If you'll be my star

2014 Scrapbook

2014-01-03T22:52:50Z

Listed are books, movies, and performances I read/saw for the first time* in 2014 (there were some books/movies that I did not feel comfortable awarding an enjoyment rating due to their content):

Books
1. Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury (3/5)
2. Song of the Lark by Willa Cather (4/5)
3. Cress (Lunar Chronicles, #3) by Marissa Meyer (4.5/5)
4. Shadow Kissed (Vampire Academy, #3) by Richelle Mead (3.5/5)
5. Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4) by Richelle Mead (4/5)
6. Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5) by Richelle Mead (4/5)
7. Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6) by Richelle Mead (4/5)
8. Bloodlines (Bloodlines, #1) by Richelle Mead (4/5)
9. The Golden Lily (Bloodlines, #2) by Richelle Mead (3.5/5)
10. The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines, #3) by Richelle Mead (3/5)
11. The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater (4.5/5)
12. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 9 by Naoko Takeuchi (4/5)
13. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 10 by Naoko Takeuchi (5/5)
14. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 11 by Naoko Takeuchi (4/5)
15. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 12 by Naoko Takeuchi (4.5/5)
16. The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle, #2) by Maggie Stiefvater (4.5/5)
17. The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds, #1) by Alexandra Bracken (5/5)
18. Never Fade (The Darkest Minds, #2) by Alexandra Bracken (5/5)
19. The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines, #4) by Richelle Mead (3.5/5)
20. Legend (Legend, #1) by Marie Lu (3.5/5)
21. Silver Shadows (Bloodlines, #5) by Richelle Mead (4/5)
22. Prodigy (Legend, #2) by Marie Lu (3.5/5)
23. Champion (Legend, #3) by Marie Lu (3/5)
24. The Selection (The Selection, #1) by Kiera Cass (4/5)
25. The Elite (The Selection, #2) by Kiera Cass (4/5)
26. The Prince (The Selection, #0.5) by Kiera Cass (3/5)
27. The One (The Selection, #3) by Kiera Cass (4/5)
28. Secret Society Girl (Secret Society Girl, #1) by Diana Peterfreund (3.5/5)
29. Under the Rose (Secret Society Girl, #2) by Diana Peterfreund (3.5/5)
30. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (4/5)
31. Rites of Spring (Break) (Secret Society Girl, #3) by Diana Peterfreund (4/5)
32. Tap & Gown (Secret Society Girl, #4) by Diana Peterfreund (4.5/5)
33. Matched (Matched, #1) by Ally Condie (2.5/5)
34. Crossed (Matched, #2) by Ally Condie (3/5)
35. Reached (Matched, #3) by Ally Condie (2/5)
36. The Blood of Olympus (Heroes of Olympus, #5) by Rick Riordan (4/5)
37. Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins (3/5)
38. Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3) by Maggie Stiefvater (5/5)
39. In the Afterlight (The Darkest Minds, #3) by Alexandra Bracken (4/5)
40. The Fine Art of Pretending (The Fine Art of Pretending, #1) by Rachel Harris (1.5/5)
41. A Case Study in the Insanity Defense: The Trial of John W. Hinckley, Jr. by Peter W. Low
42. The Young Elites (The Young Elites, #1) by Marie Lu (4/5)
43. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1) by Jenny Han (4/5)
44. Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram (2.5/5)

Movies (a * indicates that I saw it in theaters)
1. Annie Hall (3/5)
2. I Give It a Year (3/5)
3. Friends With Kids (4/5)
4. Cloud 9 (4.5/5)
5. *Dallas Buyers Club (4.5/5)
6. Blue Jasmine (3.5/5)
7. Vampire Academy* (4/5)
8. Mona Lisa Smile (4/5)
9. Ira & Abby (3/5)
10. Waiting for Forever (2.5/5)
11. Enough Said (3.5/5)
12. Austenland (2.5/5)
13. Not Another Happy Ending (1.5/5)
14. The Shop Around the Corner (4/5)
15. American Hustle (3.5/5)
16. Veronica Mars (4/5)
17. Captain America: The Winder Soldier* (4/5)
18. *Belle (5/5)
19. Her (4/5)
20. How To Train Your Dragon 2* (3.5/5)
21. Atlantis: the Lost Empire (3/5)
22. *Chef (3.5/5)
23. *Begin Again (4/5)
25. Guardians of the Galaxy (4.5/5)
26. Three Night Stand (3/5)
27. What If (3/5)
28. Obvious Child (4.5/5)
29. Into the Woods* (3.5/5)

Performances/Speeches
1. Demi Lovato w/Fifth Harmony and Little Mix (Patriot Center) (4.5/5)
2. A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder (Walter Kerr Theatre) (4/5)
3. Ingrid Michaelson w/Sugar & The Hi Los and Storyman (Lincoln Theatre) (5/5)
4. The President's Speaker Series for the Arts: Kevin Spacey (John Paul Jones Arena)

*Repeated viewings/readings are included if I read/saw the movie/book at a time when I could not appreciate it or if I read/saw the book/movie in a new context. Multiple viewings of theater productions (even ones with the same cast) are included as performances change one day to the next.

2013 Scrapbook

2013-01-03T04:26:39Z

Listed are books, movies, and performances I read/saw for the first time* in 2013 (there were some books/movies that I did not feel comfortable awarding an enjoyment rating due to their content):

Books
1. The Camelot Papers by Peter David (4.5/5)
2. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (4/5)
3. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
4. Big Girls Don't Cry: The Election that Changed Everything for American Women by Rebecca Traister (4/5)
5. Frau Jenny Treibel by Theodor Fontane (trans. Ulf Zimmermann) (3.5/5)
6. The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht (trans. Ralph Manheim and John Willett) (4.5/5)
7. The Royal Game or Chess Story by Stefan Zweig (4/5)
8. The New Sufferings of Young W. by Ulrich Plenzdorf (trans. Kenneth P. Wilcox) (3/5)
9. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn (4.5/5)
10. The Wall Jumper by Peter Schneider (trans. Leigh Hafrey) (4/5)
11. A Concise History of Germany (Second Edition) by Mary Fulbrook
12. The Diviners by Libba Bray (4.5/5)
13. Ghosts of Berlin: Confronting German History in the Urban Landscape by Brian Ladd
14. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 8 by Naoko Takeuchi (4/5)
15. The Montmaray Journals: A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper (5/5)
16. The Montmaray Journals: The FitzOsbornes in Exile by Michelle Cooper (5/5)
17. The Montmaray Journals: The FitzOsbornes at War by Michelle Cooper (5/5)
18. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls, #1) by Ally Carter (3.5/5)
19. Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls, #2) by Ally Carter (3/5)
20. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover (Gallagher Girls, #3) by Ally Carter (4/5)
21. Only the Good Spy Young (Gallagher Girls, #4) by Ally Carter (4/5)
22. Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls, #5) by Ally Carter (4.5/5)
23. Heist Society (Heist Society, #1) by Ally Carter (4/5)
24. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (5/5)
25. Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society, #2) by Ally Carter (4.25/5)
26. Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story (Gallagher Girls #5.5, Heist Society #2.5) by Ally Carter (4/5)
27. Perfect Scoundrels (Heist Society, #3) by Ally Carter (4/5)
28. Cinder (Lunar Chronicles, #1) by Marissa Meyer (4.5/5)
29. Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles, #2) by Marissa Meyer (4.5/5)
30. Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase (1.5/5)
31. Shut Out by Kody Keplinger (4/5)
32. Picture Perfect by Catherine Clark (3.5/5)
33. United We Spy (Gallagher Girls, #6) by Ally Carter (4/5)
34. The Heroes of Olympus: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan (5/5)
35. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (3.5/5)
36. The Bride Wore Size 12 by Meg Cabot (3.5/5)
37. Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2) by Richelle Meed (3/5)

Movies (a * indicates that I saw it in theaters)
1. Men in Black 3 (4/5)
2. Trouble With the Curve (2/5)
3. Hope Springs (3.5/5)
4. Fast Girls (4/5)
5. Safety Not Guaranteed (4.5/5)
6. The Long Way Home
7. Berlin: Symphony of a Great City (2/5)
8. M (2/5)
9. Robot & Frank (4/5)
10. The Words (3.5/5)
11. Anna Karenina (3.5/5)
12. His Girl Friday (4.5/5)
13. Olympia
14. Hitlerjunge Quex
15. Since You Went Away (4/5)
16. The Edukators (4.5/5)
17. The Lives of Others (4.5/5)
18. *Iron Man 3 (4.5/5)
19. Sliding Doors (4/5)
20. Roman Holiday (3/5)
21. Pretty in Pink (3/5)
22. Horrible Bosses (2.5/5)
23. Life of Pi (5/5)
24. Beautiful Creatures (4/5)
25. Cheerful Weather for the Wedding (3.5/5)
26. Promised Land (4/5)
27. Princess Protection Program (4/5)
28. Warm Bodies (3.5/5)
29. Admission (4/5)
30. *Man of Steel (3.5/5)
31. *The Sound of Music (5/5) (repeat viewing but first time seen in theater)
32. Mud (4/5)
33. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Sea of Monsters (4.5/5)
34. Emperor (2/5)
35. 16-Love (4.5/5)
36. Love, Wedding, Marriage (3/5)
37. Lemonade Mouth (4/5)
38. Beauty & the Briefcase (2.5/5)
39. Geek Charming (4/5)
40. *Gravity (4.5/5)
41. *About Time (5/5)
42. Pacific Rim (4/5)
43. *Catching Fire (4/5)
44. *Frozen (4.5/5)
45. We're the Millers (4/5)
46. Saving Mr. Banks (4.5/5)

Performances
1. Maroon 5 w/Owl City and Neon Trees (Mohegan Sun) (5/5)
2. The Vagina Monologues (Connecticut College)
3. See How They Run (Theatre by the Lake in Keswick) (5/5)

*Repeated viewings/readings are included if I read/saw the movie/book at a time when I could not appreciate it (e.g. reading All Quiet on the Western Front when I was 12 and again when I was 19) or if I read/saw the book/movie in a new context. Multiple viewings of theater productions (even ones with the same cast) are included as performances change one day to the next.

Friends cut

2012-11-02T20:37:22Z

If you cannot read this post, you have been cut.

I meant to do this a long time ago, but things got a bit hectic and I never managed the chance to sit down and go through my f-list. I don't think any of these should come as a surprise: either we haven't interacted in a long time, or we became friends within the past year or so and you never commented. I tried to exclude those who have taken a hiatus from LJ or with whom I'm friends on other social networking sites. If you think I have made a mistake, however, please let me know -- it's easy to accidentally uncheck the wrong name!

Birthday wishes!

2012-08-01T22:50:48Z

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, mara93!!

I hope you've had a lovely day. <3

March Madness

2012-03-06T23:43:20Z

'Kay, everyone. This is how I've voted so far on March Madness (at this point, none of them are strategic unless I feel very strongly that a character that is leading shouldn't win). Feel free to try and sway my vote for any fandom for which I have not yet voted (you're also more than welcome to try for the ones for which I've already placed my vote, although I don't promise you'll succeed XD)! I've placed a star next to any character I'd love you to vote for if you're not invested in the fandom.

Arrested Development - Lindsay Bluth Funke
Miranda - Miranda
Modern Family - Claire Dunphy
The Office - Pam Beesly
Parks and Recreation - Ann Perkins
Avatar: the Last Airbender - Zuko
Glee - Rachel Berry
*Gossip Girl - Blair Waldorf
*Harry Potter - Hermione Granger
The O.C. - Marissa Cooper
Skins - Effy Stonem
The Vampire Diaries - Elena Gilbert
Being Human - Annie Sawyer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel - Anya
Doctor Who - Martha Jones
*Game of Thrones - Sansa Stark
Misfits - Alisha Bailey
Once Upon a Time - Emma Swan
Bones - Temperance Brennan
The Borgias - Lucrezia Borgia
*Downton Abbey - Mary Crawley
*The Good Wife - Kalinda Sharma
*The West Wing - CJ Cregg
*WILD CARD: LEVERAGE and *Parker

Friends cut

2012-01-30T01:41:37Z

If you can't read this entry, you have been cut.

With the beginning of a new school semester, I thought it was time for a friends cut. It's been over a year since my last one, and a lot has changed in that time. The cut shouldn't come as a surprise, and everyone I cut hasn't used LJ in quite a while, or I've had little to no interaction with them on here or by any other means. If you a) were on an unannounced hiatus but have recently returned, b) think I cut you by mistake (definitely happens!), c) were surprised to find that you were cut, or d) have any other concerns, please leave a comment and we can sort it out. (Eep, this sounds so formal!!)

I wish you all the best. <3

2012 Scrapbook

2012-01-03T20:16:21Z

Listed are books, movies, and theater productions I read/saw for the first time* in 2012 (there were some books/movies that I did not feel comfortable awarding an enjoyment rating due to its contents):

Books
1. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin (4/5)
2. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (4.5/5) (repeated reading, see *)
3. Wintle's Wonders** by Noel Streatfeild (5/5)
4. King Leopold's Ghost y Adam Hochschild (4/5)
5. Judith by Noel Streatfeild (4/5)
6. A Vicarage Family by Noel Streatfeild (5/5)
7. Away from the Vicarage by Noel Streatfeild (4.5/5)
8. Codename: Sailor V Volume 1 by Naoko Takeuchi (4/5)
9. Codename: Sailor V Volume 2 by Naoko Takeuchi (4/5)
10. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 1 by Naoko Takeuchi (4/5)***
11. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 2 by Naoko Takeuchi (4.5/5)***
12. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 3 by Naoko Takeuchi (4/5)***
13. The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon (3/5)
14. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 4 by Naoko Takeuchi (4.5/5)***
15. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (4/5)
16. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (4.5/5)
17. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (3.5/5)
18. TANU Women: Gender and Culture in the Making of Tanganyikan Nationalism, 1955-1965 by Susan Geiger (2/5 -- while it wasn't exactly the most enjoyable book I've read, it is still a very important work that addresses the issues surrounding the historical metanarrative, and provides an alternative framework through which to examine Tanzanian nationalism)
19. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 5 by Naoko Takeuchi (4/5)***
20. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan (4/5)
21. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan (4/5)
22. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan (4.25/5)
23. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan (4.5/5)
24. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan (4.75/5)
25. The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan (3/5)
26. The Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan (4/5)
27. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Demigod Files y Rick Riordan (3.75/5)
28. Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick (4.5/5)
29. Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot (4/5)
30. Artemis Fowl: The Last Guardian by Eoin Colfer (3.75/5)
31. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 6 by Naoko Takeuchi (4/5)***
32. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman (4/5)
33. My Ántonia by Willa Cather (5/5)
34. Beyond the Vicarage by Noel Streatfeild (3.5/5)
35. The Heroes of Olympus: The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan (4/5)
36. One L: The Turbulent True Story of a First Year at Harvard Law School by Scott Turow (4/5)
37. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano (3.5/5)
38. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 7 by Naoko Takeuchi (3.5/5)***
39. Biography of a Runaway Slave by Esteban Montejo and Miguel Barnet (3.5/5)
40. The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave Narrative by Mary Prince (4/5)
41. The Heroes of Olympus: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan (4.5/5)
42. Avengers of the New World: The Story of the Haitian Revolution by Laurent Dubois (3/5)
43. Modern Japanese Cuisine: Food, Power and National Identity by Katarzyna J. Cwiertka (3.5/5)
44. The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois (3.5/5)
45. Blood Relations: Caribbean Immigrants and the Harlem Community, 1900-1930 by Irma Watkins-Ownes (4/5)
46. Discourse on Colonialism by Aimé Césaire (4/5)
47. Reversing Sail: A History of the African Diaspora by Michael A. Gomez
48. Black Power: Radical Politics and African American Identity by Jeffrey O. G. Ogbar (4/5)
49. Graceling by Kristin Cashore (4.5/5)

**This is the original version of what's now known a Dancing Shoes, which I have read many, many times. I'm including it because the first edition contains several passages and details that reprints (including the one with which I grew up) have left out.
*** This is technically a reread, but as the re-release of the manga uses new (and significantly more accurate) translations and Westernizes the story to a much lesser extent, I'm counting it as a new experience. =)

Movies (a * indicates that I saw it in theaters)
1. *Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (3/5)
2 The Holiday (4/5)
3. *Beauty and the Beast in 3D (4/5) (repeated viewing, but first time seen in theaters)
4. The Philadelphia Story (5/5)
5. Camelot (5/5)
6. The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (3.5/5)
7. 50/50 (3/5)
8. Blackmail (1.5/5)
9. My Girlfriend's Boyfriend (3.5/5)
10. We'll Take Manhattan (3/5)
11 Le Voyage dans la Lune (3/5)
12. The Great Train Robbery (2/5)
13. Four Weddings and a Funeral (3.5/5)
14. Notting Hill (4.5/5)
15. The 39 Steps (4/5)
16. Monte Carlo (3.5/5)
17. Rebecca (4/5)
18. Jezebel (4/5)
19. Spellbound (1945) (3/5)
20. The Descendants (4/5)
21. Notorious (4.5/5)
22. The Ides of March (4.5/5)
23. Hugo (4/5)
24. Game Change (4.5/5)
25. Shadow of a Doubt (4.5/5)
26. Strangers on a Train (3.5/5)
27. American Violet (4.5/5)
28. The Hunger Games (4/5)
29. Psycho (3/5) (repeated viewing, see *)
30. Marnie (4.5/5)
31. Four Little Girls
32. *Titanic in 3D (5/5) (repeated viewing, but first time seen in theaters)
33. Million Dollar Baby (1941) (3.5/5)
34. Vertigo (3.5/5)
35. The Birds (4/5)
36. Chronicle (2/5)
37. A Little Bit of Heaven (3.5/5)
38. Brave (4.5/5)
39. Man on a Ledge (2/5)
40. Life as We Know It (4/5)
41. The Avengers (4.5/5)
42. Because I Said So (3.5/5)
43. The Woman in Black (1/5) -- It was a good movie (I think ... I had my eyes closed and ears plugged for much of it), but I really, really, really do not deal well with just about anything horror-related. So.
44. Men in Black (4/5) (repeated viewing, see *)
45. Sunshine Cleaning (4/5)
46. *Beasts of the Southern Wild (4.75/5)
47. Wanderlust (4/5)
48. The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (2.5/5)
49. *Celeste and Jesse Forever (4.5/5)
50. War Horse (3.5/5)
51. Bachelorette (4/5)
52. The Five-Year Engagement (3.5/5)
53. The Cove
54. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (3/5)
55. Moonrise Kingdom (3/5)
56. Pitch Perfect (4.5/5)
57. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (4.5/5)
58. *Skyfall (4/5)
59. The Dark Knight Rises (4/5)
60. *Silver Linings Playbook (4.5/5)

Theater
1. Bat Boy: The Musical (Tansill Theater) (4/5)
2. Legally Blonde: The Musical (Toby's Dinner Theater) (4/5)
3. Young Robin Hood (Round House Theatre) (4/5)

*Repeated viewings/readings are included if I read/saw the movie/book at a time when I could not appreciate it (e.g. reading All Quiet on the Western Front when I was 12 and again when I was 19). Multiple viewings of theater productions (even ones with the same cast) are included as performances change one day to the next.

Merlin 4x03 thoughts

2011-10-16T19:18:35Z

Figured I should probably post my thoughts on last night's episode as Tali arrives tomorrow and I'll be busy showing her around and catching up.

I feel very, very mixed about this episode. On the one hand there were some moments of brilliance, but overall I felt it was incredibly lacking given how pivotal an ep it turned out to be. Bullet point thoughts:

- The lack of Gwen and Morgana was really upsetting, ngl. I know this episode was about Arthur, Merlin, and Uther, and I accept that. But Uther died. This is the same man who tore Gwen's life apart. He killed her father, banished her from Camelot, accused her of bewitching his son, slapped her, and tried to execute her -- twice. There was no acknowledgment of what he put her through save Arthur thanking her for being so kind, and even then it was very, very indirect, and only Gwen's "I do it for you" provided any indication that Gwen had issues with this man. As for Morgana ... if I was upset over Gwen getting passed over, I don't think I can put into words how angry I am over the writers doing the same to Morgana. Morgana has been attempting to kill (slash deciding not to kill) Uther since episode 12 of series one. His death is what drove her all of series three. She should have killed him directly. There should have been one last interaction between the two. Instead, her only hand in his death is the creation of a necklace that reverses Merlin's spell, and that infuriates me. Uther's death was an incredibly important part of her narrative, and the writers robbed her of a story line that everyone knew was hers.

- That said, I do love that Morgana was conflicted over Uther's death (although it would be nice if the writers actually explored this). Gray Morgana is wonderful and I can never get enough of her.

- Angel Coulby's reaction shots during the feast were fantastic. And if I thought her hair was gorgeous during the funeral last week, it was nothing compared to her hair in this scene. And her reaction shots during Arthur's coronation had me brimming with joy. (I cannot put into words how much I hate having to use "reaction shots" so often wrg to her role.)

- Keeping with this series' trend, the Arthur/Merlin relationship was on point. The scene when Arthur opens the doors and finds Merlin waiting there ... ugh, my heart. That was breathtaking and beautiful and everything I've ever wanted for these two. Also, Arthur called him a friend. No "if we were other people" or "I could almost call you" modifiers. Flat out a friend.

- Arthur's crown is legit the most ridiculous thing I've ever laid eyes on. I will never be able to take him seriously. Ever. Why couldn't he have used Uther's crown? It wasn't the best, but it looked okay.

- Despite nearly doubling over with laughter over Arthur's crown, his coronation really was beautiful, mostly due to Gwen and Merlin's reactions (my beautiful OT3!!!).

- I definitely enjoyed Dragoon/Arthur, but I feel like they spent too much time on pointless humor. They could've cut some of that out, still have had enough great moments between the two, and used that extra time to focus on Gwen and/or Morgana.

- Why does Arthur know about magic being responsible for his mother's death? I'm confused. Save 2x08, which received the reset button, he has never connected the two, correct? Can somebody help me out here?

- I am very much happy that Uther is off the show now (about damn time -- sorry, sherrilina!!), but his "premature" death means we'll never get the following, and it breaks my heart: Arthur confronting his father re: lying to him about his mother's death, Arthur confronting his father over lying about Morgana, a second Uther/Morgana confrontation (as discussed earlier), Uther learning that Arthur really is in love with Gwen (and not being able to do a thing about it), a confrontation between Gwen and Uther, and a struggle over policies between Arthur and Uther. I'm sure there are a lot more, actually, but that's all I can think of right now.

- Bradley's acting was pretty fantastic, I must say. The scene when his father is stabbed? I love how quiet his performance was and how he turned into this disbelieving little boy. It easily could have been a very loud, big scene, but by taking it in this direction instead we were able to focus on and really feel his pain (at least I did).

- To Arthur's "I'm not ready to be king" comment and seemingly believing it 100% -- boy, what have you been doing this past year while your father sits in a corner? Pretty sure you've been king in all but name. (No, I get why he was having such doubts, but I wish someone had brought that point up.)

- I'm really not sure where the writers intend to go from here now that Arthur seems to hate magic just as much as his father. Once again, one step forward and two steps back. As I told starry_laa during our online flail session, "I don't know why, but I can't get over the idea that S4 will end with a cliffhanger of Morgana mortally wounding Gwen and Merlin having to reveal his magic to save her, so we don't know if she lives and we don't know Arthur's reaction to Merlin's reveal. Because saving Gwen is honestly the only way I can think of that will change Arthur's view at this point, and it would tie into Agravaine and Morgana's plans for her." I mean I know my idea is insane and will not happen, but I cannot fathom any other way to get out of this corner the writers have driven themselves into. But I'm probably lacking considerably in the imagination department.

Merlin 4x01 reaction (includes spec for 4x02)

2011-10-01T22:16:35Z

~ So the music change ... not sure how I feel about it. At times it feels too modern, at others I swear they're channeling The Princess Bride (e.g. when Gwen asks Lancelot to look after Arthur), and others it just wasn't appropriate, even by Merlin standards.

~ I actually wasn't digging Gwen's hair or dress (edit: just her second dress; the first one with roses on the neckline is lovely)? The two large tendrils in front looked very odd (although the hair piece is prettttttty). I love, love, love what that dress does for her cleavage (HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII), but the way it otherwise fits her body ... I think if she had a belt or something around it (like she does with her other dresses) it would solve all of the problems. But I was digging her face (yes, even her lipstick). I HAVE MISSED YOUR FACE. WELCOME BACK TO MY SCREEN.

~ ARTHUR/GWEN SCENE ARTHUR/GWEN SCENE ARTHUR/GWEN SCENE ARTHUR/GWEN SCENE. I can't. Not over it. Never over it. Ugh. "You are precious, not just the kingdom" and "Do you remember when I first kissed you?" and her SMILE and his pleased smile and then the HUG and the way they're clinging to each other and ugh he held her chin (and his fingers kept stroking in this delightful way) and just STOP.

And your obligatory bad picspam:

~ Lancelot/Gwen scene. Oh, goodness. Lancelot, I'M SO SORRY. I really did feel terrible for him, although it's lovely that the writers have made it clear where her feelings lie. Also, am going to cry buckets when Lancelot "dies" (which I assume he is based on all of the trailers). Poor Gwen is going to think she's to blame, and ugh, my heart. And Arthur will probably feel like HE'S to blame, and there's going to be all of this miss-communication, and ugh, the angst is returning isn't it? I mean I love angst, love it way too much, but it still hurts just thinking about it. D=

~ Lancelot/Merlin you officially have stolen my heart from Gwaine/Merlin. Well done. Now, Lance, just don't abandon Merlin in a forest and everything should work out fine.

~ MORGANA DREAMING OF CAMLANN UGH LEGEND ALERT. It really is starting to come together, isn't it?

~ Lack of smirks and a varied performance from Morgana. Loved it sfm. THIS is what it should've been last year, but better late than never. Although during the sacrificing of Morgause scene all I could think was, Oh, damn, they're pulling an Aslan.

~ Very, very glad that Gwen is taking care of Uther for Arthur and not because she's conveniently forgotten what this horrible man has done to her and her family. A+

~ NEW CREDITS FEATURING ARTHUR/GWEN'S FIRST KISS. And forever amused that it's accompanied by ASH's credit. TROLLING, DEAR EDITORS?

~ Enjoying the relationships between the knights. I was wary of how it would affect the show, but so far so good.

~ The beginning moments after the credits were fantastic and felt like something out of a movie. The cinematography has definitely improved.

~ Agravaine just randomly being there. Oh, okay. Would've preferred if he had had more of an introduction, but whatever floats your boat, Merlin writers. And good job with the blind faith, Arthur. It's always served you well before.

~ Arthur's relationship with Merlin was spot on. It's right where it should be, and all of their moments had me smiling (especially the one in his chambers where Merlin's freaking the hell out and Arthur says, "Oh, I'm scared Merlin. Probably more than you" (or whatever it was)).

~ Was I imagining it, or when the spoiler pics originally came out was Gwen helping the people seeking refuge in Camelot? Did they cut that scene, or do you think that's coming up?

~ Between this premiere and the Doctor Who finale, I devoured half a box of Maltesers. This is what finales and premieres do to me.

~ All in all, a fantastic episode. WELCOME BACK, SHOW.

Felt meh about the DW finale. There were parts I liked, but otherwise I was underwhelmed. The way they tied everything up felt contrived, and part of the plot also felt like a rehash of last year's finale.

Art for railise's Shadows and Stone

2011-08-22T02:10:12Z

This year, I had the privilege of creating a trailer based on railise's fanfiction, Shadows and Stone, for the Merlin Big Bang at paperlegends. I am forever grateful that I was matched with her for this event. Not only has her fic been a joy to read (all of you are in for a wonderful treat!), but railise herself was supportive at every turn, providing me with in-depth summaries when she was still just beginning and the latest chapters as soon as she had a draft available. This has proven a terrific experience and challenge, and I'm forever grateful that I decided to take part.

Title: Shadows and Stone
Author: railise
Artist: hmsharmony/SVEvenstar
Music: X-Ray Dog's "Ascension," "City of Gold," and "Here Comes the King."
Rating: PG
Warnings: None (unless you include slight spoilers for the fic)
Video Notes: I tried to be as faithful to railise's wonderful story as possible, but I was limited by the Merlin footage that already exists. As with all adaptations, small changes have been made, but hopefully it is still true to the heart of her creation. Clips are from Merlin S1-3, Starz's Camelot, First Knight, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, and Shakespeare in Love.
A/N: As mentioned earlier, many thanks must go to railise. She is also responsible for providing me with the actors to portray two of her OCs in my trailer, so a thousand thanks for taking a huge weight off my shoulders. I'd also like to extend my thanks to themuppet, who seamlessly organized this event. Credit to lika_mikala for her Merlin scripts, without which I would have spent many more hours (possibly days) searching for appropriate dialogue. Finally, I've kept my involvement in paperlegends pretty quiet, so I'm not sure if my f-list even knew I was taking part, but a million thanks to all of them for providing me with emotional support when study abroad and internship woes popped up -- I'm not sure I would have been able to finish this project without them!
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin. This creation is purely for entertainment purposes.

Vote for Gwen

2011-03-02T02:28:41Z

So Fandom March Madness is upon us again, and right now Gwen (aka Guinevere, Guineveeeeere, Queen Guinevere, the Once and Future Queen, etc.) is in second place in the "Merlin" section. This is pretty damn amazing considering last year, but you know what would be even more amazing? If our future queen won.

So please, please, PLEASE vote for Gwen.

If you don’t watch Merlin or don’t care either way, I know we’d be incredibly grateful for your vote. I have no pretty graphics with which to convince you, but I do have the following created by other brilliant people to sway your votes:

THIS fantastic fanvid made my kaydeefalls, showcasing how Gwen acts as a guiding force and how the other characters, as much as we love them, would be lost without her.

THIS glorious meta picspam by starry_laa , which is an "an introspective look at exactly who Gwen is, theories regarding her, reasons to love her and an in-depth analysis of her relationship between the characters Merlin, Morgana and Arthur."

THIS Gwen Character Study and Analysis by kepp0xy, which "demonstrate[s] how events around and involving [Gwen] affected her; how they caused her to grow and in which directions." So, basically, if you want to know almost everything there is to know about the girl whom you're voting for, this is the place to go.

And, finally, THIS comment by heather (brought to my attention by threemeows), which succinctly lays out why Gwen deserves your vote.

VOTE FOR GWEN, EVERYONE! She's the Once and Future Queen for a reason. (And we all know who will truly run Camelot during its Golden Age. I mean, really -- Arthur as king and Merlin as adviser? This is a no-brainer.)

Sitting here writing ridiculous Regency fic and it just occurred to me...

2011-01-19T01:36:54Z

In one of the final Merlin quests Bradley revealed that Tom's full name was Thomas Thomas. Ignoring the ridiculousness of the double name, with this knowledge in mind, what is your head canon for Gwen's last name (i.e. if you were reading a fic you would expect or very much prefer this last name to be used and might get a bit irked if the author used another)?

View Poll: #1669493

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. ♥

Merlin S3 finale (how is it already over?!)

2010-12-05T04:05:10Z

-I started shipping Lancelot/Gwen? IDE understand my life anymore. Lhara, I blame you. Completely your fault. Or it could just be that I have a thing for guys quietly angsting away (the difference between last time's angsting and this time's being that he didn't run off and leave Gwen in the middle of a forest \o/). I'm not sure how I'd feel if Gwen appeared to reciprocate his feelings (...probably not too happy, tbh), but this whole loving her from afar thing? I CAN LIVE WITH IT FOR A BIT (so long as Lance finds someone).

-A tiny part of me really wished Gwen hadn't been so smiley with Lancelot. Not because of A/G, but because the last time she saw him he ran off without a word after the most horrifying night of her life. I wanted some continuity! I didn't expect her to confront him about it (definitely not the time and place), but maybe some awkwardness?

-Merlin/Gwaine or Merlin/Lancelot, guys? I CAN'T DECIDE. I was so sure I was a Merlin/Gwaine girl, but then it turns out that Merlin and Lance have been pen pals this whole time, and they're having a little sleepover and talking about his magic, and Lancelot's showing him all of this love...

-GWEN. WAS. A. FREAKING. BAMF. God, look at our future queen planning prison breaks, getting her smithing on, tricking the HQIC (at least for a bit), getting Leon to wear a dress, AND LEADING THE FREAKING KNIGHTS.

-I like that Arthur had to send all of his new knights to get Gwen. In my head Lancelot (or even Gwaine) volunteered, and Arthur went, "Uhhhhh, yeah, how 'bout all of you go?" But, hey, the good news is that they survived their first mission dressed in red capes! YOU'RE ALREADY BETTER THAN THE OTHER KNIGHTS OF CAMELOT. *hands over brownie points*

-On that note, there seemed to be a tiny bit of Arthur and Lancelot awkwardness when they shook hands, but Arthur didn't appear jealous ONCE. That's my bb! Confident in his relationship with Gwen. <3

-Speaking of his relationship with Gwen, THAT FIRST KISS. ASDAJKLS:DJAS In how many ways was it beautiful? The moment that followed it! The nose graze! HOLY EFFING GOD THAT NOSE GRAZE. Honestly their most breathtaking moment to date. And there were tears in her eyes. TEARS. Girl has so much faith in her man. <3

-Morgana!!! YOU SHOT AT INNOCENT PEOPLE. WHAT IS THIS? D= I feel like I've spent the entire series three going, "Morgana would never do that!" Is it time to just let it go? Gyah. WHAT THE HELL WENT DOWN THAT TURNED HER INTO A KILLING MACHINE?

-Morgana wants to execute Gwen not once this series, but TWICE. TWICE. Why do I have a feeling that Morgana will do everything in her power to bring down Gwen once Gwen becomes queen of Camelot? (That would be true to the legends, I suppose, but stilllll. My girls! D=)

-That said, that little moment when Morgana confided in Gwen...oh, show, I missed that so much. Even if Gwen was lying through her teeth (though I kind of liked that, too).

-WE HAVE GWEN BACKSTORY. GWEN. FREAKING. BACKSTORY. I was CERTAIN they'd have to introduce another random sibling before we found out anything about her mother, but NO. HER MOTHER WORKED IN SIR LEON'S HOUSEHOLD. EVEN BETTER, GWEN AND LEON ARE CHILDHOOD BESTIES (though I guess Leon went through a "girls have cooties" phase and that's why they never interact). For all we know this was total BS that Gwen just made up, but IDEC, I'm accepting it as legit until otherwise stated. GYAH. She acknowledged that she had a mother. Now to just find out what happened to said parent...

-ROUND TABLE. SWORD IN THE STONE. I THINK THAT SAYS IT ALL.

-The Arthur/Merlin in this episode was terrific. ABSOLUTELY fantastic. Loved Merlin's little, "No, I don't fancy it actually." THIS is the relationship I love, writers. Please keep it this way. Also, more A/M shoves. They're adorable.

-Arthur talking about what the future will bring, only for Gwen to show up looking the HQIC she totally is? I LOVE YOU SHOW. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

-I believed 100% that Morgause was dead, but all of the fan chatter has me thinking differently. I certainly hope she survived!! Morgana needs someone to train her in the ways of badassery so she can have her epic magic fight with Merlin (S4 or 5 finale, yes?!). That, and Morgause is freaking Morgause. Don't go killing the HSIC.

-There were several references to previous Merlin episodes and I loved it (at least there were references in my head). Gwen's speech about Arthur giving them hope felt SO very S1 finale, and then Arthur's comment about Merlin being wise...

-Colin Morgan, way to make me cry when Merlin saw Freya and then again when he saw Excalibur.

-Arthur/Gwen are 100% public now, yes? After claiming they had to keep it a secret until Arthur was king I found this a bit curious, but pheniox_girl pointed out that now her brother is a knight, so perhaps that makes it okay. Does Gwen now have an elevated status because she's the sister of a knight? Even if she does, Uther has been gung ho about Arthur marrying for an alliance... I hope they bring up this issue again because they really need to face it head on (that or Arthur reminded Uther that he kind of saved his ass and the entire kingdom, so kindly f*** off and let him choose the girl he'll marry). Or, alternatively, is Arthur actually going to become king due to Uther's instability? Maybe even just ruling behind the scenes to save his father's face until Uther finally dies. The producers did say that in this episode events would be set in motion that would change the entire course of the series...

-I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY ANYMORE. BASICALLY THIS EPISODE WAS FANTASTIC AND WON MY HEART OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I WANT TO HAVE THIS EPISODE'S BABIES ... POSSIBLY SO I COULD HAVE MORE MERLIN IN MY LIFE (THOUGH LMFAO, BY THE TIME I HAD THEM THE NEW SEASON WOULD BE UPON US).

Best series yet, no question. I can't wait to see what S4 brings. (Ooh, on that note, the Future Knights of the Round Table - regular or at least semi-regulars now?)

Random: HOW LONG HAVE I WAITED TO UPLOAD THIS USERPIC? MONTHS, PEOPLE. MONTHS.

Reaction to Merlin 3x08

2010-10-30T23:36:08Z

So I make references to some information from the 3x10 episode synopsis, but it's under a spoiler code for any of you avoiding that spoiler. =)

- A storyline with BOTH GIRLS. AS IN IT INVOLVES THEM BOTH. AND IT'S ABOUT EACH OTHER. AND THEIR DISSOLVING RELATIONSHIP. AND OMG, SHOW. I LOVE YOU. I worried that Gwen would just figure out Morgana and that would be it, but NO. They kept returning to it and making it an actual STORYLINE. EKRJ:LAKSD. And now Merlin and Gwen need to become official partners and start planning epic ways to save Arthur.

- Speaking of the girls, Morgana did magic. Real, controlled MAGIC. I THINK THE WRITERS HAVE A SPY IN FANDOM.

- The quest was interesting, but every time they switched to Arthur/Gwaine/Merlin I was just DYING for them to return to Gwen and Morgana. She knows. Gwen. Fucking. Knows. Not only does she know that Morgana has magic and is planning something ~dastardly, but Gwen knows Morgana's an enemy of Arthur. Serious shit is going to go down. And I'm 100% positive that Morgana knows that Gwen knows. Gwen is officially a problem, guys. I said way back in my 3x02 (3x01?) review that the Gwen/Morgana scene clearly indicated that Morgana would not really harm Gwen as it currently stood (yes, she had her kidnapped, but she had no intention to kill her), but if Gwen were to cotton on Morgana would not hesitate to get her out of the way. Add that to Morgana realizing that Gwen is 100% loyal to Arthur? That storyline's coming. Absolutely. And I have a feeling that her plan in 3x10 doesn't only revolve around her vision of Gwen's coronation.

- Also need to add that Gwen was totally bad ass in this episode. SHE HID IN MORGANA'S ROOM AND SPIED. OMG. Gwen DID stuff. NOT RELATED TO ARTHUR. AND RELEVANT TO A HUGE PLOT. ASDJK:LASJDLSKA. Thank you, writers. THANK. YOU.

- Totally random comment, but Gwen's hair made her look like a young German lass. ADORABLE.

- I have to say that I've been REALLY impressed with the writing this series. There's continuity and an actual story arc. So wonderful.

- At first I was disappointed by how quick and "un-epic" the Arthur/Gwen scene was (hell, we could barely see that kiss!), but then it occurred to me: they're dating. They're officially...a thing. They didn't make a big deal out of it because it ISN'T a big deal. There was no hesitation, no huge eye-contact or swelling of epic music. He just leaned down, kissed her goodbye, and left. They're together and this is what they do. And how ADORABLE was Gwen's face after he left? Seeing as I didn't think they'd be "together" until S4 at the earliest, however, I do wonder if a break up is coming up for them next series. Some sort of huge misunderstanding and Gwen starts seeing Lancelot (assuming he didn't just show up once every series), and then it'd lead up to the Arthur/Gwen reunion at the end of S4...idk, idk. I just don't see the writers letting them be this happy and worry-free, and seeing as it looks like they're going to start facing the Uther issue in just two episodes...

- Merlin/Gwaine? I ship it. So much. They're just...God. They are ADORABLE. And Merlin's his only friend! And GYAH. JUST SNUGGLE ALREADY.

- Merlin/Gwen were equally adorable. "What's he actually doing?" "Thinking." "About?" "You." *elbow jab* Um, also ship it. So hard. Arthur/Gwen are my OTP obvs, but I wouldn't say no to Merlin/Gwen either. The way his lips almost touch her forehead when he says "you"? AKLDHALKSDS. I can't BELIEVE how wrong all of the predictions for the relationships have been. Arthur/Gwen static? NOT IN ANY WAY. Merlin/Gwen's friendship dead? COULDN'T BE MORE WRONG. I think we've had more Merlin/Gwen than we even had in S1! The writers have finally recognized the importance of the OT3 and thus the need to keep Merlin and Gwen's friendship alive. <3

- Clarification, please? Gwen didn't see Morgause at Cenred's, right? As far as she knows, Morgause was just the woman who beat Arthur in that challenge. Do we think she knows that Morgause "kidnapped" Morgana? Did Arthur tell her that Morgause was working with Cenred? IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW, SHOW.

- This episode set up SO MUCH for the upcoming episodes. I'm really actually UPSET now that this ridiculous Gaius/Alice ep is coming up because it REALLY wrecks with the flow of the show. This episode so clearly sets things up for 3x10, and just...UGH. WHY MUST YOU INSIST ON FILLER EPISODES, BBC? Anyway, WATER FROM AVALON. AHDSKJAS:DKAH. HOLY GRAIL, GUYS. HOLY EFFING GRAIL. Obviously not the Holy Grail, but the WATER. That IS what it is, right? AND ONCE AND FUTURE KING REFERENCE. ASDJKLSA:JD.

- LMFAO, my mind is SO Gwen-centered. When the Fisher King said that Albion's time of need was near and that he alone could save her I automatically thought, "GWEN IN 3X10." Then a second later I realized that "she" was "Albion". XD OOOOOOPS.

- Gwaine, you've forgotten about your princess already? ;_; I expect severe fawning over her when you return.

- I don't know why, but I REALLY loved Arthur's line, "Are Gwen and Morgana here, too? We're gonna have a surprise party?" Two series ago Arthur would've only said, "Is Morgana here, too?" I love how Gwen is a significant presence in his life. And obviously we already knew that, but GOD. Just seeing how far they've come...

- Arthur's line about someone very dear giving him the bracelet broke my heart. Arthur is going to be a MESS when he discovers what Morgana's been doing.

- Arthur was fantastic in this episode. Despite Merlin and Gwaine coming to help him, he did most of this journey on his own. We finally saw what a spectacular knight he truly is. About time.

So I don't really have that many thoughts today, but rest assured that I thought this episode was FANTASTIC. This series has just been amazing so far, and I'm going to absolutely cry when it ends in December.

Picspam

2010-10-29T06:40:59Z

A picspam I quickly put together for merlin_land (go teamarthur!). I've been flailing over the adorable that is Arthur/Gwen since last week, and I figured I might as well put my flail to good use and picspam the hell out of it. I guess it can be seen as a companion picspam to this vid.

In which they're just awkward -- very awkward -- kids in love.

*****

In which Arthur decides that the best way to woo Gwen is with news of his possible marriage to another woman. A+ work, Arthur!

*****

In which Gwen officially becomes a Disney Princess and the twosome graduate from longing glances to adorable, flirty banter.

(I'd be lying if I said I haven't been waiting two series for this. My heart pretty much exploded when the slight smirks and flirting began. I love my angst, but Happy Future Pendragons are the most adorable people in the WORLD.)

*****

In which Morgana will take care of Arthur, Arthur will take care of Gwen, Gwen will take care of Merlin ... and Morgana's just screwed. Oh, and more adorable faces and a few giggles.

*****

In which Gwen shows up Arthur, the twosome make more adorable faces at each other, and Gwen mentions her social status as something other than a reason for why they can't ~~shag~~ snog.

*****

In which they attempt to kiss after depriving us of lip lockage for NINE EPISODES and are cockblocked by Merlin and Morgana. Thankfully their reactions more than make up for the now TEN episodes since their last kiss.

(They look like children who have just been told they can't have a caramel when they go to the grocery store. Please be this adorable all of the time.)

*****

In which Arthur might be a prince, but Gwen really doesn't give a damn.

*****

In which Gwen is sneaky and Arthur is impressed.

FIN

Needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to more adorable scenes to add to this picspam. I'm sure the angst is on its way, but I would be forever grateful if they balanced it out with more Disney-Romance and Awkward-Kids-in-Love moments. <3

Thoughts on the GWENISODE

2010-10-24T00:43:46Z

I've watched this episode three times now (IT WAS TOO GOOD), so I think I'm ready to discuss my thoughts.

1. Morgana, I...I don't...I. I think I've just experienced heartbreak. I don't hate Morgana. I could NEVER hate Morgana. But the way she's treating Arthur and Gwen? With zero remorse? It kills me. The worst moment was right after Gwen was kidnapped and Morgana looks out of her window and smirks. The girl who's taken care of you for YEARS and whom you used to love was just assaulted and kidnapped and will now go through extreme emotional torture. THIS IS NOT RIGHT, MORGANA. IN ANYWAY. If Gwen ever finds out (hell, if ARTHUR ever finds out)...oh, God. So many tears. So many breaking hearts. So many feelings of betrayal.

2. Every once in a while Merlin manages to have a scene that's incredibly smart. Morgana refusing Merlin's offer to fill her goblet was very subtle, but it said loads about their past. Someone over at onceandfutures pointed out that Morgana has trust issues, and I think this backs up that theory.

3. "No, you just poison them." This was the one scene I actually felt for Morgana. I wish we had had more because I don't LIKE being against Morgana. The girl has REASON to be angry, but we so rarely get to see that. I hope they explore the previously mentioned trust issues with regards to her relationship with Arthur because then her attempts on his life would make actual SENSE. "I want the throne" -- just not buying it.

4. SO MANY GWEN SCENES. SO. FREAKING. MANY. And Angel rocked every one of them. I am so, so proud of our girl. I just...ASDJK:LAJSD. Seriously can't put into words how amazing she was.

5. SO THERE WAS NO KISS ON HORSEBACK OR ALMOST-KISS ON HORSEBACK EVER? ;_; SADNESS

6. Arthur/Gwen banter AGAIN! It looks like they've really had a turning point. No reset button or anything! It was fantastic. I also loved how they actually TALKED in this episode. He told her that adorable story about his father bringing him to the woods and then Gwen told her a bit about her history with Elyan... BOND MORE, GUYS. BONNNNNND. You do it so well!

7. "I thought I told you to ride for Camelot." "You might be a prince, but I don't always have to do what you tell me to."
Reasons why this is my favorite scene to ever grace my screen:
a. BANTER. FLIRTY BANTER.
b. So obvious how Arthur was secretly pleased that she hadn't left after all.
c. Arthur's little look at Elyan (I think it was him) that basically said, "There's no point arguing with the wife." IT'S ONCE AND FUTURE PENDRAGON-NESS. \o/
d. Gwen waited for him. She did NOT go back. I have to say, when Gwen originally agreed to leave I felt my heart sink (and even more when she found out Merlin was going after him and didn't go with him -- obviously she had her brother to look after, but still...). I have argued since 2x04 that if it were Arthur asking her to leave Gwen never would, and it killed me when I thought I had been proven wrong. Thankfully TPTB heard my prayers and Gwen DIDN'T do as Arthur said. Which I just love because a) it shows that she could never abandon him and b) it shows that she sees herself as his equal (in some ways at least...I think she still very much sees herself as a servant to his prince, but that's starting to disappear as well) and has no qualms going against his wishes.

8. Merlin and Gwen are still friends!! His concern for her was so lovely. *hugs them* And, heh, I can't lie, when he put his hand on the crook of her elbow part of me screamed, "KISS HER." I still can't get over how this show makes me a multishipper. XD But that was a wonderful moment between the two of them.

9. OT3 scheming was one of the best scenes of the show. You could just SEE how well they'd work together as king, queen, and adviser. More of this please.

10. Gwen with the fire poker. If they hadn't cheated with the second man she would've so taken him. Did you see her face when she finally had a weapon in her hand? NO FEAR. She knew what to do.

11. The OT4 joking scene in the woods (Morgana will take care of Arthur and Gwen will look after Merlin). I adored this scene, but it was terribly bittersweet. God, before Morgana “turned” this is EXACTLY how I imagined the four of them would be once Arthur became king. The once and future Pendragons would be joking and flirting, Merlin would get all giddy over how they were STILL adorable, everyone would give Merlin grief for his weak hand-to-hand combat skills (even though he could kill them all with a single flash of his eyes), Morgana would be Arthur’s right hand woman… AJSDA:LSKDJ. Why, show? WHYYYY?

12. The familial chemistry between Gwen and Elyan was UNBELIEVABLE. Their relationship was believable from the moment they lay their eyes on each other. I loved how he pulled her into this protective hug and she clung to him. Is he the older brother? I DESPERATELY want him to be now (though this may also stem from my own desire to have a protective older brother...). Their conversation in the dungeon was perfection. THEIR RAPPORT. THEIR FREAKING RAPPORT. Gwen was adorable ("I only hope Arthur can think of something." "Arthur?" "Prince Arthur. I came with him." "Prince Arthur of Camelot?" "Yes, Elyan, Prince Arthur of Camelot." HER INDIGNATION AT HAVING TO SPELL EVERYTHING OUT, OH GOODNESS) and we saw a completely different side to her.

13. "Was there...anything else?" "I just wanted to say thank you." OH, HAI THERE PARALLEL TO 2X01.

14. Once again Morgana and Gwen BOTH had a role. And significant amount of lines. IS THIS REAL LIFE? BOTH WOMEN FEATURED IN A SINGLE EPISODE? WAH?

15. The chemistry between Merlin and Morgana in this episode was OFF the CHARTS. Dear GOD. I seriously expected them to rip off each other's clothes during several scenes.

16. "IT'S WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEONE." TWICE. SAID TWICE. ONCE BY EACH OF THEM. When Gwen looked up at Arthur there were all these ~FEELINGS (um, duh, it pushed him to stare at her lips -- HE WAS SO OBVIOUS IT WAS ADORABLE -- and almost kiss), and then when ARTHUR said it... I love how this boy has twice now told her "I love you" in a total round-about way. It's perfect. And I SCREAMED when he said it. After his lips move the TINIEST fraction of an inch into a smile, and then her reaction. She's just OVERWHELMED by this admission (even though, lulz, you've heard it before, darling!).

This time around she DOESN'T correct him or warn him that his feelings are foolhardy. PROGRESS. AGAIN. TWO EPISODES OF PROGRESS IN A ROW. I am just...wow. We're finally moving beyond "we can never be." I'm overwhelmed! Just need to add that Gwen's "welllll, let's just say they won't be missed for a day or two" was precious.

What I wish they had included/what confused/bothered me:

1. Cendred trying to get to Arthur through Gwen (so, you know, stroking her cheek, looking at Arthur and commenting on how pretty she is...that sort of thing). What can I say? I have issues.

2. How did Merlin figure out that Morgana knew about A/G? Did Gwen tell him? Did he just assume that Morgana finally cottoned or or that she always knew?

3. Arthur learning about what Gwen went through. I loved the OT3 scheming scene, but I wanted a scene featuring Arthur FURIOUS over those burns on her wrists and the kidnapping. LIKE BURNING.

4. I actually felt that Arthur didn't show enough concern when he found out Gwen had probably been kidnapped, especially when I compared it to his reaction in 2x04. I understand that he had to keep it under wraps when he was trying to convince Uther to send out a search party, but they could've included a small scene that showed how terrified he was.

5. No mention of Gwen and Elyan's mother. ;_; I can only hope that we learn about this in one of Elyan's other episodes because at this point Gwen is the ONLY on of the OT4 with an unknown parent. Not cool.

6. When they were ambushed in the tunnels, what did Gwen say before "I'm sorry"? I've listened to it several times and still haven't figure it out. I found it interesting and very telling that her first reaction was to apologize. The poor girl has a serious guilt complex. She thinks everything's her fault. D= *hugs Gwen*

Merlin 3x06 - IT'S A DISNEY ROMANCE, TYVM

2010-10-17T05:26:43Z

So today's episode was the first S3 episode to NOT eclipse the previous episode in terms of awesome-sauce level, but it was still a DAMN good episode that had me flailing (and almost crying).

Before I get into that, I just need to say that Gwen has the cutest pouty face ever, even though she so wasn't going for pouty. I don't care. It's adorable. Bradley, Angel has beaten you at your own game. Time to kick it up a level!

-How freaking ADORABLE and amazing was Elena? OMG, guys, I'm in love. (Though LULZ, got a total Ella Enchanted vibe from her. Especially the "cursed" at birth bit.) The best part? SHE WAS NOT HURT IN THE PROCESS OF SAVING CAMELOT. And Arthur actually THOUGHT of her feelings. And it was glorious. And amazing. And Elena and Arthur should be BFFs who race horses and set up their kids on play dates. The end.

-I don't even think I can BEGIN to explain how in love I am with Gwen, Arthur, and Arthur/Gwen in this episode. GUYS, IT'S OUT THERE. THEY BOTH ADMITTED THAT THEY WANTED TO MARRY EACH OTHER SOME DAY. Okay, not explicitly, but they ABSOLUTELY admitted it. Even better? GWEN ADMITTED IT. The girl is finally letting her heart speak instead of smothering it with her rational thinking! Don't get me wrong -- I LOVE that Gwen is so rational. But she can't stay that way forever. She needs to learn to take a chance, and it looks like she's about ready to jump off that cliff. ASDHKAJSDHAJK

But dear GOD their angsty scene KILLED ME. HER VOICE BROKE. HER VOICE BROKE WHEN SHE SAID THEY KNEW THEY COULD NEVER BE. And he was in TEARS. Holy fucking hell, why did I make the mistake of watching the stream (which was SO unreliable, omg XD) instead of just downloading and watching it for the first time with my mother? I HAD NO ONE TO HOLD ME (AND I HAD TO HOLD HER INSTEAD). AND GYAH. My wish came true! That wish being that Arthur would look back at Gwen during the wedding ceremony (God, is Uther REALLY dense -- HOW DO YOU NOT NOTICE HIM MAKING SAD/SEXY EYES AT YOUR ~~WARD'S~~ DAUGHTER'S MAID?).

Their final scene was perfection. Absolute, freaking perfection. Do you know how long I've been waiting for flirty, mildly snarky, teasing Arthur/Gwen? SO. LONG. OMG. We had a glimpse of that in 2x02, but NOTHING like this. I would've loved to have seen more of this in S2, but whatever, it's here now and it's GLORIOUS. JUST LOOK AT THEIR SWEET LITTLE FACES:

And then he SKIPS off and she does a little look behind her shoulder, and omg, BE MORE ADORABLE, YOU TWO. I DARE YOU. Also, Gwen is officially a Disney princess. End of story.

-Quite possibly the most EPIC moment of this episode was Morgana finally figuring out what the fuck was going on in her ~~BFF's~~ maid servant's life. About freaking time, Morgs! "We've known each other for too long; I can see it in your eyes." LIES, MORGANA, LIES. Where the HELL was this when Gwen was crying her eyes out over Arthur/Vivian shenanigans? Well, okay, THIS Morgana is clearly determined to use her new-found information for evil instead of actually trying to be there for Gwen (I EFFING HATE YOU SOMETIMES, SHOW), but she KNOWS, and they actually talked about it. Didn't go down the way I had hoped it would way back when, but seeing as the path Morgana's on now... *sighs* ANYWAY, my point is that Morgana knows, which means major shit is going down (will discuss when I get into the 3x07 trailer). It also means that Morgana has eyes. YOU GET TO JOIN THE SECRET CLUB OF PEOPLE WITH OBSERVATION SKILLS. Current members (in order of observation): Merlin, Lancelot, Gaius, Gwaine, Elena (SHE SO COTTONED ON), and now Morgana. *hands Morgana a pretty pin*

-Merlin, you were such a good BFF to Arthur during this episode (your speech about Arthur choosing his own destiny...ASDJ:KLJHSAKJD), but you know what? Your other BFF, the one who saved your ass more times than you can count, needed you, too. And where were you? NOT BY HER SIDE, THAT'S FOR SURE. You lose Camelot Detective Agency merit points, Merlin. >=(

-Random spec over the angsty A/G scene: so when Morgs tells her that Arthur can't change 200 years of history Gwen's wearing her lavender, but when she goes to visit Arthur she's in her blue AND wearing a shawl. In my head Gwen spent a fitful night figuring out what to do, and she went straight to Arthur's room that morning (thus the shawl). AND NOW MY HEART IS BREAKING ALL OVER AGAIN (and my cracky side is wondering what would've happened if Gwen had gotten there just a BIT earlier and run into Arthur half-naked...OMG, GET A/G LAID CAMPAIGN -- LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO ME ASLKDHNA:SL).

-3x07 trailer. So, I'm kind of ridiculous and I actually watched the trailer in slow-mo and took screen captures for purposes of examination. HERE WE GO, Y'ALL (...did I just write "y'all"?):

Order: Arthur, GWEN, Merlin, Morgana. IT'S TEAM ONCE AND FUTURE PENDRAGONS LEADING THE WAY, GUYS. So much love for this image. <3

By now I think you all know about my damsel-in-distress kink. I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS SCENE I CAN'T EVEN...ASDKJHLAKSJD. I assume this is where face-stroking comes in, yes? I can just SEE Cenred pulling the good ol', "You're so beautiful. I can see why the prince is so fond of you" crap that villains are so fond of.

As pissed off as I am that Morgana is using Gwen to get to Arthur (God, it's a DOUBLE fail, because this means she doesn't give a damn about either of them ;_;), I would be lying if I said I haven't been desperately wishing for a Gwen-is-kidnapped-to-get-to-Arthur storyline. I honestly didn't think we would get it this early on, but I'm not gonna complain. EEEP!

Merlin's attempting to make up for his BFF failure this ep by actually comforting her. I SEE THAT HAND REACHING FOR HER SHOULDER, MERLIN. KEEP IT UP. Ten bucks says Merlin is the one who spills Gwen's situation to Arthur (would like a very pissed off Arthur, please -- not pissed off at Merlin, pissed off at Cenred for using Gwen to get to him and placing Gwen in such a terrible situation).

PRETTY sure this is the first time we see Gwen staring at Arthur's lips. YOU GO, GIRL. GET IT WHILE YOU CAN.

I...don't even know how to BEGIN commenting on this image. Mostly it makes me laugh. Arthur is vying for superhero status now. FLY, ARTHUR, FLYYYYYYYYYY.

So here's how I'm guessing it goes down: Morgana goes to her ~~lover~~ sister with her news. The girls decide it'd be a BRILLIANT idea to use Gwen and officially put a nail in the coffin of the Gwen/Morgana friendship so they can KILL MORGANA'S BABY BROTHER. THE FUCK, MORGANA? SERIOUSLY? You are losing my sympathy SO quickly, and I've been fighting tooth and nail for you. What happened to thinking that Arthur would be a fair king one day? AKSL:DAKLSDJ. Anyway, either Morgana knows about Gwen's long-lost brother (because once upon a time they actually talked) or Cenred already has custody of Elyan and knows that he has a sister named Guinevere in Camelot (my ideas are getting more ridiculous by the second, but this IS Merlin after all). Anyway, they tell Gwen that they're returning her to Camelot, and she can either let her brother die or bring them Arthur. Gwen returns to Camelot and refuses to say anything because, as much as she loves her brother, she can't sacrifice an entire kingdom for him (and also, she's kind of been writing "Mrs. Guinevere Pendragon" on spare pieces of parchment, but I think it'll be the kingdom reason). Merlin, however, cottons on, tells Arthur, and Arthur insists that they go and rescue Elyan. Morgana finds out and goes ape-shit crazy because ~~Morgause's~~ her plans are about to burst into flames, so she insists on going and "helping out" Gwen ("yeah, right over a cliff you'll help me"). Merlin and Morgana spend the rest of the episode trying to stop each other (cue lots and lots of moments that just scream for hate sex), while Arthur and Gwen grow even closer, taking full advantage of being away from the castle even as death presses down on them (...um, I have mentioned that my brain goes insane after one am, right?). They reach Cenred's castle, free Elyan, and then there's an epic fight with Cenred and his ninjas. Rocks collapse on Arthur, but it's just another concussion to add to his growing list, and everyone returns to Camelot happy (save Morgana, but she puts on a nice face).

THE END. =)

Merlin 3x05 reaction -- how is it that each episode is better than the last?

2010-10-09T22:37:57Z

WOW. This episode felt so much longer than it actually was, but not because it dragged on but rather because SO MUCH EPIC WENT DOWN.

-First, I now take it as a sign that if an episode starts in slow-mo it's going to be fucking amazing.

-I have to admit, I thought Merlin should've been a BIT more upset when he was trying to heal Arthur, but him crying by the water completely made up for it. Oh, Merlin! *hugs*

-Arthur still caring deeply about Morgana is making me the happiest girl in the world. YES, YES SHE IS (LIKE) YOUR SISTER. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see them continuously interacting and recognizing each other's existence. And Arthur beating the crap out of a dummy in the pouring rain because he was so upset over possibly losing her? NGL, when I first heard about that scene I had hoped it was over Gwen (before knowing ep 6 was going to be comedic I thought it was going to be over the impending marriage), but this was beond perfect. Arthur CAN care about more than one female at a time, and this episode finally recognized that.

-Speaking of acknowledging Arthur's ability to have an emotional range larger than a teaspoon (Hermione Granger quotes ftw), the hug. Holy. Fucking. Crap. THE HUG. SIX SECONDS OF GLORIOUSNESS. SHE TOUCHED HIS FACE. AND SNUGGLED INTO HIS CHEST. AND HE CRADLED HER HEAD.

I don't care if I've already picspammed the promo of this. HERE WE GO AGAIN, OKAY?

I really, REALLY wish we could've overheard them discussing Morgana, but oh well. I love that they're comforting each other because a) it's a small moment that we've never had before (we've had Gwen comforting him, but never Arthur comforting her) and b) it shows how dear Morgana is to both of them.

-Speaking of other relationships, M/G is still alive! \o/ That little congratulatory punch was ADORABLE, and she IMMEDIATELY clued in on something being up. Angel Coulby, you rule the world with your facial expressions.

-So I pretty much knew that Uther would reveal that Morgana was his daughter, but it wasn't as terrible and WTF as I had thought it would be. Though, whoa, the show broached the subject of adultery! @_@ Never thought it would go there. Though I agree with everyone else: if this was supposed to endear Uther to me, it failed.

-Thoughts on Morgana's scene with Uther? I can't decide if she was trying to give Uther a chance or if she was attempting to manipulate him into publicly acknowledging her. I'm leaning towards the former based on her outraged expression after Uther left (not to mention her reaction when she met with Morgause). Also, does Uther understand that she knows? Or does he just think that she views him as a father figure?

-Katie didn't have too many scenes (clarification: in comparison to the number I thought she'd have), but she did a REALLY good job once again.

-MORGANA USED MAGIC. THANK. GOD. Can we see more of this show?

-So I'm guessing that Morgause and Morgana share a mother? Morgause certainly wasn't put off by the news that Uther was Morgana's father. But then why did she have a bracelet from the House of Gorlois?

-Merlin/Morgana continues to be a wonderfully twisted ship. *_*

-So this episode clearly set up a Morgana-as-Queen story line. Holy cow. This is going to be one HELL of a series. Now the only question that remains...will Morgana make Uther acknowledge her as first in line for the crown (even though this totes would not go down in RL because she's a woman and illegitimate, but it's Merlin-land, so have at it), or will she begin including Arthur in her murder attempts? PLEASE let it be the first option, show.

-As I said in a reaction comment, this episode had no reset button, moral ambiguity, AND set story lines in motion. Guys, it's an ACTUAL television show now. Holy crap. We're in for one hell of a series (yeah, totes said that twice now). The second half if going to blow us away *knock on wood*!

-Promo for next week? ASDKOJAFHD:KJ I know it's going to be a silly episode, but it's CLEARLY going to be chock full of A/G angst. "If I marry her, what will you do?" "I will watch as you grow into the king that Camelot deserves." I don't think I've ever loved Gwen more. She sacrifices so much personal happiness for everyone else. I'm going to be sobbing come next week (thankfully Mommy will be there to hold me -- yay, Parents' Weekend!). HELLO, flashback to "one day you will find your real princess". HE DOESN'T LOVE HER, BUT OMG, HE'S FOUND ONE (okay, okay, his father found one). ;_; (In other news, VIDDING GOLD.)

Small friends cut

2010-10-04T03:42:49Z

I was looking over my f-list and I realized that there were several people on here whom I've known for a while, but with whom I've actually had very little contact. As such, I'm doing a small friends cut. Please don't take it the wrong way. I think you're all amazing (otherwise I wouldn't have friended you in the first place!), but I've realized that with many of my LJ friendships consist of the occasional comment about a television show we both like, and I feel that such a relationship just isn't fair to either of us.

I also cut a couple of people who have been inactive for several months (without posting a hiatus). If you were on hiatus and would like me to re-add you, please let me know!

I wish you all the best.

Reaction to Merlin 3x03 (aka THE GWEN EPISODE)

2010-09-27T19:53:22Z

It seems I'm going to be putting off my tv shows/real life update for a bit (though I have to say right now that I am in LOVE with Undercovers and My Generation). I DID, however, want to post my thoughts on Merlin 3x03 since I actually wrote them up in my journal Saturday night.

I'm not going to lie. I was DREADING this episode. I thought it was going to be juvenile, ridiculous, and irrelevant.

Was it juvenile? Oh yes.

Ridiculous? Uh huh.

Completely irrelevant to the plot? Without a doubt.

It is nevertheless one of my favorite episodes to date? YES.

First and most importantly, GWEN:

- OMG, lines. MANY, MANY LINES.
- LOL. Freaking out about boils > her suspicions of Gaius. OMG, love it. So many sides to Gwen we haven't seen!
- Storyline separate from romance! WHAT? <3
- SO. FUCKING. GORGEOUS. more bedhead, please? Also, more white? I will not complain in the least if her wedding gown is white instead of a more appropriate color.
- Defending herself from ~~EVIL INTRUDER~~ Merlin with candlestick = so much love. She's like a REAL human girl, not just the perfect future queen. GYAH.
- Cutest facial expressions ever. OMG. There were like 5000 different faces in this ep. HOW SO TALENTED, ANGEL? That last scene with Gaius, where she goes from scared out of her mind to overwhelmed by relief? Perfectly perfect in every way.

MORGANA:
- There was continuity despite this being a throwaway episode. OMG. THANK YOU.
- Katie, PLEASE give this sort of performance every time. Maybe it's because she only had a few scenes, but I thought her acting was EXCELLENT in this ep. I especially loved her scene with Gaius. SUBTLETY IS THE KEY, KATIE.
- BEST MORGANA EXPRESSION EVER:

"Aw, you're about to get executed? Pity."
Gif by letsey_x

MERLIN/GWEN:
- BFFs forever ♥ (and EVER)
- Seriously, Merls, forget the destiny thing. Open up a detective agency with Gwen. YOU'D BE SO MUCH HAPPIER. LOOK AT HOW MUCH YOU'RE GIGGLING. DON'T DENY IT. YOUR LIFE WOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER WITH GWEN IN IT EVERY SINGLE MOMENT. (And as a fan desperate for more Gwen Time I would very much approve.)
- Merlin should always go to Gwen when he's in a jam. She gives much better advice than Gaius and is actually USEFUL. Can these two PLEASE discuss Morgana at some point? Like, NOW? Save Gaius (who, as I have already stated, is useless) Gwen is the only other person who thinks something really effed up is going on with Morgana. USE THIS, SHOW.

ARTHUR/GWEN:
- "THE man I have feelings for." Not "someone." Not "a man." "The." Maybe I'm over-analyzing this to death, but I feel the word choice is VERY telling. It seems that there is no doubt in her mind that Arthur is the man she wants to be with. Yes, she doesn't think anything will come of it, and yes, she tries to prevent them from forgetting this and getting too carried away, but it doesn't stop her from falling more and more in love with him. At this point I honestly don't see how Lancelot could be a threat (I mean obviously he will be, but if this show followed logic he wouldn't make much of a different). That's not to diminish Lancelot/Gwen or Lancelot himself, but Gwen not only seems so very much in love with Arthur, but she also has spent nearly two years with this man since she realized she might be interested in him. So in this context I feel "the man I have feelings for" says quite a lot about the state of Gwen's heart.
- Merlin sounds way too surprised that Gwen still likes Arthur. What, did they not talk ONCE over this year gap (in which case my above argument might no longer work XD)? Did they hug and go, "LOLLL, that was fun. See you next dragon attack"? Or has Merlin just been conveniently absent whenever Gwen sneaks into Arthur's chambers? Or, you know, maybe Merlin and Gwen just haven't spoken once since the events of "Sweet Dreams". In which case... ;_;
- AWKWARD CONVERSATION IN THE HALL, OMG. So wonderful. More, more, more of awkward kids in love (anyway to insert this into season 2?)
- Gwen acting like a TOTAL girl (again, a real human being!) over seeing Arthur! PERFECT. I seriously need more of that "young adults in love with zero idea of how to act" thing. I also would've loved a similar scene in 2x07 (i.e. Gwen hesitant to talk to Arthur after everything that has happened and Merlin urging her that he WILL listen to her ... though of course that ep was SUPPOSED to come before Merlin found out about A/G, but whatever). =(

Dear fandom: wank over Gwen reacting positively to Gwaine's flirting after she talked about her feelings for Arthur and I WILL kill you. Thanks! ^_^

So, as you can tell, this was basically a Gwen episode for me. The episode was amusing and Richard Wilson did a wonderful job, but I totes had Gwen blinders on.

Merlin 3x02 -- Exactly what I've been waiting for

2010-09-19T01:45:23Z

So, Merlin once again proves that if the first half of a two-parter fails considerably, the second half will be the most epic thing in the world.

- Whoa. Is Morgana...EYELINER-LESS IN ONE SCENE? *LE GASP* WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? AT THAT MOMENT IS SHE GOOD PRETENDING TO BE EVIL? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO TELL WHICH SIDE SHE'S ON?

- I like how putting up one's hood suddenly makes one invisible. Apparently Morgana nicked Harry's invisibility cloak.

- I was really happy with Katie's acting in this ep. Last week I started cringing when she appeared, but she REALLY varied up her performance. Still didn't like the smirks, but there were significantly fewer of them. She played tense very nicely, and there were moments where she managed to appear scheming WITHOUT smirking. It was love. <3 As for Morgana's scene with Gaius in Uther's chambers... I can't tell if it was Katie being a bad actress or Morgana. If it's the latter, I really worry for her future in the world of evil. Though I DO have to say that she was WAY too proud of creating smoke. "HA. You stupid humans. YOU COULD NEVER LIGHT STRAW ON FIRE AND MAKE KNIGHTS THINK THAT THE CASTLE IS ON FIRE. BOW DOWN TO ME." And, okay, NGL, still missing the grey Katie is so determined Morgana has. We KIND of got it with the "I DON'T THINK I CAN RAISE A SKELETON ARMY," but that could've easily just been Morgana doubting her powers.

Some of my favorite Morgana-not-smirking (though sometimes ALMOST smirking) faces (because I'm seriously THAT happy with Katie right now):

I included this picture because while it is SO CLOSE TO BEING A SMIRK it actually isn't, and I was ridiculously pleased by this. Of course she ruins it five seconds later by pulling out a smirk, but oh well.

- I wasn't as moved by Morgana's "this is what I've been through!" speech as I thought I would be. I'm not sure WHAT I was expecting to be honest, but when I first heard about it I thought it would be more heartbreaking.

- So the Arthur/Merlin moments were pretty silly, and the time they took up probably could've been put to better use (though I think you can easily claim that it was much-need comedic relief), but I couldn't help but love it. Last week's moments were AWFUL, but this week...hee! I couldn't stop smiling (okay, didn't like when Arthur was being a COMPLETE ASS to him, but the other moments were precious). THEY WERE SO AN OLD MARRIED COUPLE. IT WAS ADORABLE. And I was actually SQUEEING when Merlin was telling Arthur how he was meant to be the greatest king Camelot had ever seen (even though it must've been REALLY sketchy as someone who doesn't know that Merlin has one-on-one chats with the slash dragon of destiny). "Not wisdom...but yes, that's exactly what it is." <3

- On that note, clearly Merlin and Gwen are getting together three times a week to compare notes. "Okay, so today we're going to remind Arthur that he is AWESOME and needs to have more faith in himself. I'll take the morning shift, you take the afternoon. Cake after?"

- Oh, God, what can I say about that first A/G moment? GYAAAAAAAAAAAAH. Gwen's hesitant "I'm sorry...I...I didn't mean to--" was PERFECTLY delivered by Angel. You immediately sense that she feels the need to be there, but she doesn't want to be a bother when he has so much on his mind. But what I loved more than ANYTHING is that Arthur asks Gwen what the people are saying. I really hope during this series Gwen will be shown as a representative for the people, with Arthur inquiring about the people's opinions of his actions. And GYAH. "There's going to be casualties, Gwen" --> "My decision will very likely be responsible for the death of people you've known all your life. Please don't hate me. Please tell me I haven't made a huge mistake." And how gorgeous was Gwen when she glances up to meet his gaze? GYUH. BEYOND GORGEOUS. Then there's Arthur, rocking his pout. XD Does he just KNOW that he can't kiss her, and that's why he's pouting? Because WHENEVER they're close to kissing but just miss out he rocks the pout. I SWEAR HE'S CLAIRVOYANT. ALSO: this scene FINALLY disproved my Lavender Dress Theory. SHE TOUCHED HIM WHILE WEARING THE BLUE ONE. This episode is making all SORTS of strides. ;-D

Tiny picspam because Angel is gorgeous and Gwen finally had legit lines (AND DID NOT ARRANGE FLOWERS):

- And as amazing as the first one was, I think the second one stole my heart for forever. As anjali_organna said in her review, Arthur's nod was COMPLETELY a silent "my lady", which is something we both said we would DIE over (well, that and Arthur kissing her hand before he said it =D). Needless to say, that scene made me SQUEE AND FLAIL AND POSSIBLY JUMP UP AND DOWN. And then once Arthur leaves Gwen turns around, considerably worried and sad... Oh, Gwen! Trying to show a strong face but frightened of what's to come. *hugs* (...I actually played her turn around in slow-mo. XD)

ASDFGHJKL;

- While I'm as sad as ever to see the Gwen/Morgana relationship die a terrible death, at least Gwen is NOTICING something's wrong instead of being treated like crap and going, "Hmm. That was weird. OOH, I SHOULD GO ARRANGE FLOWERS. \o/" And was it just me, or did Morgana glance at Gwen when they felt the castle shake? Was she glancing for a reaction or because she still cares about Gwen? *hopes it's the latter* And just in terms of Gwen's characterization I'm relieved that she's noticing every little thing about Morgana and is NOT being fooled by her lies LIKE EVERY OTHER PERSON IN THIS CASTLE.

- HOLY EFFING HELL WITH MORGAUSE/CENDRED (I've finally decided on Cendred for the spelling XD) AND HER "I WILL GIVE YOU A FEAST YOU WILL NEVER FORGET," COMPLETE WITH SMIRKS THAT CLEARLY INDICATE THAT THE WRITERS ARE SO AWARE OF THE SEXUAL INNUENDO. SHOW, I SALUTE YOU. AND LOVE YOU.

- Loved the Merlin/Morgana sword fight, but what l loved even more was their exchange of looks at the very end. Seriously, was it just me, or was that INCREDIBLY hot? WHY AM I SHIPPING SUCH A TWISTED SHIP? I just...!

LOOK AT THIS:

I'm sorry, but it was really, REALLY hot. Not as hot as Morgause/Cendred, but still. Pretty effing hot.

- Speaking of Merlin/Morgana, I'm really excited to hear that their destinies are connected forever, but REALLY dragon, REALLY? "She is the darkness to your light, the hatred to your love." Rocking the melodrama/complete BS, are we? OH. Quite amused that he talked about trust being a double-edged sword, as I was thinking about prompting that for Merlin/Morgana over at the doomed ships ficathon. XD

- HOW THE HELL DID MERLIN GET OUT OF THOSE CHAINS? Anyone?

- ASH continues to be a BAMF when it comes to acting. 'Nuff said.

- Arthur as king? Sitting on the throne? Deciding how to deal with the impending siege? OMG. SHOW, THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. IT WAS EPIC. And Bradley's acting was SPOT ON. OMG. I just about died during the second half of the ep. Action and kingly!Arthur and slow-mo Leon and FIRE and just EVERYTHING.

- So clearly the Arthur in the throne room crying scene wasn't this ep. Any one have any ideas when it might be? It has to be the first six or seven episodes (since it was shown in that trailer at comic con), so... If the Georgia King ep wasn't supposed to be comedic I would say it could POSSIBLY be that one (though it'd be rather over dramatic), but right now I'm coming up short in terms of ideas.

MERLIN SERIES THREE PREMIERE

2010-09-12T00:42:36Z

Well, I have now watched the episode twice, so I think I'm ready to babble.

- THEME MUSIC. I HAVE MISSED YOU. And yes, I absolutely heard you last night when I was watching "Sweet Dreams", BUT THAT IS NOT THE POINT. WELCOME BACK! \O/

- I'm just going to say this now: if I have to see ONE. MORE. "I AM EVIL" Morgana smirk I am going to go INSANE. Which is bad, because the first episode isn't even technically finished yet since it's a two-parter. You are gorgeous Katie and I love you, but PLEASE learn how to vary your performance.

- That said, Morgana's "OH SHIT" face when she realized that the sentry was alive was VERY well done. It was subtle but got the point across. I think that's what's missing from the majority of Katie's performance -- subtlety.

- I very much enjoyed the Arthur/Merlin banter, but it felt very...Colin and Bradley-ish to me. Or at least Arthur felt Bradley-ish. And I know, Bradley and Arthur are pretty much the same person, but there IS a line, and I feel that line was crossed this ep.

- Dragon scooping up Merlin at the very end? LOL. CRACK, I HAVE MISSED YOU.

- Love that Morgause is still getting the epic slow-mo treatment.

- OMG. Morgana is such a Morgause fangirl. It is ADORABLE. *glomps them both*

- Did anybody else go, "Fuck, Gwen is going to be in some MAJOR trouble," after that Gwen and Morgana scene? Gwen clearly knows something's wrong and Morgana doesn't appear ignorant of her suspicion at all. LET'S PICSPAM TO RECAP (even though this scene hurt me):

At this point I'm all, "Aw, Morgana looks sad that she hurt Gwen's feelings! THERE IS HOPE YET."

Then Gwen turns around...

AND THINGS ARE CLEARLY NOT OKAY. NOT OKAY IN THE LEAST.

I hate to say this, but remember that possible spoiler about (highlight to read) Morgana slapping Gwen and getting her accused of witchcraft? I can absolutely see this Morgana doing it. Not only does she seem to have zero qualms about WHO dies in the process of "freeing Camelot," but she seems to care very little about Gwen now. MY HEART. IT IS BROKEN INTO TINY PIECES.

- The lack of Gwen was...upsetting, but expected. But hey, she was looking GORGEOUS, wasn't she? I love how long her hair has grown and the style was simple but elegant. Also loved Morgana's braid in the forest scene. ♥_♥

- Plot-wise I really enjoyed the ep. I thought it was deliciously dark, especially with the beginning, the reference to drowning children, and the psychological torture Uther's undergoing.

- "I will not usurp my father." YOU SAY THAT NOW, ARTHUR, BUT I FEAR YOU WILL EAT YOUR WORDS. No, not really, since I think they're going to have Uther die before Arthur' king, but that would be a REALLY awesome story line.

- "She takes after her father." "Gorlois was a great man." "...yes he was." OMFG. MORGANA'S HIS DAUGHTER, ISN'T SHE? MORGANA IS LEGIT HIS DAUGHTER? OMG SHOW, WHYYYYYYYYYY. I mean I get it, but...why?

- I really, really hope we learn more about what the hell happened during Morgana's year traipsing about the woods with Morgause. As it stands now her characterization is simply not believable. Someone pointed out that Katie mentioned that Morgana is still very much a "grey" character, but I saw none of that in this performance. There was zero guilt. She had a nice thing going with Arthur, but even by the end of the episode she was absolutely unsympathetic to his pain.

- LOL at Gaius calling Guinevere for the first time EVER just so newbies would know who she is. FAIL.

- Morgana knowing that Merlin had followed her? A+ Though when she said, "How stupid do you think I am?" I kind of had to resist shouting, "YOU DIDN'T SEE HIM STALKING YOU THE FIVE THOUSAND OTHER TIMES."

- Morgause and Cenred are hot. Morgana and Morgause are hot. Team Evil is hot. Where do I join, please?

- Arthur didn't have much of a role, but I DIED inside when he was crying by Uther's bedside. That single tear...GYAH. SINGLE TEARS DO STUFF TO ME. Well done, Bradley!

- Merlin/Morgana...still shipping it in a very TWISTED way. Merlin's smile in Morgana's chambers when he thought Morgana had forgiven him? OMG, MERLIN. I WANTED TO HUG YOU DESPITE YOUR NAIVETÉ. ACTUALLY, I WANTED TO HUG YOU BECAUSE OF YOUR NAIVETÉ. YOUR HEART WILL BREAK SO QUICKLY.

- THE RETURN OF ARTHUR REALIZING MORGANA EXISTS. Thank you so much show! That was just...gyah. It was beautiful. A definite change from S1 (so sibling-ly), but beautiful in its own, new way. And at the beginning Morgana seemed really happy to be with Arthur again (though as I mentioned earlier, it seemed to deteriorate at the end).

Um, so, basically this was a nonsensical collection of thoughts, but...there you go. All in all I enjoyed the episode, though I expected more. I'm betting that, as was true with the last Merlin two-parter, I will LOVE the second part. OH. Slightly upset that the A/G scenes aren't until part two (because I was fully expecting to add them into my vid! ;_;), but now I have something to look forward to (in addition to EVERYTHING else of course!).

In other fandom news, Allie announced at dinner that she is addicted to Doctor Who! YES. Except she watched "The Waters of Mars"! And she said, "I was so confused! He's talking about dying!" And I replied, "YES, ALLIE. This is what happens when you decide to watch some of the last episodes first! XD" She promised to start from the beginning. BUT HOPE. There is hope for Allie (I feel that if she likes Doctor Who then I have a greater chance of getting her to watch Merlin...and she also saw "Midnight" (LMFAO), and declared that she thought Colin Morgan was quite cute).

Picspam: Seduction and Manipulation

2010-08-19T09:10:16Z

A very quickly put together picspam of Morgana/Alvarr for merlin_land (go teamarthur!).

*****

*****

*****

*****

*****

hmsharmony @ 2010-08-03T13:20:00

2010-08-03T17:20:08Z

Hey, everyone! I just did a friends cut, and by that I mean I cut people who have been inactive for AGES. That said I'm tired and thus prone to accidentally click the wrong button, so If you think I accidentally cut YOU please comment on this post so I can sort it out!

Hope you're having a wonderful day. =)

Community for my creations

2010-07-07T21:44:09Z

Ignore this post if you're on my f-list!!

This post is for all of you who have friended me for my vid (and occasional fic) posts. I recently created a community for both, so I will no longer be posting vids/fic to this LJ. Feel free to join svevenstar_arts (here) yo stay up-to-date! :-)