Board Thread:What If?/@comment-27118911-20151025173449/@comment-73.20.183.225-20160223215933

I think that one of Gaius's main jobs in the entire show was to pull out books from the shelves, open them to exactly the right page, and feed Merlin information on just what precisely he was dealing with. He was, in a way, Google. And while I think that Merlin can do his own research, he wasn't exactly educated in Ealdor (despite the many historical inaccuracies of the show) and snooping through the library when you don't know what you're looking for is a poor substitute for a second opinion with years of relevant experience and tried and true knowledge. I think, by the end, that Merlin became a little dependent upon Gaius for this reason, just as he became hooked on phone-a-friend Kilgarrah.

If Gaius had died (Because really, considering all the stuff he went through sometimes, he should have), then Merlin would have probably just relied even more heavily on the dragon. He probably also would have completely taken over Gaius's duties. In that way, he could have grown up. The added responsibilities would have matured him, definitely. Perhaps it would reinforce the idea that he can't go swanning off willy-nilly all the time. And if he's anything like me, the absence of the formerly constant parental figure makes little difference, if it doesn't already enhance the idea that you really shouldn't be doing what you're about to do. You hear their voice in your head, their advice and disapproval haunting you. WWGWMTD: What Would Gaius Want Me To Do?

However, it is in my honest opinion that whatever growing up there is and whatever Gaius's Jedi ghost says, it would be somewhat, if not entirely countered by the fact that Merlin is entirely ruled by his emotions and loyalties, i.e. when Morgana was dying and he couldn't bear to watch the grief of those around him, so he healed her as a quick fix. He didn't think about how it would definitely end up causing everyone even more grief in the end. I would have let her die. She would have been remembered fondly in everyone's hearts and, most importantly, would have died before inflicting any real damage. He knew she was full of hate and was going to hurt people eventually. (And let's not forget when he almost abandoned his destiny, which he is usually so gung-ho about, for a girl he's just met)

I think that Merlin wouldn't change much in the beginning. Perhaps after a couple of long years in Gaius's position he would have been forced to think analytically long enough that it became habit. Therefore, he wouldn't let his emotions rule him as completely anymore. He would be more knowledgeable, as well. But until he reaches that point I am absolutely convinced he would be just as reckless as before, possibly even more so. He may hear a little Gaius voice in his head, but that doesn't make squat difference if he never listened to the real Gaius anyway.