sportyshuie So, i'm the late one as usual huh? I just watched the episode last night and it left me with a swollen eyes .. again! This was even more sad than episode 2, 3 and 5 combined. The emotional ride it took us all was ... far too much for my faint heart and to be honest i'm never one who usually cry for anything yet, this one tugged evey string of my fragile heart. The acting was top notch, there are no more words to decribe how brilliantly all the characters are potrayed. Standing ovation are directed towards Arthur, Gwen, Merlin & Lancelot. Especially the duo, Arthur and Gwen. This could be just a tv series and there is no oscar in contention yet the outstanding acting they give us week in week out deseves accolades on its own! Speaking of acting, i need to stress on the maturity in all characters, especially Arthur's. We all know how Gwen and Merlin had been throughout the journey but Arthur certainly came a long way from being a stubborn prince to an understanding king. And he is showing more mercy than his father and more maturity in his judgements than Uther. The word ' in my father's time you'd be put to death' is good enough to separate him from his father. He listens to his council yet he is bold enough to make his own call, regardless how painful it will be. If Uther was fast to jump into conclusion, Arthur ponders at the circumstances and makes his view stand. He was hasty in 'his father's son's episode but learnt of his mistake fast and showed why he isnt doing another mistake again here. He is proving why Arthur is the greatest king history has ever seen! Everything about him was well said by all above and it was spot on, especially by epicarwen. Loved it all and left me satisfied as this is exactly how i wanted Arthur to be, not as stony as the character was potrayed in the movies or other series. For me Arthur isnt a perfect king yet; he needs to be human and with flaw. He has to make mistakes and learn from it. He needs to be merciful and understanding. Bradley captures that essence well and brings life to his character. Though we know he is a king and has to act like one, yet we feel for him as a person. We cringe when he makes mistakes and supports him throughout. We pat his shoulder for his bravery and kiss him for his love. Overall, we like him both as a king and a human. For me, Arthur in Merlin is the closest resemblance we get with the legend; filling in the blanks in every category and tops every other potrayal of Arthur be it in movies or other series! Each scene is beautifully captured and executed. The confrontation was breathless and the heartbreak in throne room scene was ... heart tugging! Gwen was beautiful and it was tormenting to watch her cry and defend herself. The conversation between her and Arthur was definately laced with love, be it during the proposal or during the breakup. The chemistry was sizzling and when Arthur was punishing Gwen in the throne room, i just wanted to reach out and hug her, providing her support. There was so much emotion swirling in each scene that we could feel it in our ownselves! Lancelot and Merlin gave us what was expected and more. Lancelot for one enjoyed playing the badass character and it shows as Santiago clearly did an excellent job here. Merlin ... what more can i say? But ... well, as far as the acting and the scenes went ... this was one hell of an episode and i liked it very much yet, i was feeling a bit let down in some areas. Trust me, i know it was written by the brilliant Lucy but still i was left with some unanswered thoughts in my brain. Elyan ... this man here could have been the pillar of support Gwen badly could have used to defend herself with Arthur. When Elyan was in trouble Gwen was there to save him and though she admitted Elyan has the knack for getting in trouble often he was still her brother. She trusted him and he could have shown the same trust on her! Instead, he was looking down on her with disgust!! That left me reeling!! WTF ... she trusted him and saved his arse yet, he wasnt even defending her? Is that how much he knew his sister? They could have written him better and no idea why was he potrayed as cold like he was in this episode. I didnt understand why Gwen was questioned and not Lancelot! Both were sent to the cell yet it was Gwen who paid the price. What about Lancelot? Why wasn't he punished? He wasn't even interogated? Arthur called Lancelot noble at his death because of his noble deeds in the past yet Gwen was punished for just a mistake? It was her first mistake and the punishment she paid was heavier than any one else in camelot!! Can't put my finger to that point though? As for some disastifaction on Merlin and Gaius not defending Gwen, they didn't look at the bangle she wore and didn't realise she was enchanted! Can't really blame them here. The scenes between Merlin and Gwen ended without any conversation though i would have loved if they had some emotional exchange. Afterall, Merlin was the only one believeing in her when everyone else turned their back. Yet, all we got was a look between them both and that is all. And finally, Lancelot. How many times does he has to die! He was brilliant in this season and loved how his tarnished reputation in the past was redeemed in this series. But please, do bring him back! (I know this one will not go down well but i like Lancelot in Merlin ...). Besides, i like the friendship between Lancelot and Merlin and it broke my heart to watch Merlin's tears and Lancelot's death, again!! I think the episode would have been better if it was a two parter. Some scenes seems rushed though overall i am left sated, i still feel it would be more explosive in a two part episode! So ... that's all here i suppose. Sorry for the long explanation but, i enjoyed the emotional ride it took me and looking forward to episode 11!! And HQ, hug from me!!

kbrand5333 That was bothering me as well, Shu. The fact that Lance offing himself was seen as "noble" rather than "cowardly."

itsastart The whole storyline with Lancelot being basically untarnished in the whole episode (even Morgana felt sad for him) realy sat wrong with me too Kim. Especially since Gwen was completely censured by everyone around her. No one stood beside her. Merlin's effort was half-assed and pitiful, and he believed she was capable of this kind of betrayal, even though it was totally out of her character to do such a thing.

kbrand5333 That one is probably put down under the "Gwen's a servant and Lance is a knight" category. Except for Merlin being a wuss. Inexcusable. In the meantime, I'm just trying to keep my head up. She comes back. She comes back. There will be a wedding. Concentrating on the happy. I just watched the proposal scene 4 more times and am now returning to my story to make myself feel better.

sportyshuie I'm split when it comes to Merlin ... he believed in Gwen's innocence and yet he didnt confront her regarding her sneak to meet lancelot! he should have suspected something was wrong after finding out Lancelot is evil yet ... hmmm!! Something lacked there which could have been given much thought to ... I'm not really in good mood to look forward to episode 10 but will only watch the preview of epi11 as i need Gwen to come back! And ... at the end, during Lancelot's funeral, did Merlin revive the old Lancelot or break Morgana's enchantment? Just curious though ...

whatthe311 I may be beating a dead horse, but here goes... Hats off to Angel and Bradley. they brought the house all the way down (and shook the foundation too) Now, I must admit my displeasure that not 1 person stood by Gwen in all of this. she was clearly acting out of character. so what gives? i understand Arthurs reactions. they were to be expected. He was emotional and (IMHO) men DO NOT deal with jealousy/betrayal very well. However, i do like that Arthur atleast asked Gwen what happened. not even her BFF Merlin did so much as inquire. they all just assumed she was guilty. (THE HECK?!) even her own brother didn't offer a helping hand? um,confusion, isn't Gwen the one who would always get Elyan out of trouble? he couldn't return the favor this once? CHARACTER SYNOPSIS Gaius = useless Arthur = "tear" you poor thing. thanks for apologizing after shaking the crap outta Gwen (it means a lot to me) Merlin = you disappointed me this time hun. but atleast you tried pleading for Gwen... (a little) Elyan = humph.. "sucking my teeth" and "rolling my eyes" BYE! I know this affair wasn't supposed to be resolved in just 1 episode, but there were too many obvious gaps left wide open and unaddressed.(hopefully they will be rectified)i.e Gwens ENCHANTMENT Can't wait for the ArWen reconciliation :D

kbrand5333 I think he just broke Morgana's enchantment, allowing Lancelot to have peace in death.

Theogirl I finally figured out what was bugging me the most about this whole situation. It is that Gwen seems to be powerless in all the things that have happened to her to date. When Arthur broke up with her earlier in the season, she had no recourse. He was the king and his word was the end of the discussion. Then here in 4x9 she is enchanted into doing something she would never do otherwise and again having no recourse because everyone just assumed that she was guilty without considering other options (Arthur excluded because he did at least attempt to find out why). I don't like that she always appears to be on the defensive and with very little recourse. I want Guinevere to take this time away to become more fierce and less pliant to other's whims. I hope they give her the opportunity to show her growth and also to stand up to some of the injustice that's been thrown her way (a confrontation with Morgana and a conversation with her brother about his attitude would be nice).

kbrand5333 She's a servant. She's been a servant her entire life. But she'll get her time, do not worry.

Bonne-Bell @Theogirl: That's what also bothers me about the episode and about the show in general with regards to Gwen. I like that she has inner/silent strength but at the same time, it bothers me how little agency she sometimes has. She's constantly being victimized yet she's never allowed to be angry or to turn her back on the people who have wronged her even if they deserve it. I have this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that 4x11 is going to be more of the same with regards to Gwen. These people (Arthur not included) basically turned their backs on her in her time of need and she's going to rush back to Camelot on the pain of death to save their lives but I bet you that none of them will even admit that they were wrong to judge her and apologize for what they did.

Bonne-Bell @Kim, I understand that she's a servant but Merlin is also a servant and while he sometimes gets the same ill treatment as Gwen, we atleast get to see him show anger or to rant about the unfairness of it all. Gwen rarely gets those moments, she's always having to suffer in silence and I find that really heartbreaking.

EPaws Valid Bonnie One. Valid re riteous anger and Guinevere. I think we get that with her confrontation with Morgana, which is rather soon.

Bonne-Bell I'm so looking forward to that confrontation, Stacey. You have no idea. I wish Gwen had magic so she could blast her and uncle Aggy into oblivion. I used to have sympathy for Morgana but after what she did in this episode, I could care less about her. I'm so disgusted with her and uncle Aggy right now. What they did to Gwen was like the medieval equivalent of slipping somone a roofie and then getting some random guy to make sexual advances at them when they are not in their right mind. Stay classy Morgana.

chattawak The storyline with Lancelot being still noble while Gwen's reputation is tarnished bothered me as well sportyshuie. I wonder how/if Arthur will eventually find out about the set up.This "trust" has to be settled in front of everyone...

Theogirl Bonne-Bell, I'm glad I'm not the only one bothered by this. As you have stated Yes she's a servant but she still also a human being and technically a free woman who has a right to her anger and a right to vent that anger sometimes when she is wronged yet it seems she never has that opportunity or takes it. She would have never just accepted tht someone she loved was unworthy of even basic consideration yet those closet to her seemed to forget that at her first serious mistake. I know this is all plot driven and hopefully about showing Gwen rise above her adversity but it still sucks. And chattawak, that double standard is also sticking in my craw as well. How, when they were both caught "betraying" their king, is he noble yet Gwen is disgraced? I will be sorely disappointed if Gwen doesn't get major vindication.

EpicArwen Soooo, I just can't stop thinking about this epi and I had a few thoughts I wanted to share and see what ya'll think. I know everyone is pretty peoed at everyone (Arthur, for the most part, being the exception) for not standing up for Gwen or not figuring out that something was really, really wrong with this situation. I'm not saying I agree with how they were written in any way, but wonder if the reason they were written that way was so that Arthur would be the one to instinctively know (the more he thinks about it, and you KNOW he WILL be thinking about it) that Gwen is innocent. A key theme this season has been Arthur and his 'good heart/instincts'. If there's a time to trust them, its now. If there's a person to believe in, it's Gwen. Arthur has consistently been the type of character that will head down one path, quickly realize his mistake, then correct his actions. I wonder if that won't play out the same way here, making Arthur the one to be the first to start seeing how out of character for Gwen this was. To start questioning the events that led up to the 'betrayal' and to really start analyzing their relationship and note the inconsistencies between her interactions with him the past three years and the Lance kiss. I honestly can't think of any other reason why they would have every other character on the show turn their back on her without at least trying to figure things out. Especially Merlin who 1) knows Morgana is out to get them all 2) knows Aggy is in cahoots with Morgana 3) saw Lance/Aggy whispering together 4) already had suspicions about Lance and 5) knows just how honest and true and loyal Gwen can be not to mention just how much she loves Arthur. So the ONLY explanation I can see for making them all universally dumb on this one is to let Arthur and Gwen (especially Arthur and his instincts) shine. Does that make any sense? What do ya'll think?

itsastart I like the thinking Epic Arwen. Moving on after this episode will be difficult for their relationship even if the enchantment is discovered. I think that, as you suggest, the more that Arthur figures out or discovers for himself, the easier the transition back towards a wedding will be. At least if the storyline is developed and not just glossed over and forgotten. I love reading other people's ideas about the plotline and how it will develop. You guys make me think of things in ways I could never think all by myself, and it feeds my arwen need. I was just thinking earlier this evening about how much Gwen has gone through simply because she loves Arthur. How could he think she would betray him of her own free will. I hope you are right EpicArwen, and that he will start to think about it more, after the initial shock and hurt, and realize something is not right.

HumbleQueen You don't know how much I wish that was the case, EpicArwen. That would be sooo wonderful to see that. I see exactly what you mean about not one person questioning it, especially Merlin. It's eaten at a lot of us. That would be a logical explanation to it being written that way, but it's not the kind of thing I normally expect from these writers ; they tend to be rather simplistic. I'm assuming the producers give the writers some direction on where to head the story line, so perhaps they could manage to pull something like that off. They've made Arthur so dense about so many things, but when it comes to Guinevere, perhaps it would be a different story. There is no Gwen at all in the next episode, but I'm going to be listening so carefully on Saturday to see if anything is mentioned about her. Another thing. Any thoughts on the bracelet? She did take it off and throw it so that we could see she was no longer enchanted, but the camera followed the bracelet to the corner. Do you think that's because it will be discovered later? I was reading at one place where some folks were upset and worried that no one finds out. There is some synopsis that said when Gwen returns in ep. 11 that her appearance "soon reopens old wounds." Does that sound to you like Arthur still thinks she betrayed him? There is another thing that keeps playing around in my head about episode 11. It's what Arthur says to the princess. (Heard in Janet Montgomery's audition.) He turns her down in some way, remember? and when she asked who was it that trumps a princess, was it the daughter of some......(not sure of the words), he responded by saying "she's the daughter of a blacksmith." Then the princess says "for her you'd risk your kingship, your kingdom?" He responds, "without her, these mean nothing to me." Now, folks. This is pretty heavy language from Arthur that to me does not fit the situation as we left it ep. 9. Does it sound to you as if something has changed in Arthur's evaluation of his relationship with her? Does this sound like a man who's totally given up on his woman? Just hope the scene is not cut. Seems to be a lot of that going on. Glad you brought that up, EA. I'm going to think further on that.

Bonne-Bell I really don't have a lot of faith in the Merlin writers letting Arthur be the one to figure out that Gwen was enchanted because of their track record of playing Arthur as oblivious and guillable. Also even if their intention was to write everyone as that way so that Arthur could be the one to figure out the enchantment, that still would leave me feeling unsatisfied. I love Arwen but I also like the relationships that Arthur and Gwen have with the other characters and I don't like them being sacrificed even if it's to bolster Arwen. I'm almost as invested in Gwen and Merlin's friendship as I am in Arwen and that scene where Merlin just stood there and watched Gwen struggle with the cart and made no move to help her really upset me. My issue is that while I know that Arwen will have a reconciliation and I'm almost certain that the writers have actually taken the time to handle it well, I'm not so sure that Gwen's other relationships which were also broken in this episode will be handled well or even if at all. That's what got me so riled up.

EpicArwen Bonne-Bell and HQ, I hear you on trusting the writers to make Arthur 'smart enough' to figure this out on his own. There's been too many times they've sacrificed his intelligence for comedy and that often doesn't sit well with me. However, the way they handled this last episode with such maturity makes me think they have a purpose for taking us down this road this particular way that will carry us through till the end of season. Usually they sacrifice his intelligence for comedy or for the sake of keeping Merlin's secret a secret. The rest of the season feels a lot heavier to me than comedic and they wouldn't have to make Arthur dumb for Merlin to use his magic at this point. They've done it before where Arthur and Merlin have worked in tandem without crossing paths while carrying equally serious and intelligent roles. HQ, what you're thinking about the bracelet and Arthur's comments to the princess coming up are actually what makes me think he just might be the one to really 'get it' first and they might carry the maturity of writing through till the end. I do think someone will find the bracelet. That throw away wasn't just a 'throw away'. They focused on it for a reason. It looks like Elyan will try to kill/harm Arthur next epi and end up in a cell. Probably the one Gwen was in, which means he may very well find the bracelet. Or perhaps someone else finds it and gives it to him as a 'this was your sister's' kind of thing, and it effects him in such a way that he's prompted to attack Arthur. However it happens, I do think it will be found. I don't think it's a coincidence that it is Elyan who trys to attack Arthur. They're using Gwen's brother for a reason. Because he's Gwen's brother, Gwen and that whole situation will be even more fresh in Arthur's mind. Even if he's trying to forget, he won't be able to because of Elyan. As for the princess comments -- again, that's what makes me wonder if Arthur isn't starting to have a change of heart because his intuitions are telling him what he experienced with Gwen was real and what he saw doesn't fit the woman he knows. There's no way he can remember all the times she supported him, believed in him, smiled at him, look at him with such love and reconcile that with her being head over heels in love with another man. I think it was fitting the way he started their conversation. "We were happy, right? I know we were happy." He questioned, then he answers it HIMSELF. There might be a lot of that going on in his mind till she returns. There are things Arthur KNOWS...he just KNOWS them because he's been there with her in those moments and knows they were real and true on a level that doesn't allow romantic feelings for another man. I think at this point if they don't honor the fact he knows Gwen just as well as she knows him, then they won't fully be honoring Arwen and I really, really don't believe that's their intent. Regardless of how they've failed in other areas, they've really done Arwen right. The old wounds thing might have to do with Morgana. And the reason I say that is they're 'old' not 'fresh' as with what JUST happened. But also because Morgana's going to play heavily into that ep, I believe. And for whatever reason Merlin seems to think he can't tell Arthur anything that Morgana's been up to. Even though she's clearly an enemy of Camelot. So, she's not really been 'dealt with' in a while, at least not from Arthur's perspective. And those 'old wounds' of a sister betraying him and Camelot, can be reopened by Gwen especially if she's returning with news of a new plot hatched by Morgana, or saving them from an attack...or even explanation of the enchantment. One more thing about the enchantment. Did anyone else find it odd what Gwen said to Lance in the tent in response to his "shouldn't you be saying this to your future husband" and she says "I do. I have." Pause. "I will." There was something about the word choice there that makes me think there was more to the enchantment than just reawakening old feelings. Perhaps even projecting current feelings for Arthur onto Lance? That pause there and the tense change from present to future intrigues me. Because no matter what she felt for Lance in that past that might have been reawakened, they weren't at the 'future husband' stage let alone in a flippin' relationship for her to use present tense with him. That belongs to Arthur and really didn't fit unless Morgana lied to Aggy about the spell itself. Anwyay, I'm not sure any of that made sense. I'm really haven't been able to let this one go so my thoughts are all ajumble!

chattawak HQ, glad you mention how the camera zeroed in on the bracelet threw to the corner. Get me thinking of the enchanted necklace that had Uther dead. I too believe that at some point, the bracelet will resurface. EpicArwen : "I don't think it's a coincidence that it is Elyan who trys to attack Arthur. They're using Gwen's brother for a reason". No coincidence either that an epi centered on Elyan follows the one having his sister banished. It all clicks into place. Really hope that the writers will give Elyan some credits after his behavior the last two episodes. They have acknowledged their sibling relationship so poorly so far (Gwen got a verbal bitchslap from Elyan in 4x08 and now, what a way to treat your sister bro??). Imma pissed.

chattawak Just read CultBox's Lancelot du Lac analysis. And this stopped me : "Though Merlin uncovers the truth of Lancelot’s nature, he fails to comprehend that Gwen too was acting ‘under the influence’. Indeed, she flings that magical bracelet into the corner of the cell she finds herself, where it lays forgotten… FOR THE MOMENT". http://www.cultbox.co.uk/features/opinion/2559-merlin-lancelot-du-lac-analysis

RosalynCabenson I read this earlier but this I have over seen...it relieves me the bracelet's gonna be found? I hope. My thoughts on the eoisode I posted in a review: http://www.fanpop.com/spots/arthur-and-gwen/articles/135617/title/4x09-lancelot-du-lac-review

kbrand5333 This line from the review caught my attention: [b]Engaging as I found the episode, I wonder if it’s all been structured to leave the door open for Gwen’s return too easily. Will the whole affair be written off as the meddling of that pesky sorceress Morgana and be forgotten about in three episodes time?[/b] Um, yes, please?

HumbleQueen I'm so bummed. I want to watch this whole thing through again, but my sweet family is surrounding me. (What a blessing,in all seriousness) but I'm being given little time to concentrate on my favorite pastime! I'm hoping soon, soon to watch it all again and focus on details. EA, your paragraph on the princess comments. I sat here with eyes brimming. This captures our Arwen. Oh my goodness. So beautiful. I wish you were writing for Merlin because this is what needs to be at the heart of all this. That's why there's nothing that would make me happier than if your assessment came to pass. It would all be worth it for me. I want Arthur to come to some sort of realization before he has proof. Or if something comes up, say with the bracelet or something, he's the one to figure it out based on all that you said in that paragraph. There are those worrying that the truth will never be known, but I don't believe that. And about the Elyan thing, there was an interview where they said something was coming up to test the Gwen/Elyan sibling relationship, so I'm pretty sure it will have something to do with the whole enchantment situation. Now I'm getting more excited than ever. Even about episode 10 because surely something is going to be the beginning of something here, since they hopefully are tying these episodes all together somehow. About the maturity of the writing. This was Lucy, you know. She gets Arwen the best. You see her touch in her episodes. I still have this nagging thing about the overall ability of most of the writers to "get it" but then in those cut scenes we just saw from episode 3, we can see that Howard Overman usually gets it pretty good too. So let's see. Waiting with bated breath.