Somebody's Journal

Bday/Christmas wishlist!

2016-11-01T21:52:51Z

Things and stuff
- Warm slippers (um, pantoffels, preferably closed ones, not what we call slippers in Dutch) for inside during winter! Feel free to get me funny or cute ones (or not if you don't want to xD). I'm a size 36 in shoes, if that's relevant.
- Warm pyjamas for winter. I love flanel pyjama's, for instance, or other warm materials. :) Size S, please.
- ~~Coasters (for your glass)! I have a few already, but I'm going to need some more. :D~~
- ~~I also need trivets! (This is apparently what you call that thing you put under a hot pot or pan... who knew.)~~
- Cute placemats! (Basically, I need onderleggers of all kinds. xD) I'm currently using a cute Winnie the Pooh one, but it's discolouring, booh. As with the above, both single ones or a set are welcome.
- Mugs: Alice in Wonderland mug, Mad Hatter mug, Zootropolis mug, Monsters, Inc. mug (don't buy it on ebay, it's ridic expensive, but I couldn't find it online in the Disney store ;__;. If you encounter it somewhere...)
- A decent quality knife to cut vegetables with.
- Since I now have a bath... Stuff for in my bath? Like a bath bomb or sth like that. :)
Adding these on 3/12, but it's mostly so I can keep track of what I want, heh.
Books:
- The Gene: An Intimate History - Siddharta Mukherjee
- Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo
- Haikyuu, the manga, vol. 4
- The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two - Catherynne M. Valente
- The Little World of Liz Climo - Liz Climo
- Adulthood is a Myth - Sarah Andersen
- Radical - E.M. Kokie
- Mostly Void, Partially Stars (WTNV book, vol. 1)
- Not Your Sidekick - C.B. Lee
- To The Sea - Cale Atkinson
- Nonsense - Robert J. Gula
- ... also The Dream Thieves and The Raven King, which I only have in ebook format. :P
DVDs
- Ghostbusters (2016) (comes out Nov. 21st, apparently)
- Finding Dory (comes out Nov. 28th)
- Mulan (Disney)
- Lilo and Stitch
- Big Hero 6
- The Good Life box set
- Orange is the New Black, season 2
- My Mad Fat Diary, season 1, 2, 3

Birthday/Christmas wishlist

2015-10-04T17:37:17Z

Books (in no particular order⁽¹⁾):
- Welcome to Nightvale (the paperback version is totally fine with me, but for some reason, it's more expensive than the hardback on thebookdepository right now??)
- Uprooted
- The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two
- Literary Sexts: A Collection of Short & Sexy Love Poems
- A Monster Calls
- Am I Normal Yet?
- Stitches
- The Light Fantastic
DVDs (in no particular order⁽²⁾):
- Mad Max: Fury Road
- The Heat
- My Mad Fat Diary, series 1-3
- Bob's Burgers, series 2-4
- Orange Is the New Black, series 1-3
- Avatar: the Last Airbender, series 1-4
- The Good Life
SOMEONE ELSE READING THE RAVEN CYCLE SO I CAN ~~CRY~~ TALK TO THEM ABOUT IT
earrings and necklaces still welcome (you can never have enough of those :D)
silver suspenders (with a black background, please)
nice jumpers/cardigans, size S also still welcome :D
Caprisun (orange flavour, please) :P
Raven Cycle bracelet :D Please specify that the bracelet should be 6-6,5 inches long (my wrist is 5,5 inches). 7 charms: 11, 12, 13, 9, 15, 17, 2. (If there is less room for charms because it's a smaller bracelet, feel free to drop the 13 and the 17.)
Raven earrings
Raven Cycle necklace
HP ring (mischief managed) (smallest size)
Hogwarts necklace
Glittery nail polish!

⁽¹⁾These are totally in a particular order. However, they're the books I most want to read on my to-read list, so any one of them will make me happy. Here's^(1b) the rest of my to-read list, if you need more choice. :)
^(1b)I've forgotten my password, so I'm going to assume that link works for everyone rather than log out and test it. Positive thinking, that's the spirit.
⁽²⁾These are actually in no particular order. Though someone had better get me Mad Max. xD

PS: I don't mind secondhand stuff! Or which book/dvd version you get me (except for Uprooted, because I don't like the other cover xD).
PPS: I'll probably add stuff over the weekend, but I don't want to wait that long.

Wishlist

2014-11-24T21:32:31Z

Booooks

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Yes, Please by Amy Poehler

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
The Trouble With Elves by Therese Woodson (PDF version, please)

DVDs

~~Simon Amstell Live at the BBC~~
~~Guardians of the Galaxy~~
~~Madagascar 3~~
The Good Life box set
~~Blackadder Goes Forth~~
In the unlikely event it comes out on DVD on this side of the Atlantic in the next month or so: Bob's Burgers seasons 2-4.

Other

Art print: Carry On by whimsycatcher (mini-size, please. FYI, the site periodically has free shipping)
Steampunk ear cuff
A necklace or earrings are always welcome. :D (I should add, for earrings, nickel-free, please. They almost all are nowadays, but just to be sure. :))
Relatedly, a jewellery tree
Cute or otherwise fun underwear. Socks (size 36) or, well, boxer shorts/boxer briefs (size S).:D When I'm feeling a bit down in the morning, I always go for the cute underwear to cheer me up and arm me against the rest of the day, so I could definitely use some more!
I need a cute lunchbox for work. :)) (It'd be totally fine if it's sth aimed at children, too, as long as it's bigger than my hand and, you know, can actually fit my sandwiches (accidentally misspelled that, and now I also want a box for my sandwishes .__. )
This set of adorable snack boxes, which you can a.o. find at the Achter De Maan shop near the Groenplaats in Antwerp (and Ghent, apparently).
~~Art plushie - or something else from Monsters University. :)~~
This hedgehog, which they also have at De Olifant in Antwerp, or something in the same toy style? Sadly, they pretty much all cost an arm and a leg. :(
This sticker which I'm sadly not allowed to stick to my wall but will take with me wherever I move next, because omg look how cute. Also at De Olifant in Antwerp.
Mugs: Eve or The Incredibles
This placemat
A warm jumper, size S?
DIY: a tiny homemade version of the Gravity Falls weather vane that I can put on a shelf. :)

I feel like I'm forgetting half the things I wanted to put on here, so I might add a few things later still. *g* As always, I'm fine with second hand books, if that's relevant in this case. If you end up going for a book or a DVD, please do claim it, because if I notice it's on cheap somewhere, I might end up buying it myself, heh. :)

rane_ab @ 2012-12-23T00:22:00

2012-12-22T23:22:14Z

OH MY GOOOOD. I, uh, liked it? I had to pause the episode repeatedly because I was shaking with nerves half the time and needed to calm down.

I mean, there were bits I didn't like: for the penultimate episode, I was sad there wasn't more A/M; the opening sequence was way too heavy-handed; random Gwaine/Eira subplot was random; and, um, does this mean Merlin's stuck as ~~Gandalf the White~~ an old man? Not to be shallow (I am, I am), but I hope it isn't so. OTOH, since they're supposedly working towards the legends, and those have Arthur with an old Merlin at his side, I'm taking this as the 0.01 % hope I still have of Arthur not dying and them working towards that situation. I'LL TAKE IT OK. [ETA: Answer re: Merlin staying old or not here, apparently, if anyone really wants to know.]
"I've always thought you were the bravest man I've ever met." Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh, yes. Coming from Arthur, who seems to just about value bravery above all else, that is one big compliment, indeed. I don't believe for one second Arthur would change his mind about that based on Merlin not joining them at Camlann, not after everything they've been through and them repeatedly facing certain death, so I'm taking his "I was wrong" as a reaction out of hurt that a) Merlin won't be by his side even though he knows Arthur might die and b) that he might suspect something more is going on and that once again, Merlin is choosing not to tell Arthur anything (even though Merlin knows just about everything there is to know about Arthur).

This feeling is strengthened by the fact that, when Arthur dreams he hears Merlin's voice - and I mean, this is Arthur we're talking about here, who's always skeptic and really shouldn't be believing in dreams - he doesn't even pause to doubt it. He trusts it unconditionally. ~~Which might actually be slightly stupid, but watch me care.~~ I got gooseflesh when he ordered he knights around with such certainty that Morgana was trying to outflank them.
Also, asdkdfk. The music at that moment, just before the battle begins. That's the theme they played in Valiant when Arthur is getting ready for his final battle against Valiant, and everyone assumes he's about to die, and Morgana is doing up his armour (gah!) and Merlin is desperately trying to figure out his spell, and yeah, it's basically my favourite bit of the soundtrack and just hearing it made me tear up.

And then Arthur's speech. Gaaah. I don't know, that whole sequence just really worked for me, and I love that Arthur is not willing to sacrifice his people (whether or not that is the wise choice). Also, Excalibur at last!
The concept of robbing people of their magic just makes my stomach turn (and yeah, I know that guy at the beginning is supposed to be a bad guy, but I felt so sorry for him), so I felt really bad for Merlin throughout. I thought it wasn't as dramatic as it could have been at first (Gaius seemed to pretty much just take it in his stride), but it's the quiet moments with Merlin helplessly staring on that got to me. Such an important moment, and he knows that there's nothing he can do. I'm sure he would have normally tried to at least meddle in what was going on, but it's like he felt so helpless that he didn't even feel his opinion was worth anything.

It really seems like Merlin's entire self-worth is linked to his magic, which makes sense based on his attitude as far back as 1x01 ("If I can't use magic, what have I got? I'm just a nobody, and I always will be. If I can't use magic, I might as well die.") And then when he was just sort of smiling and being almost upbeat before going to the crystal cave - it felt to me like he had already given up, already felt like a nobody in that moment, and that he knew he would either restore his previous self or not come back at all. (Well-played, Colin.)

And gah, that moment in the cave. ;_; Good thing we'd seen all that in the previews, or it would have completely broken my heart.
Also, gah, that last scene between Merlin and Gwaine. I did really like that, Gwaine respecting Merlin's choice not to say anything, but somehow being aware of the importance of the moment, and that they might not see each other again. That it was goodbye. After all that they've forgotten about the Merlin/Gwaine friendship, I'm glad they got that moment. ~~Although it was stupid that Merlin wasn't carrying a sword in the first place; he's used one before, writers.~~
Glad as I was to see Balinor, his reappearance was a bit random, so I'm going with Merlin somehow projecting him as the person to pass on the message he needed to hear. I did like the message of Merlin being made of magic, and it's one of those things I really wish we'd got to see more of in the past, hm, four years, but oh well. I'll take it.
Merlin's face when he produced the butterfly. <333
The Merlin/Morgana confrontation was a bit weak, but I did like that Merlin refused to be afraid of her, in spite of being powerless.
I don't ship A/G, personally, but I did think they had some nice moments in this ep. I thought I would find it ridiculous that Gwen followed Arthur to battle leaving Camelot unprotected, but it worked for me. (Also, hey, Gwen trusting Merlin (and Gaius) - nice to see considering I can't even remember the last time they acted as friends. :/) That said, those scenes really did feel like the beginning of the end, ack.
Speaking of, OK, Morgana forging Mordred a sword was... really, really random. I mean, wtf. It's not like they're expecting to fight anything even remotely magical, so why would he need it? Also, how does Morgana even know about this process and why doesn't she just mass-produce the things if she thinks they're going to be so helpful? (Or at the very least have made one for herself ages ago.) But anyway. Ahem. [ETA: I've just realised: what if it's so Merlin can't heal Arthur in spite of his super powers? Aargh. I still haven't lost all hope that Mordred might change his mind at the last minute or something, though.]
ETA: oh! Oh! I forgot to add that I was really amused that after all those times Arthur suspected Merlin of being in the tavern, the one time he is actually in the tavern, he's with Arthur. Also drunken Merlin tumbling in was adorable. <3
I kind of like that the trailer for next week is just the faces of the OT4... if I can still call them that. Also, wow, Morgana's expression.
But yes. I honestly just feel sick with nerves thinking of the finale. I think I might have mostly come to terms with all the horrible ways this could end. I think. I'm sure my stomach will still be churning while I'm watching it, though.

As glad as I am that I won't be spending Christmas Eve on my own, I'm also really sad that it means I won't be around to watch the last ever ep together with everyone else. For one, I am pretty sure I'm going to spend the entirety of Christmas thinking about Merlin and wondering how it ended (over-invested, who, me?), but most of all, I wish I was around to catch fandom's reaction and share hugs and whatnot, especially with it being the last ep. But I probably won't see it till the evening of the 26th. :/

But! I will take the occasion to already wish those who celebrate the loveliest of Christmases, and a wonderful week to everyone else. ♥

Have a *hug* in advance for all possible Merlin-induced feelings (or other ~~more important~~ concerns you might have, really). And, you know:

[Source.]

rane_ab @ 2012-12-21T23:12:00

2012-12-21T22:12:54Z

Watching some of my favourite Merlin scenes before I end up crying over the finale. Listing them here for future reference, although they're pretty random and it's far from an exhaustive list. Please feel free to share some of your favourites, too, if you're up for it - I want to remember the good times. :D

"Merlin, meet George!"

Because it's the ep that proves that Merlin really is a rather terrible servant, and still Arthur would have no other, even though he doesn't even know about all the things Merlin does for him. Because polishing is Merlin's favourite, too (and Arthur is aware of this, by the looks of things). Because all three actors nail this scene and it never fails to crack me up.

*

Merlin and the search for Arthur's woodworm (or something)

Because of Arthur's soft, sleepy look in the first scene (he's clearly OK with letting his defences down around Merlin), because the councillors are barely even surprised in the second one (business as usual, clearly), and because Colin's comedy acting in the third nearly had me crying with laughter the first time I watched it.

*

"She is a troll!" Or, how Pendragons inevitably attract and are attracted to magical beings

Speaking of comedy acting, everyone's brilliant in this scene. Just, yeah. (Couldn't find a better quality clip, sorry.)

*

"I'm psychic!"

Or, back when Merlin and Gwen were completely adorable. OMG, look at their wee faces. ♥

*

"Oh, excuse me, Guinevere? My - fans - are waiting."

And since we're on the topic - remember when they were so much fun together? Yeeeah, me, too.

*

"Then I believe you."

[Source.]

(I couldn't find a clip of this??) Because it's the first time Arthur trusts Merlin even though he's probably been taught that he shouldn't. Because look at their faces, askdjdks. :D

*

"If I weren't a prince... we'd probably get on." // "I care a hell of a lot about that armour, I'm not going to let you mess it up."

Because. (Oh, God, watching this now makes me tear up all over again.)

*

"You're my only son, and I wouldn't wish for another."

Because Uther may be an evil bastard, but he loves Arthur more than anything. And this scene is just completely adorable. <3

*

"..."

Because Merlin suddenly goes grumpy and moody and clearly in that situation, Arthur has no idea what to do with himself. This makes me laugh far more than it should. :D

*

"I've always loved you."

Because, gaaah, such a powerful scene - the actors absolutely nailed it, and I'd actually forgotten that at the end of it all, Uther died protecting his son. <3

*

"Driving you mad, is he?" "Not for much longer!"

Because honestly, this scene cracks me up. every. time. Even Leon is apparently so used to Merlin's exasperation with Arthur and trusts him to the point where he just hands Merlin a deadly weapon and sends him on his merry way.

*

"My gooold."

Because I just want to squish Arthur's face something awful in this. Also Merlin's face when he smiles at the end.

*

"Sorry. How long have you been training to be a prat, My Lord?

Because no way is a list of some of my favourite scenes not going to include this. Because it set the tune of their relationship and it's the scene that drew me in. Because Merlin will always be cheeky, and Arthur will always love that about him, even when he thinks he shouldn't.

*

I really wanted to include a bantery Arthur/Morgana scene and a cute Gwen/Morgana one, but alas, my YT skills are lacking, apparently. D: There were other scenes I couldn't find, either, like the scene where Arthur retrieves the flower he plucked for Merlin through the bars of his prison. We've been given quite a bit of fan service over the years (I haven't included any S5 clips because they're still fresh in my memory), but man, back then, they weren't even trying. And these are just the scenes that popped into my head at the moment.

Also, it made me realise how much I miss, IDK, magic in the later series. In the first one, we had Sidhe and unicorns and labyrinths and whatnot, and although I know the troll eps aren't everyone's favourite, they did have that kind of magical quality that is, IMHO, lacking in later eps. Magic beings do still pop up from time to time, but they always seem so incidental - I had hoped to see more of them by now, to be honest. But that just makes me think I should really rewatch the early series again. :D

Unrelatedly (though I may need it after watching the finale), I've been obsessively replaying Let your heart hold fast by Fort Atlantis. It was featured in the latest HYMIM ep, and it somehow strikes me as such a winter song and as a message of hope in dark times. ♥

(Random) And this is why I want a Merlin/Little Red Riding Hood fusion

2012-12-19T23:39:48Z

While the original version kind of creeps me out, I've seen a lot of people use this cover in association with Teen Wolf.

But right now everything is Merlin and askdsdk, in a world where magic users = wolves, and Arthur is Riding Hood in his Pendragon red cape, this is such a perfect A/M song, about Merlin getting helplessly drawn in by Arthur (because let's face it, he went from annoyed to devoted and kind of crushing on Arthur in the space of about one ep) and walking by his side and protecting him from all the other "wolves" he keeps attracting for some reason, while hiding his own identity and trying to convince Arthur not all magic users are bad.

Gonna keep my sheep suit on,
Till I'm sure that you've been shown
I can be trusted walking with you alone

Little Red Riding Hood,
I'd like to hold you if I could,
But you might think I'm a big bad wolf
So I won't

What a big heart I have
The better to love you with
Little Red Riding Hood,
Even bad wolves can be good

I try to keep satisfied
Just to walk close by your side
Maybe you'll see things my way
Before we get to grandma's place...

;_;

(Yes, this is random. I don't care. I need something to cheer me up for the upcoming finale. :D)

Are there any Red Riding Hood inspired stories I've missed?

rane_ab @ 2012-12-16T01:26:00

2012-12-16T00:26:13Z

Huh. I was expecting to hate this episode and roll my eyes at the way Mordred turned, but I ended up kind of liking it? It was more subtle than I had expected, and I'm glad that, just this once, the writers let the characters explore all possible options before doing what they ended up doing. This is true for Mordred, who tried so hard to just save Cara's life while still caring about Arthur (and I loved that scene where Mordred goes to apologise to and thank Arthur for everything he's done, because you know he's apologising not for what he did, but for what he's about to do), and it's true for Arthur, who ended up giving Cara all the chances he could.

I'll be honest and say that I really, really didn't expect him to, if only because that's how the writers on Merlin seem to usually operate around this kind of plot, so I was pretty annoyed at Arthur's repeated "the law is clear" (he is the law, for God's sake) - more because he didn't seem terribly affected at first, which I would expect him to be when one of his knights is so undone, than because it would have been a bad decision. And also because I couldn't help thinking, throughout it, will the law also be clear when it comes to Merlin? (As a sidenote, I'm still wondering if Arthur is executing people for magic or not, and this episode and Cara's comments didn't really make me less confused.) So I was relieved to see the scene where he gave her a last chance, even though it was obvious she would refuse. After that, the way it unrolled did seem like an inevitability, one for which no one can really be blamed.

I didn't really like the first half of the episode - partly because I suspected what was coming and didn't expect it to be very believable (I was wrong), but also partly because I had expected to like Cara, and I mostly... didn't? I also didn't feel she and Mordred had much chemistry, which was a bit of a shame given how important this is supposed to be - although I did feel it all improved in the second half of the episode. I really liked Mordred's characterisation in the ep, and thought Alex carried it off brilliantly.

I was also slightly thrown by just how angry and bitter Merlin is at the beginning of the episode. I sort of get it - he's going crazy thinking Mordred is going to kill Arthur - but at the same time I feel like they're switching around Merlin's moods a bit too fast for how much they tend to avoid lingering on the angstier parts. And I was really wondering why Merlin didn't just let Mordred and Cara go (the whole "as long as he's within these walls there is hope" thing - yeah, having Arthur kill Cara is sure to put Mordred in a better mood. I mean, what?), but I guess he could have been afraid that in going to Morgana, Mordred would reveal Merlin's identity - which is exactly what happened.

This basically means that not only can Merlin perhaps not stop the vision he's had - it seems like things are unrolling as they are because Merlin knew of the prophecy and thus didn't trust Mordred. Otherwise, Mordred and Cara might have run off to never return.

About the finale trailer: I have about 90% given up hope of any magic reveal, but I still went :( at Merlin's "I've lost my magic", because if he's lost it, he obviously can't reveal it (heh). Also, wow, Merlin's face - this is going to hurt.

Also also, mini-rant about the possible ending: if this is going to end with Arthur's death (which I've mostly resigned myself to, except for that little spark of hope that just won't die), I'm going to be seriously pissed off. I know the Arthurian legends end tragically and all, but there is absolutely no reason they couldn't have had a magic reveal and had Arthur accept magic and unite Albion before having it all fall apart - to at least resolve some part of the storyline positively, especially one that is so important to the main characters. It feels like they've spent four series going "there will be better times! Wait for it! There will be!" and then one series foreshadowing "oh no it looks like those better times aren't going to come along after all! It was all for nothing, sorry!" and ending that in actual failure seems like the worst kind of storytelling ever, which on the one hand makes me want to believe it won't happen, but I honestly don't trust the writers not to do exactly that. Also, I'm really not sure what Arthur and Merlin would be remembered for at this point. According to the writers, this is supposed to be the golden age, but we've hardly noticed any of it, have we? And why anyone would so much as remember Merlin's name at this point is beyond me. DON'T DO THIS TO US, WRITERS. PLEASE. /rant

rane_ab @ 2012-11-26T02:31:00

2012-11-26T01:31:08Z

So, it's official, Merlin's not returning for a sixth series.

This is no surprise at all, and I haven't been expecting anything from the show this series, and yet, and yet. Somehow, I'm still crying at the news (remember how I posted not so long ago wondering if I was floating away from this fandom? Yeah, not so much. Whatever I think of the writing on the show, I am going down with this ship, as they say, apparently).

It feels like the end of an era to me. I got into the show and the fandom towards the end of S1, and it's by far the longest fandom I've ever been in, and the one I've been most emotionally invested in.

And being in this fandom has brought me many wonderful things: meeting all the lovely merlin_be girls, meeting and reconnecting with many of you wonderful people, and just, the joy of participating in a fandom that, in spite of some hiccups, has been pretty damned awesome, in my humble opinion. I'll never forget what it's like to participate in things like the summerpornathon or read fic at the kink meme or look at the lovely art and meeting so many creative, excited, kink-positive people. In spite of some frustrations (mostly with the show, heh), I think this fandom has been fun for me in a way I'm not sure any of my previous fandoms have been, made me feel like I belonged, at least a little, and I can't imagine finding another one that would somehow click with me so well soon. (This is all rather funny when I remember I got into Merlin fandom extremely reluctantly and not feeling ready to move on from SGA yet.)

I realise this sounds like a goodbye and it's really not, because even if the show ends, this has also been my one fandom where it was more about the fandom than the show for me, and long may that fandom continue (I really, really hope it does, though I'm a little fearful, too). But it just hit home that we'll never see the actors do promo together again, and after this series ends, there won't be any more Arthur and Merlin eye-fucking on my screen (or doing any of their other ridiculous stuff together. And I'm going to miss that more than I thought I would. I don't think I've ever loved an OTP as much as I do them), and we can't hope for better storylines anymore (granted, they can't foist any more bad ones on us, either). We won't be getting excited about new stuff coming up together anymore. And that does make me sad. :(

If the final episode is aired on Christmas, then I won't even be around to watch that, either, which, gah. Or who knows, perhaps it's for the better. ;)

But really, tl;dr: Merlin fandom you've been absolutely wonderful to me, and I'm sad one facet of that is going to end soon, but I love you, OK? I'm so glad I have been and still am part of all this with you. <3

rane_ab @ 2012-11-25T01:13:00

2012-11-25T00:13:35Z

Huh. I started out rolling my eyes pretty firmly at this ep (which was about what I was expecting to do), but then I ended up enjoying it?

Aargh, never have I more wanted Arthur to know what Merlin did for him, though. After all that desperate, determined hobbling in the woods and castle, it would have been nice to see Merlin get some of the credit for saving Arthur's life (it's not like Arthur would even need to know it was with the help of magic).
I thought the ep started out as pretty confusing: if Daigal's story had been genuine, how would he have known about Merlin? Simply because he's a druid? But even then, why would he think Merlin could help his sister when he seems quite surprised at Merlin's medical skills later? And Morgana took quite a chance assuming Merlin would help him just because he's a druid (though nice that they remembered a storyline from S2).

I was also a little confused as to why she'd suddenly want him dead that desperately, but I guess it's because Gwen suspects she knows about him?
Is it weird that I really enjoyed Gwen this ep? Well played, Angel Coulby. Also, I thought the A/G in this ep was both adorable and compelling (the whole comb thing was adorable, in particular) - I'm not sure what it says that it's at its most entertaining when Gwen is under a spell, but I'll take it.
All weirdness and logic fail aside, part of me is enjoying the Gwen/Morgana closeness. Morgana genuinely seemed to be treating Gwen as more of an ally than a pawn here, and gah, Gwen crying on her behalf. (Is this supposed to mean Gwen isn't under an actual spell, though? I have no idea how they're going to talk themselves out of that one, although I guess it'll probably end up getting reduced to something simplistic.)

More logic fail aside, Morgana's story was pretty sad (although I thought Morgana was somehow supposed to think it was all Arthur's fault??), and it seemed like even Arthur felt for her. Interesting that they chose to give her a heart again at this stage (that she would undergo such suffering for a creature she cared about), although I'm not sure if I'm supposed to hold out hope that they are going somewhere with that or not. (Where is Aithusa, though? And where was the dragon when Merlin got poisoned?)
I laughed when I was supposed to at all the clothing antics. Heh at Arthur not being able to get dressed without Merlin, and at Merlin apparently having a gentler hand than Gwen, in this particular instance. Gwen strapping Arthur in gave me flashbacks to S1 when Morgana did. :(
And, oh, Merlin. :(( I thought I was used to all the Merlin angst by now, but my heart broke for him when he was lying there dying, all alone. And he has to know that no one in Camelot came for him. Merlin seems to be going to an increasingly angry, desperate place in general - we rarely see him genuinely smiling, and it's a relief every time he does.

I'm not really sure why he was so cranky with Daigal when he first approached Merlin in the kitchen - it seemed to go against character, but then it does seem to fit in with Merlin seeming both more and more self-confidant and harassed at keeping Arthur alive and working towards his destiny.

Interesting, too, that for Merlin, it seems the golden age hasn't yet arrived, and that he does seem to still hope for the return of magic - I keep getting confused by where the writers stand on this point, exactly.

I was frustrated when Merlin didn't tell Arthur Gwen had been lying, but thinking about it, OK, for once it may not be entirely lazy writing (although I'm sure it's that, too) - telling Arthur to distrust his wife without a shred of proof would effectively put him in a difficult position. Still. I am enjoying the tension between Merlin and Gwen, though.

(Merlin's eyeroll when Daigal told him they were going to kill the king made me laugh, though. BUSINESS AS USUAL, THEN.)
I'm also not clear on why they made Arthur lose that fight against the Sarrum's man? Is he supposed to have lost on purpose? Is this supposed to make us feel how scary the Sarrum is? IDK, I thought this was a bit random and disappointing. Arthur's supposed to be a great warrior; he already doesn't notice most of the stuff going on around him - at least give him this. (As a sidenote, Arthur did look particularly hot/adorable, this ep. No complaints there. :P)
I didn't think I felt much for Daigal, so I was surprised at how sad I was for him when he died at the end. Oh, bb. :( (And, the one person who finds out about Merlin's magic gets sent off again...)
Random - but nice use of music during the ep, too. I also felt like we got to see both different corridors and different angles of familiar rooms, giving the ep a bit of a different feel. Whatever my thoughts on the writing, S5 has been looking rather pretty all round.

Joky moments aside, I thought this was quite a dark ep. It affected me more than some of the previous eps which were clearly supposed to be more dramatic.

I think it's probably Merlin seeming increasingly frustrated, and, I don't know, cornered, somehow - he pretty much put himself in the position he's in re: Arthur and magic, and that must be even more grating, especially as he feels so confident in his magic, now, and is clearly ready to become Emrys to the outside world, as well. I guess whether he'll actually get the chance is another thing altogether, but, yeah.

rane_ab @ 2012-11-17T23:40:00

2012-11-17T22:40:08Z

After last week, I was pretty worried about this week's episode, but I actually kind of liked it? I thought it had a S1-S2 vibe about it, though I can't quite explain why.

It did require quite a bit of suspension of disbelief - most notably that no one stood up for Merlin (even if the knights don't know about his magic, they know how loyal he is), and indeed that no one found it odd that Gwen of all people would turn on him so quickly. Also apparently Merlin has tweaked the ageing spell so that it doesn't just make Merlin get older, it also changes his clothes (and possibly his personality, heh). Handy, that. ;) Why he couldn't get out of his cell without Gaius' help is anyone's guess.

The guard he was arguing with was hilarious, though. Also, Percival's "that wasn't the wind" cracked me up for some reason. And, ha, Arthur being jealous of Merlin's interest in Gwen's clothes, and Arthur thoroughly debunking the possibility of Merlin being guilty. And poor Merlin having to climb right back down to the cells. But, aww, once more it's clear that he would do anything for Arthur, including scaling a wall that should by all rights be impossible to scale. <3 Also, hey, one of Merlin's healing spells actually worked on Arthur. That's a first, I think?

I really like that Angel's playing evil!Gwen with subtlety instead of going around smirking all the time. She's doing a good job both showing that she's changed camps (I guess this is necessary for the younger audience?), but still seeming like herself to everyone around her. Also, aww, I'm sorry, I can't help actually liking the Morgana and Gwen complicity. I know the set-up is really fucked up (and somewhat confusing - major suspension of disbelief required to believe Gwen now hates everyone), but I really wish there were some hint that Morgana was glad, perhaps, to have a friend again after being alone for so long. Some of the scenes don't make it impossible to interpret it that way, but something more explicit would be nice.

Also, I just want to say lol at Merlin noticing something's off with Gwen, but not her own husband. Really, writers. Although I suppose Arthur's flaw is that he trusts too easily, so perhaps he just doesn't want to see.

In spite of everyone buying the Merlin-as-the-culprit theory a little too easily, we continue to see Merlin being increasingly more comfortable in his position at court - the way he immediately jumped into theories and didn't hesitate in the least to express them (well, aside from implicating the queen, which, OK, I quite understand why that part would be tricky); it's obvious how much Arthur trusts him and lets him get away with.

As a sidenote, Leon pledging his allegiance to Gwen would have been rather adorable if not for the whole evil thing.

Also, the look Gwen and Merlin share at the end of the ep? Goosebumps, tbh. It feels like the writers have increasingly thrown the Merlin/Gwen friendship out the window (even last ep, Merlin apparently tried to save her because she means so much to Arthur, because neither Gwen nor Merlin can ever remember they're friends when Arthur's around), but hey, I'll take this instead. They might actually even remember they're friends after the spell (or whatever it is) is broken.

So, yeah, curious about next week. The trailer looks interesting, though I'm wary of getting my hopes up, but we'll see. :)

rane_ab @ 2012-11-04T01:45:00

2012-11-04T00:45:41Z

Things I liked:

Arthur noticing and caring that Merlin hadn't smiled in three days.
Mordred. OK, this ep sold me on him. Gah, this ep really reminded me that he grew up without parents, that he's had to make his own way and hasn't, as far as we know, grown up around other kids. He's just so eager to fit in, and especially for Arthur's approval. He just lights up when Arthur shows he believes in him.

In a way I am struck by the parallel with Merlin - both have parents who have suffered due to the magic ban, they're both hiding their own magic, and yet they're both seeking Arthur's approval (in different ways), and they're both, at this stage, prepared to give their lives for him. And here we have Arthur making a desperate bid to save Mordred's life, as he did with Merlin in S1, though the stakes are higher and the outcome is different.

Also, Alex seems to have by far the most chemistry with both Bradley and Colin, which certainly doesn't hurt.
Gaius making sort of a stand and recognising the importance of the old religion to Arthur's face.
I'm of two minds about Merlin's determination to kill Mordred - I don't like the message it's sending on a family show, but I appreciate the throwback to S1, and Merlin's cynicism packed a punch for me, and interests me in terms of his character development.
Merlin's face during that last talk with Arthur. JFC. ;_; Well played, Colin.

Next are the things I didn't like, which is most of the ep tbh, so only click if you want to read:

OK, seriously, what on earth was that episode? I'm assuming they needed this to set up this series' arc, but taking the ep by itself, the writing was terrible. I'm not even that annoyed, because there wasn't much of this ep I could take seriously. Was it me or were some of the scenes downright awkward? I felt like the actors themselves weren't quite sure what to do with them.
Very little in the ep made sense, too. They just pulled this goddess out of nowhere without any set-up or context (were they waiting patiently for the moment whichever Pendragon was in charge to stop actively pursuing magic users before they passed judgement? Just, what?), and then we're to believe Arthur regressed 3 to 5 years again and has suddenly forgotten the meaning of respect so that he could ~grow during the ep (except I couldn't buy this Arthur at all. He knows better by now, and the writers have pulled this crap too many times).

And I want to say that, purely from a shipper POV, I appreciate the fact, as heartbreaking as it is, that Merlin chose Arthur's life above his want for magic to be reinstated, except I seriously cannot wrap my head around the logic that he would think a judgement from the Old Religion's highest court was somehow better than keeping Mordred. Mordred, at least, he could have dealt with. A goddess, not so much. Just, wtf.
On a slightly more minor note, in what universe does it make sense for Gwaine to be the one to go all "respect the king"? If there's someone who doesn't care about those things (unless it escalates to physical threat), surely it's Gwaine? Have they forgotten everything about him? Just one more thing that made the ep surreal to me.

After four decent eps, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, so I'm not too surprised or annoyed, and glad that there were still things I liked - and somewhat curious, in a cautious way, as to where they're going with the overall arc, so hey, there's that. Onto next week!

rane_ab @ 2012-10-28T00:47:00

2012-10-27T22:47:37Z

I'm getting worried - four episodes in a row I've liked; there's got to be a catch somewhere!

I love, love, love the way they continue to show how comfortable Arthur and Merlin are around each other. Arthur taking Merlin's "order" without any retaliation just made me akdjskf. Also, "don't tell him [about the compliment], I'll never hear the end of it". <3 And Arthur anticipating what Merlin was going to tell him, and eventually getting into a conversation with Merlin by the fire rather than brushing him off. Not going to lie, the A/M relationship is by far the most important reason I'm watching this show, so I am a little terrified this is all just a prelude to something bad happening between them. I was already watching this ep with some trepidation, but nope, it just got better. May it continue to do so. (Pretty please?)
BAMF!Merlin, fuck yeah. Love how determinedly he grabbed that sword and went after Arthur (though I kind of laughed at him running ahead of Gwaine - I'm just going to go with him being fuelled by his love for Arthur *ahem*), and also the spell in the tomb, yesss. I wonder if Morgana saw him - I'm guessing, knowing the show, probably not, but would have been interesting.
I will also never get tired of watching Arthur swordfight. *g* Also, ugh, Arthur's face when he realises it's Morgana. Good moment, that.
I was a little worried about what they were doing with Mithian and her being helpless, but I did like how determined she turned out to be to do something, and that she definitely wasn't a willing victim.
I was really impressed with the way they did Morgana's make-up. You could tell it was her - but only if you knew. Where I always feel it takes some suspension of disbelief to believe that Arthur wouldn't recognise old!Merlin, I could readily believe they wouldn't recognise Morgana. I wish we'd seen a bit of her POV - it must have been really strange for her to interact with Merlin, Gwen and Arthur and pretend she didn't know or hate them at this stage.
I must say, they have an interesting way of practicing medicine in Camelot. None of that made any sense whatsoever. *g*
I'm not sure how I feel about Merlin interrupting Arthur as he was about to kill Odin. On the one hand, it was nice to see him listening to Merlin, and the episode did a good job of building up why it might come to that and reminding us why Arthur might not be entirely rational when it comes to Odin, but at the same time, I wish Arthur had come to that conclusion by himself. Still, it was nice that he changed his mind so quickly and pleaded his cause so passionately once he'd made his decision.
Speaking of, whoa, are the writers suddenly remembering previous episodes? That was a nice bit of consistency and carrying through of previous plotlines. Not just the Mithian & Odin arcs, but also the "reuniting the lands" bit. It looked for a moment as though they had completely forgotten about that, but apparently not. Also, I guess that means we're not quite at the "golden age" yet? If they haven't united the lands yet? I'm not really sure where they're going with that.
Gaius arguing with Merlin every time he sees something suspicious is getting a bit old. Especially as Merlin has been right just about every time. It was nice to see them remembering both how much Gaius cares about Merlin and that Gwaine cares, too, when Merlin got injured, though.
Hee, that little look between Elyan and Gwaine when Gwaine shows up!
I don't know what it is about the landscapes they're using this season, but they're all so pretty! I feel like they're really outdoing themselves in creating a different feel for every location.
Again, an ep I liked overall. It had its flaws, but I feel like they're putting more of an effort into creating continuity this series, and the episodes feel better put together overall. Or maybe I'm just blinded by all the A/M interaction, I don't know, heh.

rane_ab @ 2012-10-21T01:16:00

2012-10-20T23:16:12Z

"Merlin has m- " *poof*

Me: *dies with laughter*

I'm going to have to rewatch that scene, because I just couldn't get back into the seriousness of the moment after that. *g*
Putting this under a cut for those who may just want to focus on the positive: two things I didn't like:
- The closing scene. I have mixed feelings about Arthur hitting Merlin in general (mostly because we've seen Merlin give as good as he gets), but I'm a little confused as to why they decided to make it a theme this ep, and that closing scene came across as a little too serious for my comfort. Also, it seems to be a bit of a reminder out of nowhere that, oh yeah, Merlin and Arthur really aren't equals in spite of their banter. /possibly overthinking [Edit: EXCEPT OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE I MISSED THE FISTING IMPLICATION. Thank you, Tumblr. Now dying with laughter. Apparently this is in the bloopers, too?
- Was Uther supposed to be a vengeful spirit? I know that his stance corresponds to what we've seen him say before, but, I don't know, he seemed weirdly OOC compared to how he was just before he died. And just very cold-hearted, in general - and putting Camelot before Arthur? Uther's one sympathetic trait has always been just how much he cares about Arthur, as much pressure as he might put him under. And here, in spite of the fact that he said the words, it didn't shine through at all.
That said, I spent the entire episode terrified that they were going to use it as another excuse to strengthen Arthur's anti-magic stance (that certainly ramped up the tension for me ;)), so I can't tell you how happy I am with what they did do with it.

Great build-up for it throughout the episode, too, on Arthur's part, and I love the role Merlin played in making Arthur realise what was going on in his own mind. I loved it, too, because there have been a lot of moments in the past series that Merlin talks Arthur up for no apparent reason that we can see, but here, this really meant something to Merlin, especially after Arthur saved that woman.
Are we to take this as a hint, too, that Arthur hasn't condemned any more magic users? Strange that Uther didn't mention that (or did I miss it?). I suppose, in a way, that makes it even stranger that Merlin hasn't revealed his magic yet, but at the same time, it makes it easier for me to imagine that part of it is perhaps that Merlin knows things will change after he reveals his secret, and he's really already in the best position possible to protect and advise Arthur where he is now, especially when Arthur still needs the occasional confidence boost. And if Arthur really has been ruling so differently from Uther, then it's a good reason for Merlin to want to make absolutely sure he can keep him safe.

And he's so proud of what they've achieved. I really can't imagine the Merlin from when Uther was alive being particularly eager to rub it in Uther's face, but he's moved on to the point where he's confident enough to hold it over Uther's head that there was magic at the heart of Camelot (great choice of words, by the way) even while he was still alive, just because he can. He's not afraid of Uther at all.
On a more general level, I thought the ep was surprisingly scary. I mean, it's still Merlin, but there was a genuinely eery atmosphere, and the section with Gwen in particular was kind of scary. Probably the idea that Uther would be capable of such a thing added to it.
For a scary episode, I feel like I laughed out loud way too many times. Mostly at the right moments. ;) Also, ahaha at Merlin and Arthur needing to justify themselves to Leon as though they'd been caught red-handed at - well, one really does wonder. What kind of poetry was that, hm, Merlin?
Also, lovely to see a bit of knight-banter thrown in there. :)
Merlin and Arthur together on a hunt was kind of endearing. Why it was just the two of them is a mystery I will not be complaining about. *g*
Effective use of a familiar-sounding bit of soundtrack for the scene where Arthur looks at Uther's grave. Oh, Arthur. He looked so vulnerable this episode, and it contrasted nicely with Merlin seeming so confident.
All in all, I really liked this ep. I felt like there were simultaneously a lot of throwbacks to previous series yet it had a sort of different feel to it than most Merlin eps - I can't quite put my finger on it, but it made for an interesting viewing experience. :)

rane_ab @ 2012-10-14T01:10:00

2012-10-13T23:10:50Z

(For some reason none of the streams I tried seemed to work, so I felt particularly accomplished just watching the ep at all, ha. But onwards with the content!)

So, last week Arthur and Merlin snuggle in a net all night, and this week they cuddle up in a cart. Uh huh.
... And then, to hide amongst a bunch of shirtless men, decide it would be a good idea to wear an extra shirt. Points for originality? Well, at least Merlin looked good in his shirt, so there's that.
Speaking of, that soft lighting in the mine made everyone look particularly good... /shallow
I really loved the shot of Morgana and Aithusa imprisoned in Morgana's dream-memory. Also, and I realise this is them doing yet another 180° turn, but I do really appreciate that they're playing Morgana as more vulnerable and tortured rather than the smirking evil, here. Even Arthur remembered that she used to be a different person, once. I thought the writers themselves had forgotten by now. As a sidenote, Morgana looks seriously gorgeous.
The CGI on Aithusa isn't perfect, but OMG, s/he looks so bleak and hurt. :( I was prepared to roll my eyes at Aithusa's changing sides, and it still doesn't make any sense, but I'm feeling sorry for him/her regardless (I can't remember if it was definite that Aithusa was female. Was it?). Also glad to note that Merlin still has power over her - it seems like she went to Morgana by choice, not because Morgana held something over her.

Also, gah, Merlin's face when he's speaking to Aithusa. And he still tries to protect her.
Morgana/Arthur scene! So happy they exchanged more than one sentence, and that Arthur at least remembers their connection (and a lot of Morgana's anger has always seemed to come from a sense of betrayal, anyway). I couldn't quite understand what he was saying when he was on the floor? Was he apologising for what Uther did to her or did I misunderstand? I was intrigued by his "and yet with all that, all you choose to do is hate," because it implies she has a different choice and that she could be using her powers for good. He still sees Morgana as a person first, in spite of her magic.
I wonder if we're ever going to see Sefa again? Otherwise that was a bit of a random plotline. Also, Gwen tried to lure her father there but didn't specifically set up a trap for him? She must have unshakeable faith in Camelot's defences...
Arthur's bane is himself? Huh. Not sure where they're going with that and not getting my hopes up because I know what that leads to, but I'm glad the answer wasn't just Mordred. Actually, although they were far from perfect, I've really liked the two past episodes, and the, I don't know, atmosphere of them? But in a wait-and-see sort of way. I'm not sure what to think of Mordred yet. Wise words from him at the end, but it doesn't really mesh with him literally stabbing Morgana in the back, plus his insistence that he knows what it's like to have to hide your magic doesn't really seem promising.

Also, lol, Arthur's just going to knight everyone who helps him out from now on? He does remember that Mordred is a druid, right?
One thing I've been really, really loving these past two eps, though, is the A/M interaction. I like Merlin's kind of fraught state of mind. Also, I like bossy Merlin. ;) But mostly, I know a lot of people weren't happy with the way Arthur sometimes keeps poking Merlin in a not so friendly way, but it's clearer than ever in the two past eps that Arthur will let Merlin pretty much get away with anything in return. I literally can't imagine Arthur letting anyone else speak to him the way Merlin does - he couldn't even afford it if he wanted to, and I do see, in that respect, how it helps that Merlin is a servant and not someone of (openly) great importance who would have to follow the rules.

Also, how many times has Arthur tried to save/protect Merlin in these past two eps? When he claps Merlin on the chest after Merlin offers to go after the dragon, be still my heart. And then he doesn't even hesitate following Merlin, even though he's there to free his men. Their closeness emphasises how much Merlin's secret is a barrier between them, though. When it comes to Merlin, Arthur always seems to be on the outside and, well, trying to look in, but never quite managing it. I do feel like they've been laying the A/M on thick these couple of eps so, hey, let's hope they keep it that way.
For now, waiting to see what's going to happen with Mordred and Arthur being his own bane. Looks like next week will be a bit of a horror episode? (Also, hm, Arthur's bane "stalks him like a ghost"... It probably has nothing to do with it, but who knows. *g*)

rane_ab @ 2012-10-07T05:20:00

2012-10-07T03:20:44Z

First of all, on an entirely shallow note - christ, how did Arthur and Merlin both look so hot?
Ugh, Gwen/her servant gave me all of the Morgana/Gwen feels - how the hell am I supposed to react to this?
... TBH, this is my entire reaction to the ep. I'm so, so happy A/M is still there and I hope it won't fade over the next eps.
Also, OK, those trees were gorgeous, negl.
Aside from that: FY Annis - Also more of her, please. Also, the ep looked pretty, but more believable plotlines, please (kind of sadface that that one time A/M were sleeping next to each other looked photoshopped? I AM ENTIRELY AVAILABLE TO BE CONVINCED OTHERWISE BTW).
Also, there is this AU in my head where they all live on an alien planet and work in a mine, so this ep was kind of... really, really odd to look at, really. But hey, yay? :O

Hi, hullo

2012-08-18T19:18:56Z

OMG, meltinggg. What is this weather? Also, where is all the accompanying sweaty hot weather porn? Huh? Surely this must lead to some kind of pay-off.
How are you all? I've been mostly reading my flist but been rather remiss in replying, sorry. :( Damn you, Tumblr/Twitter. But! After significant slowing down of my flist, it looks like posts are actually picking up again? I was a little afraid everyone had fled the premises (i.e. LJ), but apparently not. <3 Maybe everyone was just enjoying the summer. :D
Interesting post on asexuality.
Teen Wolf! Yeah, so after weeping over Stiles/Dylan O'Brien's face for too long, I am officially into that fandom. The cast in general is the most ridiculous, in the best way. <3

This is Dylan about to start an interview - seriously, you guys, who even looks like that?

[source]

Tyler Posey drawing whiskers on his character. As one does.

[source]

Crystal being all smiley and adorable.

[source]

Holland being ridiculously adorable. And Colton, too. THESE TWO, SERIOUSLY.

[source]

Yeah, um. So, this is actually a scene from the show. No comment, tbh.

[source].

Tyler Hoechlin smiling besottedly at Dylan. ALSO AS ONE DOES. (It is extra hilarious and endearing that Hoechlin smiles literally all the time because his character is the tall, dark and broody type and smiles like once in the first season.)

I leave you with this:

source

These are just the main cast, and there are loads of recurring characters, but I suppose I have to stop somewhere. D:

Also, yay, a fandom where they have an actual official tumblr and twitter that makes an effort to keep their fans' interest. :D
Merlin:

A time-jump after which Morgana has vengeful motivations unknown to the viewer?

A character who gains Arthur's trust but will eventually turn out to be a bad guy?

Gwen being enchanted to do something "evil" (actually, I only saw someone mention the enchanted bit in a comment - can someone confirm if it's true? :O ~~Though, if so, seriously?~~)?

Um, yeah, stop me if you've heard that before. Also, I did not realise until that last interview that they are supposed to have entered the "golden age" at the beginning of S5. Er, what? I'm starting to believe they are actually going to end the series with Arthur dying and Merlin and/or Morgana reviving him, five second reveal, the end. Why so cruel, TPTB?

But, ARTHUR AND MERLIN IN A NET. Yes. Let's focus on the positive. Also, keeping my fingers crossed that Gwen and Morgana get to have an actual conversation (actually, keeping my fingers crossed that any of the characters get to have a genuine conversation...). Surely, they are going to resolve at least some of these longer plotlines, right? :D?
I'm not sure what Teen Wolf means in terms of my Merlin fannishness. So far, I have been unable to be in two fandoms at once, and every instance of me discovering a new fandom has meant my love for the previous one faded, however much I didn't want it to (aside from the smaller fandoms I didn't read much fic in that I occasionally slip into the edges of).

But, then again, Merlin has been by (very, ha) far the longest fandom I've ever been in (3-4 years?), and that has more to do with the fandom itself and the dynamic between my OTP than the show, probably. (On an utterly shallow note, it probably also doesn't hurt that A/M is the only pairing I've ever been into where I find both halves equally attractive as well as loving the characters equally as much.) I'm currently rolling around in all the Teen Wolf fic, but since I'm mostly all about the OTP, I do find the Stiles/Derek dynamic more limiting than the A/M one and find myself missing A/M even while reading TW fic. So I'm hoping I can keep loving both, just this once. :)
Community! I'd watched the first series and while I liked it, it wasn't my favourite ever or anything like that. But then I watched S2 & 3, and ajdsksdfk. OK, I'm hooked. Also, I did not mean to start shipping Troy and Abed, but it's kind of impossible not to, at least a little bit. I'm sure everyone even remotely in the fandom has read it by now, but Advanced Ambulatory Ichthyology by gyzym (Troy/Abed, ~49K) is pretty much everything I didn't know I needed after S3. I love it when a writer manages to capture a character's voice, and she pretty much nails Troy's in this. <3
Wishing you all a fabulous weekend! ♥

Virus via YT links

2012-07-24T01:59:48Z

Apparently, there's a virus spreading via YT links left in LJ comments. I didn't even know that was possible, so just FYI.

I think I clicked one of those earlier, so uuugh, I don't know what to expect or do aside from running an antivirus program. *clings to laptop*

Computer help?

2012-02-13T17:59:19Z

My computer is out of order (only for the third time in a week; who's counting), and google is confusing me more than anything, so I was wondering if maybe one of you lovely people would know a solution.

Basically, I can't get Windows to start at all because one of the Windows files is damaged (given that the file is called "SYSTEM", I assume this, uh, isn't very good). It's telling me to enter the Setup CD to try and repair it. Last time this happened, I ended up reinstalling Windows, but passing over that, so far, so good.

The problem is that I've also been having trouble with my CD-Rom drive - it would usually take several tries before it coughed out the drawer (if that's the right word). Of course it has chosen this exact moment to stop cooperating altogether.

I went to look for a new CD-rom thingy (what is even the right word? Drive? /clueless) earlier, but given all of them have notes on them saying which Windows version they're compatible with, and stuff like "software included", I assume Windows needs to actually be functioning to be able to install the drive? Or is there a difference between an internal and external version? I'm really confused about the whole thing and not very computer-savvy (I ended up opening up my PC myself for the first time ever over the weekend - so much dust!), but I assume I can't just take out the old drive and put in a new one and it'll work, right? :/

Trying to google this actually got me to pages on how to install Windows without CD-Rom drive, but from what I gather this'll probably wipe my hard drive, which would really suck.

Asklfldf, I wish I knew a reliable computer repair shop nearby, or that my computer would be a little less cumbersome to carry around. D: Also, man, I always flail when my internet goes down, but I didn't realise how much worse having your computer go down entirely and not be able to even write anything is. :(

In other news, HIIII. Sorry for the absenteeism; I was busy flunking my exams. *g* (I've mostly been reading my flist, though.) I hope you're all OK! *hugs you all close*

rane_ab @ 2011-12-24T03:21:00

2011-12-24T02:21:43Z

Leaving for the parents in a few hours. :) Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates, and everyone else, have a lovely weekend. ♥

Oh, LJ.

2011-12-21T20:42:38Z

Most of you probably already know this, but just in case - some "fixes" from other people who know more about this than I do:

- Subject lines: if you want to keep them, you need to make sure you don't have customised comment pages disabled, even if you're already in S2 (which most people are).

Go to the userinfo page, then click "Journal" > "Journal Style", then "Customize Selected Theme" (at the bottom right of the page). Then, under "Presentation" > "Basic Options" > "Disable customized comment pages for your journal", select "No".

- Journal Style: the journal style that'll get your comments to look the most like the default page is Minimalism - Georgia. (Of course, this means the rest of your journal style will change, too.) [From here.]

- Drop down menu for icons: if you set your comment pages in an S2 style, you will still get the drop down menu instead of having all of your icons load, which seems to be problematic for a lot of users. [From here.] (And via "Profile" > "Settings" > "Display", you can choose to view other people's journals in your own style, if you're not already.)

(And in case you're wondering about issues cropping up and if it's just you, other users have reported problems such as icons with several keywords being unusable, their browser crashing more quickly if they have several tabs open, comment boxes not loading at all, comment pages loading more slowly, problems with bookmarked threads, and some other problems mentioned here.)
On the upside, according to this post, they're planning on developing an S2-style that would look and function the same way the old comment pages did. Let's hope they do, because according to this post, they plan on effecting all the changes made to S1-style comment pages on S2 styles next year, as well.
According to some comments made on the lj_releases post, it looks like the comment page "update" is part of a site-wide redesign. All potential information is in Russian, so I have no idea if it's true, but the prototypes certainly seem to exist.

manonon translated the link pages so you can at least see which page might look like what, even if the pages are in Russian. There's nothing there I can't live with, except perhaps the prototype userinfo pic page - looks like they've scratched the "comment" line, which is going to make it hard to credit icon-makers...
There seems to be some confusion on whether igrick, the guy who first announced the beta-version of the release, and who has been loudly ignoring everyone's complaints, is the head of LJ Russia or just a guy from the company LJ hired to do the redesign. Let's hope it's the latter, because otherwise this doesn't sound particularly encouraging... [Edit: Oh, fuck, it looks like he's the head of LJ Russia, after all. :/ With that kind of attitude, we're in for a lot of fun.]

OTOH, someone just posted this nice reply they got from the LJ Care Staff, which seems to indicate they're at least listening... well, the Care Staff, anyway. I'm feeling sorry for everyone being shouted at, because most likely, they're not the ones making the decisions.
On a more cheerful note, I do like the "new comment" label, and the option to view all your icons (... as long as it's working, anyway). Also, it's nearly Christmas. And the Merlin finale. :D (And yes, I have totally been waiting for an excuse to use this icon. DAFFY. <3)

(Edit: Oh, I do have to add, those "icons" now displayed for anon users are downright creepy. D:)

rane_ab @ 2011-12-17T22:54:00

2011-12-17T21:54:47Z

Aargh. Hope no one caught the uncut version of this post. Sorry, guys. D: I didn't notice I was typing in rich text and then for some reason it didn't show in the preview. *crosses fingers it works out this time*

My main thought at the end of that was "OMG is it next week yet?" Did not expect that ep to end when it did. :D

Oh, my goodness, the slashiness in this ep.

Arthur's most pleasant thought being Merlin the stocks? Check.
Merlin flirting his little arse off in that first scene? Check.
Arthur saying "My favourite!" followed by a shot of only Merlin's face? Check.
Arthur saying "I'm entirely in your hands" followed by Merlin giving him a look like he's facing temptations too great to bear? Check.
And these are just the bits I actually remember.
I loved that first scene all over again, and aww, the banquet scene - it was just so great to see them all together again, and how they interact. Also, Arthur grabbing Merlin's neckerchief and drawing him in? Unf.
Speaking of, there were a ridiculous number of awesome shots of Merlin's face in this ep. That sideshot at the banquet for one. More unf.
Also loved Arthur trusting Merlin to round everyone up and then Merlin being all authoritative. Mmm.
I did think that the surrender of Camelot happened a mite quickly. But then we've seen this sort of thing before, I suppose, so kudos to them for not just doing the same thing all over again. Also, slo mo shots of Arthur fighting and Merlin running. YES, PLEASE.
While we're on the subject of things I didn't entirely like, did anyone else find Merlin robbing Arthur of his will and then sort of taking advantage of it a little creepy? And then I guess that's why they needed to have Arthur kicking Merlin the morning after - to show why it was totally OK for Merlin to do that. Not a fan, personally. I was really relieved they didn't keep Arthur enchanted for longer, though - was a little worried they were going to let that carry over to the next ep.
I would add that the people-who-are-enchanted trope has been a little overused this series, but OMG, enchanted Arthur, how so utterly adorable? I just wanted to give him all the hugs. Bradley James, I love you and your face.
And your penis. I mean, seriously, those trousers? Um. How did no one notice that while filming? When even I start noticing these things, it has to be really obvious.
Morgana's evil is still random, but damn, Katie is rocking it.
Aww, Gwaine being noble. :D I cheered when he got all cheeky even when he was half losing the fight. I really loved how we got moments with most of the knights, here - we've learned more about their various personalities in this ep than in the entirety of Lamia. Also, Percival only had two shots, IIRC, but I did love him choking on his wine, and more specifically the shot where he pulls a "good enough for me" face when Merlin shoves enchanted Arthur at him and Gwaine. Also, wow, even without visuals, that scene where they're torturing Elyan sounded intense.
I love the moments where Agravaine seems to have some doubts about what he's doing. Loved when that happened during the torturing here. Doesn't mean he's not a complete bastard, but it makes him a bit more human. It looks like they're actually never going to explain his allegiance, though.
That fireside talk between Merlin and Arthur... Oh, boys, why do you break my heart so? They both seemed so vulnerable in that moment, and Arthur talking about all the people who have betrayed them. I'm not sure if we were supposed to think of Merlin in that moment, but I did. I think they both acted beautifully in this scene, too. So many emotions there.
Tristan and Isolde. Um, are their names just supposed to be incidental? I assume they'll be of importance in the next ep - perhaps in restoring Arthur's self-confidence as a king? Also, slight WTF moment - Merlin: "We need to keep Isolde warm." Well, I don't know, you might want to start by giving her a coat... ;)
HUNITH. So happy to see her again. Aww, the way she hugs Merlin. Had a moment to think she might be killed when they started surrounding Ealdor and all, but thank goodness it looks like they're not going that route.
I feel like I've forgotten half the things I wanted to say, but yeah, good ep - it just feels like the two final eps are genuinely one ep cut in half, so I find it hard to say anything before having seen that. *g* Next week looks epic, though. Also, wow, wonder what they're going to do with that thing with Agravaine. /purposefully vague for those who don't watch the trailers. Basically, is it next week yet? Aaah.

Meeerlin

2011-12-16T17:45:04Z

So, to sum it up:

- Arthur's first pleasant thought is Merlin in the stocks (uh huh);
- JFC, Merlin, learn some discretion when you're copping several looks at your king's naked thighs;
- Or maybe not;
- He did seem to be rather enjoying the manhandling;
- Please tell me someone has giffed the moment between 00:37 and 00:43 because without the sound? It looks exactly like Merlin looking Arthur up and down and putting the moves on him in a really unsubtle way. Actually, that's what it looks like with the sound on, too;
- In the next instalment of Arthur and Merlin's bedroom games: Arthur puts that belt of his to its enhanced use when they re-enact Arthur's stocks fantasy without the actual stocks.

rane_ab @ 2011-12-10T22:53:00

2011-12-10T21:54:05Z

OMG. I was fully expecting to dislike this ep, but... I kind of really liked it? :D

Edit: Also, wow, have seen several people expressing rage over the ep in a short amount of time, so I kind of feel the need to warn that I a) probably missed some of the faily things and b) was expecting so much fail based on the trailer that I was both braced for it and kind of went with it. So, if you're looking for a review pointing out the fail of this ep, this isn't it, sorry.

First off, though, whaaat. I thought the ep was supposed to start at 8.15pm? I tuned in just in time to hear Merlin say "Don't you think it's a bit soon?" Can someone tell me what I missed, please? :)
OK, I know that outfit is supposed to be skeevy, but wow, Gwen looks hot in it. Um. Also, that scene where Morgana and Gwen cross each other in the corridor? I don't know why that was so hot, but it was. I now totally want fic where Gwen ends up joining Team Evil and she and Morgana make out lots. :D Was sad to see Morgana felt no fondness for her at all during the confrontation, though I liked the angst of Gwen telling Morgana she'd never trust her again. Gwen/Morgana angsty hate!sex, please.
Also, can I just say yay for Gwen finally, finally not just sitting around waiting for a guy to save her but actively doing something? Take that, 2x04. I also really liked the way she handled Helios. I didn't really like her being set up as a martyr and saying "I've got what I deserve" at the end, but I can live with it. (Although, where on earth is she supposed to go with everyone after her? I suppose they needed her to stay away for some plotline in the next eps, but that's pretty much the one thing in the ep that made me go wtf. It's hard to imagine anything else than her falling back into the hands of Helios.)
I really liked Princess Mithian. Even if Arthur barely seemed to be able to remember her name. (... You don't normally address people as "Princess", do you?) I laughed at all their faces when she lifted her veil (even Merlin seemed to have a moment of "OK... hot" before going back to his frowny face), and oh my goodness, Arthur's awkward attempts at seduction. <333 So adorable and hilarious.

And she actually valued Merlin's opinion! Could not be happier about that, and her realising in a ridiculously short amount of time just how much trust Arthur puts in Merlin's words. Boys, clearly you can't hide the way you feel about each other at all. <3
The ep could have done with a little less of Arthur threatening to exile Merlin, but I get that he was upset and probably scrambling for the one thing that could get Merlin to shut up (so little does *g*), while not meaning it at all.

And, oh, I loved that moment towards the end where Arthur finally opens up to Merlin about Gwen, when he's been cutting Merlin off about that all the time, and Merlin is actually pissed off enough to ignore the opening Arthur gives him, for once. (ALSO: that scene where Merlin defies Arthur. Fuck yeah. This does things to me, people. :D) And Arthur realises what he needs to do and downright asks Merlin for his opinion, and he looks so vulnerable there, and he lets Merlin see it, and asdkljfkl. And Merlin gives in and tells him and is supportive in an actual lovely way, and oh. I just... kind of want to draw hearts around this scene and the dynamic between them there. /will now stop recounting a scene everyone has seen, anyway.

Also, I love that Arthur still found the time to tease Merlin even when he was nervous about being out having a picnic with Mithian, and Merlin totally knew what he was doing and glared the whole time. Oh, boys.
I kind of feel everyone was cheekier than usual in this ep. I LIKE IT. More, please. I loved Gaius' "Isn't that a bit arrogant" and Merlin being all "Yes!" and then later that scene where Gaius isn't even listening to Merlin and Merlin tells him what he's supposed to say - it's a testament to how well they know each other, and how much they rely on that. It also kind of felt like the writer was taking a playful jab at the way certain scenes keep playing out in the same way and it make me laugh.
I admit that I didn't really feel the Merlin/Gwen relationship in Lamia (I was kind of sad about that), but I loved it here. Oh, that moment Merlin and the deer just stare at each other. I love how that dragged on just long enough to clue the viewer in that something was going on and I bet most people went oh before we even saw Gwen, but I really thought that was beautifully done. I was half expecting Merlin to reveal his secret and transform Gwen back into human form himself, but aww, that hug. :D Also, hm, does this storyline come from a fairytale? I feel like I've read it before, but I loved it here.
I'm not usually that fond of A/G (I think Angel and Bradley are making them look pretty cute together this season, but there are a lot of other aspects of their storyline that just aren't my thing), but I actually liked it here, and I really didn't expect to. Well played, writer. I like you. Also, I loved the music when Arthur found his ring in the forest.
I just love eps where there's a lot going on at the same time and it all somehow fits together, and there's humour as well as angst - 4x06 did that beautifully, in my opinion, and this one did, too. The pacing was great, and everything just tied in together. I had to look it up, but apparently Richard McBrien wrote this ep. That's another new writer - I hope we'll see him again. I feel like he had enough distance from the rest of the eps to both reuse old storylines in fresh ways and give us a wink about certain tropes.

I'm seriously falling more and more in love with this ep as I'm typing this out, hee. And OMG, next week! I'm sure they cut that preview cleverly, but still, I'm really excited!

Twitter + shipping meme

2011-12-02T21:27:57Z

On the off chance this post actually goes through:

What with LJ going up and down like a yo-yo, I decided to finally get twitter (or dusted off the twitter I forgot I had and wasn't using, and changed the name to rane_ab). Friend me, please? Er, if you want to. ;) I might go around friending some people if I ever figure out what your names are, haha - I'm not sure what the Twitter etiquette is, but just to be clear, don't ever feel like you have to friend me back. <3

In case anyone's bored (and not bored of these yet), another shipping meme:

1. The one who ~~fainted~~ passed out/the one who taught him how to ~~drive~~ fly
2. The old warrior/the one who wasn’t really with the police
3. The warrior woman/the one who controls the dinosaurs
4. The one with the knobbly knees/the one who could never forget
5. The funny one/the rockstar
6. The one who bit the apple/the one who could never be his friend
7. The one without a cape/the one who wanted to be his sidekick
8. The one with the fab hair/the one who was on the run
9. The furry one/the one who mixed his drink
10. The wicked witch of the west/the one who made her fly through the air
11. The book lover/the snake
12. The one with the biggest tool/the one with the coldest heart
13. The clumsy fool/the best servant ever
14. The one who did the cooking/the one who wore jewellery
15. The one who knows what going mad feels like/the one who’s in his bunk

rane_ab @ 2011-11-26T22:14:00

2011-11-26T21:15:17Z

All I have to say about this ep is:

- So, that spell Merlin did at the end, did that make Lancelot become himself again? That's what it looked like, right? Also, if he wasn't really dead after he supposedly killed himself, does that mean there's a good chance he survived Merlin's fire, too? Because that's what I'm going with. :D *clings to theory*

- Arthur thinks making Gwen watch sweaty men cavorting is an awesome wedding gift. I say this promises great things for their eventual marriage.

- Colin looked especially hot this ep. That scene after he's just realised Lancelot isn't the real Lancelot, unf. Also, I want to pet his hair.