User blog comment:Morganaforever/Episode Review: The Drawing of the Dark/@comment-67.239.100.57-20121216065422

I know, I agree this episode was SO AWESOME!!! I was actually trembling when it finished I was so excited. And that's not an exaggeration.

And Morgana knows! I loved that scene! So epic. What a way to end the episode! Awesome.

But I do completely disagree with you about Merlin, Arthur and Gwen.

Why does Merlin not realise that he is making Mordred evil? Why are you disappointed in Merlin? He doesn't "make Mordred evil" nor does he in anyway betray Mordred the first time. Even though the though it seemed that Merlin must have told Arthur where Kara was the first time, he didn't. He even tried to discourage Arthur from following the footprints and it appeared to me he was ready to intervene if Arthur questioned Kara too much or to protect her if need be. Even Mordred himself acknowledges later that Merlin didn't betray him.

Would things have worked out differenty if Merlin let Mordred and Kara escape (presuming they weren't caught if Merlin hadn't told)? Maybe. But was it wrong of Merlin to tell Arthur? No. The girl was guilty of trying to kill Arthur, her death sentence was completely just and Mordred was helping her go free. And Merlin thought Mordred would go straight to Morgana, it was reasonable for him to think that with all that was happening in the episode, in addition to the visions he saw. The only reason we see that Mordred probably wouldn't have gone completely against Arthur at this point is because we see the story from Mordred's POV as well. Merlin doesn't. He acts on what he does know; we can't blame him for not knowing everything. There was nothing wrong or unjust in what Merin did.

"I was really disappointed with him especially when he decided to betray Mordred for the second time." Actually, it was the first time. And it was more a matter of prudence and a dilemma between two completely just paths rather than choosing between right or wrong.

And I thought Merlin was awesome while he pleaded for Kara's life. It was clear that he felt even for Mordred's plight when he points out to Arthur the love Mordred and Kara share. He wouldn't have appealed to that love if he was just doing it because he thought he made a mistake. Loved that scene.

*why did Arthur say he should not have trusted Mordred when obviously Mordred proved to be very loyal to him?

"Arthur is just stupid... This time, it was he and Merlin who were at fault, and he could not even see that. I guess Morgana and Kara are right: He is not so different from Uther as he'd like to think..." Huh? Am I reading this right? Arthur stupid? Merlin and Arthur in the wrong? Arthur not different from Uther? How can you say that? What Arthur did was completely just. Kara not only attemped murder, but also regicide. A death sentence was just for what she did. Uther killed indiscriminately and for no cause (other than magic). Arthur even said outright he had no problem with druids and he wasn't judging her for magic nor being a druid but for her trying to kill him. Uther would have had Kara killed just for being a druid even if she was completely innocent of any wrong doing. Arthur even took Merlin's advice and gave her a chance to repent which Uther would never have done in a million years. He showed he was merciful as well as just. Kara threw Arthur's kindness back in his face and said she would still fight against him. What was Arthur to do then? Let her go? That would have been both "stupid" and unwise.

Kara was indeed "So bold, straightforward, brave, beautiful..." and I loved her as a character as well and feel deeply for her and Mordred's story and their love. But that doesn't excuse her or make Arthur a "bad guy" because he executed her.

Long live King Arthur! He's merciful as well as just.

*Why is Gwen so mysteriously happy all the time? "To be honest, I miss the Guinevere we saw in the premiere.. Whatever happened to her?" Some fans (not me) were actually afraid that Gwen would take too much screen time now that she is queen. She doesn't. This show isn't really about her; she's always been in the background of the story. And that's fine with me. This season is really focusing on Merlin and Arthur and I like that.

So that's what I disagree with you about. But everything else you say: ditto, ditto.

Great episode. I really feel for Mordred loosing the woman he loved. So painful. I could feel his sorrow while Kare was being executed. No wonder he turns against Arthur. The pain of his heart overwhelms him. Alexander acted this out so well, great.

And the scene where Mordred begs for Kara's life on his knees! He had me in tears! Even Merlin was completely touched and supported him.

Kind of funny when I comment on blogs I don't have much to say if I agree with all the post. It's only when I disagree with at least something that I have anything to say other than, "You are so right. I completely agree." Kind of weird when you think about it.