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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - A Psychological Analysis Series Part 14

Why Merlin Wears The Same Clothes Across 5 Seasons Of The TV Show?

It would not be an exageration to state that Merlin wears the same 2 predominant outfits across all episodes of the TV series with some occasional deviation, namely:

Blue Shirt, Red Scarf, Brown Jacket

2. Red Shirt, Blue Scarf, Brown Jacket

Over the years I tried to guess some of the reasons, as to why the creators made this decision:

Budget:

While you would assume an internationally broadcasted TV show would have sufficient budget to dress up their lead protaganist. This simplistic design allows for an extremely budget friendly costume which would need multiple copies, in the event if the outfit got soiled or torn or have to be altered to fit Colin Morgan.

2. Reinforcing Familiarity:

Having a character with a particular defining fashion style helps establish a sense of familiarity for the viewer. Prior to streaming services, watching a TV Show meant the audience would spend multiple episodes across several seasons which could spans years. By not changing Merlin's outfit, it helped the audience view the character with a nostalgic lense evertime they watched the TV show which was spread across 5 years.

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However I came across this article that gave me a clue to build my theory on:

Here is what Julian Murphy, co-creator and executive producer had to say:

It all began in a restaurant on Kensington Church street, where I had lunch with the writer Jake Michie. And the pitch I gave him was very simple - It was 'I'd like to do the Arthurian story, but as an origin story in the same way that the Superman story had been done in [US TV series] Smallville.' And I think from there, it evolved.

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Superman is known for his iconic blue and red outfit, similar to Merlin.

So i decided to see how many character traits overlaps between Merlin and Superman in the Smallville TV Show:

In conclusion, Merlin is the Arthurian Superman and because he is Superman he has to wear Red and Blue as his defining outfit!

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 23 - Who Is Arthur Really Talking About In This Scene?

Time and again when I revisit this particular scene between Arthur and Merlin (referenced below) I can't help but notice how much "Merthur" has been implicitly queer coded in this show.

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The scene I am talking about is in the Season 2 Episode 4 titled "Lancelot and Guinevere" .

This episode can be summarized as follows:

Gwen is mistaken for Morgana and is kidnapped by Hengist. Uther refuses to pay the ransom or send a rescue party to save a servant. Arthur defies his father and sets out with Merlin to rescue Gwen. ______________________________________________________________

After Arthur and Merlin escape from the Wilddeoren, they have the following scene:

While the casual viewer will look at this scene and state it is Arthur confessing his love for Gwen, however LISTEN CAREFULLY TO WHAT THEME PLAYS FROM 0:55 SECONDS ONWARDS IN THE BACKGROUND OF THIS SCENE.

The theme it plays is Merlin's Arrival to Camelot:

Now ask youself why would the show put in "Merlin's Arrival to Camelot" theme in the background of a scene where Arthur is confessing his love for Gwen?

Especially when Arthur and Gwen already have a theme song called Gwen & Arthur Romance Suite.

Shockingly, the Gwen & Arthur Romance Suite is actually played in the background of a scene between Gwen and Lancelot when they kiss for the first time and Gwen states " As long as I live, my feelings for you will never fade."

Refer scene at 1:22 in the clip below:

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Going back to the scene between Merlin and Arthur, dont you think Arthur's description of Gwen can also be used for Merlin.

[EXT. FOREST, STREAM – DAY] [Arthur and Merlin wash off the Gaia berries by a stream.]

ARTHUR Gaia berries worked. Huh.

MERLIN You didn't know if they worked?

ARTHUR Not for sure.

MERLIN Now you tell me?! Oh! Oh, what's that Wildren eating? It's all right. It's just Merlin. You trying to get us both killed?

ARTHUR I'm sorry. I shouldn't've risked your life like that.

MERLIN Well, they do say love makes you do strange things.

ARTHUR What are you talking about?

MERLIN Why can't you just admit your feelings for Gwen?

[Arthur scoffs.]

MERLIN It's so obvious. A blind man could see it. Is it really that hard to admit you like her? Just say it. (MERLIN THEME STARTS TO PLAY)

ARTHUR I can't! How can I admit that I think about her all the time. Or that...I care about her more than anyone. How can I admit that...I don't know what I'll do if any harm comes to her?

(DID ARTHUR NOT RISK HIS OWN LIFE FOR MERLIN IN SEASON 1 EPISODE 4 THE POISONED CHALICE.

DID ARTHUR NOT FOLLOW MERLIN TO EALDOR IN SEASON 1 EPISODE 10 THE MOMENT OF TRUTH FOR A MERE SERVANT)

MERLIN Why can't you?

ARTHUR Because nothing can ever happen between us! (HOW TRUE! BBC SIMPLY WOULD NOT HAVE ALLOWED MERTHUR TO HAPPEN!) To admit my feelings knowing that...hurts too much.

MERLIN Who's to say nothing can happen?

ARTHUR My father won't let me rescue a servant. Do you honestly believe he'd let me marry one?

(IN SEASON 1 EPISODE 4 THE POISONED CHALICE. UTHER FORBADE ARTHUR TO RESCUE MERLIN AND EVEN HAD HIM IMPRISONED WHEN HE BROUGHT BACK THE CURE FOR MERLIN)

MERLIN You want to marry Gwen?

ARTHUR No! No...I...I don't know...It's all talk, and that's all it can ever be.

MERLIN When you're King, you can change that.

ARTHUR I can't expect Guinevere to wait for me.

MERLIN If she feels as you do, she'll wait for you.

(IN THE END OF THE SERIES, IT IS MERLIN WHO HAS BEEN WAITING FOR ARTHUR FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS!!)

ARTHUR We don't even know if she's still alive.

MERLIN No, she is. We will find her.

ARTHUR Come on. We've got a long trek ahead. Oh, and Merlin...if you dare tell anyone about this, I promise I will make your life a living hell.

MERLIN You mean, more than you already do?

ARTHUR Yeah.

MERLIN We could talk about your feelings while you walk.

ARTHUR Shut up, Merlin.

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I also managed to get a snapshot of a commentary Bradley James and Colin Morgan did for this particular episode and it is available on the DVD. Bradley's commentary is indeed very telling.

I REST MY CASE !!!

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 22 - Caption This !

AFTERMATH OF WHEN ARTHUR ROUGHLY FONDLES MERLIN'S GENITALS WITH HIS KNEE WHILE CAUGHT IN A TIGHT-KNIT TRAP

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 21 - Uther v/s Captain Ahab

As per my usual Christmas tradition, I need trauma to balance out the Christmas cheer so I subjected myself to watch the Merlin series all over again for the 11th year in a row!!!!!

Me before watching Merlin:

Me after watching Merlin:

While viewing the series this time around, Uther's character really stood out to me.

There is something about the way the writers choose to write Uther's character that made him come across as being more ""flawed" rather than the cold calculating antagonist that has been popularized by Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister in Game Of Thrones.

It is a real coincidence as Charles Dance himself appeared in the Merlin series as Aredian in the Witchfinder episode.

All credit must be given to Anthony Head, whose portrayal balances the multiple requirements the script demands with brilliance be it stoic, emotional and/or comedic elements.

But it was while watching the episode "The Tears of Uther Pendragon" that I could not help but find overlaps between Uther Pendragon ( 2008 Merlin BBC TV Series) and Captain Ahab (1851 Book Moby Dick)

So I felt that it could become a Tumblr post.

Here is my attempt to outline the similarities between our antagonists.

Leadership Qualities

Captain Ahab is the chief captain of the Pequod and leads a crew in various whaling expeditions.

Uther is the king of Camelot and rules the kingdom of Camelot.

Motivated By Revenge

Captain Ahab had become disabled when the white whale, Moby Dick had bitten off Ahab's leg during a whale hunting expedition. Over his long recovery, Ahab believes that Moby Dick acted with deliberate intelligence and commits himself to avenging his lost leg.

Uther had become a widower when his infertile wife who was impregnated through magic died at childbirth. Overcome by grief he believes magic to be evil and vows vengeance against everyone who uses magic.  

Accidental Death

Captain Ahab throws his harpoon and hits Moby Dick, but its line wraps around his neck and drags him off his boat when the whale dives, drowning him

Uther is accidentally killed by Merlin when a magical artifact reverses the healing spell into a killing spell.

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 20 - Merlin Does Not Return To Camelot After Arthur’s Death

A lot of fan fictions have been written and discussions done about what happens after Arthur’s death. So lets us look at the cannon facts presented to us:

In Season 5 Episode 13 | Merlin To Arthur : “I am a sorcerer, I have magic and I use it for you Arthur only for you”

( TIME STAMP : 1:40 )

2) In Season 5 Episode 13 | Merlin To Arthur : “Camelot’s nothing without you”

3) During Gwen’s coronation scene, Merlin is absent.

4) Merlin is seen walking along a road in modern times ALONE.

Merlin has no incentive to return to Camelot. For Merlin, Camelot and Arthur are one and the same.

With Merlin being absent, Camelot falls to the Saxons as the impeding threat of Saxons was already highlighted in the last episode:

Merlin maybe incentivized to not intervene and protect Camelot because he thinks it would hasten the return of Arthur.

Using the cannon facts listed above, we can deduce that Merlin Does Not Return To Camelot After Arthur’s Death

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 19 - Gauis’ Longevity

While watching the TV show, I was surprised to notice the extra-ordinary long life span of Gauis.

Despite being the oldest recurring character in the series, he outlives Uther, Lancelot, Gwaine, Morgana and even ARTHUR!!!!!

Like For Real?

The more I think about it the answer lies in the Season 1 Episode 13 - Le Morte D'Arthur .

A quick Synopisis

In this episode, Arthur is mortally wounded by the questing beast. Merlin goes to Nimueh to bargain his life for Arthur’s. While Arthur recovers it is Merlin’s mother Hunith whose life now hangs in the balance. Merlin decides to exchange his life for Hunith’s but Gauis reaches Nimueh before Merlin and bargains his life instead

When Merlin meets Nimueh, he sees Gauis lying unconscious presumably dead.

Merlin angrily shouts, saying he bargained his life for Arthur’s, not Hunith, Gaius or anyone else. Nimueh says the Old Religion does not care who lives or dies, only the natural balance of life and death is restored i.e Life pays with Life

They engage in a magical battle; Nimueh injures Merlin who tells Nimueh: “You should not have killed my friend!” She is then struck by lightning summoned by Merlin, and dies.

Gaius awakens because Nimueh’s death has compensated for his own.

Nimueh was a priestess of the old Religion. It was she who impregnated Ygraine ( Arthur’s Mother) using magic which lead to her death and the beginning of Uther’s persecution against magic users. However despite being older than Merlin she appears to be the same age as him. This proves that her aging process is very slow and/or she has a very long life span.

Since Nimueh’s death revived Gauis, he ends up inheriting her lifespan and/or slow aging process.

This could explain how Gauis seemed to recover quite well despite being brutally tortured in the Witchfinder episode. A man of his age could not have survived or not recovered as well from such an ordeal.

I think the Merlin creators were inspired by this plot from Harry Potter.

[merlincersei]

Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 18 - Who's The Boss - Arthur Or Merlin ?

One of my favorite episode of TV series Community is the one where Abed takes a class on Who's The Boss?.

I thought it would make an excellent topic for Merlin because the dynamic Angela and Tony share is quite similar to Arthur and Merlin.

For those unfamiliar with Who's The Boss, here is a brief synopsis:

Tony takes a job as a live-in housekeeper for Angela Bower and her young son and moves in with his daughter. The title of the show refers to the role reversal of Tony and Angela. Angela is the breadwinner of the home, and Tony (although he is not her husband) stays at home and takes care of the household and provides guidance and support to the children. While there is banter and many hints of their feelings for each other, Tony and Angela do their best to avoid facing this aspect of their developing relationship. In the meantime, however, they learn to rely on each other frequently for emotional support. Despite Angela being the employer of Tony, the series always questions, who is really in charge of the household.

Power dynamics within the Merlin BBC TV Show:

Arthur is a royal and Merlin is his manservant. Considering the show is set in a medieval fantasy world where the social hierarchy is strictly defined, the question Who's The Boss should be a moot point.

However we see Merlin constantly banter with, berate, humiliate, interfere with, refuse, make demand of, advise, comfort, defy and mock Arthur.

These are actions, that are quite unbecoming of a mere servant and forces us to critically evaluate the power balance of their relationship.

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Lets implement the Professor's Episode - Conclusion Domination Index Plot model from the Community episode.

The basis of this model is simple. It states that a person gets the upper-hand by having the last word edge wise during the conclusion of every episode.

The basis of verification is as follows:

Season 1 Episode 1 : Concludes with Arthur expressing his displeasure of having Merlin be his manservant. Merlin is then summoned by Arthur to carry out a task. Arthur ends up getting the better of Merlin here.

Season 1 Episode 2 : Concludes with Arthur admitting his mistake to Merlin and rehiring him. Following which he promptly delegates Merlin a series of tasks to do. According to me, Arthur ends up getting the better of Merlin here again.

I have listed A for Arthur and M for Merlin in the table below.

In Season 1: Merlin gets the upper hand in 7 of 13 episodes i.e. 54%

In Season 2: Merlin gets the upper hand in 8 of 13 episodes i.e. 62%

In Season 3: Merlin gets the upper hand in 9 of 13 episodes i.e. 69%

In Season 4: Merlin gets the upper hand in 9 of 13 episodes i.e. 69%

In Season 5: Merlin gets the upper hand in 7 of 13 episodes i.e. 54%

In the Entire Series: Merlin gets the upper hand in 40 of 65 episodes i.e. 62 %

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So the answer to the eternal question Who's The Boss in the Merlin TV Show is..............................................................................................

ARTHUR PENDRAGON

This is due to the fact that the Professor's model fails to take into account defining plot points that occur in a series.

The entire model presented above is refuted by this one single scene between Arthur and Merlin.

Merlin despite being a powerful sorcerer agrees to becomes Arthur's servant ( reluctantly at first but devoutly by the end of the series)

Since Merlin is the main titular protagonist, we the audience are conditioned to see Merlin subvert traditional class roles and get the upper hand.

When that fails and Arthur gets the upper hand, there is a sense of subconscious discomfort. It would also explain why certain people in the fandom feel Merlin was mistreated by Arthur and that is true to a certain extent as Arthur in Season 5 Episode 13 apologizes to Merlin as to how he has treated him.

However Merlin gives it to Arthur as good as he gets and despite being in a position to leave anytime, continues to serve Arthur.

The underlying reason to their "codependent relationship" is better explored in my other post here:

BUT THE SIMPLEST ANSWER TO THE QUESTION RAISED IN THIS POST IS THAT ARTHUR IS THE BOSS AND THEREFORE LIKE ALL BOSSES HE IS A...

Mention in the replies below, who do you think was the boss?

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 17 - Crazy Parallels Between Gwen And Merlin Character Arc

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 16 - Papa Don’t Preach : Uther v/s Balinor

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 15 - 2008 Blind Item Gossip !

While the actors from the TV show have been relatively scandal free and you would be hard pressed to find any gossip about any one of them, I did find this obscure piece of blind item gossip which was posted on November 28, 2008 in the now defunct British gossip website HOLY MOLY :

WHICH YOUNG ACTOR IS HUNGRILY HOOVERING UP AS MUCH COKE AS HE CAN GET HIS HANDS ON? HE THINKS IT'S A KIND OF MAGIC, BUT UNFORTUNATELY ONE THAT GIVES HIM A TWO-DAY BOUT OF DEPRESSION AND MAKES HIM SHOUT UTTER BOLLOCKS AT STRANGERS FOR HOURS. OH, AND HE ALSO LIKES TO PULL RABBITS OUT OF MEN'S BOTTOMS RATHER THAN A LADY'S MARY.

The actor was later revealed to be Colin Morgan.

You can find the archived version here : http://www.agcwebpages.com/BLINDITEMS/2008/NOVDEC.html

While this piece of information should be taken with a "pinch of salt", I did notice this interesting behind the scenes information that Bradley James shared with Katie McGrath while providing the commentary for Merlin Season 3 Episode 1 ( Tears Of Uther Pendragon):

Makes you go Hmmmmmmmm!

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 14 - Caption This !

What's Going On Here ? Post Your Replies In The Comment Section

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 13 - Season 2 Soundtrack Review

Rob Lane and Rohan Stevenson continue to excel in the Season 2 soundtrack following the epic scores from Season 1.

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You can listen to the soundtrack on Youtube. Refer link below:

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You can listen to the soundtrack on Spotify. Refer link below:

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You can purchase the soundtrack on Amazon. Refer link below:

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REVIEW

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Season 1’s soundtrack took a more conservative and gradual route to introduce the main theme whereas Season 2 starts off with a bang, jumping directly into “Main Titles”.

This string-and-trumpet-heavy theme is backed by the voices of the Philharmonia Chorus for an unforgettable, heroic beginning to the album.

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“Sigan’s Revenge” is a track of overall darkness and choral mayhem, driven forwards by an insistent trumpet ostinato.

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“Attraction of Evil” is a heavily percussion-laced cue, crescendoing to a massive buildup, with chant-like, guttural male chorus in the background.

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We are introduced to the love theme of Arthur and Guinevere in “ Gwen & Arthur''

The orchestration in this track and subsequent tracks featuring this theme is superb as it utilizes a solo violin.

This theme also brings to mind James Horner’s "Braveheart" and the two definitely share some of the same motivic elements.

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“Avalon” relies on harp and choir for a very mysterious and dark effect.

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“The Substitute Knight” is a light and playful, and very medieval-sounding score.

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“The Joust” is an adventurous score with a rhythmic percussion accompaniment.

The action quickly picks up as the actual joust in the show begins, and the epic choir and brass are used here to great effect.

To me it is very reminiscent of some of Howard Shore’s "The Lord of the Rings" soundtrack.

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“Myror the Assassin” is simply a slightly more action-packed “Avalon”-like track, but it does its job well on screen.

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“Lancelot Leaves” once again makes great use of solo violin for the score’s more tender moments.

The music builds with the entrance of a French horn section.

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“The Machinations of Cedric” is another typical mysterious cue, though at about halfway in it recalls a bit of the playfulness of “The Substitute Knight”. This then segues into “The Mark of the Raven”, which in my opinion should have simply been combined with “The Machinations of Cedric” into one track, as they come off as being so similar (and insignificant on their own).

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“Sigan’s Tomb” finally starts to change things up, with a more fast-paced beginning and a sense of overall creepiness utilizing different methods than the previous two tracks (i.e. percussion, celeste, etc.).

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“Settlement Attack” starts off with a bang, being ushered in with a drum roll and then moving onto a sixteenth-note string ostinato.

Synthesized brass is once again heavily relied upon (possibly with a mixture of live musicians, as well).

Everything seems to die away around halfway through the track, but then another drum roll and the string ostinato remind us that the track isn’t yet over.

Strings punctuated by bass trombone hits build up the creep factor of the track, before dying back down to a much softer driving string ostinato, sounding rather like some of Hans Zimmer’s music for "The Dark Knight". The ostinato falls apart gradually, while brass choir closes the track.

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“Gaius Arraigned” is the only song composed by James Gosling. making use of the show’s fondness for dark choral music.

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“Farewell to Gwen” is basically a string chorale, where once again a gorgeous solo violin pierces the texture. A solo horn alludes to the "Gwen & Arthur" theme, before the violin and a trumpet take the theme to fruition.

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“The Forged Seal” is another comedic track, with lots of limber string pizzicatos and crafty clarinets.

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“Lancelot’s Heroism” is truly epic, and the mix here of instruments and voices is very well done.

What sounds like a lone male voice underscores much of the melody in the strings and brass, while remaining loud enough to be heard and yet quiet enough to not sound like a solo.

People who like cymbals would love this track.

Absolutely beautiful strings close out the track, another high point of this album.

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"Morgana’s Nightmare” is not much different from the other choral tracks on the album, until close to the end, when fast strings move sinisterly underneath the melody.

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“Hiding Excalibur” is a rather curious track in regards to the fact the legendary sword doesn’t show up nor is even mentioned at all in Season 2!!!!!!

The last time we heard of/saw it was in Season 1’s finale.

However, a title doesn’t stop the track from succeeding musically, and it builds up to a fantastical climax that wouldn’t sound too out-of-place in Harry Gregson-Williams’ "The Chronicles of Narnia" soundscape.

This cue really hits home as sounding like the end of the album… but it’s not!

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“Finale” is by far the true gem of this album, and at almost 9 minutes in length, it’s almost no wonder why!

The track starts with "Gwen & Arthur" theme and is followed by an extensive battle segment which, you guessed it, is full of great choral writing.

What closes out this album is an almost LOST-like (at the beginning of it, at least) string chorale, joined by soft choir in what is quite possibly the most emotionally rewarding moment of this score.

This theme made several appearances in Season 2, and at least one I can think of, in Season 3.

It is simply one of the best segments of music I’ve heard so far for this show.

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CONCLUSION

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My only criticism of the soundtrack would be they could had made more use of a live orchestra, but unfortunately may have run into budget constraints.

Still, we should be thankful that there are any real instruments used for this, as so many shows nowadays unfortunately are resorting entirely to synthesizers.

Overall for a TV show made in the 2000's by the BBC the soundtrack delivers some great music, as well as a few memories of what the first season had to offer.

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 12 - Caption This !

What's Going On Here ? Post Your Replies In The Comment Section

I ALWAYS THOUGHT MERLIN WAS A POWER BOTTOM !

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Merlin BBC UK TV Show - A Psychological Analysis Series Part 13

The Meaning Of Pendragon In The TV Show

The 3 prominent characters in the TV show who bear the Pendragon last name are Uther, Arthur and Morgana.

The name has its origin in the Old Welsh language

The Arthurian legends were mainly written in the medieval age.

However Arthur's literary origins lie in the Dark ages.

The TV creators have already stated it was their intention to reinterpret Arthurian legends using a modern Smallville format which is modern American in its narrative.

Source:

Even though the TV show does not specify the time period it is set in, it uses a lot of medieval imagery such as plated armor, chain mail, carriages etc.. which were all medieval inventions.

So this dark age last name used within a medieval world but portrayed through a modern 21st century American narrative takes a whole new meaning.

The show also gives us a literal meaning to Pendragon as Uther even sent a dragon to the pen ( Kilgaragh is imprisoned underneath the cavern of Camelot )

Here the name takes the overtures of being a TYRANT.

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Uther:

He fits the classic definition of a tyrant.

I don't even have to list all of Uther's crimes because Merlin as Dragoon literally calls him a tyrant to his face listing all his misdeeds in the following clip:

It is Uther who lends his last name to Morgana and Arthur and all the baggage that comes with it.

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Morgana:

It is very telling that the moment Morgana realizes that Uther is her father, she rejects Uther as she does not want to associate with what Uther Pendragon represents.

However the Pendragon traits soon manifests within her as she undergoes the tragic transformation from being a brave and loyal friend who helped a lowly servant by going to his village and helping him defend it to being this embittered villainess who shows dictatorial traits.

Her struggle for self acceptance as a magical being and protesting against the persecution of magic users soon manifests as a crusade against the non magical users based on revenge.

The Pendragon legacy here acts as a genetic pathological mental illness that is triggered through grief and betrayal. Morgana being poisoned by Merlin being the trigger for Morgana as Ygraine's death was for Uther.

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Arthur:

Uther is the typical distant and repressive fatherly figure who has channeled all his hopes and emotions on his sole male heir i.e. Arthur.

Arthur had a strict military training who is only allowed to show his masculine, aggressive side

Unlike Morgana, Arthur constantly feels the pressure to live up to Pendragon name. The Sword in the Stone: Part 1 and 2 episodes perfectly highlights Arthur's insecurities.

Merlin who is privy to Arthur's psyche more than anyone in the series, has seen the Pendragon rage manifest in Arthur such as:

Arthur willing to kill Uther (Refer Episode: The Sins of the Father)

Arthur banishing Gwen under the punishment of death (Refer Episode: Lancelot Du Lac)

Arthur vowing vengeance against Agravaine (Refer Episode: The Sword in the Stone Part 1)

Arthur vows to punish Dragoon after Uther dies (Refer Episode: The Wicked Day)

In all the above situations, it is Merlin who provides counsel and/or emotional support to Arthur to exercise prudence and not give in to his rage.

IT IS ONE OF THE KEY REASON WHY MERLIN DOES NOT REVEAL HIS MAGIC TO ARTHUR UNTILL THE VERY END !!!

The dialogue in the scene above is very revealing.

ARTHUR: Why did you never tell me?

MERLIN: I wanted to but...

ARTHUR: What?

MERLIN: You would have chopped my head off.

ARTHUR: I am not sure what I would have done

MERLIN: I did not want to put you in that position

ARTHUR: That's what worried you

Merlin knows the trigger for Pendragon rage is betrayal and grief.

Merlin knows it was his betrayal of Morgana that lead her down a dark path.

Had Merlin revealed his magic to Arthur earlier he would never have earned Arthur's trust to be in a position to counsel him during his darkest moments.

Merlin being the other half of Arthur as stated by Kilgaragh acts a superego for Arthur trying to counterbalance his aggressive Pendragon tendencies .

Kilgaragh had told Merlin it was his mission to mold Arthur into being a great king. (Refer Episode: Dragons' Call)

Merlin's influence on Arthur is really exemplified in the episode "Death Song Of Uther Pendragon" , where Arthur confronts Uther:

Merlin then confronts Uther's ghost, reiterating that Arthur is indeed very unlike Uther.

This episode ends with Arthur rejecting Uther and what Uther stands for, by blowing the Horn of Cathbhadh and sending Uther back to the spirit realm.

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In Conclusion:

It was a masterful stroke by the series creators to have Morgana and Arthur introduced to the audience in contrasting light. (Refer Episode: Dragons' Call)

Morgana is shown distressed as a man is executed by Uther for being a sorcerer whereas Arthur is seen bullying one of his squires.

The audience is only privy to the information that Arthur is Uther's son and Morgana is unrelated to Uther resulting in the viewer sympathizing with Morgana and rooting against Arthur.

However as the series progresses and as Morgana's identity is revealed. We see her succumb to the Pendragon traits despite her abject hatred of Uther . Whereas Arthur ultimately rejects Uther and Uther's ideology despite constantly seeking his validation throughout the series.

Morgana ( Hero to Villan ) and Arthur's ( Villan To Hero) character arc ends up in complete opposite directions from where they began.

Both characters are scarred by trauma, loss and betrayals they have experienced compounded by the less than stellar parenting of Uther Pendragon.

It is very poignant that the series ends with Gwen on the throne and not a Pendragon signifying a new future for Camelot.

[merlincersei]

Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 11 - Kingdom Come Is Fanfiction !!!

A tumblr user recently bought to my attention that there is an un filmed Season 6 script for Merlin.

Please refer link below:

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They also have a Youtube channel where they have uploaded a "trailer" for Season 6.

They have also prepared a playlist of soundtracks for each episode:

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This is what is mentioned on their Tumblr site:

We are a team of writers who have written a complete script for a sixth and final season of BBC's Merlin, entitled “Merlin: Kingdom Come.” To be clear, this is not merely fanfiction or a spin-off. Rather, it is a serious and finished script, in continuity with the characters as they were portrayed onscreen -- but also taking inspiration from opinions expressed by the actors themselves. Although we thought the ending of season five was quite beautiful, we also saw many possibilities as to how the storyline could be further developed. It took roughly a year and a half to write.

In February of 2015, we sent a query letter to Alex Mahon who passed it on to Daniel Isaacs, a joint CEO for Kudos. They were very gracious in their responses to us. Isaacs told us the team that made Merlin had all moved on and no longer worked within the Shine Group, and that while they did discuss continuing the show, their broadcasters had decided against it.

Unsure of what to do with the script, we decided to put it aside for a while. However, although there are no further plans within BBC to continue the show, we thought it would be a shame for it to never see the light of day -- and we believe many Merlin fans would deeply appreciate it. With that in mind, we've decided to post it here, one episode at a time. Spread the word!

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Upon closer inspection, there is a tiny blurb which states the following:

Question: What relation do we have to the makers of Merlin?

Answer: As stated in the description of our Merlin Season 6 Trailer on youtube: *This project is not affiliated with BBC or Shine in any way. We do not claim, nor intend the impression of, any rights to BBC's Merlin, nor the characters created by Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy. This is merely a work of creative commentary and is in no way for monetary gain.*

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PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS FANFICTION AND NOTHING ELSE !!!

I don't have problems with people writing fanfiction.

Fanfiction is by definition stories involving popular fictional characters that are written by fans and often posted on the Internet.

However I cant help but feel that these people used some very deceptive means in trying to legitimize their fanfiction by insisting they have written an official script.

I am very passionate about Merlin , so I don't take kindly to such practices !!!!!!!!

[merlincersei]

Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 10 - Horoscope Compatibility Between Bradley James and Colin Morgan

Apparently there are online software tools, that you can use to find the astrological compatibility between 2 people based on their birth dates.

I decided to make a more light hearted post here to explore the compatibility between Bradley James and Colin Morgan using this free website tool :

https://astro.cafeastrology.com/astro.php?page=comp2f

Bradley James:

Date Of Birth: October 11, 1983

Sun Sign: Libra

Colin Morgan:

Date Of Birth: January 01, 1986

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Inter-planetary aspects

The following aspects between planets concern the possible relationships between two charts, especially the emotional and romantic relationship, but also aspects on social, intellectual, and spiritual levels.

The values next to the orbs in the chart above are part of a rating system. Keep in mind that these figures serve only as a possible guideline to reveal which aspects may be considered easy or challenging. Analysis of a relationship is, of course, very complex. While some aspects can be considered, on their own, difficult for most people, some will have an easier time with them, and the same is true of easy aspects. As well, all relationships will--and should-- have a mix of easy and challenging aspects.

When analyzing compatibility, always use your own logic and intuition to put these influences together. This is the case for anything you read in the report, on the site, on other sites, and in books. These are guidelines and possibilities only, and are not meant to pass judgment on a relationship. Read more about these combinations on Cafe Astrology (Synastry/Relationship Astrology category), on other astrology sites, and in astrology books.

-148 Square Mercury - Venus

Challenging aspect: Their relationship can sometimes be agreeable, sometimes disturbed. They tend to like to share their ideas that are not always to the other's taste, so that they may have interminable discussions in order to convince each other of their mistakes, lack of judgement, or lack of taste. It's best to be aware of this bickering tendency to overcome it, as it can slowly eat away at a relationship.

+123 Trine Sun - Jupiter

Positive aspect: Here is a couple you like to be with. They are charming, agreeable and know how to entertain their friends generously and warmly. They go well together, and love each other in a discrete and sincere way, and appreciate the joys of life together.

-117 Square Mercury - Neptune

Challenging aspect: This relationship can somehow encourage illusions and the disappointments that follow. These two people can have a hard time understanding each other and if they insist on living together, the little deceptions or lies can add up and undermine the relationship. It's important to be clear and to clear up misconceptions.

-114 Square Venus - Saturn

Challenging aspect: This can bring difficulties to the union. Although difficult, it's an aspect that is often found in long term couples. Over the long term, it can be very difficult for Venus to feel natural and comfortable in Saturn's presence, as Saturn may at times appear too austere, cold, or distant, and can put Venus ill at ease.

+93 Trine Venus - Mars

Positive aspect: This is a union that is particularly based on physical understanding, passionate love. There is a lot of affection between them, and they need to express it physically. Plenty of attraction here.

+93 Conjunction Saturn - Uranus

Positive aspect: Favorable union, linking invention and originality with common sense and thoughtfulness. They might do great things together.

+91 Conjunction Mercury - Neptune

Positive aspect: Good spiritual understanding. This is the kind of relationship in which they finish one another's sentences. The connection encourages imagination.

-89 Square Mars - Saturn

Challenging aspect: It can be challenging for such a union to run smoothly, and if it progresses, it could easily become unbearable! Both parties must be committed to happiness in order for this to work. It is important not to frequently stop, thwart, or restrict one another.

+83 Conjunction Jupiter - Saturn

Positive/Supportive aspect: This is not a defining element of compatibility, but it is supportive. A favorable union, a joyful family life. Thanks to Saturn, this couple rarely enters any adventure lightly and instead tends to work out and think things through. Many plans may be made together.

+75 Sextile Mercury - Saturn

Positive aspect: If Mercury is looking for a mother or father in the spouse, then this aspect is very favorable. Saturn will give a lot on the intellectual level and in life in general.

+75 Conjunction Saturn - Pluto

Positive aspect: Favorable union. They help one another to achieve their ambitions and goals.

+70 Trine Venus - Neptune

Positive aspect: Favorable union, there can be shared artistic tastes and common sensibilities. There can be a focus on fantasy, gentleness, and romance or compassion and acceptance.

+69 Trine Venus - Venus

Positive aspect: Complete respect for each other's romantic style. They don't easily offend each other and instinctively understand what makes the other person happy. Conflicts arise, but they are generally smoothed over with ease, as there is good will between them. Very good aspect for a successful union. Love, gaiety, understanding.

+59 Sextile Sun - Uranus

Positive aspect: The Sun person will be enriched by this relationship with Uranus, which will lead to the discovery of a new world, original and full of change. They will go well together, but the Uranus person may resist marriage, at least on a formal level. In some cases, the relationship works better when the bond is not formalized, simply for the sake of the Uranus person's sense of freedom.

+59 Sextile Mars - Pluto

Positive aspect: Enormous physical passion. The sexual attraction is intense and insistent. They want to be around each other as much as possible. Their sexual relationship evolves with time, instead of dissolves.

+54 Sextile Venus - Saturn

Positive aspect: This union could be favorable and lasting, if Venus is really looking for a mature person to be with. There can be a certain level of self-consciousness together that is always present, no matter how long they are together. There is a lot of loyalty between them, and a feeling of responsibility for one another.

+54 Trine Mars - Lunar node

Positive aspect: This is one indicator that suggests the relationship will endure. The union or love, passion, grows and lasts.

+46 Trine Jupiter - Lunar node

Positive aspect: They are made for each other. They go well together, have intellectual understanding and confidence in each other, a harmonious couple.

+41 Sextile Saturn - Neptune

Positive aspect: Favorable union. Neptune brings dreams to Saturn if they're lacking, and Saturn brings common sense to Neptune when they're lacking.

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I SWEAR TO GOD I DID NOT ALTER A SINGLE WORD IN THE ARTICLE LISTED.

DOES THIS NOT SOUND LIKE THEIR RELATIONSHIP AS ARTHUR AND MERLIN.

NO WONDER PEOPLE SHIP THESE TWO !!!

ALL COPY RIGHTS BELONG TO CAFEASTROLOGY.

[merlincersei]

Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 09 - The Little Mermaid v/s Merlin

Thank you all for to the wonderful response I received on my post here :

The same friend and I ended up discussing the show in even greater detail.

Whilst my friend was more receptive to the "progressive sub-text" within the show his major issue was what he called a fairy tale treatment of a gritty story.

I retorted that fairy tales have universal appeal and often contain in them morals and lessons which lend to a more complex narrative upon further inspection.

As our talks went on, I could not help but find narrative overlaps between the 2008 Merlin TV Series and Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid fairy tale published during 1830's.

So I felt that it could become a Tumblr post.

PLEASE DONT CONFUSE THIS WITH THE DISNEY ANIMATED AND LIVE ACTION FILMS !!!!

Here is my attempt to outline the similarities between our protagonists and the themes.

Raised by single parents

Merlin was raised by Hunith whereas the Mermaid was raised by

the Sea King.

They both feel alienated

The Mermaid feels alone while living in the ocean forever trying to

connect with the world around her.

Merlin also feels like he didn’t belong in the village he lived in.

They both leave their childhood homes

Merlin leaves Ealdor and goes to Camelot whereas the Mermaid

leaves the underwater sea and goes to the Prince's kingdom

They end up saving the life of their soul-mate upon their initial interaction

Merlin saves Arthur's life in Season 1 Episode 1 whereas the

Mermaid saves the Prince from drowning when his ship catches

fire.

They have longer life span than their soul-mate

Merlin is an immortal whereas Arthur's death has been foretold.

The Mermaid is told by her grandmother that she could live for

300 years whereas humans live for a shorter time.

Their soul-mate is unaware of their true identity

Arthur is unaware of Merlin's magic till the very last episode

similarly the Prince is unaware of the Mermaid's identity.

They give up their identity for their soul-mate

Merlin despite being a powerful sorcerer becomes Arthur's servant

whereas the Mermaid gives up being a princess and becomes

human.

They prioritize their soul-mate ahead of themselves

Merlin convinces Arthur not to legalize magic as he thinks this

will save Arthur's life, even though his own circumstances would

change for the better.

The Mermaid does not kill the prince even though it would save her

own life in the end.

The story ends in death.

Arthur dies in Merlin's arms.

The Mermaid dies heartbroken with her body turning to foam.

Queer themes

I have already outlined magic being a methaphor in my post here:

The Little Mermaid's queer themes can be read in the article here:

Silence as a theme of repression

The Mermaid is literally silenced by the Sea Witch in order to fit into heterosexual human society.

Merlin chooses to remain silent despite seeing the injustice and persecution of queer magical creatures around him. If Merlin had expressed himself he would be arrested or even put to death. 

Sea Witch and Morgana

The Sea Witch is an antagonist in the The Little Mermaid and Morgana is the chief antagonist in the Merlin series.

In popular mythology there was a Sea Witch named Morgana who was a main contributor in luring sailors to their deaths.

I thought this was a remarkable coincidence when researching this topic