Morganna: The Ice Princess

Despite the fact that Gaius described Merlin as 'a riddle wrapped up in a mystery' last episode, I think that title might more accurately apply to Morganna.

In my opinion, Morganna is the most interesting of all the characters in the show (not my favorite, just the most interesting). And the funny thing is, I can't put my finger on why. I explained why Arthur (the second most interesting character) fascinated me so much in my last post, however, I have a much harder time describing what is so interesting about Morganna.

In an attempt to explain this, let me side track for a moment.

I think that the writers and casting managers did an excellent job casting all four of the leads. Merlin and Gwen are very much examples of their class. I love them dearly, but I can't say that I'm really intrigued by either one of them. I think I understand them pretty well. I like them in a way that makes me want to be best friends, and give them big hugs. With Arthur and Morganna, I don't think this way at all. They seem, well, much less personable. And yet they aren't. Their humanity is slightly hidden and skewed by their bearing and manners, which are significantly more formal and aloof than their servant counterparts, but it is there none the less.

Even between Arthur and Morganna there is a difference. So much so, that she has earned herself the nickname of 'Ice Princess' from me and my friend. And perhaps it is in this that the issue stands. At first, maybe even second and third, glances, Morganna seems cold. Not necessarily in a bad way, but as different from Gwen as the moon is from the sun. And yet, as in the last episode, she shows bursts of tremendous feeling.

Is it this what causes the uncertainties of her character? Do we unconsciously fear a person who can seem so cold and emotionless one moment, and yet feel so passionately the next?

I also think that Katie McGrath was excellently cast for this part. She looks the part, with her long black hair and snow white skin, and yet can convey a great deal of emotion without saying a word.

One last note on something that I was discussing with a friend. Of all of the characters in Merlin, Morganna is the one I feel the least certain about. I feel like I know her the least, even though she has had plenty of screen time. And, perhaps due to the usual interpretation of the character Morgan Le Fay, I'm not quite sure how far I trust her. There is (again) something about her I just can't put my finger on that makes me wonder if she'll always be on the 'good side'.

Even in the last episode where she helped Merlin, and saved the little boy's life, there were a few elements that keep me unsure of where her character will go. Why was she so strongly attached to Mordred, when the dragon made clear that he was evil? Obviously Morganna couldn't have known this, but even Gwen remarked how odd it was for Morganna to feel this strongly about something.

The character of Morganna is a walking enigma. A riddle wrapped in a mystery. A character full of nuances that could be taken (realistically) in any direction the writers choose. And perhaps that is what is so fascinating about her.

We have no idea what she is going to do next.

Prince Arthur: Just the Future King

Almost everyone has heard of King Arthur Pendragon. The once and future king. Ruler of the knights of the Round Table and friend of Merlin the enchanter.

And as such, I think that the BBC took a great risk in portraying Prince Arthur the way they did.

When Arthur made his first appearance on screen, I must say that I was surprised not to like him. I had gone into the show expecting to like him, and yet his first scene left a very bad taste in my mouth. This Arthur was far from noble, kingly, and gracious. This Arthur was a selfish bully, who thought that he was the greatest thing since sliced bread.

His second scene improved him a little in my estimation, but mostly because of Merlin's uproariously funny lines. He and Merlin definitely play well off of each other, and the first step towards me liking Arthur was Merlin becoming his servant... and the look that passes between them after that. LOL!

The second episode was a giant leap in the right direction. In this episode we were shown the other side of Arthur. The side that is frightened of failing. Of disappointing his father. Of being anything other than a confident unbeatable Prince. Sure, they didn't say that in as many words, but the lesson of duty is very clear. Merlin complains about it at the beginning of the episode, and by the end we have been shown that although Arthur has more privilege than Merlin, he also bears his share of duty. A duty which requires him to never lose.

Along with a greater understanding of Arthur's life (and the reason he behaves so pridefully?) comes a greater sympathy for him. The show also goes out of its way to show us flashes of the justice and nobility which are characteristic of Arthur's legends.

He frees Lancelot. He saves Merlin's life by fetching the poison antidote. He helps save Gwen from being wrongly executed for sorcery. And I believe that he has truly come to like Merlin as a friend. Whenever Merlin has done something idiotic, Arthur has at least tried to take the fall for it. Or at least help Merlin get out of trouble. Two examples...

1. When Merlin tries to take responsibility for magically healing Gwen's father.
2. When Merlin claims that Arthur's cup is poisoned.

And that's only two! But he has several times taken Merlin's word for something that could have gotten him in serious trouble.

The other dynamic that I like about the way this character is written, is that the change doesn't come from nowhere. There has been a gradual building up of trust and friendship between Merlin and Arthur, which explains why Arthur would risk his life for Merlin. Along with Morganna's influence, of course. I don't think he would have had the strength to disobey his father if she hadn't encouraged him.

Both she and Merlin have had a positive influence on him, and in Lancelot's case, he was able to do the right thing without any encouragement from either of them.

I, personally, am very excited to see how the writing team continues to develop this character. They have given him just the right balance of flaws and virtues to make him interesting, and give him room to soar. Plus they have surrounded him with people who are equip (yet have issues of their own) to help him in his journey towards being the King Arthur we all know from legends.

I think that there may be more than two sides to this particular coin...

I'm Back!

You may be wondering why I haven't been posting lately. Honestly, I'm trying to forget that the season 3 finale ever existed, and I don't think that writing about it is going to help.

So, my favorite show has gone and broken my heart, so what do I do? Can you say Rebound?

In this case, my rebound is named Merlin. Which is just now airing for the first time here in the US. Perfect timing!

I know that many people didn't (and don't) like the way this Merlin was created, but it's exactally what I need right now. It reminds me a lot of what Robin Hood was like at the beginning. It's light-hearted, yet suspenseful. It is exciting without being too violent or having any 'content' issues. And the characters are interesting and likable. See, I'm not picky!

In some respects, I think Merlin is better made than Robin Hood, too. The knights actually have real chain mail, and it was filmed on location in France. The entire castle is real, and it's beautiful! However, then there is the CGI, which is quite laughable at times.

The characters, as I said before, are really great. Except for Uther, who is supposed to be nasty. The nice thing about these characters is that they are likeable without being perfect. I think I'll go into all of this in a whole post, but Arthur is a great example. He really is a snotty brat, but somehow I still like him.

Now that I'm back, I should put out some more articles. Merlin, you have brought me back!

Thank you!