You see that dude, sigan, who turned day into night? Well what if he never turned it back and Merlin had always feel that something was very wrong with daytime and nighttime. As if he should be awake at night and sleeping in the day you know.
Then one day he just figures it out and turns it back as it should be he thinks then he goes back to bed while Camelot (the whole world actually) is freaking the fuck out. Which would be hilarious post-magic reveal or not. Like imagine Arthur trying to wake up Merlin while the other mumbles "nothing is wrong, it's right again. I will take care of the tides tomorrow" "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WILL TAKE CARE OF THE TIDES TOMORROW?!?! MERLIN DON'T YOU DARE PUT A SILENCING SPELL AROUND YOU. MERLIN. MERLIN!!!"
Merlin rewatch -- S2E1: The Curse of Cornelius Sigan
Merlin vs Sigan scene
Merlin's reaction to Sigan's persuasion was beautiful.
At first he was defensive. He knew Sigan was wrong but the things Sigan said were all the things he struggled with every day.
" That's not true" (that Arthur treated him like a slave) <- which I wish the show spent more effort to prove
" It doesn't matter" (that Arthur cast him aside)
" That's the way it has to be" (that he kept his power a secret).
I like how he gained more confidence in each denial he made. His face was more determined and his voice more stable. Because he had accepted his destiny to be a difficult path long ago. He just needed to remind himself sometimes.
***
But then Sigan said " To have Arthur know you for who you are"
This was what made Merlin hesitate. It was what Merlin wished the most. To show all of himself to Arthur. It wasn't really what Sigan was implying, but the phrasing was enough to make Merlin pause.
He still countered, " That can never be." but it was weaker and more resigned.
I'd like to think that was what made him look attempted by Sigan even just for a millisecond. Just that slight hope that he could be recognised by the person he cared the most.
***
Then of course,“ Arthur will kneel at your feet” was a total deal breaker.
I love how quick his demeanor changed at the mention of Arthur’s peril. He turned from a sweet boy to a powerful warlock in an instant. These villains just don’t understand.
(btw Collin and Bradley's commentary in this scene was delightful. Do check out.)
Ok, but...we need to talk about the wasted potential of these two
Two powerful and awesome villains, but the writers only used Morgana as the main villain :/
Nimueh was the Sorceress of Life and Death, was the final Keeper of the Isle of the Blessed, literally owned the Cup of Life, she's so powerful that her magic gave her youth which is why she looks so young even though her and Gaius are around the same age. She was also the last priestess who truly seemed to actually care about what the Old Religion had to say, even in her own twisted way. Also, Nimueh is honestly the only of the 3 High Priestesses where the justification of her actions didn't make me laugh or be like: "Riiiiiiiight...." lol
Sigan was the greatest sorcerer Camelot has ever known, before Merlin. His magic helped build Camelot itself and he is the only wizard who defeated death (except Merlin, who is immortal). This guy was so interesting, he had potential, but the writers turned him into a filler character.
We could have a Morgana, Nimueh and Sigan Team Up. Too bad, really...
Arthur is born in Camelot, the son of Uther Pendragon and Ygraine de Bois. Although his parents are a lord and lady respectively, like every other noble in Camelot, Arthur is destined to be little more than a glorified slave. Arthur wishes he could change this, wishes he could save the people, the kingdom, from the evil, immortal tyrant who ruled them, but none could defeat Cornelius Sigan, said to be the most powerful sorcerer in Albion.
However, Arthur hears a whisper from the druids, a whisper that Emrys has arrived, that he walks the land. Speaking of the prophecy has been banned in Camelot, but everyone knows it, that Emrys will raise the true king, the Once and Future King, to the throne of Camelot, and that he would reign as high king over Albion and bring his people into a golden age.
Arthur has no designs on being king, but he sets out on a mission to find Emrys, to help him overthrow Sigan, the cruel tyrant, and to help him crown the true king, a man Arthur would be proud to serve at last.
