Board Thread:Rewatching "Merlin" - Season Two/@comment-5102537-20130518184122/@comment-5102537-20130520134404

I liked this episode for its additional insight into the past of the Old Religion and the ongoing battles/wars and the corruption that had taken place even centuries before Camelot was taken by Uther.

Cornelius Sigan was unfortunately presented as a mere villain who only seeked destruction and revenge on whoever - but at least it didn't have to do with Uther since Cornelius had promised to destroy Camelot to a former king of Camelot. His returned soul was only full of rage and revenge, so the character itself wasn't very interesting. Yet it proved that Uther obviously wasn't the first one who had a problem with magic. The former king (or one former king) of Camelot must have given Cornelius a reason to swear to destroy Camelot one day. Moreover, Cornelius proved the corruption of such magical power when he found a way to store his soul in the jewel  because he was afraid of losing his power and wealth and also wanted to return to destroy the kingdom.

However, Cedric was a little more interesting, even if quite annoying. Him harrassing and tricking Merlin was a good example of bullying someone when others only believed their sneaky and cheating tricks. Poor Merlin was busy to expose Cedric and later to stop Cornelius.

Arthur was annoying too. He either was Merlin's friend or not. If he was, he wouldn't have believed such a bootlicker like Cedric. It seems that Arthur was flattered by the compliments and the total submission of this young man. As Merlin's friend and as prince he should have realised what was really going on.

Another annoying thing was Arthur's stubborness when he (again) disobeyed Uther's orders and went out to face undefeatable creatures. While it was right to try to help those who were exposed to the gargoyles he simply ignored the very fact that he stood no chance against them and risked his life by running straight into his certain doom, if it hadn't been for Merlin who once again saved the day.

I liked Uther's concern and despair about Arthur who was still out there, and while I at first wondered why he let the knight hold him back, I later saw that Uther realised that when he goes outside, Camelot will be without a prince and a king. Nevertheless, as a parent I wouldn't have allowed anyone to hold me back, so I would have liked to see him trying to help Arthur which was indeed his first impuls.

I wonder why no-one overheard Merlin and Cornelius talking outside since they actually shouted at each other.

And Uther telling Gaius that he had grown complacent and that this event proved one again that magic must be eradicated contributed to the fact that everytime a sorcerer/magic-user encountered Camelot, Uther had no reason to think that magic wasn't evil and destructive since he never saw magic (Merlin or Gaius) helping the kingdom or people. From his point of view, it totally made sense. But Gaius' facial expression spoke volumes too.

All in all a good episode with some humorous scenes (not talking about the clotpole).