#2.7 "The Witchfinder"

[KryptonSite]

U.K. fans: Count down to the episode's airing and discuss it LIVE here!

Images can be found here: http://www.merlinsite.com/gallery/th...s.php?album=19

[Vindellavon]

Can't wait!

[Amar J]

looks top notch, finally athur vs uthur it seems

[wendelboe]

2:47

[Lexgirl33]

How was this one?

[genvillewars92]

Intense.Sad.Dark. left me wanting to kick the Witchfinders ass!

[LuthorKent90]

This episode sort of pissed me off. Well everyones apparent indifference to the situation with Gaius being accused and almost killed, pissed me off.

It was still a great episode. But I absolutely hated the way Gwen Arthur and Morgana were written in it. I just don't see them sitting idly by not trying to do anything... especially Morgana because she is known as the only one to really stand up to Uther.
AND Considering Morgana has known Gaius since she was a little girl, you'd think she'd be a bit more concerned.

Arthur- Blame it on lack of air time. He was in the background most of the time, the only redeeming part of the episode and not ooc moment was when he brought Merlin to see Gaius.

Gwen- She didn't seem very enthusiastic about trying to prove Gaius innocence, and came across as "well it's going to happen anyway, we can't stop it, so let's just let it happen" attitude. Very odd.

Even though I love Gwen and Arthur the scene were Gwen convinces him to try to stop the execution came across as weak. It appeared too late in the episode for him to suddenly realize he had the power to do SOMETHING.

However I LOVED the ending scene between Gaius and Uther. He didn't come across as rude, but he was honest with Uther and that is what Uther needs. <3

Colin and Richard really shined in this episode. They have a wonderful father/son chemistry. The emotional scenes shared between them were brilliant.

Wow I'm coming across as a very dedicated Gaius fan!

8/10 because of the OOCness

[SVFancross]

Finally saw it, first impressions:

- Wow, dark indeed. I remember having nightmares about the cage from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I fear "Merlin" will have provided a new generation with a nightmare of their own. It'll be interesting to see if the ratings (which are calculated by every 10 or 15 mins) go down as parents turned off the telly because it was too scary. Now, I LOVED the intensity, just not sure it was for the teatime crowd.

- Colin Morgan was absolutely fantastic tonight. He was so eaten up with guilt. I hope he learned his lesson and it sticks. I'm also glad that he went for the toad. I'm still think Uther may have been convinced by the Witchfinder that Merlin set him up. That guy was exceedingly clever and he preyed on Uther's weaknesses superbly.

- LOVED Arthur's reaction to the Gaius confession. When they showed him in the background, he was never looking at Gaius, he was looking at Merlin. He KNEW Merlin was going to explode and was quick to "handle it". And, yes, let me just squee for a moment at the manhandling and the change in Arthur. Arthur letting Merlin take a swing at him and trying to keep him calm was so mature. Letting him talk to Gaius was the only thing he could do for Merlin at that moment and I'm so glad he did (and inadvertently set of the chain of events once Merlin realized the evidence was planted).

- Nearly cried at how Merlin turned into such a little boy/son of Gaius in the cell when Gaius told him to let him go. Merlin has totally bonded with this man as a father figure and CM/RW sold it so very very well.

- HATED Gaius' treatment and that no one did anything. I suppose it's historically accurate that this kind of rough treatment was par for the times (and the whole witch-hunt theme was one of the most "reality" based topics we've seen - a far cry from the troll).

- LOVED Gwen/Merlin as Team Scooby. I thought this was the best use of Gwen as a supporting character (versus one where she was the focal point) since Moment of Truth.

- LOVED that Gwen brought out the howitzer (her father's death) for Merlin/Gaius' sake. Gwen knows how to open up a can of whoop-a** on Arthur, big time. To me it was very logical of Gwen to know that she was far more likely to get Arthur to stop than Merlin. And it had nothing to do with the romance, Merlin was too upset and Arthur may have dismissed it as an overstatement because he was distraught. But Gwen, while upset, had sufficient distance to be credible. And of course she played the loyalty card for Merlin. To me, under these circumstances, it was a perfect play on her part.

- LOVED that Arthur stood next to Merlin and was basically fully supporting him while simultaneously speaking in "Uther-speak" so that his father would do what he wanted. Arthur totally believed Merlin and knew the trick was getting Uther to do so as well. Merlin really is a hot-head sometimes and Arthur has become adept at stopping Merlin from getting squished like a bug under Uther's boot.

- NOT HAPPY. Morgana is once again not in on the plan. Of course she was being questioned by the Witchfinder for the start of it, but I think they are constantly isolating her from Merlin/Arthur/Gwen. To me, it's too soon. I feel like they are simultaneously ignoring her development while rushing to a split with her becoming evil.

- LOVED Gaius finally putting the smack-down on Uther. Uther really is self-delusional (it's not my fault) and Gaius held that mirror up pretty clearly for Uther to see he was a low-life in the way he has handled the magic issue. Uther is really getting soundly beaten up (b/w the troll, Gaius, and next week). Good.

- SURPRISED that the Dragon sounded so sincere with Merlin. Seemed like a bit of a rapproachment to me.

Bottom line: The dark was a bit too dark (couldn't stand to see Gaius manhandled) but the overall episode was very very good with excellent development for Merlin (at last), re-inforcement of Arthur's recent developments, and Gwen stepping up again.

ETA: Final review on Monday (late).

[genvillewars92]

I have some love for Gauis I do :P poor man!

[Vindellavon]

Finally, an episode that gets a perfect 10/10 from me!

[Maxima]

This episode has it good and bad, however the way Uther yelled at Merlin to keep him from speaking, "You have no authority here!", I really want it to rip his head off, I mean wtf? that's his uncle your killing for heaven sake (^~^)v*..

Loved Gwen/Merlin teamwork~ lol loved most of Arthur reactions in this episode (^-^)/
Morgana could have done better, but since she was fearing for her life.. I don't blame her, much!
Poor Gauis!! (T_____T)

[SVFancross]

This episode has it good and bad, however the way Uther yelled at Merlin to keep him from speaking, "You have no authority here!", I really want it to rip his head off, I mean wtf? that's his uncle your killing for heaven sake (^~^)v*..

Not only that, but Merlin and Gaius saved his sorry-butt from being wed to a troll. Did Uther not know anything about how they got him to cry the tears of remorse? Uther is such an a**. Sorry, I had to get that out of my system and you reminded me of it.

[Maxima]

I think he thought Arthur [not Merlin & Gaius] helped him on that, that's why there was no thankyou for either 'em.. then again even if he knew.. I don't think he'd spare a thankyou! he might as well make Gaius another manservant for his son (that's how it end up the first time he thank someone.. >_>; ).

Uther likes to listen to the ppl inside his head, boy I wait for his ending!!
*wishesthedragoneathimup!!*

[Amar J]

really enjoyed this episode

the preview for the next looks amazing!

[kszonew]

Originally Posted by SVFancross

Not only that, but Merlin and Gaius saved his sorry-butt from being wed to a troll. Did Uther not know anything about how they got him to cry the tears of remorse? Uther is such an a**. Sorry, I had to get that out of my system and you reminded me of it.

A reply, some random thoughts and maybe some trivia:

The Witchfinder may have been ment to be episode 4 of Season 2 at some point based on a few random things. It ended up as episode 7, so unless it was just filmed in an earlier block for later on, it most likley did kind of air out or order. So what we saw in the trolls eps did happen, yet it actually didn't if that makes sense.

That would also explain why Merlin looked down at the start. In the first three episodes of Season 2 he's pretty upset that he still has to hide his magic - even after he sort of comes to terms with it in the third episode. So in his downer moment he acts reckless which sets up the events to come.

Plus if this episode was ment to follow Beauty and the Beast II from the start there would have likley been a mention of Uther's troll problems since that itself would be reason for him to summon Aredian to Camelot having been tricked by magic on a personal level. So if they did intend this to be episode 7 they really missed out bigtime on now following up on previous stuff.

Uther yelling at Merlin - the thing is Merlin did speak out of place there. He was understandably upset but Uther is still king, as harsh of one as he often is. So while it may of come across as cold and ignorant it was still very fair for Uther to remind Merlin of his place.

All in all this was a great episode. I like them darker and like when they push things and mix them up a bit.

[SVFancross]

The Witchfinder may have been ment to be episode 4 of Season 2 at some point based on a few random things. It ended up as episode 7, so unless it was just filmed in an earlier block for later on, it most likley did kind of air out or order.

Yes, I had heard that as well. Originally I had heard Witchfinder 4, Lancelot & Guinevere 5, which would leave Troll at 5/6. They must have thought it was not enough difference in the characters to make a difference but I think I could talk myself into seeing how they are in different places. As for what drove it, it clearly wasn't SFx in Witchfinder as there was only the lame smoke horse. Perhaps it was to put some distance b/w The Nightmare Begins and Witchfinder or perhaps they wanted to put the lighter-weight Troll episodes first. In addition, maybe they wanted the L&G episode done so that they could recover the friendship for Arthur & Gwen. The Arwen relationship in EP 6 was back to good so I think that initial fall-out is over. I do think the 8 onward is in correct order. But, looking back:

Merlin - Yeah, after EP3 he had just given that "lonely vibe".

Arthur/Merlin - Arthur's behavior was nicer than EP2 but in EP3 Arthur was also providing "wisdom" to Merlin regarding Morgana (his way of helping IMO) so ... yeah, I could rationalize him pulling Merlin out of the throne room as making sense. Also Merlin being 'smarter than he looks' fits better post Witchfinder than it does post EP1-3.

Arthur/Gwen - This could be another reason why he went ga-ga over her in EP4. He was trying to keep his distance in EP3 but if Witchfinder was EP4, she again opened up a can of whoop-a** on him and he was impressed again. A bit repetitive with EP2 BUT, the kindness in the Troll episode synchs up a bit more IMO rather than po'd, happy, po'd. Also, none of this "I'm just a servant" business makes sensed after EP6, so that fits as well.

Arthur/Uther - No troll jokes. Arthur just dealt with Morgana getting "kidnapped" by the Druids. I could see them being "tight", vice any distance from the dis-inheritance moment.

Morgana - Makes more sense for her to be terrified after The Nightmare Begins. She JUST found out she was magical.

Uther/Gaius - This is a bit off with the "old timeline". After all, Gaius was fairly warm to Uther in the troll episode. After Witchfnder, I would have expected less warmth.

So - I could see how the plot/dialog supports an earlier episode airing for EP 7 but I can also see that it is not completely jarring for it to be where it was.

I imagine DVD commentary will eventually tell us what happened. Perhaps the Secrets and Magic show tomorrow will as well.

[SVFancross]

Pretty lonely in here these days but I'll post my review anyway:

A very dark episode with a marvelously malevolent villain brings the daily threat to Merlin to the foreground. Strong characterization and a compelling plot drive a tense and entertaining episode.


What Worked:



Charles Dance/Witchfinder – From the “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” child-snatcher carriage to his masterful powers of observation, this is the best villain to grace “Merlin” to date. Here Merlin meets his match and nearly loses Gaius in the processes. There was no doubt he was a going to be found as a fraud but in fact Dance did an excellent job of showing that his instincts were spot on as he exploited every opening he got.


The basic premise – Although a cloud pony was a laughable trigger, the idea of mass hysteria and someone who preys on fear of magic was a worthy topic for this series. It shows precisely the risk Merlin takes on a daily basis.


Gaius/Uther – Obviously a strong Gaius episode. Richard Wilson throws himself into the part of the tortured but strong-willed elderly physician who is willing to die a gruesome death for Merlin. Gaius calling out Uther for his cowardice at failing to take ownership for his paranoia was long-awaited and did not disappoint.


Shattering of Merlin’s innocence – This was one of the central themes of the episode and it was well handled by Colin Morgan. Understanding that this episode was originally planned for after The Nightmare Begins, Merlin’s loneliness makes more sense. Colin Morgan’s bitter tears of guilt, his childlike hugging of Gaius in the cell, and his initial helplessness at correcting his mistake was spot on. Merlin learned his horrible lesson about being more cautious with magic and his desperation to save Gaius was heartbreaking to watch.


Merlin/Gwen teamwork – Merlin is always clever when it comes to detective work but it was Gwen’s connection to the lower town and her insight that the Belladonna drops were insufficient evidence that made Merlin finally have a successfully upheld accusation in front of Uther. Merlin has convinced Arthur before but Uther has always demanded more proof and Merlin’s evidence planting was just the right trick. Although I loved the line “Honestly, Merlin, the toad was too much!” I actually thought it was necessary as the slimy Witchfinder might have wormed his way out of it without that final push.


Arthur/Merlin – A well-played moment by Bradley James during the Gaius confesses as Arthur does nothing but watch Merlin and wait for the bomb to go off. When it inevitably does, the fondness Arthur feels for Merlin is touching as he rushes him out of the room and allows him to see Gaius. Arthur also clearly stands with Merlin's both literally and morally as he pushes his father to examine the evidence.


Recalling the death of Tom – A surprising twist where Gwen recalls the specter of her father’s death and Arthur’s inaction in his execution. This is excellent continuity only marred by her referring to herself as “only a servant” once again. With Merlin so distraught, Gwen tackling Arthur for the save made sense and it show great faith by Merlin for him to trust Gwen to convince Arthur.


Partial Success:


Episode placement – Originally filmed as EP4 (per Richard Wilson interview), the push back to behind the Troll two-parter did allow for a nice buildup of epic moments in the later half of the season but characterization suffered because of it. The Uther/Gaius relationship should have been stronger after the Troll incident. Merlin and Arthur had progressed farther. Gwen and Arthur had transitioned to a comfortable friendship in the Troll episode vices this regression back to a “Arthur notices Gwen” moment. Morgana’s terror so soon after The Nightmare Begins would have made more sense. Because the rest of the season has yet to air, the jury is still out as to whether or not the character relationship inconsistencies were worth any benefit gained but my initial reaction is that they should have left it between “The Nightmare Begins” and “Lancelot and Guinevere” as originally planned.


What Didn't Work:


Morgana’s isolation – It’s clear now that they have separated the younger cast into Merlin/Arthur/Gwen and Morgana (sometimes with Gwen but very little dialog). This isolation of Morgana and significantly reduced screentime seems too fast for her development. They appear to be rushing her descent into evil versus taking time to show the bonds between all the younger characters before shattering them.




Overall grade 9. Richard Wilson, Charles Dance and Colin Morgan all shined in this tense drama with a meaningful plot and fully realized characters. Morgana’s isolation continues to distract and the relationship between characters was spotty based on episode placement.

[Amar J]

definitely agree about the villian, he was by far the best in the whole show. i think its a shame they killed him off, would have liked for him to become a reoccurring character

[svfan50]

AVFanCross...you're review is always appreciated. I do agree with you - its a bit lonely here now a days. Not sure why...anywhoo..I love Merlin and probably would keep coming here. Keep up your reviews.

[LovelyLoisLane]

Poll added.