User blog comment:Morgause5/Mandrake root?/@comment-212.183.88.85-20120719125303/@comment-4892425-20120719180306

I think they're not rehashing the plot device. One - by this time Arthur and Gwen are sharing a bed ;) so anything from the mandrake root would affect both of them. In the woods scene I think Gwen is captured by Morgana and the sick "game" is a survival course with magical traps.  Morgana of course will use magic to weaken Gwen.  But in the series 5 it is mentioned that Gwen and Morgana will be in a fight, so if Morgana thought bullying Gwen was going to be an easy win for her she's mistaken.  While Morgana was rotting in a prison for two years thinking her illegitimate royal blood lines qualifies her as queen (although two one-week reigns suggests otherwise) Gwen was learning queenship -  protocol and politics a consort would need to know to rule by Arthur's side.  Gwen was born a commoner, a king marrying her was way against the rules, so she had to show nobles and the people Arthur did not make a mistake by choosing her.  From what little we see, Gwen adapted to her new role well. She sits by Arthur's side at the Round Table so she has a say in the governance of Camelot. She probably acts as regent when Arthur is away. In short, being on the throne as queen consort has toughed Gwen up and in the fight with Morgana she gets knocked down but not out. Gwen will use her strength and wits to win.