Merlin episode 4: His Father's Son

[karen9]

 I enjoyed this episode a lot. Arthur had to make hard decisions with slimy Agravaine insinuating that Arthur wasn't as strong as his father. Arthur remaining in his tent while his knights and Merlin joke around a fire shows Arthur's feelings of isolation and his heavy sense of responsibility. It's sad that this makes him put Merlin at a distance, although Arthur admits at the end that he should have listened to Merlin. I couldn't guess what would happen in this episode beyond the spoilers so it was exciting. I liked Queen Annis, especially when she comes to an agreement with Arthur despite her personal feelings. She acts as a responsible ruler should act. I liked her taking the measure of Morgana and telling her she's like Uther.  

I was a bit disappointed with Morgana and Merlin's rather feeble magic. Also, where does Morgana get the idea that the throne of Camelot is rightfully hers? She's illegitimate. Even if that didn't matter in Camelot (as in Wales) she would have to be older than Arthur. Would an illegitimate woman have a right to a throne before a legitimate son? I doubt it.

Comments

[mickey2x5.livejournal.com]

I liked this one a lot too, mostly for the reasons you did, and certainly preferred it over last week's one.

Some parts really had me on tenterhooks, and I certainly didn't expect Arthur to decide on a single man combat over a major war, as the trailer would have led us to believe. I'm glad though that he did choose that path, and for the reasons he gave.

I loved Queen Annis and think it would be great if she made another appearance as an ally of Arthur later down the track.

Bradley gave another outstanding performance, and I liked the Arthur/Merlin and Arthur/Knights interaction. Merlin as a knight in the beginning was cute.

My major question, though, is why is Arthur still going out on quests etc, and placing himself such obvious danger, when he doesn't have an heir back at the castle to take his place in the event of his death?

And speaking of heirs, would it come down to Morgana or Agravainne? Obviously Morgana would think it's hers for the taking as the daughter of the previous king. But would Agravainne have an equally strong claim as the next blood relative (that we know of) of the *current* king?

[karen9.livejournal.com]

Some parts really had me on tenterhooks, and I certainly didn't expect Arthur to decide on a single man combat over a major war, as the trailer would have led us to believe. I'm glad though that he did choose that path, and for the reasons he gave.

This came as a complete and welcome surprise to me.

I loved Queen Annis and think it would be great if she made another appearance as an ally of Arthur later down the track.

I agree. I think she is an intelligent and strong woman.

Bradley gave another outstanding performance.

Yes, he gave a moving and convincing performance.

My major question, though, is why is Arthur still going out on quests etc, and placing himself such obvious danger

He should leave these things up to his knights, but I suppose he wouldn't be Arthur if he didn't lead by example.

And speaking of heirs, would it come down to Morgana or Agravainne?
If one assumes the throne would first go to a male heir as is usual then it would be Agravaine.But he's helping Morgana, so what is his real agenda?

[mickey2x5.livejournal.com]

“Agravaine.But he's helping Morgana, so what is his real agenda?”

That's the 64,000 dollar question. I hope we find out at some point and aren't left wondering.

“He should leave these things up to his knights”

I agree, and I suppose in 4.08 he did do this, but then ended up going to find THEM, which I guess kinda defeated the purpose of sending them out on their own in the first place...

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I'm really enjoying your Merlin reviews. It gives me even more to look forward to when I get the chance to watch the latest series. This episode, in particular, sounds really good. I like episodes that deal with character exploration and/or relationships.

[mickey2x5.livejournal.com]

I like episodes that deal with character exploration and/or relationships.

Me too!

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you agree. I always find these the most interesting episodes. :-)