What is it to be noble?

MERLIN: 1.05 “Lancelot”

Clearly, I must like this show. While I’ve been a terrible blogger and I haven’t been watching Merlin live, I did sit down last night and watch the first four episodes in one sitting. I don’t think I could do that with a show that I didn’t like. Let alone wake up the next day and watch the fifth episode. (The one I was supposed to cover for KT in her absense…sorry for the delay.)

I’m impressed with the series. I sit down and feel like I’m watching a movie. I love the feel of the show. That being said, it does need a little help with the green screen. This episode was a prime example. They needed a little work with fighting the griffin. But you know? I still liked it.

I know little about the various versions of the legend of King Arthur, but it was interesting to see the development between Arthur and Lancelot. I guess knowing their ultimate destinies (and isn’t that the key word of the series?), I thought there’d be conflict, but to see the comaradarie between the two–to watch Arthur defend him… It was nice.

Arthur’s been a surprise to me. He started off the series as such a jerk. Even the friendship between him and Merlin has been a great surprise to me. But you know what? It’s actually really great.

I was under the impression when I started this series that Arthur would be the one I’d dislike. I mean, sure, there’s the ruthless king (though I adore Anthony Head), but it’s a great thing to find yourself rooting for Arthur.

Anyway, as for this episode specifically, you had to root for the underdog, too. Poor Lancelot. Getting blamed for forging his paperwork (and why, after Gwen got blamed for witchcraft would Merlin not assume that if the forgery was discovered, Lancelot wouldn’t be blamed?). Doing all this just to end up leaving town. Of course, I can’t wait to see him again (and we all know we will).

But what of the griffin? We knew he was a magical creature, and you’d think by now King Uther wouldn’t be so surprised that something is based in magic. But you know one thing that wasn’t asked? Who brought it about? Should we assume it was the same sorceress as the last two episodes? Or was it someone different? And will we find out?

I would love to discover that there’s another sorcerer in our midst. Mostly, because it might reveal more of what happened twenty years ago that Uther is so scared of.

And on another point, I liked that Lancelot discovered Merlin’s secret. There’s only so far you can go where you believe people just don’t notice. And while he might have noticed the glowing weapon, I was sure he didn’t hear the spell itself. But he did.

And in the end, I think Lancelot was noble. Fit for a knight. He wouldn’t even take credit for taking down the griffin. Noble blood or not, it’s there. But maybe that’s obvious.

What maybe not as obvious was Gaius. Did anyone else notice that he suggested that he’d lose his life for Merlin? I know little about the background of Merlin, but that sure seems like forceful foreshadowing to me. And that will be one sad episode, I’m sure.

Oh, speaking of the legend, I do like how they’re able to play with what we already know. Asking Gwen who she’d prefer–Arthur or Lancelot–and having Gwen insist it would never be an issue. Loved it.

Anyway, I wish I had more to say, but at this point, I have five episode blending in my wee head! I can’t wait for tomorrow’s episode, though. Or for KT to return. She’s got these British shows down. Bear with me for a little while longer! I’ll try to be at least more punctual, if not more analytical.

Becoming the best in the end

ELI STONE: 2.12 “Tailspin”

I’m in Boston, so last Saturday  night I spent the evening watching the July 4th fireworks. In other words, I missed Eli Stone, and I had to watch it later. In the meantime, I saw a post discussing whether ABC really needed to air these last four episode of Eli Stone. Their argument? The show’s getting better and better…just as we reach the series finale tonight.

And I didn’t think much of it. I’ve always been a fan of the show, and I’m just glad that someone else was reaching my point of view. Then I saw last week’s episode. And it was fantastic.

I’m a sucker for my favorite shows. As I mentioned in my series finale post of The Unusuals, I’m an EIV. Emotionally Invested Viewer. And I tend to get a little sentimental when I know a show is ending. Series finales get me every time. But what can you do?

So as tonight’s episode gets closer and closer, I couldn’t help but think about it when watching this fantastic episode. When Jordan won the humanitarian award, hearing Taylor’s speech, and seeing the surprised, sentimental smile on Jordan’s face…ok, so I watered up. He just looked so genuine. It meant so much more to him than to Posner–which just meant so much to us. I’m going to miss Jordan! And the fact that he changed so much and risked everything, just to follow Eli in his belief system for a better world. The fact that they’ve turned Taylor, Keith–even Matt Dowd–into the arena for good and not money. Amazing.

And then bring in what Eli discovered about his father. He risked it all for the dark vision, all so that he could save as many people in a plane as possible. And one of those people? Grace.

I’ve said it before and I’ve said it again: I’ve always wanted Eli with Grace. I think they’re perfect with each other. And maybe now that the show is ending, they’ll rewrite the ending so that he does end up with her. But what about that vision? The one with “Live Brave,” and Maggie and Eli’s child?

I’d give anything for that not to happen.

And what about Maggie? We saw a connection between her and Paul in this episode, when he explains the fake persona that he wears as a partner. But isn’t it odd how they were arguing the entire episode when we saw them drive off together in the last episode? That wasn’t a vision of Eli’s (like Rome was). But it happened. So did I skip a step here?

Anyway, this episode also made me appreciate the show on another level: They’re not afraid to put these characters in a current-event situation. I mean, the idea of overpaid CEOs getting bonuses while people are unemployed and laid off is huge right now. And I loved that they gave it to the underdog. I thought they’d pay him 43 million dollars–the bonus of the ex-CEO–but over 200 million? Wow. That was just great.

Overall, a fantastic episode on many levels: We got the reveal about Eli’s father, more stuff about Grace (also a reveal), making up with Chen and Nate, happiness for the firm, an award–one much better than Posner’s–for Jordan. Happiness. Plus, Gina Torres appeared. Who could ask for more?

I could. I want more. More episode. More seasons. More than just one episode tonight. Eli Stone, I’ll miss you.