Sins of the Father's Baneling ... Merlin and Legend of the Seeker

[fembuck]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable morning of fantasy television!



bling pic fromla_esmeralda_

First thoughts .... Mm, Morgause.


Emilia Fox was delicious, especially when she was all dirty and/or dressed in men's undies. Pretty much all of her outfits when she was at Camelot made my pants happy.

Oh, hai Morgana! I almost forgot you existed. I'm glad that you could reintroduce yourself to us with crazy incestuous sexual tension! I was actually sad for a minute when it was revealed that Morgause was Morgana's half-sister because their scenes together were so crazy gay.



From Morgana being completely entranced (and looking a little uneasy about it) by her during the scene where Morgause challenged Arthur, to Morgana watching Morgause out the window and Morgause looking back up at her. Then Morgana, MORGANA, getting all stuttery and coy and Morgause's presence in her room while Morgause was being all suave and shit and circling around her like Morgana was a succulent steak. Then of course, Morgause watching Morgana sleep, because leaving expensive jewelery for her. For a while there Morgause was a total pimp!


Merlin screecaps yanked from

majorrogue

Still crazy chemistry being incestuous have never stopped me from shipping it before, and Morgana doesn't know about the relation to each other which could lead to interesting developments in Femslash-land.

And my non-femslashy/non-incesty thought for the episode ...

Aw, poor Merlin. He was so happy when Arthur seemed to be changing his mind about people who weld magic.



Legend of the Seeker - 2x02 - Baneling

This show is so my new crack! I was super disappointed that I was so drunk I had to wait until this morning to finish watching the episode. I'd been looking forward to it all day.

First of all, Zedd and Kahlan sleeping with her Sexy Blades of Death under their pillows at night cracked me up. Especially Zedd doing it.



Secondly, I found it very interesting how Cara was studying Kahlan trying to learn how to be 'a good person' from observing her. I liked that it showed that Cara has respect for Kahlan, and understands that there are things she can learn from Kahlan even though they are very different people.



I also liked that Cara letting that douchebag go 'to bury his brother' happened with no one around to impress, because it showed a genuine desire on her part to do something 'good', and that it wasn't just a power-play or a manipulation technique. It makes me sad that that asshat lied to her, so that her first time trying to be a decent human being ended up with her figuratively getting spit in her face.



It did allow for this brilliant exchange though:

Cara: A man came to the stables asking for a horse so his brother could be buried.
Kahlan: And you believed his story?
Cara: (to Richard) The Confessor told me I had to show more compassion.
Kahlan: (indignant) Are you saying this is my fault?
Cara: (deadpan) Yes.

Kahlan in Mother Confessor mode, comforting people and stroking their legs and hugging them and shit, is the best. I dig 'mothering' Kahlan just as much as I dig Weilding the Sexy Blades of Death Kahlan, for serious. I want Kahlan to hug me!!!

Cara's smile when Richard told her to go after that douche who stole the treasure cracked me up. She looked so happy, like a kid on Christmas morning. She was all like, "Yay! Torture and blood!"



I probably shouldn't be so amused by her malicious glee, but I am. I can't help it, she's just awesome. I'm going to totally enjoy watching her jab that asshole with her Agiel next episode, hopefully multiple times. Egads, he is an irritating person.

Speaking of that clotpole, I really wish I knew what Cara whispered to him though. I'm sure it was sexy as hell. Mm, seductress Cara. I'm liking her layers.

I also like that she fights with two Agiels.

Did somebody order a double helping of PAIN???

I love how Kahlan managed to touch Richard's bare man-chest like twice this episode. It's like 'damn, gurl. Keep it in your flowing white robes!' lol. Aw, poor Kahlan, she's horny. And now that Cara's always hanging around camp at night she can't even 'get to know herself', lol. Seriously though, her slowly stroking his chest was pretty hot.



Oooh, killing your enemies give the Keeper more soldiers. Quite the predicament our heroes find themselves in, quite the predicament.

CREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPY! I knew the ending with William was coming, but it was still freaking as hell when that knife came out and then watching him walk away. Little kid killers are always the creepiest things ever. I wonder how that thing with William worked, did he die first and accept the Keeper's offer, and then his mother had to die so she could come back as Baneling and help him? Either way, creepy.

Question about the No Undies World: Does every get sent there? If that priest guy and a little boy could end up in the Keeper's pit of naked writhing bodies, then is there a shiny, happy alternative? Cause, if so that sucks hardcore.

Richard was consistendly smart this episode. I was like O_o But I'm happy for him. Really ;

Comments

[ntlknythrgrl.livejournal.com]

I've just been recently watching Legend of the Seeker and totally love Cara. Loved all the Cara/Kahlan scenes in the recent ep. I mean seriously, the look and smile Kahlan gave Cara during the 'your fault' scene was so precious. It totes looked like Kahlan wanted to kiss Cara or slap her on the ass for being so naughty. LOVE IT.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

Loved all the Cara/Kahlan scenes in the recent ep.

Me too. I was very pleased with how much they interacted, and the interactions themselves.

I mean seriously, the look and smile Kahlan gave Cara during the 'your fault' scene was so precious. It totes looked like Kahlan wanted to kiss or slap Cara on the ass for being so naughty.

I know! Kahlan had this "You're unbelievable" look on her face, there was totally a look of amusement mixed in with her indignation. Like she couldn't help but find it a little cute, lol!

I also loved Cara mimicking Kahlan's earlier "I'm sorry for your loss". She's trying to be like her boo, that's so cute.

[so-wicked.livejournal.com]

I though Cara was absolutely hilarious (in addition to being bad ass and like whoa hot, of course) this episode. I loved her deadpan "Yes" to Kahlan's "Are you saying this is my fault?". And just how adorable (I'm not sure that will ever be the right word to describe Cara) was she trying to mimic actual compassion? At least she's trying. :)

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

I though Cara was absolutely hilarious (in addition to being bad ass and like whoa hot, of course) this episode.

Seriously! I love Cara hardcore. Tabrett is doing a great job with her. Even in moments when Cara isn't the focal point of the action Tabrett's being awesome.

And just how adorable (I'm not sure that will ever be the right word to describe Cara) was she trying to mimic actual compassion? At least she's trying. :)

I feel like 'adorable' is a perfect word. That scene was great. I just love that despite her little jokes, that she actually respects Kahlan enough to try emulate her. Like the whole giving the guy the horse thing only happened because she saw Kahlan, and was like "the Confessor would give him the horse".

She's got a long way to go, but I love that she's trying.

[orange-creative.livejournal.com]

Alright, I'm going to admit I've been watching the series. >.> But I've only been watching the Cara and Cara/Kahlan scenes! D: As much as I despise the series for totally ripping good canon apart, I fucking love their take on Cara. She's just so deliciously badassness. Especially since she's wielding two dildos agiels.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

But I've only been watching the Cara and Cara/Kahlan scenes!

Well, those are the best ones, so ...

I fucking love their take on Cara. She's just so deliciously badassness. Especially since she's wielding two dildos agiels.

What was Cara like in the books?

And her two dildos of truth of are the best. I died laughing when I saw that she was fighting with two of them. Trianna Agiel being used in service of the Seeker, I bet she'd love that!

[orange-creative.livejournal.com]

What was Cara like in the books?

Oh, she was super badass in the books too and ridiculously snarky to boot. Well, every single Mord-Sith was amazingly snarky. But she was also lacking in the ladylove category. They've got her character down fairly well, but I'm loving her being all sexy with all the girlies. ;D

[ic1pher.livejournal.com]

Merlin was pretty damn awesome. The whole Uther/Arthur/Merlin drama was brilliant and I was riveted off my seat. The whole team really brought it with this one. I was "FUCK YES awesome" most of the time.

Uther is such a multifaceted character and they really showed that IMO.

And Merlin lying to Arthur, that really killed me.

Yeah, it's pretty hilarious that Morgana doesn't know Morgose is her half sister. What will she think, eh? :D

"This lady is for some reason awfully nice to me... oh wait." *ping*

It might lead to misunderstandings. I want them to go there, but they very likely wont.

I'm really happy that the Darken Raal from last season in LotS is still in the series. He's such a cool character and the actor is really well suited for the role.

The scene with the huge explosion killing the bainlings and Richard jumping was so funny and amazing at the same time. They really don't take themselves too seriously and I love it. Also like the dark tone the series is taking, with what happened at the end of the episode and all.

[ic1pher.livejournal.com]

About the No Undies World (i just realized the pun, im so slow). Lots of sweaty, well toned, naked men, I don't know why they were so unhappy, lol. om nom nom. I can't imagine that anyone under 18 gets sent there, I just can't.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

Merlin was pretty damn awesome.

Yeah, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. It was a really meaty one for multiple characters which made it riveting to watch.

Uther is such a multifaceted character and they really showed that IMO.

He's largely a bastard, and I mostly hate him, but he adds a lot to the show. There would def. be something missing without him.

"This lady is for some reason awfully nice to me... oh wait." *ping* It might lead to misunderstandings. I want them to go there, but they very likely wont.

God, I would love it if that happened, but you're right it won't. I just couldn't believe how gay the set up was for them, and when the half-sister reveal was dropped I was like "Oh, that explains it", but my brain had already slashed them and they're gonna stay that way.

They really don't take themselves too seriously and I love it. Also like the dark tone the series is taking, with what happened at the end of the episode and all.

Word.

I'm so into this show right now, it's not even funny.

[majorrogue.livejournal.com]

oohh! pretty morgana pictures.......hey! hand on a minute!....... i recognise them!! :D


morgouse had better come back next season or i'll be mad!!

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

hey! hand on a minute!....... i recognise them!! :D

lol! The LotS caps took long enough, so I figured why mess with perfection with what you had for Merlin. Is the crediting in the post okay, or do you want me to change or add anything?

morgouse had better come back next season or i'll be mad!!

This. I LOVED that fierce bitch! If I don't see her again I'll be very, very cross.

[majorrogue.livejournal.com]

No, i'm just messing, it's fine (unlike my spelling in that post!! *rolls eyes*) i did go a bit over the top with the caps, but i just couldn't stop myself!! :D


if she does come back though, i want there to be some more interaction with morgana. i dont get why she'd keep the fact that they are sisters from her, but that's probably a discussion for another thread!!

[trancer21.livejournal.com]

re: Merlin

Thank GOD! I was like *thisclose* to bailing on this show (still haven't watched eps 6 and 7) because of the lack of Morgana and/or Gwen.. and my feeling/fear that both Gwen and Morgana's story arcs are going to be mostly handwaved. Honestly, at the rate that EVERYONE is lying to Morgana, I think I'm going to be happy when she goes all medieval on everyone's asses.

But, this episode was *really* good and the Morgana/Morgause bits were like the icing on the cake.

Although, I had a hard time feeling sorry for Merlin at the end. Mainly because I feel, while keeping Arthur from killing Uther was the right thing, making Arthur believe magic is bad makes Merlin complicit in Uther's tyranny against magic. That, by saving Uther, he's condemned those around him who practice magic.

But, this is more a criticism against the writing more than anything else.

Still crazy chemistry being incestuous have never stopped me from shipping it before...

Plus, it's the Middle Ages/Fantasy Land, it was practically *required* that family members sleep with each other!

re: LotS

Could the PTB at LotS give the PTB at Sanctuary like a week long seminar on 'How To Create Morally Ambiguous and Badass Female Characters THAT DON'T SUCK'!?!

What I really like is that the conflict between Cara and Kahlan ISN'T all about Richard. And, symbolically, what both Richard and Kahlan represent to Cara. I like that they're establishing a character arc for Cara as opposed to just throwing her into the mix as 'the badass chick in leather.. who gets between the TWU WUV of our heroes'.

And now that Cara's always hanging around camp at night she can't even 'get to know herself', lol.

I'm pretty certain Cara would be more than willing to help Kahlan 'get to know herself'!

If that priest guy and a little boy could end up in the Keeper's pit of naked writhing bodies, then is there a shiny, happy alternative?

I assumed it was because they died so close to one of those rifts. I think Zed said something about this. But, it was kinda confusing.

[ic1pher.livejournal.com]

Although, I had a hard time feeling sorry for Merlin at the end. Mainly because I feel, while keeping Arthur from killing Uther was the right thing, making Arthur believe magic is bad makes Merlin complicit in Uther's tyranny against magic. That, by saving Uther, he's condemned those around him who practice magic.
I don't believe that Merlin did that to keep Uther alive. He did it for Arthur. He did the wrong thing for the right reasons. The only thought in his mind in that moment might've been how this would destroy Arthur, if he didn't stop it. There's no right or wrong, just keeping Arthur from getting hurt. The condemnation of magic practitioners was just an unfortunate side effect. He betrayed Arthur(!) and his own people to save Arthur.

[trancer21.livejournal.com]

Lol, yeah but as Spock once said 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one'.

I mean, I get it. It was a very dramatic choice. I guess, at this point in the show, I'm getting a bit tired of the 'OMG, Merlin must keep his secret at all costs!' because, no, he doesn't. It is, for me, a writer's choice that has already become stale. Like the fact that it was only Merlin who made it to the room when Uther and Arthur were fighting, surely the entire Kingdom heard those two clashing swords.

Like, dramatically, I would have preferred Arthur still believing Uther betrayed his mother and continue the growing clash with his own father as opposed to the complete regression caused by Merlin's lie.

Although I am interested in next week's episode to see if the plot previewed involves ramifications/consequences of Merlin's decision.

All this is my rambling way of saying I'm getting a bit, uh, impatient with the series.. and its complete inability to use subplots to further the characterizations of anyone not named Merlin. But that's a totally different topic.

[ic1pher.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you're right. They did press the reset button. Not just for any minor thing, but actual major plot development. I see the reason for grievances people might have over this. I'm myself just so into the whole Arthur/Merlin relationship that those kind of things rarely register well.

Consequences for Merlin's actions in this episode would be much appreciated. If they act like it never happened I'd feel a bit very cheated I admit.

About consequences and unexpected but logical turns of events, I have high hopes for the Song of Ice and Fire series. Having read the books, they're quite unlike any fantasy series, being that nobody is safe and the world is very brutal and nihilistic. There are no magical reset buttons there.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

I don't believe that Merlin did that to keep Uther alive. He did it for Arthur. He did the wrong thing for the right reasons.

This is my take on it as well. Uther dying would have immediately helped the magical people of Camelot (and the greater Camelot area), but the damage that it could have done to Arthur would have had longer lasting repercussions. It's like, could Arthur really become the Great King Arthur of legend if he had murdered his action as an act of revenge. Could he have been a pillar of justice with that hanging over him? I think not.

In the end, what Merlin did allowed for a future with a Great Arthur as king, instead of a creating a future with a dark, flawed Arthur as King.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

I was like *thisclose* to bailing on this show (still haven't watched eps 6 and 7) because of the lack of Morgana and/or Gwen..

Yeah, Morgana and Gwen are a big part of my enjoyment. The last couple episodes I waited like days before watching them because I just didn't care that much.

Also, I miss Morgana being badass. Weepy Morgana isn't nearly as fun.

But, this episode was *really* good and the Morgana/Morgause bits were like the icing on the cake.

This. They were electric on screen together.

Could the PTB at LotS give the PTB at Sanctuary like a week long seminar on 'How To Create Morally Ambiguous and Badass Female Characters THAT DON'T SUCK'!?!

Heh. Sanctuary is dead to me now. But yeah, Cara >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> x infinity plus 1 over Kate fucking Freelander.

What I really like is that the conflict between Cara and Kahlan ISN'T all about Richard.

This! I was so happy to see that their interactions this week weren't all bitchy glances over Richard.

I assumed it was because they died so close to one of those rifts.

Ah! That makes sense. Thank you!

[madndizzee.livejournal.com]

wow that's a lot of bling. must admit i've lost track of Merlin. it's good to know there's femslashy bits for when i do catch up...

ah pretty Cara! must download when i get home. i like her hair down like that. and i still love all her expressions. Cara trying to emulate Kahlan is so adorable; i just wanna hug her and pet her hair.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

wow that's a lot of bling.

I know, right. Morgana's a pimp!

ah pretty Cara! must download when i get home.

Do it, do it, do it! This episode is full of awesome :D

Cara trying to emulate Kahlan is so adorable; i just wanna hug her and pet her hair.

This. Her copycatting Kahlan makes me squee. I can't wait for next week!

[tempest819.livejournal.com]

Question about the No Undies World: Does every get sent there? If that priest guy and a little boy could end up in the Keeper's pit of naked writhing bodies, then is there a shiny, happy alternative? Cause, if so that sucks hardcore.


Dude, werd! Thank you for calling that out because I was like, um, that's some booshit! For reals! If I ended up in the underworld and they threw me in that pile of sweaty stank I would go all Norma Rae on that Keepers ass! Rise up, form a union, demand better working conditions! ;-)

As for the Kahlan/Cara interaction, I love it. I love that Cara is super snarky. It's awesome! I think next week should super sweet since it seems to revolve around Kahlan and Cara. Squee! I love it. In the words of Jay-Z...Give me that funk, that sweet, that nasty, that gushy stuff!

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

Thank you for calling that out because I was like, um, that's some booshit! For reals! If I ended up in the underworld and they threw me in that pile of sweaty stank I would go all Norma Rae on that Keepers ass!

lol! Trancer21 pointed out that Zedd said something about people's souls going to Keeper because they were so close to the rift, so I think that normally psycho!mom and the child of the corn would have gone to a nice place and not the World of No Undies.

I love that Cara is super snarky.

Me too. I makes me swoon for her.

I think next week should super sweet since it seems to revolve around Kahlan and Cara.

Word. I am looking forward to that deliciousness like whoa!

[vangrent.livejournal.com]

Merlin:
My thoughts before the episode where,
"If Morgana isn't featured at least semi-important in an episode about Morgause then I'm so over this."
Thoughts after,
"...Crap, now I'm going to have to watch another four episodes of Merlin with no Morgana before seeing her again."
But still. I'm really, really happy they made the two sisters- I like that bit of cannon, actually. (And now, depending on how they play it, Morgana/Morgause/Arthur might end up all being related o.O)
The last few minutes sucked, yeah; but it made sense considering Merlin's character and what he'll do to 'protect' Arthur.

Legend of the Seeker:
I'm going to have to start watching this show again, aren't I? Also, I think I might prefer this version of Cara to the books. That takes skill there.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

"...Crap, now I'm going to have to watch another four episodes of Merlin with no Morgana before seeing her again."

lol! Dude, I know how you feel. The lack of Morgana and Gwen, not to mention the wussifying of Morgana this season is impacting my love for the show. I'm still watching diligently, but it's lost some of it's shine.

I have heard Morgause is coming back this season though, so that's something to look forward to.

The last few minutes sucked, yeah; but it made sense considering Merlin's character and what he'll do to 'protect' Arthur.

Yeah, I understand why Merlin did it. Protecting Arthur's soul, is more important in the long run than getting rid of Uther.

I'm going to have to start watching this show again, aren't I?

Yes. Mistress Cara demands it.

Also, I think I might prefer this version of Cara to the books. That takes skill there.

Tabrett Bethell should be very proud of herself. She is rocking everyone's socks off.

[(Anonymous)]

i was very worried about how they were going to develop Cara's character because if you ever get your hands on the books, her character is my favorite because she has such great character progression. And Tv Shows as well as movies can mess that up so much, but the writers and producers have been good at keep the characters relatively the same especially personality wise.