Merlin 2x01

[ratcreature]

I'm having mixed reactions to this ep. Not so much for the reasons I've seen many others state, i.e. that they reset the Merlin/Arthur relationship somewhat -- I figure that's in part to it being a season opener, and they have to restate the basic setup. No, the plot of someone tricking his way between two characters is not something I like, because I get squick-like reactions. First this is almost like partner betrayal, but also it comes uncomfortable close to my embarrassment squick, because I cringed for Arthur being duped when we realize that the guy is tricking him. So the first half was hard for me to watch.

But the second half was a lot more fun. I liked the action parts, and also how Gwen saved Arthur and he was awkward afterwards.

As a side note, what was Gaius saying around 19 minutes in, after he says to Merlin "Not everyone thinks you're an idiot"? It makes Merlin chuckle but I couldn't understand the dialog.

Comments

[derryderrydown]

He says, "Although, looking at you now..."

And, yes, I got the same squick-like reactions. But I was so gleeful to have Merlin back that I just kind of barged through them. My show is back!

[ratcreature]

Thanks for clearing that up, it's really bugging me if I can't make out dialog.

And it's good to know that it wasn't just me being ultra sensitive in my sqicks. Once the plot moved past that I was full of glee as well. We got the dragon screwing Merlin over with blackmail, Gaius caring about Merlin but being caught up in Uther's anti-magic quest, Uther caring about Arthur a lot, while also being fanatical... it was like a welcoming back, i.e. I thought it was a nice ep to ease into the series again.

[teneagles.livejournal.com]

As a side note, what was Gaius saying around 19 minutes in, after he says to Merlin "Not everyone thinks you're an idiot"?

"Although, looking at you now..."

[ratcreature]

Thanks! It really bugs be when I can't make out dialog.

[hugglewolf.livejournal.com]

It was a good ep, overall. I totally agree - I hate it when one character is suddenly horrid to another. I would have thought that by this point they had moved beyond Arthur treating Merlin like something he'd trod in, and for it to be done as a plot device was pretty naff.

That said things did shape up, and how sweet was it for Gaius to be wiping Merlin's face! *awwww* Love the fight sequences. Today's Metro (free paper you get in the UK on buses and trains) mentioned the subtext between Merlin and Arthur, especially the comment about only Merlin having the keys to Arthur's chamber. So, that was nice to know we're not alone in noticing these things!

You would think though that by now Arthur had wised up to be people trying to con him. Or maybe not.

And ewww! Faceplant into dung.

[ratcreature]

I hope they'll remember the previous season relationship stuff more in the eps to come, and that this was to make the basic setup clear to new viewers.

[hugglewolf.livejournal.com]

Fingers crossed, anyway. :)