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After just seeing the preview of this episode, I was excited. I'm not sure if it's because of the drama caused by Morgana continuing her evil ways or if it's the Arthur/Gwen growing love that gets me. From last week, we know that Morgana is aware of the feelings that Arthur and Gwen share for each other...and now she's using that to her advantage. Now that she knows she is actually Uther's daughter (not just his ward), she is after the throne herself. Let's see what happens next, shall we? (as I do write these as I am watching the show).
**SPOILERS BELOW**
Poor Gwen! After a long day at work, Gwen (Angel Coulby) returns home to find that there are dirty, scary looking men in her house. Though she tried to fend them off, they caught her and ride off into the night with her, all while her so called best friend, Morgana (Katie McGrath) watches from her bedroom window, with her now trademark, evil smile.
The next morning, Morgana joins Uther (Anthony Head) and Arthur (Bradley James) for breakfast late, and she seems upset. She puts on a good act of Gwen never showed up for work this morning, and I'm worried...which Uther responds coldly to, by saying they could easily get her a new servant, while Arthur calls upon Merlin (Colin Morgan) to go to Gwen's house and make sure that she's okay. And here, again, we see Morgana's evil smile. I've said it before, but seriously, Katie McGrath has that evil smile/look down--though the fact that no one in Camelot has seen her do it, surprises me...then again, things are always being overlooked in the land of Camelot.
Merlin heads to Gwen's place, and investigates. In looking around he concludes that strange things are afoot at the house of Gwen.
Then we see Morgause (Emilia Fox) and Cenred (Tom Ellis) looking into a cell, at a fellow. Morgause seems thrilled that Cenred has found this guy, and apparently, Morgana told them where to find him. A scared Gwen is then brought into Cenred, and when she asks why have you brought me here, he says he has a guest that he thought she would want to see. They bring in the fellow from the cell, and we then find out, that he is in fact, Gwen's long lost brother, Elyan (Adetomiwa Edun). At first, Gwen seems happy to see her brother, but once alone, we see that she clearly does not trust him, and thinks that he has caused the kidnapping to take place. Morgause and Cenred clearly have a plan, as they watch the interactions between the brother and sister, we just don't quite know what it is, yet.
Well, it wasn't but a moment later that Cenred has told Gwen what he's wanting. He wants her to bring him Arthur within a week, otherwise, she will have to watch as he de-hearts her brother. Oh, the drama and anguish! What will Gwen do??!
Meanwhile, back in Camelot, Arthur is telling Uther and Morgana of Gwen's kidnapping. Morgana puts on quite the show of despair, while Uther, in true Uther fashion, could clearly careless, "She's just a serving girl." But Arthur convinces him to allow for a search party--but alas, Uther will only allow it until nightfall--but we know that won't stop Arthur from finding Gwen, and Morgana knows it too...as we see her evil smile again!
Interestingly enough, the next morning, Gwen has returned and is acting as though nothing has happened (though she seems scared and uncomfortable--but wouldn't you be?). She tells Morgana (who knows otherwise) that she was gone because she was not feeling well, and when she runs into Merlin (literally), he tells her that Arthur has been worried sick and searching the whole town. She tries to play it off, that she was sick, but he sees the bruises on her wrists, and she breaks down. She tells Merlin what has happened and what she's expected to do. He convinces her to tell Arthur, so that he can help.
Arthur gets all amped up to help Gwen's brother, and says that the 3 of them will go and save him. Gwen points out that it would be a trap, as they want Arthur dead. Arthur's response, "Not necessarily." All the while, we see that Morgana was listening outside the door.
Oh, this time she's wearing a purple cape, instead of the bright red one, maybe she'll blend in more...not that it matters in Camelot...no one EVER sees people lurking around...no matter how much noise they make or how bright their clothing. Morgana is off to tell Morgause of the newest happenings. It's so amazing to me the hatred that runs through Morgana...she grew up with Arthur as a brother, and now she's ready to kill him, for no other reason than that she may take the throne...power hungry *#$&@!
In order to leave on his quest of saving Gwen's brother, Arthur fibs to his father, saying ironically, that he lost a bet to Morgana and needs to leave Camelot to purchase some silk so that she can make some dresses. Uther laughs and says he better hurry along then.
As Merlin is getting the horses ready, Morgana (with her evil face) walks up and says she's going along too! Oh no!!! Merlin knows that Morgana is in on this plot, who else would have told Cenred
While camping along the way, Merlin is asked to go check on Morgana who is getting firewood, so that Arthur can be alone with Gwen. When Merlin finds Morgana, he confronts her (which I love that he did) and talks about the loyalty and caring that Arthur and Gwen have for Morgana, because they are her friends. She plays it off, like she couldn't possibly understand why he would be telling her this. Merlin tells her that they are his friends too, and he would stop at nothing to protect them. I'm liking this tougher side to Merlin.
Back at camp there is a touching scene between Arthur and Gwen. Gwen shares a bit about her brother, as it seems trouble follows him where ever he goes. But no matter what, she would be there for him, because that's what you do when you love someone. As they are about to kiss, Morgana and Merlin return to camp--Morgana seeing what was happening, and giving her evil smirk. In all honesty, like I said, she's good at it, but it might become a bit of an over kill if she keeps doing it. Over dinner Arthur talks of the plan to catch Cenred off guard, by using the secret tunnels under the castle that he's hiding out in. Morgana is especially interested in how this will all work (I wonder why--this of course is absolute sarcasm), while Merlin struggles to try to get Arthur to stop talking about the plan, by offering more beans.
Of course, that night, while the others sleep, Morgana slips away and meets Morgause, telling her of the plan. In order for Cenred's army to find these hidden tunnels, Morgause gives Morgana a magical ring that will guide them in, when she throws it to the ground. As she returns to camp, we see that Merlin was aware of her absence, and in turn is aware that she probably let them in on the plan. He tries first to get Morgana out of the quest by using a spell to have a snake spook her horse, getting her bucked off, alas, she only hurt her ankle, and insisted that she continue on. Once there, Merlin tries his hardest to get Arthur to see that Cenred, may know about the tunnels...but per usual, Arthur doesn't listen to Merlin.
As they are going into the tunnels, at the back of the castle, I can't help but notice that Morgana is walking just fine. Though in the previous scene she could barely stand because of her ankle...she must be a quick healer. Before she goes into the tunnel, Morgana lays the magical ring on a stone, so that their path is now clear to Cenred and Morgause.
While venturing through the tunnel, they realize that they are being followed. Arthur asks the question, "How did they know we were here?" I just wanted to scream, and I'm sure Merlin did too, it was Morgana, you fool! Now...let the sword fighting commence. Oops, nope, as soon as one of the bad guys puts a sword to Gwen's throat, Arthur drops his sword, and surrenders. Here's my thought here, why did they bring her along?? She's not a fighter (at least Morgana is good with a sword) and she's Arthur's weakness...this was not well thought out, now was it?
Gwen is put in a cell with her brother, and we learn a bit about their relationship, and Elyan learns a bit about the relationship between his sister and the prince. Arthur and Merlin concoct a plan to get free from their cell--which is somewhat amusing. Once free they fight their way to free the others. Yet, no one knows where Morgana is. Surprise, surprise, Arthur won't leave without her, and tells Gwen to leave and not look back. Morgause knows Arthur won't leave without the girl he thinks is family, which calms Morgana, who seemed hell bent on killing Arthur right away. Cenred then tells Morgana she must play her part well.
Once Arthur finds the hall, he sees that Cenred has a sword to Morgana's throat. Morgana is pleading for him not to hurt her. Cenred insists that Arthur lay down his sword...he hesitates...Morgause then makes her appearance, which actually makes Arthur put back up his defenses. Right at this point, we see that Merlin has followed Arthur (though he was supposed to go with Gwen and Elyan) and is now watching what is happening. Morgause creates a fiery tornado and sends it toward Arthur. Merlin then uses his own powers and the tornado blows them all backward and sends some of the ceiling down on them. Here's hoping Morgana was taken out in that blow...though deep down, we know that won't happen.
Arthur gets up, and goes straight to Morgana...Merlin then appears and the three of them start back through the tunnels. Merlin is leading the way, pulling Morgana (who is fighting him the whole way). I seriously LOVE how forceful Merlin gets with Morgana...finally!!! "What, are you worried about your friends?" But alas, Arthur catches up to them, and she then falls to the ground claiming her ankle is really bothersome...REALLY?? It hasn't bothered you this entire time?? So Arthur flings her over his shoulder and carries her out, while she is kicking and screaming. When they make their way out, Gwen and Elyan are waiting...and so are some bad guys. Here we see that Elyan has some great fighting skills...a bit of a foreshadowing?? I love that the future knights of the round table pop up through the story! I can't wait to see Arthur become king and bring them all together.
Torchline.com: Facebook Recap: Merlin 3.07 The Castle of Fyrien
Here's a sneak peek at next week's episode...looks like we are continuing the Morgana story arch...and an old friend returns to help out.
