the integration of the CGI into the real world. And at least they
didn't overuse the crude humour.
Still, in the end, it felt like a filler episode and one that had no impact
in the overall story - if there actually is one in Merlin. This episode
could've taken place in any of the previous seasons and the only thing that
would have had to be changed was Gaius-Goblin's mention of Morgana's
darkness. Although even that could've been some handy foreshadowing.
So, although not bad, it wasn't great either. The preview of next week's
episode looks better, although the whole
"Arthur-targeted-at-tournament-but-is-saved-by-knight-of-round-table" seems
somewhat familiar. We'll see.
The first two-part story of season 3 of Merlin ("Tears of Uther Pendragon")
was a cracker. Generally dark, dramatic, entertaining, engaging and action
packed. The ending was perhaps wrapped up a bit too neatly - by which I mean
they pretty much hit the reset button - but otherwise enjoyable.
But this weeks episode took me back to season 1.
It was humorous and amusing in parts - like when Arthur (or should that be
Eeyore?) became a half-donkey - and it was good to see a little more of
Gaius (played by the lovely Richard "I don't believe it!" Wilson). The
goblin was reasonably well-animated - although they didn't quite manage to
pull off the integration of the CGI into the real world. And at least they
didn't overuse the crude humour.
Still, in the end, it felt like a filler episode and one that had no impact
in the overall story - if there actually is one in Merlin. This episode
could've taken place in any of the previous seasons and the only thing that
would have had to be changed was Gaius-Goblin's mention of Morgana's
darkness. Although even that could've been some handy foreshadowing.
So, although not bad, it wasn't great either. The preview of next week's
episode looks better, although the whole
"Arthur-targeted-at-tournament-but-is-saved-by-knight-of-round-table" seems
somewhat familiar. We'll see.
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