Merlin Episode Rant--His Father's Son
Wow. Wow wow wow. This show istg.
His Father’s Son is perhaps one of the most cohesive, easily understood episodes of the show. It's complex, it's interesting, but it lacks one thing that they always lack: Character continuity and just in general having a strong grip on their character relationships. Meaning, Arthur’s decisions, and his character literally contradict each other in this episode. He normally (character) is brave, has conviction, and above all else, loves really hard. Like really hard. Think of the formative stages of Arthur/Gwen! He literally tries to relinquish his kingship for Gwen. I actually really like that moment on its own, if the rest of the relationship didn’t have useless roadblocks or if Gwen actually still was a good character in 4 and 5. Instead, in this episode, he bends like a pipe cleaner to whatever Agravaine is saying, disregards Merlin’s counsel (which, believe it or not, he actually does listen to normally and frequently seeks out), but most importantly, he literally breaks up with Gwen.
Now, if you’ve been following me for a bit, you’d know that I’m not the biggest fan of the Arthur/Gwen relationship mainly because it doesn’t really change either of them as characters in a good way (The show-runners remove Gwen’s personality for some reason and Arthur stays the same). But, I think this should have been a breaking point moment. Why, oh my god why, does he break up with Gwen?
Agravaine so easily convinces him to go and cut things off with her, even after the show blares at us that they are “so in love” and that they “are each other’s forevers” but then they have him just go and break up with her because Agravaine thinks so? And not even that---because its not appropriate????????? mmEXCUSE ME???
He seems to believe it. This, for me, shows two things:
The writers have no idea what they’re doing with these characters
If the writers truly understand this decision, then they’re basically telling viewers that Arthur and Gwen’s relationship is so fragile that he would break up with her if his random uncle told him to. Like what the hell.
Also, I want to address what is going on between Arthur and Merlin this episode. I actually think its the most nuanced their relationship has been for a bit in this season. They are not seeing eye to eye on something, and Arthur is pushing him away, but we constantly see that Arthur comes back to Merlin, for everything, after everything, because he needs him. And this is really beautiful. I think Arthur should have made a pinnacle decision in this episode, for both of his relationships.
Here’s how I would fix it
For Arthur and Gwen moment: When Agravaine tells Arthur that his relationship with her is inappropriate, this should have been a wake up call for Arthur. If he truly loves her that much, if he needs her that much, then this relationship should be much stronger than counsel from his pushy uncle. AND, this would actually move the plot forward, as well as strengthen Arthur and Gwen’s relationship. We could have a regroup moment with Arthur and Merlin, where he realizes how much he needs Merlin (maybe not to a full extent to keep up with the pace of the show), as well as his friends and their advice. So, Arthur would decline Agravaine, he would start trusting him less, and this could still progress to that final scene with the fight and Arthur showing mercy and there would be a LOT MORE CONTINUITY in arthur’s character!
I actually like the idea of Arthur killing the king of Caerleon mainly because it forces his character to go through something difficult like getting it wrong. Plus, it makes sense for him to bend to Agravaine in this situation since he’s genuinely new to making these sorts of decisions.
Also I’m such an advocate for apologies on tv. It seems like on Merlin especially, they really milk the idea of Merlin getting no credit or gratitude, but in this situation, there is nothing to do with his magic or anything. SO, Arthur should have sort-of (in his way) apologized for not trusting Merlin with the Caerleon thing (at least in that scene where Merlin has just gotten all the knights to come and tell him life-affirming things, I think it would have been nice if Arthur had just given some sort of indication that he recognizes that Merlin did tell him, and was trying to help)
Anyway, this is in my top ten Merlin episodes, in terms of it having some sort of weight and making sense on its own, but also, it has so many problems. Plus, there isn’t any real continiuity in Arthur’s character after, and he doesn’t really change at all.
Also, at the end of the episode, when Arthur and Gwen have that romantic moment, I just feel awkward because it would feel cute and romantic if Arthur hadn’t just easily broken up with her because someone told him to. Like I get that he told Merlin to give her his ring, and that he’s sorry, but like, you did it so easily?? Why wouldn’t you do it again?
