Merlin Series 3, and Episode 13: Here’s my Current thinking

You know, I’ve got to admit, I think — having just watched episode 13 of Merlin, again — that I’m still impressed with the Series 3 finalé.

I really am.

The Coming of Arthur - Part 2 had near enough something for everyone.

Actionª — a really healthy dose of it — for those of us who wanted it.

Added emotion: and romance, as well, for those looking to see the development of Guinevere and Arthur’s relationship.

Magic in buckets!

All in all … ?

I’m thinking that The Coming of Arthur - Part 2 was the best season finale the cast, crew and writers of Merlin have put together in the three years of its production.

The Coming of Arthur - Part 2 sees Arthurº leading a small force of knights — that includes Merlin, Gaius and Guinevere as honourary knights along side Lancelot, Percival, Gwaine, Leon, and Gwen’s brother, Elyan — to an abandoned old castle, to lead a counterstrike against Morgana‡, who — as we saw last week — has taken power in Camelot.

And who, with her sister, Morgause^, has both an invincible army and the Cup of Life in their favour.

Merlin, though, has an ace up his sleeve: he’s told that the only way to defeat the invincible army …

Is to kill the soldiers one by one, with the Sword* he hid in the lake in Series 1.

Or to wipe them out totally by emptying the blood from the Cup of Life.

That oh-so-heavily-guarded Cup of Life …

I’ll leave you to watch the episode, itself, to see how he and Gaius achieve that.

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Now, let’s talk about the series as a whole, shall we … ?

Overall, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Series 3.

Now, granted I felt one or two episodes were padding: good quality padding, but padding, none-the-less.

And granted, other’s were down-right stand-out highlights: episode 9, Love in the Time of Dragons was one such, making such good use of Richard Wilson and guest star, Pauline Collins as it did.

Saying that … ?

I felt the season climax was the real shiner star of series 3: and can’t help but wonder if doing it as a Children of Earth style five night mini-series would have worked just as well.

Either way … ?

It’s worked.

And worked well enough for the BBC to commission a fourth series.

I’m looking forward to that.

One thing I believe Merlin’s third series has done well at, is in slowly — but surely — reinterpreting and updating the old myths of Camelot.

And bringing an old tale to now …

«•»

* OK, I know it’s Excalibur. You know it’s Excalibur. But let’s not confuse the kids, just yet, shall we … ?

º Actually, I think that lead to possibly one of the more inspiration scenes in last night’s episode: I’ll let you judge that for yourself, though …

ª Oh, boy, action indeed …

‡ The one flaw in the ointment? I think that Morgana’s been underused, in this series. Granted, the writers have used Guinevere well, but …

^ Actually, it’s nice to see Gaius showing us what we’ve known since series 1: he has magical power, but generally doesn’t use it as he did in helping Merlin defeat Morgause …

Merlin: Episode 13, The Coming of Arthur — Part 2

You know, right now … ?

I’m watching this with episode 13 playing live — right now — in the background.

You want to know what I think … ?

It’s a bloody CRACKER … !!!

Tonight’s episode follows on from last weeks: it’s sees Morgana finally outed as Uther’s daughter — and eldest child — and on the throne.

And sees Arthur naming both his knights of the round table …

And explaining the resonance of the table, itself …

Now, I’m probably going to be adding more later, as Kevin D, Squeaky and Big Josh are all comfortably having dinner in my front room.

Catch you all after tonight’s movie, folks … … !

Merlin: Episode 12, The Coming of Arthur — Part 1

*Spoilers*

You know, I think I’m …

Whoah, now hang on, just a second, and think, here, shall we, Paul … ?

You’ve probably read quite a bit of my posts, by now, haven’t you?

So me telling you that I’m impressed by … impressed by something … ?

Is going to be about par for the course, isn’t it … ?

Even if it’s not strictly accurate.

Now, if you haven’t read the title’s post … ?

I’m talking about the twelve episode — the penultimate episode — of series three of Merlin: The Coming Of Arthur — Part 1 … … … …

Couldn’t see that one coming, could we … ?

And I’ll happily admit, I’m impressed …

In part …

Tonight’s episode … ?

The Coming Of Arthur — Part 1 starts fairly innocently, with one of Camelot’s patrols attacked and killed on the borders between Camelot and Cenred’s realm.

And it’s leader, Sir Leon being helped by nearby druids: who bring him back to life with the help of something called ‘The Cup of Life’, last seen being wielded by Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) way back in series 1.

«•»

I’ve got to admit, I’d completely forgotten bout that.

But, of course, given that Merlin is the 21st century take on the stories of Arthur, its version of the Grail was going to make an appearance — or re-appearance, I should say —at some point.

«•»

Where was I … ?

Cup of Life , yeah … !

The now healed Leon reports back to Camelot: complete with details of how he was healed. Including the fact that the druids had used the Cup of Life.

Uther, Gaius — and Merlin — know of both the cup, it’s abilities and about how it can be misused.

By the likes of … oooh … an evil warlord, looking to take over Camelot.

So sends Bradley James’ Arthur — along with Merlin, played by Colin Morgan, and joined by Gwaine, played by Eion Macken — out to find the Cup, before it falls into the wrong hands.

«•»

You know, it’s really a shame Cenred — played by Tom Ellis — gets treacherously betrayed and killed by one of his own — now immortal — troops, at the behest of Morgause, played by Emilia Fox.

Thought he had a lot of potential as a long term villain, that chap …

Cie la Vie …

«•»

Now, my first urge, here … ?

Is too try and be polite, and try not to spoil things, too much.

But to hell with it … !

I have put the word Spoilers at the top of the page for a reason … !

Now, I’ll happily admit that with the rebooted Dr Who, I’ve generally felt the the penultimate episodes are generally stronger the the season climax: with the possibly exception of the Matt Smith, Karen Gillane, Stephen Moffat season five climax: I thought both were quite strong.

Part one of The Coming Of Arthur, though … ?

Isn’t the strongest episode, I believe: but is a nice way to start the season finale.

And, as a big climax … ?

Has a very powerful show and tell as it’s closing scene …

Enjoy the episode, when you see it, folks …

Let me know what you think of it.

And as a final thought … ?

Get ready for next week: I’m hoping this particular two-parter may improve …

A Double Bill: ‘Merlin’ Episode 7 and Clint Eastwood‘s ‘Pale Rider’

And I thought yesterday’s post about last night’s episode of Merlin had a lot of tags.

As you might have noticed — by glancing at the bottom of the post — I think I’ver out-done meself, with THIS one.

Possibly …

But then again …

Either way, I know that — what with a new job starting in the morning, a CV to add to, and wondering whether to buy a new printer — I’ve not given enough attention to what you’re reading now.

Hopefully, that’s something I can rectify.

At least for now.

By telling you about last night’s Movie Night.

Which, I have to say, was one of the quieter ones I’ve hosted: just me, Movie Night Adrian and Kevin D.

But complete with something Kevin had brought along that both he and Adrian had seen, didn’t mind seeing again, and both thought I’d like.

They were right.

The Clint Eastwood directed/produced 1985 film, Pale Rider.

And considering he appeared in it, as well … ?

I’m just surprised he didn’t write the script, record the music, and set up the fake bullets.

Oh, and train the horses to fall over on cue, but you can’t do everything, can you … ?

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I’m in burble territory, aren’t I … ?

I am …

Let me move on, then …

Pale Rider sees Eastwood playing the mysterious and unnamed Preacher, who turns up at a small town just in time to help one of the locals — Hull, Michæl Moriarty — being assaulted by a gang of thugs.

Thugs whose boss — LaHood, Richard Dysart — is seriously keen to buy the land that Hull and his friends and family are peacefully mining, and have been for many years.

»»•««

Now, here’s the question you’ve possibly noticed I’ve not answered as yet.

Did I enjoy the film … ?

Actually, yes, I did.

Now, I’ll happily admit to not being a Western fan.

Actually, that’s not strictly accurate.

It’s not that I’m a non-fan, it’s just that — generally — they’ve not been the first thing to catch me eye on the shelves of Blockbusters, or the walls of the local cinema.

So it’s a lack of interest, more than anything else.

So seeing Pale Rider … ?

Was a new experience for me.

And quite enjoyable, too.

Even down to the discussion, afterwards, about one key feature of the film.

The nicely handled ambiguity over whether the Preacher is actually dead, or not.

Now, I know that Clint Eastwood has said in one or interviews that the Preacher is a ghost.

But I’m also very aware that the way Pale Rider is structured, I can’t swear that the character is either a ghost, or someone who — contrary to what their sworn enemy, the corrupt Marshal Stockburn, played by John Russell believes — has miraculously survived something that should have killed him.

Which is personally the way I prefer it, but that’s just me.

But if nothing else … ?

But I’ll leave you with one thought, about it: I’d suggest you see it.

Ambiguous or overwise, Pale Rider is definitely entertaining.

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Which reminds me, the other thing I say, last night … ?

Was, of course, last night’s episode of Merlin: episode 7, The Castle Of Fyrien.

I’m just sorry I couldn’t be as thorough as I wanted with that post: nonetheless, granted that The Castle Of Fyrien is a variation on the ol’ Harebrained Rescue idea, it was a nicely done one, I thought.

What I will do … ?

Is refer you to the BBC’s iPlayer, and recommend you watch it, for yourself: or, at least, catch one of the repeats.

I know that — while friends have told me they’re not keen — I know I’m enjoying it.

And that … ?

Is where I’ll leave tonight’s post: but will leave you with a couple of trailers …

Merlin: Episode 7, The Castle of Fyrien

Phew!

And didn’t throughing in THAT bunch of tags at the bottom of the post take a while … ?

Well, comparative while.

At least, compared to some of the tag grouping I’ve done.

I’m burbling, aren’t I?

Actually, no I’m no, I’m wittering.

You can tell, can’t you … ?

Can’t you … ?

But, safe to say that tonight’s episode of Merlin — The Castle Of Fyrien — was rather good!

The episode sees Arthur helping Guinevere after her brother, Elyan, is kidnapped by the villainous Cenred: played — as ever — by Tom Ellis, who’s working with Morgause.

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Now, arguably, tonight’s episode could be seen as possibly a retread of the old idea of a foolhardy rescue … ?

But it’s well done, none-the-less!

Now, if you’ll excuse me … ?

I’ll catch you …

After the movie … !

Merlin: Episode 5; The Crystal Cave.

Whoah!!

Like, really, Whoah!

I’ve started writing this post right at the tail end of tonight’s episode of Merlin — episode 5, in other words, The Crystal Cave — and I’m impressed, again!

Oh, yes!!

The BBC/Shine co-production is still managing to update the old legends: this time by introducing us to an ancient seer, Taliesin, who we meet when Arthur and Merlin are being chased by bandits.

And who helps by healing Arthur.

Part of the cost, though … ?

Is that Taliesin insists on showing Merlin the episode’s McGuffin.

The Crystal Cave of the title.

Which — as it turns out — allows those with magical ability to see the future.

What it shows Merlin …

Is Morgana …

Standing over Uther …

With a dagger …

All of which gets Merlin a touch … worried.

Well, it would, wouldn’t it … ?

|»•«|

Now, The Crystal Cave is much more my thing.

The producers have pitched exactly the right tone, I believe.

And what’s more, the revelation that Morgana is Arthur’s half sister — via an affair Uther had, many years ago — is both expected, known about — it’s been mentioned in some variations of the stories, for a long time — and deftly handled.

And I think it’ll provide on-going fuel to this series story until at least episode 12.

Here’s hoping!

|»Ω«|

Merlin: The Tears of Uther Pendragon — Part TWO!!

*Spoilers*

I’ve got to admit, I’m impressed, again.

Actually, I’m more pressed with part of The Tears of Uther Pendragon, than I was with part one!!!!!

Am I burbling … ?

HELL, yeah!

Because Shine and co, the people who make Merlin for the BBC have pulled a rabbit out out of a hat for the second episode of series three, The Tears of Uther Pendragon —Part 2.

Last week’s opening episode set the scene for this series, by showing us the havoc that the gone-to-the-bad Morgana — Katy McGrath — was inflicting on King Uther —Antony Head — and left our hero, Merlin — Colin Morgan — in chains.

In chains, yes.

But not for long.

At least, not for long, when you’ve got twenty foot of Great Dragon — voiced as ever, by John Hurt — able to heal most of your wounds, and offer you a quick way home.

Part 2 … ?

The Tears of Uther Pendragon - Part 2 starts with exactly that: the Dragon bringing Merlin all the way back to Camelot.

Just in time to find it under siege from the forces of Uther’s rival, King Cenred: played by Tom Ellis.

And with Uther driven mad by a magically placed mandrake root?

Camelot has but one apparent defender.

Arthur.

‹‹‹•›››

Phew!!!!!

Now, needless to say, this particular episode finishes with Cenred forced off.

But with twists.

After all, we see how Merlin helps end the Attack of the Ray Harryhausen Clones threatening Camelot from with-in.

After having one heck of an out-right duel with Morgana, who’d started that self-same attack.

And we see — in case you’d got the impression no-one else was involved in the siege — exactly how well Prince Arthur — Bradley James — deals with both his foes.

And the woman who he’s realised is going to play a bigger part in his life than he thought …

‹‹‹•›››

And to cap all of that lot …

Uther, bless him …

Uther, if he but knew it … ?

Uther is being deluded.

Because, as those of us watching tonight, will know, the Rowen-wood staff given to Morgana by Morgause, that had revived the dead in Camelot’s crypt, was destroyed by Merlin.

But Uther is convinced that it was destroyed …

By Morgana …

Nasty …

‹‹‹•›››

Now I’ve got to admit, I seriously enjoyed tonight’s episode.

And to be frank … ?

I think if the series expands the dark glints it’s shown, tonight … ?

I think — THINK — we’re in for a treat, over the next eleven weeks.