Merlin ramblings...

[marguerite_26]

My thoughts on Merlin 3.09 and 3.10 trailer



Episode 3.09
Hmm.. accioslash said it best: “At least the Manticore didn’t fart.” :)
It was terribly ... boring. I found myself clicking off screen to check my email during several scenes.

The Arthur ‘reset’ to immature, selfish prat who would use his servants for target practise didn’t leave enraged, only disappointed. I think it was a misguided attempt at humour and a way to include M/A in an ep that otherwise was not about them. And of course to raise the ‘poor merlin’ factor. Several thing could have helped make this work for me. One easy one would be to give 2 minutes to Arthur to justify him being in a super crappy mood and therefore he is acting like more of an asshat than usual. So some sort of frustration with his father or (god, even better Morgana!!!) to give his actions a bit of depth and even in the most superficial sense move the story forward. Not that being in a bad mood would justify his actions but he’s not exactly perfect already and being seriously pissed off/preparing for some major even/all the knights are off patrolling would at least give us some explanation as to why Merlin is doing this without implying that he’s been using Merlin for target practise since the second episode.

Lazy writing is lazy. So yes, I’m very disappointed that the writers think they can give us ‘first ep, first scene’ Arthur without even the tiniest explanation.

On the other hand, I totally want to write about Merlin holding that hoop for jousting practise and getting off on it. *looks shifty*

Episode 3.10 trailer
Ah. So I see now what’s had everyone up in arms. I’m not spoiled beyond the trailer. My reaction was: Oh, good it looks like Important Stuff is happening. And Merlin ‘outing himself’ in a round about way. COOL!!!
You see, I don’t watch the show because I believe they are going to show us Merlin and Arthur’s first kiss. Totally not going to happen. Arthur is going to marry Gwen. She is going to cheat on him with Lancelot. So... let’s get that over with, shall we? I suppose it’s possible that the show could end before that happens. Or the writers will rewrite that bit. Um, I highly doubt that.
So given that it’s going to happen, the important thing to me is ‘how’. Are Arthur and Gwen believable in love? Not to me. Does that matter? Not to me! You see the less ‘in love’ with her I believe that he is, the less heart broken he will be when she runs off with Lancelot (or however they play it).

In terms of my M/A epic love, we are left with:
- Future fics – As one brilliant anon once said on m_m (Morgana was Arthur’s past, Gwen is his present, Merlin is his future). The friendship between them is epic and beautiful and runs incredibly deep. My hope for this entire series is that it ends with Gwen off with Lancelot and Arthur (not all that heartbroken) riding off into the sunset with Merlin to complete their destiny together.
- Modern AUs
- Canon AUs
- Reincarnation fics. Like future fics... this is what makes my OTP of M/A never feel threatened by Gwen’s role in Arthur life. To me, Arthur’s reincarnation is all about Merlin and Arthur’s epic journey together playing out again (and again). It's about THEM and their friendship and love and two side of the same coin. How can I ever feel like my OTP is drifting away when I have that and it’s canon and I BELIEVE IT?

As a minor compensation, I also believe that Merlin has Gwaine to help him through the waiting until Arthur and Gwen do their disastrous dance together. *sly grin*

So YAY!!! Bring it on, baby!!! Give me your story, Merlin. And then I’ll tell you what happens next.


In other news. The Island trailer is up. Not my kind of movie. But it’s great to see Colin is a different role. I thought I read that he was supposed to be playing a man with Autism? y/n? Can't find that referenced anywhere now that I'm looking for it. If so... way too much eye contact, imo. Though we weren’t shown much, so I’ll wait before passing judgment.

Comments

[sabriel75.livejournal.com]

Agreed with Colin's portrayal of autism in the Island trailer. He's much too cognitive of body language and people's expressions. Much too attuned to human interaction from the little peek we get from the trailer.

(Morgana was Arthur’s past, Gwen is his present, Merlin is his future)

THIS RIGHT HERE IS WHY I WILL ALWAYS SHIP MERLIN AND ARTHUR.

Well written you! :D

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

The very first scene where he is being yelled at an not looking at his mother, that felt right. But when someone says something and he looks directly in their eyes and holds it? :/ Also when he sits down at the table and suddenly looks first at one person and then the other (again, in the eyes) it was just too 'casual' of a glance. Especially given that the scenes we are shown are likely tension filled, it would seem more likely that any eye contact would appear very 'forced', like he's struggling to give it.

But *shrugs* it's hard to say just given that. But he didn't scream 'Spectrumy' to me. :D


THIS RIGHT HERE IS WHY I WILL ALWAYS SHIP MERLIN AND ARTHUR.

yeah. It was ages ago when I read that one tiny comment and yet it always stuck with me as YES! This is what matters. It's what makes me keep reading, keep writing, keep watching. :D

[ella-bane.livejournal.com]

Good morning, bb! ♥

I was nodding while reading your thoughts, so instead of copy/pasting your whole entry I'll just say, ME TOO.

Except for this: I suppose it’s possible that the show could end before that happens. Or the writers will rewrite that bit. Um, I highly doubt that.

Do you mean you think the writers will rewrite Lance/Gwen in the legend? I have no idea what they will do at this point!

In the end, honestly, even if Gwen and Arthur are happily married without even a whiff of Lancelot, I would really like to see Merlin get some serious appreciation from Arthur and have Arthur express to Merlin that he knows Merlin is his truest and most loyal friend.

I watched the Island trailer, and it was so dark I could barely make out some of the scenes. I will wait patiently. :D Yay for yummy new accent on Colin!

Ooh, did you see? We have FOUR submissions. YAY, only 46 to go! HEE.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

Do you mean you think the writers will rewrite Lance/Gwen in the legend?

I just meant that I'm sure that Arthur/Gwen is going to happen and all the set up is there for Lance/Gwen to come in and break it up. I can't imagine the writers would 'change' that, though they may write it differently somehow. IDEK!!! I actually WANT to see how they handle it.

4 submissions!!! YAY!!!

[hermette.livejournal.com]

I literally just made a post about how I needed to build a bridge and get over it.

BRAIN TWIN.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

Seriously??? That is so funny. I've been afraid to click any of your reaction post because I wasn't sure how spoilery they were.

Is it safe? I only know that 3.10 trailer. Tell me yes! I wanna read. :D

♥

[hermette.livejournal.com]

Oh, the reaction post is -- no. Don't read that. I was in full blown ashes on my head, rendering my garments mode. The post I just made was a -er, I have a lot of feelings, time to get over it post. The post I just made isn't spoilery at all.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

Great! I'll go read that last one. :DDD

[ella-bane.livejournal.com]

rendering my garments mode.

And gnashing of teeth.

But man, venting was needed. So very needed.

I think we all feel better having let it out, honestly!

[hermette.livejournal.com]

It was like detox, wasn't it? After it was over I felt so much better. It was like the opposite of an orgasm, but just as needed.

[bohemiabythesea.livejournal.com]

The hoop'n'lance imagery was a bit too subtle for my poor brain; I thought I might have to sit down and find some smelling salts. It seems to be insinuated, and I could be wrong here, that there is some sort of...physical attraction going on between Arthur and Merlin.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

hee! hoop'n'lance was um... yeah. It did things to my naughty brain. ;)

It seems to be insinuated, and I could be wrong here, that there is some sort of...physical attraction going on between Arthur and Merlin.

Not sure I understand what you mean by that? Do you mean that the show is hinting that they are taking a roll in the hay after practise? *g*

[bohemiabythesea.livejournal.com]

Surely not; we must be imagining that. Merlin's face during that whole scene was perfectly innocuous.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

♥

hee! perfectly. There was certainly nothing in Arthur's steely/determined face and Merlin's reluctant submission.

[bohemiabythesea.livejournal.com]

No, all well within the confinements of a clean and unambiguous storyline. Though, had there been something, I would be slightl concerned about Arthur's technique, which, according to Merlin's bemused face just after the ring has been plucked, seems to leave room for improvement.

[lolafeist.livejournal.com]

Also, also, porny fics. I think Arthur and Gwen can absolutely be together and Merln and Arthur can be "together" in one way or another if you want to get into screwy, psychologically damaging relationships and/or shameless porn.

I'm also so in love with these boys I'm totally happy with them just having this intense friendship that obviously, canon-ly, they will have.

Honestly on the show, Arthur/Gwen just bugs me because it's really, really poorly written and it comes out extra forced, especially when you have your slashgoggles on.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

I'm not adverse to the idea of Arthur and Gwen being married and Arthur/Merlin still happening. either in porny fics or epic plotty fics. I think it works on many levels. And I've read a few threesome fics, or fics where Arthur and Gwen are married in name only. But I don't see canon supporting that like it might have in S1 or S2.

Arthur/Gwen is not well done in canon. It's a bit painful to watch, even with my endless optimism. :D But I'm forgiving to a fault with this show. *g*

[lolafeist.livejournal.com]

I think that's my biggest beef at the moment. The Not Done Well part. The writing inconsistencies bug me more than Arthur and Gwen bug me by sending knives through my great big slashy heart.

I am too. I blame the boys. An entire episode of "meh" can be redeemed with one glance. COLIN.

ALSO omg I am spammy on your journal this morning. Sorry.

[marvelpku.livejournal.com]

A/G thing is so forced by the writers and sometimes they even sacrifice the character of Arthur and Gwen for that thing. And the acting between them is always awkward to some extent. That's why I don't like that relationship at all. It is really painful to watch.
People are emotionally mature, think about what Merlin has been always doing for Arthur. Any people get sense will know who is the BEST to Arthur on this world. I don't expect the show to go gay actually. But two boys with their interwined destiny stay side by side and rule the Albion together is all I want.

[lolafeist.livejournal.com]

Oh just watched the trailer. I kept trying to turn the brightness up on my monitor, WTF.

Definitely not excited about it like I am about Parked, but I can't say I'm DISpleased with the fact that Colin appears to be getting the shit beat out of him in two separate films. >_>

It looks intense and not my kind of movie either.

My son has ASD and has plenty of eye contact, so I wouldn't necessarily rule that out as a spectrumy thing or not. I am not familiar with the book, does the character have autism?

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

I'm def. looking forward to Parked but will likely give this one a skip just because yeah... not my thing.

My son had ASD, too. And while most therapist comment on how 'great' his eye contact is, it's never 'natural' imo. When he looks at you it's very INTENSE but also when he speaks to someone or someone speaks to him he doesn't grab and hold the eye contact. When he tries to, it's very forced looking.

As I'm sure you know, kids on the spectrum are all over the place in their little quirks, so you are right it's not a hard and fast rule that ASD == no eye contact. But it is pretty common. With all the group therapy we've been in and dozens of ASD kids we've met, I notice that more often than not eye contact is not natural. (like the simple thing about sitting down at the table and making eye contact with each person at the table for no apparent 'reason', which looked very natural and non-spectrumy to me).

but I'm no expert, certainly. Just something I'm hyper-aware of because of all the therapy I'm doing to encourage better eye-conact in my own kid. :D

[lolafeist.livejournal.com]

Man I hear you on all of that. :)

I'm not familiar with the book at all either. Curious to pick it up now!

[overtsock.livejournal.com]

I read "The Island" (and yes, I will admit to reading it because Colin is in the movie) so I hope I get to see it over here. I wouldn't be surprised if they made the decisision to alter Calum's(his character) behavior a bit. They do have a bit of liberty there since it was never actually specified in the book what exactly made him just a bit different.

I will always see M/A as 2 sides of the same coin, even if the road is long and twisty that's where it will end up. Sometimes I forget that the legend is supposed to be tragic and angsty, so a happy ending might be a long way off. They will get there, in this life or the next :D

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

Oh! interesting - so he'd just 'a bit different' and not necessarily 'classic ASD' (which is what I was expecting to see. I hope they stick with that and never say: oh and CM is playing an autistic man, because there are a lot of 'quirks' to people that are often part of the spectrum but having them doesn't make you autistic. It's the 'whole package' that earns you the diagnosis. I like the freedom that would give CM to create a quirky character that may or may not be autistic but in the end it doesn't matter - he's just a bit different. :)


They will get there, in this life or the next
*bursts into tears* I don't know why but reincarnation stuff (while it's hopeful an reassuring in someways, it's also incredibly sad. Still - undeniably romantic.

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

As I see it, coins only have two sides, and Merlin and Arthur are two halves which make each other whole (it must be true because Slash Dragon said so BEFORE he went a bit crazy) so... that doesn't really leave a lot of room for anyone else in their epic destined relationship, whether slashy or not :D

Morgana was Arthur’s past, Gwen is his present, Merlin is his future.

I like that interpretation of things!

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

so... that doesn't really leave a lot of room for anyone else in their epic destined relationship, whether slashy or not :D

*beams*

YESYESYES!!!

I like that interpretation of things!
I'd love to glomp whoever said it! If you see this, bb - genius line. ♥

[marvelpku.livejournal.com]

I think Bradley clearly states that he is very clear about where Arthur and Merlin's relationship is going to be (He won't say it is gay or something but he agree that it is the heart of the show and the most significant relationship in the show). He has no doubt about that (I think his opinion is that A/M are the most important to each other). I think he always agree they are two sides of one coin. (you may listen to Bradley's comment in 110 when Hunith say that A/M are two sides of one coin and Bradley comment something like I hear it TOO).
I think in Bradley's heart no other relationship in this show is on the same level as A/M's. He say "NO CONTEST".
Bradley is quite emotionally mature in my eyes based on various interviews he is in, that's the reason why he cherish A/M's relationship so much. It is pure beautiful.

[accioscar.livejournal.com]

They won't show Gwen running off with Lance. They've never intended to take this show all the way to the end of the legend. It's meant to be a "before the legend" thing. I honestly think it will end with Arthur/Gwen married and Merlin as court sorcerer.

I too don't "believe" in the Arthur/Gwen relationship. They have rushed it and there seems to be no "reason" WHY Arthur is suddenly in love with Gwen or vice versa.

BUT. It has always been inevitable and it doesn't really affect my enjoyment/involvement in fandom. I love the show. I love the fandom. But I try to think of them as two separate entities in a way. You know?

To me, it doesn't really matter what happens on the show. THIS IS WHAT WITH HAVE FANFIC FOR!!!

LONG LIVE FANDOM! *\0/*


p.s. I think reincarnation fics are my fave. It's a great way to stick to canon legend but still give Arthur and Merlin their "second chance". :D

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

They won't show Gwen running off with Lance.

um... okay. Do you know this for certain? I mean is this something 'everyone knows' because frankly that really just fucked over my love of this show really hard.

I'm assuming that you're just blithely throwing that out because it doesn't matter to you. but um... really actually really matters to me.

And I really didn't want to hear that.

I don't know why that actually upsets me so much. hmm... Interesting. But yeah. I kind of know that might happen, but to me that's worst case scenario. But I'm really taken aback by you stating it like fact.

I never thought I would loose interest in Buffy, to be honest. Way too much to play with, too many characters I loved and endless pairing possibilties.

Yet were we were let on that final show of Angel - I couldn't write another word. couldn't read another fic. My interest just died. Strangely - I got that same feel when I just read your They won't show Gwen running off with Lance.

*off to pretend I didn't read that*

ETA: Or possibly I'm just on a huge sugar low and shouldn't have skipped lunch!

[accioscar.livejournal.com]

OH GOD. I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to upset you! I'M SO SO SORRY! D:

I wasn't saying it to be mean or anything, I promise. OMG!

Just ignore me. Delete the comment if you want.

Sorry sorry sorry! :(

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

*squish*

I am serious about the sugar low... should have stepped away from the keyboard when that single sentence made me burst into tears on a post that was basically All About Optimism. *headdesk*

No need to delete (please don't!)

Interesting discussion! and actually my own reaction to it is interesting.

I think the best I can hope is that the shows leaves us in a place that gives us lots of play.

But something like A/G 'happily married' is the worst for me because that means every. single. fic. feels like it needs to then move on from that point. Similar to snarry fen having to write all these 'snape comes back' 'snape wasn't actually dead' intros to their fics. I find stuff like that frustrating.

Though a marriage is only temporary and we know it's not going to last, still it absolutely is my worst case scenario when I think of how this show is going to end. :/

[accioscar.livejournal.com]

In fact, I'm just gonna delete it. I don't want to upset anyone. Least of all you!

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

Don't!!! Really, Don't!!!

I promise to go have a glass of OJ. :D

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

Okay - I've eaten and am feeling more sane! :D

It has always been inevitable and it doesn't really affect my enjoyment/involvement in fandom. I love the show. I love the fandom. But I try to think of them as two separate entities in a way. You know?


Yes! I totally get that. Fandom does have a lot to offer that is really 'outside' the show. Reincarnation fics and Modern AUs are such a step beyond what the show gives us that they do live quite separately in my head.

And even S1 still inspires me to write in that universe.

So what they give us in S3 and S4 will (I desperately hope!!!) not touch my love of fandom. :D *laughs at self*

[accioscar.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I mean, it's kinda like HP. That had the 'happy het ending' but it certainly hasn't stopped us H/D shippers! :D

And, like you said, there's canon and modern AUs as well as reincarnation fic. And we have so many talented writers in Merlin fandom who can get round anything canon throws at us. In a way, I think it might be better if they don't follow the legend right to the end (I, for one, am not keen on seeing Arthur's death on screen) because it gives us more leeway in terms of 'what happens next'. Follow the legend canon or 'enhance' it slightly? ;D

But I do think we need to be prepared for a happy A/G ending on screen, tbh. This is a BBC family show after all. (Not like Torchwood OMG!!)

[accioslash.livejournal.com]

The Arthur ‘reset’ to immature, selfish prat who would use his servants for target practise didn’t leave enraged, only disappointed.

Heh. I'll just be over here in my little denial bubble. ;D Seriously, I will say there are definitely places where Arthur comes across as just ridiculously childish. I remember being irritated early in season 3 where he threw something at Merlin in a manner reminiscent of a toddler throwing a tantrum. That was ridiculous. Though I will say that the majority of the other things he does speaks (to me) far more to a lack of social/relationship awareness than more general puerile behavior.

In this episode I think Arthur was being his usual socially retarded self in an effort to get Merlin to talk/be less sad/get pissed off to blow off some steam so he would go back to being the idiot Arthur knows and loves. You really don't get the impression Arthur does this every day. Especially when you consider that in the first episode Arthur is showing off to the other Knights. This time it's just him and Merlin. I just don't think the actual depth of Arthur's lack of awareness as it applies to relationships between people of all classes can be over-emphasized. He wasn't raised to have friends or see people as equals or even necessarily as people. I still think that Arthur's behavior demonstrates he really cares for Merlin. He allows Merlin to get away with behavior he'd never permit in anyone else (even in public and around his Knights), and actually trusts Merlin. He also very much cares what Merlin thinks of him. I just think the boy really is very socially awkward. I suppose that some people feel that's getting a bit tired as an excuse. And perhaps it is. But I think Arthur's genuine affection for Merlin is apparent in spite of his inability to express it in traditional ways.

You know, I had been joking with others that perhaps I have an easier time with this because I'm a Snarry shipper. Those two didn't manage a civil conversation in 7 books. But Snape spent his life protecting Harry and it's all good. Idk.

On the other hand, I totally want to write about Merlin holding that hoop for jousting practise and getting off on it. *looks shifty*

Even the BBC knows Merlin likes to bottom. ;D

Like future fics... this is what makes my OTP of M/A never feel threatened by Gwen’s role in Arthur life.

I've just always felt that Gwen and Arthur have an understanding, but there is nothing beyond friendship between them. I think that would have been true for many marriages of the time and don't understand why more people don't default to that in fic. Especially since there is genuine affection between them if not passion.

As a minor compensation, I also believe that Merlin has Gwaine to help him through

*sticks fingers in ears* Lalalalala, I can't hear youuuuuuuuuu. ;D Seriously, this is one place where I do like show!canon. Merlin only has eyes for Arthur. Thank God someone in the show who is supposed to love him thinks this way. (Serious delusional OTPer is seriously delusional)

[symetric.livejournal.com]

i agree! it was boring and i was BORED. is that normal? *weeps* i am slowly starting to really hate the writers because the writing makes me weep more than anything else. the actors try their hardest, bless them, but urgh. how to you get past a massive hurdle like that? will check out The Island trailer though!

lol, i haven't read the stuff for 3.10 trailer because i haven't watched it. :D ...i'm guessing you're excited?

[hereticalvision.livejournal.com]

Agree with the above comments about it not being well done. Le sigh. There are so many things I've enjoyed that this season is not showing well - I loved Morgana coming to believe Uther should die in S1 and now she's Magic's Smirking Revenge? I'll buy her wanting the crown, but being willing to kill everyone in her way?

And *ducks* I actually do buy Arthur having feelings for Gwen. She gives him something to live up to. What I don't see is why she's attracted to him. Yes, he's the prince, but where Merlin responds to Arthur's prattish ways in a variety of funny, it upsets Gwen. And when Lancelot buggered off without even talking to her I nearly put my fist through the screen. IMO, as it's currently written Gwen would be better off with Lance because he's her class, genuinely lovely, and totally able to express himself. Merlin compliments Arthur better because he takes less crap and isn't so hurt by the prat moments. This doesn't mean however that I want them to fall into one another's arms. Oh no, I like screwed up complicated and angsty waaaaaaay too much for that.

Also: THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT YOU KNOW. I never watched this show until I saw your AU recs and thought, hm I wonder if any of those would be any good and read them and loved them and then watched the show and and and YOUR FAULT. Just sayin'

(Keep up the good work - love those recs!)