Escapay wrote:
How'd you enjoy the season, David? I think it was better than the first.
albert
Thanks for asking!
I enjoyed it a lot, and now that I've had the chance to see all of the episodes (as well as see them in their intended order), I will definitely agree that this season was stronger than the first (which was itself pretty strong, as that's what got me hooked on it in the first place!) This season definitely had more character development, more interesting twists, and more of a dramatic "edge" (in a good way).
Here's some random thoughts:
This section may contain SPOILERS for those who haven't seen the show
I enjoyed all the episodes that dealt with Morgana, her realization that she had magic, and the growing rift between her and Uther. I agree with what you said about her being kind of underutilized, though. It seems there would have been more development about her learning about her magic, but not much is really said about it again until towards the end. The penultimate episode in which Merlin poisons her was both surprising and powerful, though.
The character of Morgause was interesting also, and I liked the return of Mordred as well.
One episode that really stands out in my mind was "The Lady Of the Lake". I thought it was very sad, but also very beautiful and moving. I really like how Merlin treated someone who was an outcast, and who had such a curse, with such compassion and dignity when no one else would. I am not ashamed to say I cried a river during that final scene by the lake.
I thought the two part episode where Uther married a troll was very funny. One thing that really annoys me about Uther is that no matter how many times people like Merlin and Gaius save the Kingdom (and save his neck) he is still so quick to turn on them, throw them in the dungeon, or even call for their execution. (kind of like no matter how many times Bo and Luke save Boss Hogg's life, he is still always ready to "cuff and stuff them". And yes, I realize that show is completely silly and not meant to be taken seriously, but it was the first example I thought of!
) But anyway, it's like Uther doesn't learn anything, but I guess that makes sense considering it's part of who he is and part of why he is so despised.
Speaking of Uther, I thought "The Sins Of The Father" was a very intense and powerful episode. Not only because Arthur got to meet his late mother and learn the truth about his origins, but also because of the intensity of the subsequent sword duel between father and son. The intense dramatic dynamic here kind of reminded of the light saber confrontations between Luke and his father in the original Star Wars films. In the end, of course, Merlin saves Uther's life, which was a very selfless act on his part, and which showed great loyalty to Arthur, not wanting him to have to live with the painful consequences that killing his father would have brought him.
Lastly, on the final episode, I was so glad that Merlin finally got to meet and learn about his father, and so sad that their time together ended prematurely. For some reason I had a bad feeling that would happen before the end of the episode, though.
Anyway, I really enjoyed the season, and am looking forward to the next one!
In the meantime, fans in the UK can enjoy the show Saturdays on BBC One, with "Merlin: Secrets and Magic" the next day.
