sophinisba | A so-so movie and a great fic

Oh, I loved, it. I'm just feeling inadequate because I don't have thoughts. I reread the whipping part, er, yes, several times. Or actually the part *just after* the whipping part, which is to say the fucking in manacles part. I read that kind of a lot.

I loved the fic so much. I mean, I feel like saying it didn't even feel like a fic by the end, even though I usually hate it when people say that because I love fic and I don't think people should say "It doesn't read like a fic!" as if that's a compliment. But it just felt so complete, like this whole universe in itself, even though I don't even know that other canon.

And like, yeah, the thing I was complaining about with fics where I don't know what's going on? This didn't have that but it still gave me such a LOVELY surprise at the end, even though I should have known seeing as how it was a GRAIL and all. But I was right there with Arthur, I was like, "Hooray for Merlin being Elf King after he lives out his destiny with Arthur and yet how sad that they will not be together forever" and then when he said what he did I literally gasped out loud and covered my mouth, it was so awesome.

But still I think my favorite parts are the ones where Merlin is so powerful and so protective and possessive of Arthur that he's dangerous to the people around him. The reverse of that fic I was talking about in this post I guess, and I like that this fandom has that balance, that more often it's Arthur in charge but those times when Merlin takes over he can really take over because dude! Sorcery!

So um, yeah. Thank you for the nagging. I had opened it a few days ago and then saw the mention somewhere that it was a crossover and I'd closed the window and figured I wouldn't bother, and I'm SO glad I did. It's definitely one of the best ones I've read.

(I need to leave a comment and I'm angsting mildly about that.)

well, i am totally relieved that you liked it, (and that Claudia seems to be liking it, too), since i pushed so hard for you guys to read it over both of your objections. BUT NOW YOU SEE WHY I PUSHED!

i love that Merlin is so powerful in the fic. i was telling Claudia at some point that i really like it in fics when Merlin's magic is very strong. and at a basic, child-like level of "oooh, magic!" i like to see what authors come up with for Merlin's abilities. so i loved the idea of him creating armor on Arthur's body (never mind that it was hot), and how he made the tree grow by fast-forwarding through seasons (and the "coming into power" sex that it prompted, of course), just because the ideas were so cool. i guess you could say i enjoyed the geeky fantasy-story aspect of the fic. plus, of course, the growing relationship between Merlin and Arthur was a powerful tide of hotness. i love that it's told from Arthur's point of view as he "suffers" from basically an onslaught of Merlin's growing (sexual) power. gah.
and i 100% agree with getting lost in the fic/story/universe. i was telling this to Claudia days ago when i was convincing her to read it, trying to explain why i liked it without giving her any spoilers, (except for the whipping, of course).

i feel surprisingly accomplished that you guys read and liked the fic, considering i didn't write it! no need to thank me, though ;-). or rather, i prefer my thank-yous in the form of moar awesum fic recs pleez! although jeez, i have a backlog of ones to read now, tabbed in my queue.

p.s. i have been hoarding the last 3 episodes, refusing to watch them because i don't want the feeling of emptiness that will come over me when they're done! :-( -- S

Can I say vaguely spoilery things about episode 11?

well, i know there's a unicorn? i will endeavor to watch it tonight so that you can say as many comments about it to me as you want! -- S

For now I will just say that if you like geeky fantasy plots with tasks to be completed and such then you should like 11. It is our friend

slightlytookish's favorite episode even (but 10 is mine).

i watched it last night, and i did like it, although it wasn't my favorite episode. it's hard to beat ep 10 for blatant slashiness, but ep 11 had its fair share, albeit a bit subtler. i also thought it started out slow and got better by the end.

i thought it was interesting that it was the first time Merlin seriously disagreed with Arthur's behavior; usually when they argue it has a very bantering air about it, but this time Merlin was truly disappointed in Arthur. and it was so important to him that Arthur come around in his thinking, and he was so delighted when Arthur did see the light and accepted responsibility and worked on fixing the situation.

and the poison cup scene was, of course, awesome. Arthur was awesome in it, with his "I'm glad you're here, Merlin" (awwwww!) and his "you never cease to surprise me." i really liked the acting job Bradley did as Arthur in that scene; for instance, right before he drinks the poison (when he says that great, classic line "you know me, Merlin, I never listen to you!") he gets a nervous but determined air that so perfectly shows as "I am psyching myself up to do this crazy but noble thing. whoops, can't think about it too much!"

yeah, so overall i definitely liked it. *goes to rewatch key scenes. again.* -- S

See, and I didn't care for it much at the time I watched it because, after the ... Like, I don't even think of it as the blatant slashiness of 10. It felt deeper than slashiness, like it was really all about the need for there to be honesty between the two of them and I seriously thought while I was watching 10 that it was going to come out and I love coming out stories so much I can't even tell you. So then to have that not happen at the end of 10 and go into 11 with no mention of this incredible experience they'd all gone through in the previous episode, and have Arthur being such a prat just like in the old days, was just really disappointing to me.

And I thought the unicorn's hair looked stupid?

And also I couldn't get emotionally invested in the cup scene that everyone loves so much because, though I appreciate Arthur *risking* his life for Merlin all the time, the idea of actually throwing it away seems really stupid to me considering he has to become king. And also we obviously know they're both going to live because, Arthur and Merln. So I can get caught up in battles and such where they seem to be risking their lives, but this was so drawn out and contrived that it really didn't do it for me.

However, now that I'm going through the series again I will know what to expect and not to expect from this episode, and I'll keep in mind what you and

slightlytookish have said about its good parts, and I'm sure I will enjoy it a lot more (as I've enjoyed all the episodes so far, more on the second time around).

yeah, ep. 10 was certainly all about the tension of Merlin telling the truth/Arthur knowing/what does it mean for their relationship. but the slash is way there, too! i mean every freaking person in the episode is fixated on Merlin/Arthur's relationship. EVERYONE comments on it and its meaning and how deep and true it is -- Morgana and Gwen and Hunith and Will, not to mention Merlin acting like a pre-teen girl about it: "Arthur would do this for anyone. He doesn't really liiiikkeee meeeee!"

And I really liked Merlin's tension about whether to reveal or not to reveal or what have you (and of course for him, the worst case scenario about revealing is that OMG he'd have to leave Camelot and Arthur!!) But I did not expect them to actually reveal his powers to Arthur in that episode; it felt like it would be too soon for the series. So much of the dramatic tension of the series relies on Merlin hiding his powers, mainly to Arthur (and Uther, of course), that I didn't think the writers would give that up so soon. I am totally with you about loving the idea of the discovery, though, and I can't imagine how the TV show will handle it. So much rides on it! I can't help but think it'll be disappointing when it happens -- how could it not be a let-down? I hope they surprise me and it's as awesome as I'd hope. But "the reveal" and its repercussions are consequently a favorite trope of mine in fanfic. You can tell that it's intimidating, though, because even fanfic authors don't address it that frequently, or they make it that Arthur's always known. It's tough to handle well!

now, i have thoughts about your comments concerning ep. 11. but i'm going to compose another comment with those thoughts, separately. it's on its way! -- S

No no, I meant to mention that, that certainly episode 10 was incredibly slashy, just that the thing that made me love it was more this identity issue than the M/A love specifically, and that was what made me feel a little let down on the next episode.

And you're probably right that the reveal will be disappointing when it finally happens on the show! I also love reading about it so much but I'm afraid that after reading so many different versions of it in fanfic the actual show would have a hard time surprising me with anything. But hopefully there will be lots of close-ups on v. emotional Arthur and Merlin at least. :)

oooh, i'd love any good reveal recs you have! -- S

Okay, I can see, given the emotional buildup of ep.10 for us as fans, that ep. 11 feels like an emotional let-down. But I don't think it's a narrative let-down. See, Merlin has committed to the idea of not telling Arthur, (for now); he wants to stay with Arthur in Camelot and fulfill his "destiny" with Arthur. So in a sense it has to be business as usual for him.
And even Arthur's characterization I think is pretty consistent in this episode; yes, he did something very noble for Merlin's sake last episode, but that doesn't reflect a change of character for him. Arthur is not an introspective type -- even his most noble and considerate thoughts seem to come down to a few deeply-felt truths, like "I must do whatever I can for the good of my/the people." His actions for the people of Ealdor were special only in that they were not technically his people. But as he says in the beginning of the episode, he wishes he and Camelot could defend all people from bad stuff. Now, there's no doubt that his impetus to help Ealdor in this situation came from his concern for Merlin (as is stressed to us over and over again in the ep.), but it's not at all out of character for him as a person. So I don't think ep. 10 showed a big character break-through for Arthur, it just added a dimension of "Merlin is really important to him," (which we've also seen all along, even as far back as episode 3 when he doesn't let Merlin admit to being a sorcerer). What's interesting to me is that it is unclear, though, how much of this reasoning is transparent to Arthur himself. I mean, does Arthur realize he's doing this primarily for Merlin? I don't think he had a heart-to-heart with himself and thought "I can't let this happen to Merlin. He's too important to me." I think in his own mind it was some nebulous synthesis of "It's totally unjust what's happening to Ealdor" "I can help them" and "it makes a difference that this is Merlin and his people." My point is, I didn't expect Arthur to start acting substantially differently, even towards Merlin, in episode 11, as if he had an epiphany about his inner motivations. So him being so boneheaded about shooting the unicorn seemed consistent -- he likes his skill in hunting, and he just bagged himself some rare, mythical game! Rock on! Why feel differently about that than any other hunting? Just because Merlin said so? To me, it's a sign of his development that he was eventually willing to concede that Merlin (a servant!) was right, and take his advice in how to handle the situation. That's pretty revolutionary, when you think about it. By the way, I'm not an Arthur apologist -- of course to me he acted like a prat about the unicorn. But I can't say I find it inconsistent or unrealistic story-wise.

(2 comments; too long) -- S

Yeah, I guess I mostly meant it emotionally, but even narratively it struck me as weird that he was acting...it seemed to me that he was acting the same as before, and in general there isn't as much continuity as I would like from one episode to the next. But I shall have to think about what you've said the next time I watch it.

Now, the cup scene: it's funny, my take on this is very different from yours. To me, it is MORE impressive for Arthur to sacrifice himself this way for Merlin than in battle. Battle is easy for Arthur, where everything is about the heat of the moment and being noble. This is very different; it's a deliberate action to save Merlin, and, to be fair, to accept responsibility for the misfortunes of the kingdom. His stated purpose in drinking the poison is that the situation is his fault, and he has to take the consequences. I certainly believe that added to that is that he can't bear to be responsible for Merlin's death in particular, but I also believe that he's truly doing the noble, right thing and not letting someone else take the fall for his actions. He really would die in defense of Camelot, especially when he's at fault. So to me it wasn't contrived, but rather kind of just. Like the test was partially "you screwed Camelot, can you take the hit instead." One of the noblest things about Arthur, is that he truly believes there's no point in being king if you can't be a true steward of your people's well-being.
We know, of course, that it did also come down to him being willing to die for Merlin, even though it wasn't a heat-of-battle-I-get-the-glory type situation. In fact, when Merlin is begging the sorcerer for Arthur to have another shot at proving himself, he says "I would trust Arthur with my life," at which point the sorcerer looks thoughtful. So probably the real test with the poison was that Arthur was willing to die for Merlin. But from Arthur's perspective, I think both motivations were at play: he would've been willing to die for Camelot and he would have been willing to die for Merlin. What's to think about?

Wow, did I ever write a ton about this. I did not mean to be so over-the-top in my earnest explanation! But you made me think about stuff. I hope my thoughts are not completely lost in the length of this explanation! It sounds like one thing we can agree on: the episode where Arthur finds out, (and the angry sex that ensues), will be awesum fer shur! -- S

See, but apart from knowing that the show needs to go on with both of its main characters and apart from knowing that England needs to have a King Arthur, I can't get over feeling that it's really irresponsible for him to *decide* to leave Camelot without an heir, probably sending the kingdom into civil war and so on. To me it strikes me as holding his personal idea of nobility above what's good for the kingdom and his people. Especially with Merlin telling him not to do this, that wasn't just Merlin wanting to be self-sacrificing, it was Merlin knowing that Camelot could take the loss of a sorcerer better than the loss of the crown prince. Of course I sound like Uther now, saying Merlin's life is worth less than Arthur's and all. :) Maybe I just felt like the scene went on for too long, or something. :D Anyway, I'd still probably put it in the top half of the episodes but it's my least favorite of the last four. (I like the last two because they have a lot of angst for Merlin in them.)

forgot to say: yes, the unicorn looked totally ridiculous! i cringed every time it was on screen. -- S

*All* their magical creatures are so cringe-worthy omg.

i prefer my thank-yous in the form of moar awesum fic recs pleez!

Do you use Delicious at all? I've been finding a lot of fics through that and have resolved to be more consistent about tagging and reccing there myself, though I haven't done a lot of that yet. http://delicious.com/sophinisba/merlin

p.s. i have been hoarding the last 3 episodes, refusing to watch them because i don't want the feeling of emptiness that will come over me when they're done! :-(

See, and I'm kind of persnickety about spoilers so I barely read any fic until I'd finished watching the series. When I got toward the last few episodes I was just a little sad to be finishing them up but also eager to get through them so I could read some fic. And also because I'd heard that the last few episodes were the best (and I agree with that) so I was more excited about it by then. I was very doubtful when I first started watching and didn't think I'd ever fall for Arthur!

have you fallen for Arthur? I am embarrassed at how attractive I find him, given that he is totally a blond pretty-boy. And yet, his shoulders are so broad, and his ASS IS SO AMAZING OMG! He has the ass of a black woman, and I mean that in a good way -- so fruity and round and the total epitome of a bubble butt. God help me, I even like the glimpses of chest hair they are always showing us. I cannot believe how cute I think he is. Also, his eyes are the most bizarre shape, almost russian in their tipped pointiness in the outer corner, and I love them. And Merlin is exactly opposite -- narrow, unbuilt body, asymmetrical funny features, double-jointed fingers (I think) that move in odd ways, and I find him totally captivating. I am a goner with these dudes.

I'll probably watch the last two episodes tonight; I've been avoiding fics that say they have spoilers past the episodes I've watched.

Thanks for the link to your recs! You can be sure I'll look at them, once I've plodded through the queue I have set up. -- S

okay, i haven't watched the last 2 yet, (got caught up reading fics instead), but i rewatched most of ep11, and I was realizing how beautiful Merlin looks this episode. there are lots of close-ups on his face in all sorts of marvelously subtle expressions; it's a pleasure to watch him like that! also, doesn't it seem that actor lost weight over the course of the season? you can tell particularly in his face, as his cheekbones are super-prominent in episdoes 10 and 11. -- S

A so-so movie and a great fic

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ep. 11

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other part (geesh)

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