keep_counting | Merlin: The Sword in the Stone Part 2

So, can we talk about the fact that finally this series looks badass and amazing?? I mean, it always has to some degree, but these episode, OMG!!

Can we also talk about the fact that I actually sort of liked how Agravaine ended his run? I mean, I would've loved for Nathaniel Parker to stay around for more, but I adore his interaction with Merlin before his death and the fact that it was Merlin who killed him - it puts our favorite warlock in a very dark place, and I'm loving it.

Add that to the fact that they put an original, and excuse me AMAZING twist to the whole 'sword pulled out of the stone' scene. I was very satisfied that they already had the bit from the legend where it was originally in the lake. I mean, think about this sword and how important it has been to all of the series: Gwen's father makes it, the dragon gives it magic, Uther wields it to destroy the Wraith (right??), and then Merlin has to get rid of it: then there's Freya, and in time of need, Merlin wields the sword and puts it in a stone: a place where this time, no one will ever get it out and misuse it again.

It didn't feel forced. Tristan's mistrust and disgust at Arthur felt genuine and with reason, as did his final decision to fight for him: he'd seen Arthur being selfless and brave in those few days he'd been with him. And that Arthur should really lose faith in himself was beautifully done: we in the fandom joke so much about how oblivious Arthur is: first Morgana and then Agravaine. And these are both his family, his flesh and blood, which makes it even worse. He finally realizes how bad everything's been and how harsh it really is being king.

It's up to Merlin to put that faith back in Arthur. This is what it means when everyone says that Merlin will help Arthur unite all of Albion and be the greatest ruler the world has ever seen. This moment. Because without Merlin, Arthur would have never believed in himself after all of this. And yes, you can be upset about the fact that it was a trick, but you know what? I choose to compare this to Harry putting the Felix-potion in Ron's drink before Quidditch. It worked and it was amazing and Arthur has faith in himself. It's like when you or I take a lucky-charm with us into a test: we know the object doesn't have mystical, magical powers but it creates a comfort and strength that is not so easily managed on it's own. Arthur pulling the sword out of the stone was the most beautiful moment of this entire series IMO.

Also, Gaius didn't die OMG I AM SO HAPPY I REALLY THOUGHT THEY WERE GOING TO KILL HIM I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FUNCTION IF THEY HAD!!

Now for my dissapointments:
- I was told beforehand that this would have a cliffhanger ending and my mind came up with all of these crazy and amazing scenarios: when Morgana is lying in the forest, I thought she would either die and Nimueh from S1 would somehow take over her body, Mordred would show up, Morgause would show up... something. I don't know. As it stands, what the thing with the white dragon means (and I know a lot of you think it's cute... I actually don't xD) is still completely unanswered, so I'm not really dissapointed, I'm just hoping it is going to be properly explained

- I am SO SAD that Isolde died, but it's not really a dissapointment, because it was so very unexpected. It annoys me a little though, because I would have loved for once to have seen the man die and the woman going on and being all: 'I will fight on in his memory!'. That would be cool and nice for a change.

- Speaking of Tristan and Isolde: the parallel to Arthur and Gwen was beautiful. I had said to myself that if we didn't get a reveal of Gwen's enchantment, I would be soooo angry, but in a way... yeah, this is good. Because Arthur's grown up a lot and realized who he just cannot loose, who he needs to keep close. Also, can we talk about how absolutely fucking gorgeous Angel looked in the crowning-scene?? You are beautiful and need to stop right now *dies*

- A little miffed we didn't get a wedding scene though

- No magic reveal. How can they not.... that is not... I want to kill something. Seriously.