MERLIN CLUB: The Fires of Idirsholas

MERLIN CLUB: THE FIRES OF IDIRSHOLAS

Or the One Merlin Finally Listens to the Dragon and Breaks Jess' Heart

Before we get to the recap and questions... I'm going to take a moment to squee about If Ever Would I Leave You being released this week. :) 

I can't tell you how excited I am about this book--there just aren't words to adequately describe it. 

I got to write about Arthurian legend and be a part of a collection with Jenny and Bronwyn - two of the most amazing people I know and am lucky enough to call my friends. 

Not only that, but this book made me fall in love with writing all over again. Seriously. How freaking lucky am I? 

So I invite you to buy this book and enjoy three amazing Authurian-inspired stories. 

Surfacing by Bronwyn Green

A Choice Fit for a Queen by Jenny Trout 

and

The Deepest Cut by yours truely. :)

Available NOW on Amazon & Smashwords

And now on to our regularly scheduled Merlin Club post...

RECAP—The episode opens in the ruins of a castle (I think) with Morgause performing magic near seven still figures, and when she is done (Ending with the ominous “Uther Pendragon!” which is never a good thing, yeah?), the figures can now move.

In Camelot, Uther is informed that smoke has been seen from the citadel of Idirsholas. Gaius warns Uther of the legend that says the Knights of Medhir will ride again if the fires of Idirsholas burn. Even though he’s skeptical, Arthur decides to investigate

Gaius tells Merlin what’s what—three hundred years ago, seven of Camelot’s knights were seduced by the sorceress Medhir. They swore to serve her, destroying everything in their path. They only stopped at Medhir’s death, becoming lifeless without her magic.

When Arthur, Merlin and some knights get to Idirsholas, they are met by the Knights of Medhir. 

Merlin uses magic to defend them—secretly, of course—but in the end, it’s only Arthur and him who survive. They decide to go back to Camelot to come up with a plan of attack.

Morgana is contacted by Morgause, and they meet in secret. So much tension between the half-sisters…and not the angry kind. O.o 

They both hate Uther so much that Morgana agrees to help Morgause. The sorceress puts Morgana to sleep and performs some sort of spell over her. When Morgana wakes, back in her bed, she finds that a strange illness is sweeping through Camelot—people become weak, tired, and eventually fall asleep.

When Arthur and Merlin return, everyone is asleep, and the boys can’t wake them. They make their way through the castle. In Morgana’s rooms, they find Morgana hiding. Arthur seems suspicious that Morgana is the only one awake, but Merlin says, Gauis gave her a potion before he fell ill, so that must have made her well.

They hurry to get to Uther and hide him as Morgause and the Knights enter the castle. Things go from bad to worse when Arthur and Merlin begin to fall ill with the magical sickness. Merlin says he’ll go search for the potion Morgana took.

He manages to elude the Knights and ends up down below the castle asking the Great Dragon for help. The dragon, who is pretty pissed at Merlin, finally agrees to help when Merlin swears on his mother’s life that he will release him if he does. The only way to break the spell is to kill the source of the magic—Morgana.

Though hesitant and troubled, Merlin takes a bottle of hemlock from Gaius’ chambers and returns to Morgana and Arthur who are trying to get Uther to a cart outside. They are stopped by the Knights, and Arthur fights with them to give Merlin and Morgana a better chance to get Uther out.

Morgana falls, and Merlin ignores when she calls for help. A Knight nearly kills her but stops, as if recognizing her. He goes after Merlin instead but Arthur saves him. The group ends up in the throne room. While Arthur fights off the knights again, Merlin poisons the water he has and offers it to Morgana. She refuses several times, but finally drinks it. She has trouble breathing, and Merlin apologizes as she begins to die.

Morgause senses her sister’s distress and rushes to her. She demands to know what poison Merlin used, but he says he’ll only tell her if she stops the attack. She threatens to kill him, but he points out Morgana will die with him. She halts the attack and Merlin gives her the empty bottle. Morgause uses magic to escape with Morgana.

Uther thanks Arthur, but Arthur feels he failed because he didn't protect Morgana. Uther says it is his fault.  He insists Morgause can’t be allowed to get away with what she has done.

In Gaius’ chambers, the physician tries to comfort Merlin, telling him he did the right thing. He says that Morgana chose to use her gift for evil. Merlin leaves, saying he has to do something. He gets a sword he took from a Knight—crafted in the Old Religion—and goes down to the Great Dragon. He asks what the dragon’s intention are. His response: there is only one road he can take.  When Merlin begs him not to harm Camelot, the dragon says enough bargains have been made. Merlin breaks the chain with the sword and the dragon is free.

If I’d written this episode, I would have changed…I don't know that I'd change anything about this episode specifically. I've already talked about things I'd change about events leading to this, but things being what they are...I don't see anything I'd change, really. 

Thing(s) I loved about this episode—The Merthur moments, of course--Arthur protecting Merlin, treating his "first battle wound". 

The slap, when Arthur starts to fall asleep. 

And freaking A, Colin Morgan. The guy can act. When Merlin poisons Morgana...damn, he's good. 

Thing(s) I hated about this episode—Gauis saying Morgana chose not to use her gift for good. Pisses me off because it was the lies and everything Gaius kept from her that drove Morgana to do what she did (helping Morgause etc). She was desperate for acceptance and love, and didn't have that in Camelot. She was alone. 

Something I never noticed about this episode before—Jen pointed this out when we were watching... When Arthur goes to fight off the Knights, he says "Protect the king." Not "my father", but "the king". Shows how, in that moment, Arthur is all about duty to his king and his people. He's not thinking as a son. 

Here is proof of some head canon I’ve created—The tension between the sisters...there's something there. Seriously. The incest-y vibe, I can't be the only one feeling it. 

Also this is where Morgana's character turns completely. She hates Uther, yes, but after this episode and being with Morgause, she becomes completely different when we next see her. I'm convinced Morgause does more than just take care of her; she uses magic to gain Morgana's full allegience. 

Favorite costume—

This pic shows my fave costume--the green cloak--and my least favorite--Morgause's dress. I hate it. 

What would Bron steal from Camelot in this episode? Morgana's cloak. 

What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? Oh this is a tough one this week. I'd say Uther lounging on his throne at the beginning of the episode...he's all lazy and smug...

Bron’s Merlin Club: The Fires of IdirsholasPost

Jen’s Merlin Club: The Fires of Idirsholas Post

Next week, 7/14 at 8pm EST, we wrap up season two with The Last Dragonlord.

Get your tissues ready.There will be crying, my friends.

 We’ll be on Twitter with the hashtag #MerlinClub

MERLIN CLUB: Lancelot and Guinevere

MERLIN CLUB: LANCELOT AND GUINEVERE

Or One I Don't Really Care For (Don't worry, I'll be explaining LOL)

RECAP—Morgana and Gwen leave Camelot to visit Morgana’s father’s grave. Along the way, they are attacked by outlaws, of course. They try to escape but they are captured, and Kendrick, the leader of the group, says Morgana is more valuable to him alive.

The girls start planning their escape, while back in Camelot, Uther sends Arthur to find Morgana since their party hasn’t returned. Morgana and Gwen manage to escape when Morgana insists on bathing. You know, distract the men by the possibility of seeing boobies...good plan. 

BAMF Morgana for the win! Notice she does Arthur's little sword twirl? Wonder if he taught her or she taught him? :-D

Gwen is injured and tells Morgana to go on without her and get help. She does and Gwen defends herself but Is recaptured.

Arthur and his men come across where the outlaws took the girls. Merlin finds a ransom note, and Arthur leads the group through the forest, tracking the girls and their captors. When they hear a noise, Athur nearly shoots, but luckily does not as it is Morgana. Arthur asks where Gwen is, and Morgana shakes her head sadly.

Gwen is give Morgana’s clothes to wear. The man who wanted Morgana—Hengist—has never seen Uther’s ward so Kendrick decides to pass Gwen off as Morgana.

Uther is overjoyed to see Morgana return but refuses to send out men to find Gwen. She’s a servant, after all, and isn’t worth it. 

Hey, Uther...
(My collection of "Hey, Uther..." .gifs is growing. Makes me so happy)

Morgana begs Arthur, but he says there is nothing he can do.

Gwen is presented to Hengist as the lady Morgana. He’s quite taken with her beauty even as she demands to be released. She finds herself in the dungeons instead.

Morgana goes to Arthur, pissed and insisting he goes after Gwen. He points out to her that he’s already packing to go. He couldn’t disagree with Uther in front of the court. Meanwhile, Gaius wishes Merlin a safe journey, and prince and servant head out to find Gwen.

Gwen is forced to join Hengist for a meal and entertainment. Which happens to be cage fighting. Woohoo. She recognizes one of the men fighting. Cue the romantic music, people. It’s freaking Lancelot. He wins the fight but doesn’t kill his opponent. He really should have, it would have been more merciful because Hengist sets a Wilddeoren on the loser.

Rodent of Unusual Size....that feasts on human flesh. RUN!

Arthur is getting frustrated with Merlin—he’s slowing them down and they don’t have time to waste. Gwen’s life is at stake.

In the dungeons, Gwen and Lancelot talk through a grate in the wall. She tells him how she came to be there and fears she will die like the man in the cage. Lancelot says he will never let that happen. We dind out that he has been making his way in life by fighting like this—his opportunities aren’t very vast apparently. There is much loving eye contact and Lancelot says he has thought of Gwen often.

In the forest, Arthur pours water over Merlin’s head to wake him Such a sweetie. Arthur hasn’t been able to sleep for worry of Gwen. Merlin says he’s never seen Arthur like this over anyone, but Arthur totally ignores that and diverts the conversation.

Hengist is suspicious because Uther hasn’t responded to his ransom demand. He threatens Gwen’s life if he doesn’t hear from the king by dawn. Because that makes sense. Gwen totally has control over Uther’s actions from Hengist’s cell.

Arthur decides they will save a day’s journey by going through the tunnels of Andor. Bad news is they’re infested with Wilddeoren. That just sucks. 

Arthur says they have to cover themselves with these stinky Gaia berries. The Widdeoren are blind and rely on their sense of smell. The berries will cover their scents.

Lancelot goes to Gwen in secret and says he will not let her die. Gwen admits she has feelings for him, and Lancelot now has a reason to live and vows to return by nightfall.

Safely out of the tunnels, Arthur and Merlin wash off the berries and after Merlin has a bit of a freak out, Arthur apologizes for risking Merlin’s life like that. 

Seriously look at that man's smile. *swoon*

Merlin then tells Arthur he should just admit his feels for Gwen. Arthur says he can’t. It hurts too much. He knows they can never be. His father wouldn’t let him rescue a servant, he sure as shit isn’t going to let him marry one. Merlin says hwen Arthur is king he can change all that. Arthur says he can’t expect Gwen to wait for him, but Merlin insists if Gwen feels as Arthur does, she’ll wait.

Hengist is growing more and more suspicious, and confronts Kendrick about the situation. Kendrick admits that Morgana escaped and it is her maidservant they have in her place. He’s killed by Wilddoeren in the cage.

Lancelot slips the guards some kind of sedative and frees Gwen. They make their way through corridors to make their escape. But when Hengist finds Gwen’s cell empty, he sends hi men after them. Gwen refuses to leave Lancelot and they kiss. 

He convinces her to run and she voews that her feelings will not fade. Lancelot fights like a bad ass but is outnumbered and ends up back in the cage. Hengist says he will feel great pain before he dies, and Lancelot says it doesn’t matter as long as Gwen is safe. Sadly, the door opens and Gwen is thrust in the cage with him.

Outside the castles, Arthur and Merlin have to scale the walls to get in. Once inside, Merlin distracts the guards, and Arthur knocks them out. 

They steal the guards clothes to blend in and then they’re off looking for Gwen. Wilddeoren are released into the cage just as Athur and Merlin enter the room. Arthur jumps into the cage and he and Lancelot fight off the beast. They escape through the tunnel (that the Wilddeoren come through). Lancelot stays back to fight, and Merlin uses magic to lock Hengist in the cage.

As they escape, Gwen and Lancelot learn that it is just Arthur and Merlin—no knights. Lancelot helps her out of the tunnel, and they share a meaningful look. Merlin is surprised and Arthur is upset. Once in the forest around a campfire, there is much tension. Awkward. Lancelot says it was brave for just the two of them. Arthur says he defied his father’s orders only because Morgana begged him too. Gwen looks hurt by this and says she’s going to get some rest. Arthur follows suit, looking equally upset. Lancelot offers to keep watch and Merlin joins him.

Lancelot questions Merlin about Arthurs true feelings for Gwen and realizes the prince is in love with her. Merlin asks if Lancelot has the same feelings, and he says it doesn’t matter. He will not come between Arthur and Gwen. He asks Merlin to give Gwen a message—that she has changed him forever and some things cannot be.

When Gwen wakes, she asks after Lancelot and looks heartbroken when she finds he’s gone and hears his message. Arthur notices but says nothing about it, instead saying they need to continue home. When they return to Camelot, Morgana is waiting for them and the girls embrace. 

Arthur, heartbroken himself, walks away. And the episode ends with this lovely exchange. 

If I’d written this episode, I would have changed… This may take a while. I apologize in advance. 

I don't like Lancelot's characterization. Don't get me wrong; I like Lancelot just fine, all things considered, but honestly, I feel like to this point he is a flat character. There's not a whole lot of development whatsoever and I feel like there could be so much more. By the end of this episode, it's like okay, okay, we get it. Lancelot is the noblest noble that ever nobled (Thanks @TayciBear for that line. It fits so perfectly!). He's walking away from the woman he loves (a woman he hardly knows but he LOVES her. Don't worry about being shown how this love develops. Just trust in that love, because we are told he loves her so much he's willing to die for her, willing to step aside.... URGH. Sorry back to the sentence I rudely interrupted) so that she can have her fairy tale with the prince. Whatever. Seriously, maybe ask her what she wants. Perhaps she would have chosen Lancelot. Maybe we could see her getting a choice instead of it being made for her. You know, for funsies. 

The whole romance BS in this series is pissing me off. I've already talked in previous posts about my feelings on the lack of development when it comes to Arthur and Gwen's romance. But aside from that, just two episodes ago, she was basically telling Arthur that he can change things when he's king and implies that she'll be waiting for him. That's all different now, I guess, that Lancelot is in the picture. Because her feelings for him are intense, people. She didn't know she could feel this way about another person. She met him once! Was around him for a grand total of, what, a couple of days before he left for parts unknown? And it wasn't like she spent all that much time with him. Yes, she measured him for some clothes and chainmail then cheered him on as he tried to become a knight, but that's it. An intense appreciation for his looks and what little she has learned about him to this point? A healthy dose of lust because the man is all kinds of beautiful? Sure, I can get behind that one hundred percent. But this deep seated love she apparently has? I don't buy it. 

Though I guess this is kinda her thing. Happened with Arthur too. Sudden deep love, but as soon as they're out of sight and another hot hunk of ass comes along...that love shifts targets. 

*ahem* So, after ranting, what would I change? Show some freaking development in the relationships if we are to believe that they are strong and enduring. To show that this is a choice that is heartbreaking for Gwen no matter which man she chooses (You know if she gets a choice and one or both of the men don't make it for her). I would have liked to see more than just throwing Gwen in the vicinity of a man and suddenly she has massive love feelings for him. And I think the actors in Merlin could have acted the crap out a decent storyline; they proven that time and time again. But this...this just makes Gwen seem dramatic and fickle. And I think the character deserves a hell of a lot more than that. 

The thing(s) I loved about this episode—There were some good Merlin-Arthur moments. Even if you aren't a Merthur lover, they were great. The banter is hilarious and I love it. 

Loved BAMF Morgana with her sword. 

The thing(s) I hated about this episode—I have never been a big fan of the Arthur-Gwen-Lancelot love triangle. So yeah, that didn't appeal to me at all. 

 And...well, just see what I wrote for the first question and that's about it. 

Something I never noticed about this episode before—Rewatching, I'm baffled by the pissy, and sometimes cold, looks Gwen is shooting Arthur's way. Now I understand the hurt and angry look after Arthur says he only came because Morgana begged him to. But I noticed this time around she was looking at him in an almost angry way well before that. The first in the tunnel when Arthur notices the affection between Lancelot and Gwen. Then around the fire before Arthur ever speaks. 

I never noticed it before. It's like she's pissed off at him. For what? Defying his father, coming to rescue her, even though it was just him and Merlin? He just saved her and Lancelot's lives and she's glaring at him like he's rudely encrouching on her time with her new lover. What is up with that? 

Favorite costume—Merlin in his stolen guard clothes. Yummy. 

Here is proof of some random head canon I’ve created—I would say that Merlin is so damned tired on the journey to save Gwen because he was otherwise occupied in the nights, if you know what I mean. Other than that, I have nothing for this episode. 

What would Bron steal from Camelot Hengist's place in this episode? Since most of the episode isn't in Camelot, and a good portion of it is in the woods or the dungeons, I'm going to say, Bron would happily take Lancelot home. He can't return to Camelot anyway...so she'd give him a good home. 

What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? Oh this is a tough one this episode. I don't know... I probably lost my shit more than Jen in this episode as evidenced above. LOL 

 I think she appreciated BAMF Morgana fighting to be free. And while nowhere near as uncomfortable as previous scenes between Uther and Morgana, when Morgana is returned to Camelot, there is the moment when he cups her face...causes a moment of squickiness there. Maybe? 

Bron’s Merlin Club: Lancelot and Guinevere Post

Jen’s Merlin Club: Lancelot and Guinevere Post

Until the next TWO episodes. It's our first 2-parter – Beauty and the Beast – which we’ll be watching Monday 5/19, at 8pm EST. We’ll be on Twitter with the hashtag #MerlinClub

MERLIN CLUB: The Nightmare Begins

MERLIN CLUB: THE NIGHTMARE BEGINS

Or the One Where Creepy Mordred Returns...WITH DR. MOON!

RECAP – It’s storming in Camelot and Morgana is having a nightmare. A candle magically lights as the she drams. Gwen enters the room (Why is Gwen still there? It’s awfully late?) blows out the candle and moves it over by the window. After Gwen leaves, Morgana wakes, panicked, and her eyes flare gold and the candle lights again, flames high and starts the drapes on fire. The windows exploded. It’s all very dramatic.

The king, prince, Merlin and Gwen are in Morgana’s room after the fire. Uther, of course, suspects sorcery.

Morgana tells Gaius it was she who started the fire, fearful that she has magic. Merlin, the fucking adorable creeper he is, is listening to the conversation. Gaius tries to comfort Morgana and convince her that surely she doesn’t have magic. His solution…another draught. Yes, Gaius, drug her harder. That’s the way to go.

After she leaves, Merlin talks to Gaius and tries to convince the older man to talk to Morgana about what is really going on with her. Gauis disagrees and warns Merlin not to get involved. Merlin brings Morgana flowers to cheer her up, Arthur sees and is a wee bit jealous. And freaking adorable while he's at it. 

That night, Morgana goes to bed and, when frightened by lightning, her magic reacts and shatters a vase. 

She races to Gaius’ chambers, but the physician is not there. She speaks to Merlin instead.

Merlin goes to the Great Dragon and asks where the Druids are—he believes they can help Morgana. The dragon says it would be better if Morgana never knew the full extent of her powers and refuses to help Merlin.

The next day, Arthur is still investigating sorcerers who could be involved in what happened in Morgana’s room. He asks Merlin about the flowers for Morgana and his apparent affections toward her. When he is distracted, Merlin reads a scroll on the table – it has the names of suspected sorcerers and Merlin hopes one of them can help him find the Druids.

In the lower town, people on the list are being rounded up, arrested for sorcery. Merlin uses magic to enter the house of Forridel, a woman suspected of consorting with Druids. He begs for her help to find the Druids, and, after some hesitation, she agrees. That night, Merlin visits Morgana. She tries to explain away what she said the night before as rambling caused by exhaustion. Merlin says he can help her, that he understands how scary all this must be. He says the Druids may be able to help and he knows here they are.

The next morning, the alarm bells are ringing. Uther is convinced that Morgana has been kidnapped. Gaius confronts Merlin  and is angry when Merlin admits what he’s done. He says that Morgana doesn’t have anyone to help her, not like Merlin has Gaius. The older man understands but fears what the consequences of Merlin’s actions will be.

Uther announces that unless Morgana is returned, all the prisoners will be executed. 

Hey, Uther...

Hearing this, Merlin sets off to find her. 

Merlin off to find Morgana (Honestly this is just because I can't resist a windblown Colin Morgan. Le sigh)

At night, we see Morgana walking through the woods (in her stunning red cape, like you do when you’re meaning to be stealthy and sneaky). Suddenly she is surrounded by Serkets – these huge scorpion type things.

They attack, injuring her leg, but as she’s about to pass out, she sees a man walking through the creatures and the Serkets run away from him. Morgana wakes and finds the man who saved her. 

Aglain (who is Dr. Moon from Dr. Who! The fangirl in me is DYING right now) – 

He assures her she is safe. Turns out it was the Druid boy Mordred who told Aglain where to find her. Mordred says he will care for her as she cared for him before.

Back in Camelot, Uther orders Arthur to find the Druids, telling him to take no prisoners. He feels he has been too lenient on the Druids. *sigh* 

Uther exhausts me.

Arthurs asks Gaius where Merlin is, assuming he’s upset over Morgana’s supposed abduction.

In the forest, Merlin is searching for the Druids and Morgana. He hears voices in his head and that leads him to their camp.

Gaius meets with Uther and brings up the possibility that Morgana may have run away on her own. Perhaps she wasn’t kidnapped. Uther disagrees, saying Morgana would never run from anything, just like her father. He says that if she died, a part of him would as well.

Aglain questions Morgana about her reasons for seeking out the Druids, and she tells him and asks for his help. Aglain confirms that she has magic, but that she shouldn't be afraid of it. She is safe with the Druids. When Aglain leaves the tent, Merlin comes in, surprising Morgana. He says she needs to return to Camelot, that Uther believes her kidnapped and people’s lives are at risk. Aglain returns saying Arthur and his men are there  and they need to run. The camp is invaded by Camelot’s solders and the Druids flee. Morgana is seen running away with Aglain and Mordred and pursues the trio. Merlin, wanting to give them a chance to get away, sends them on then uses magic to create a dense fog to disorient Arthur and his men.

Morgana is having difficulty because of her injured leg, and Aglain is shot. Mordred continues to run but is soon surrounded by solders. As Merlin watches, Mordred screams and the solders go flying back, allowing Mordred to escape.

Arthur returns Morgana to a teary and grateful Uther, who embraces her. Arthur says that Uther was right; the Druids had kidnapped her.

Later that night, Merlin visits Morgana and promises to never tell anyone her secret. She says she is not scared of who she is anymore and that maybe someday people will see magic as a force for good. As he leaves her chambers, Merlin is stopped by Arthur. The prince tells Merlin to stop denying his feelings, but then says he cannot hope for a relationship with Morgana. That he should turn his sights on someone more at his level.

When Merlin returns to his and Gaius’ chambers, he apologizes. But Gauis is just glad he is safe and hugs Merlin. When Gaius learns that Morgana is aware of her magic, he advises Merlin to look after her and make sure Uther doesn’t find out.

If I’d written this episode, I would have changed… I don't know how to answer this! This is a hard one for me. Because, as you'll see below, there are things I didn't like about the episode and would change BUT the things I would change...they wouldn't just change the episode. They'd change the whole course of the series. Merlin being honest with Morgana, for example. If they were able to talk about their magic and have each other...well, that would just change everything, wouldn't it? 

The thing(s) I loved about this episode – I love that, even though Merlin isn't completely honest with Morgana (see what I hated below), he DOES try to help her. It ends horribly, of course, but he really does care and tries to help. 

Loved Aglain. When he says that Morgana shouldn't hate or fear Uther, that she should pity him...just wow. Yes, the Druids are evil magic users out to destroy your kingdom, Uther. *sigh*

Lastly, there was some lovely scenes with Merlin sans neckerchief, and you KNOW how much I love those. 

The thing(s) I hated about this episode – I hate that Merlin doesn't confide in Morgana. I get it - between Gaius and the damned dragon, he doesn't know what to do. But his damned instincts are to be honest with her. He should totally follow those. Of course, THAT would have changed everything. (For the better, IMO, but it's not my story to tell.)

HATE THE DRUGGING MORGANA. I was yelling at Gaius during this episode. 

Uther, as usual, pisses me right off. Yes, Your Majesty, I'm certain that killing all the suspected sorcerers you've arrested is exactly what it will take to make the Druids return Morgana. Seems logical to me. :-/ 

Also something is bugging me. After the fire in Morgana's room and Uther is convinced it was sorcery, he tells Arthur to arrest everyone they have under suspicion. This doesn't ring true AT ALL. If someone was under suspicion, how are they still living? It's been proven time and time again that Uther doesn't need PROOF or EVIDENCE that someone used magic to execute them. Just the suspicion or, hell, CONSORTING with a sorcerer is enough to set someone on fire or take of their head. So this makes no sense to me and bugs me like you wouldn't believe. 

Something I never noticed about this episode before – I didn't notice that Aglain was Dr Moon from the "Silence in the Library" and "Forest of the Dead" episodes of Doctor Who. How did I miss that before? It doesn't surprise me...I mean there are like a dozen actors in all British television, and half a dozen locations. ;-) Or so it seems. LOL

Favorite costume – Aglain's robes. I like'em. 

Here is proof of some random head canon I’ve created – Don't have much here. I suppose adorable jealous Arthur makes me think Merthur. Does that count? LOL 

What would Bron steal from Camelot in this episode? The table in Arthur's chambers. Gorgeous wood work. Reusing scroll .gif to show it. :D So ignore the scrool and check out Bron's new table! :-D 

What made Jen lose her shit (in a good or bad way) in this episode? The not being honest with Morgana and the fact that, instead, Gaius just keep drugging her some more. 

Bron’s Merlin Club: The Nightmare Begins Post

Jen’s Merlin Club: The Nightmare Begins Post

Until the next episode – Lancelot and Guinevere – which we’ll be watching Monday 5/12, at 8pm EST. We’ll be on Twitter with the hashtag #MerlinClub