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.

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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.

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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 … !