SPOILERS BELOW
With this episode the show has really lost grip on the concept of motivation... also common sense, but let's not get into that.
I was watching it with someone who has missed quite a few episodes from seasons 4 and the beginning of season 5, and their comment was "What does Morgana actually want?" which is a very good question. Her character is one of the most ill-characterized in this series, not only because of the time jumps between seasons and the fact that they didn't explain her turn to evil well, but also just because of the single-mindedness and the stupidity of it. Every single episode she's trying to wreak havoc in Camelot and there's doesn't seem to be a logical motivation - other than revenge - which is a shame for this character.
Aside from Morgana, though, and trust me I could go on about Morgana's characterization for a looong time, the characters in this episode were doing stupid things for no reason.
I mean, if that Alator dude actually did want to get the (pointless) prophecy to Merlin so badly I'm sure someone of his power could have figured out a more secret and efficient way to do it. Finna also seemed quite powerful, so I'm sure she could have thought of a way. After all, she was sending letters to Alator while he was being held in jail by MORGANA. I'm sure she could slip something past Arthur's completely clueless eyes without arousing suspicion.
Then Merlin goes running off into the woods to... what? Find out who would betray Arthur? Seriously? Why couldn't they just communicate with each other in their minds or whatever and get it over with? Did he have to go and endanger he with his stupidity and then end up having to attempt to save her?
Also, why did Finna need saving, exactly? From what I saw Merlin was more of a hindrance than a help so I don't understand why they kept talking about saving. I'm sure she could have handled a few knights on her own.
It also strikes me as rather stupid that Morgana is only now trying to find out who Emrys is. That's not to mention the fact that she needs someone to tell her it's Merlin. Going into this season I was almost sure that Morgana knew about Merlin's magic. I mean, she's seen so much of Merlin, he's the one who has been thwarting her all this time, but she hasn't figured it out yet? She's even stupider than Arthur if you get down to it...
As with all episodes it looked nice, Colin Morgan's acting was superb, and (I'm getting really tired of saying this) Gwen should get some proper clothes. Zooming in on her chest area isn't a substitute for making her character do actual things that are important to the plot.
With every passing week, I'm getting more and more tired of this, and caring less. There are only 3 episodes left and yet it feels like we've gone nowhere(I mean, really, couldn't Morgana, at least, be allowed to find out!). Of course I'll continue to watch, but the writers have failed the fans in a big way.
So, tell me your thoughts and don't forget to submit your own version of the long overdue reveal to The Great Merlin Fan Challenge.
I actually thought this episode was much better than previous ones in this season. It flowed well and there was enough tension throughout to keep me interested. Maybe that's why I really thought Morgana would finally learn about Merlin/Emrys.. It was really disappointing that she didn't - again! So I agree with you; with so few episodes left to go, I fail to understand why at least Morgana couldn't have found out. :/
ReplyDeleteOne thing I really like about this season though is the highlighted tight bond between Arthur and Merlin.
..I was wishing we could see Merlin wearing something different for once -a different shirt, or even a different-colored neck scarf- but I don't think we're getting that, lol. Considering Gwen's dresses and the terribly long sleeves of Giaus's each and every outfit (how can a physician use his hands in such long sleeves??), I think the costume department flat out failed. :)
LOL! I hadn't really given much thought to Gaius' outfits, but you are absolutely right! And actually, you've also got a point about this episode being much more in the spirit of the first few seasons/much better than the rest of this season in general.
ReplyDeleteAs for Arthur and Merlin. I honestly haven't been given a reason to care about Arthur here, and what little hope I had for his character has gone out the window this season. If I did like him, I might see their bond as a good thing, as it is, it just annoys me! LOL
Thanks again for dropping by and leaving your thoughts! :D