fdarcy Just finished watching and I loved Gwen, she rules. I do agree with Kbrand, I do also believe that the alien is the key of course I do hope that Morgana never gets it,

KshMcKenzie Thank you azwarrior.

azwarrior Ooops...KSH....just noticed I put an extra "r"....it should be COUCH TUNER. And no problem....you are welcome.

Lucerne28 Regarding the show. (1) I was glad to see that Arthur was a man of his word that he really wanted a queen that would be a help mate/partner, and not merely an ornament to hang on his arm. His queen is an equal partner that aids him in the running of Camelot, and strategic planning missions. When he is gone she runs the country. (2) Gwen. Holy frigging crap did she bring it. She was magnificent. She was everything that a queen should be, smart, kind, decisive, and ruthless when she had to be. I screamed like a fan girl when, decked out in Pendragon red, she sentenced Sefa to death. I did not have any problem with it. Given the time period the show is set in, and what Sefa did, queen Gwen’s decision was the right one. One can deduce from the fact that Morgana knew where Arthur has been sending the Camelot patrol, that Sefa has been feeding her father information for quite a while. Any soldiers, and knights that were killed during ambushes by Morgana and her minions can be laid at Sefa’s feet. She was her father accomplice, willing or not, in his vendetta against Camelot and its rulers. Also, with Arthur missing, any weakness by Gwen will be deemed as an opening for any other kingdom, or bandit that might covet Camelot’s riches. You have to be ruthless to keep the dogs at bay. (3) I liked the fact that each of the core characters got screen time. I thought the alien thing with Gwaine was frigging hilarious, Merlin meeting E.T. Had a good laugh. Gratuitous naked chest of fine looking knights can’t say I am complaining. (4) Liked the fact that although Merlin might not have an official title, he is in the chamber with the king and his privy council as the planned strategy. (5) I have to agree that I don’t see what the Merthur fans saw in this episode. Then again I never saw what they saw in Arthur and Merlin’s relationship. The vibe between Arthur and Merlin particularly in this episode was that of two friends who have gone to hell and back together, and care greatly for each other. Even thought they might never admit it to one another. I think the reason why Merlin left the other knights behind, and pulled Arthur away to safety was because he was still reeling in shock from the vision he had gotten from that man in the cave. Thus he was not thinking, he was just reacting. (6) HATE Mordered already. All I saw with his introduction was Arthur’s end. Given the fact that I am an Arthur fan and Arwen shipper, I can’t say I am thrilled to see him.

BradAngeleyes Queen Gwen looked beautiful, as expected. Merlin running around the castle looking for her seemd a litle stupid, didn't her husband know where she was? I see they are trying to pleases the masses who called Gwen a Mary Sue/Goody Two Shoes, by making her fiercer in the first episode and actually sentencing a girl to death in the absence of the King (which to me seemed a little inaccurate historically). And especially as her own father was sentenced to death, you'd think she would hesitate in doing so to someone else, as she's been through it herself. The only thing I see happening now is that people will start bitching about how Gwen has changed since becoming Queen, so the haters still have something to bitch about. As usual things were crammed into the 45 minutes we had but that will always be so. After looking forward to Season 5 for soooooo long, I must admit I wasn't gripping my seat with anticipation or excitement but I expect to be doing so in the future. Like the twist with the alien thing, it was different LOL. Are they showing that alients have been around for centuries? The thing I'm most looking forward to is the Arwen scenes, lots of them :D Now that everyone has been showcased, look forward to Arwen.

lailastar A tender moment, even with dialog and just holding each other between Arthur and Gwen the night before he left for such a dangerous mission would have made this episode complete. It is a shame they left something like that out, Even though we know there will be some good scenes coming up between them in later episodes. That small omission felt like a link was missing, husbands do not leave for war or possible death without sharing moments like these with their wives. That was one of the biggest mistake in these episode. Or else this would have been a 10/10

EpicArwen Dropping in for my humble .02 cents. Overall, I thought it was a solid episode. Not the 'out of the park' that I thought last season's premiere was, but still very solid with a good use of all the characters. Starting from the beginning -- I agree with BradAngelEyes about the opening. It's pretty clear that Gwen shares Arthur's chambers and they're getting ready for an important meeting with the knights -- why wouldn't Arthur just look in their room? I believe the intent was to show how frazzled/worried Arthur gets when Gwen is 'missing', but it seems they should have done a better job with the why/how of it by having him say he'd already looked, then employed Merlin to the task or something. Did love how he shrugged it all off as no problem at all when Gwen did appear though. :) LOVED, LOVED the Round Table. Loved the Council and Gwen being in the thick of it and being the one to offer an alternative route. LOVE that Arthur took her suggestion without question and went with it. I really liked the overall sense of a peaceful Camelot suddenly being unsettled by the absence of one knight and his men. I liked the intercutting of scenes with Arthur talking and Gwaine running. Loved Arthur's determination to find them no matter what. Queen Annis was awesome as usual and I did like the Merlin juggling act. Morgana seemed ... Morgana to me. Nothing new there. Seems to me if she's even more bitter/angry, etc because she'd been captured they could have take that character into 'loony-bin' land with her being a bit more unhinged. That would have made the character more interesting to me because then she was would be a bitter, unstable Morgana instead of just...sigh...Morgana. While I adored Gwen in this epi,-- everything about her from her worry for Arthur, her kindness to Sefa, her wisdom, her command of the throne -- if they don't leverage Sefa's imprisonment/sentence of death to 1) gain insight into Morgana's plans/allies, 2) make a trade/use her knowledge to get Arthur/knights back, then I think it would be a wasted opportunity. So, I truly hope there's more to the Gwen-sentencing-Sefa-to-death story line than what we just saw. Btw, I don't fault her for the sentence at all. Many men are missing or dead, including her husband and King, Gwen had a confession from the girl and the evidence of her own eyes. There really was no other choice. I just hope there's more to it. I do think and like that the Merlin/Arthur relationship has matured, but did anyone else get annoyed by Merlin's attitude toward Arthur through most of the epi? For instance at the beginning when he failed to find Gwen and Arthur was asking what he was good for, his "putting up with you" came across a whole lot more like bitterness than humor. The same with when Arthur threw the boots at him. I felt last season that he'd started to get a bit arrogant, and I'm already feeling even more this season. Which could be good if that means they're going to drive a wedge between M/A that plays out in a story line that leads to Arthur finding out about Merlin's magic, or testing Merlin's loyalty. But if not...they just need to stop it. Because, at least to me, it felt like Merlin was doing what he does more because its his destiny to do so than because he really believes in Arthur and the goodness of the path Arthur has chosen. I hope that makes sense. Again, overall good epi. Wish there's been a bit more Arwen, but like everyone else I know we'll get there. It is the way of Merlin. :)

KshMcKenzie Yeah I just sorry that to sorry about that.

Pocketgal Hi everyone First time poster here. Due to being in Australia I had to watch on youtube ... we get it next week, but here are my thoughts. The introduction, yes it was comical, but the Queen was obviously getting ready, so why Arthur didn't check their chambers is beyond me. I felt that the banter between Arthur and Merlin seemed forced and Arthur just came off as mean, eventhough Merlin did respond with his own quip. The sight of the two thrones and the round table made my breath catch, and when Arthur spoke about it, I was proud of who he has become ... the Arthur of S01E01 seems so long ago. I am intrigued by the empty seat. Only one. is it Gwaine's? If so where is Percival's? Has it been left out of respect? Or is it waiting for the tush of our favourite warlock? Loved the Privvy Council, obviously made up of our main cast :) love the fact that Gwen was confident in her suggestion and Arthur took it on board without question. I have to say I was disappointed that there was no Arwen farewell scene. That is a scene that is waiting to be written by someone. I am looking at you kbrand5333!!! The scenes continue to be visually stunning, but I do feel that Morgana's schtick is getting old. I am curious about the key ... maybe what they are digging for is the luminescent creature who healed Gwaine. I don't know about anyone else but seeing Arthur's murder via the Seer absolutely broke my heart. I have a sick feeling that the producer's 5 year plan is going to come to fruition, especially after hearing Angel describe a scene between her and Bradley. I only hope that the murder is able to be stopped. Gwen to me was fantastic in this episode, you can see her confidence in her role and what being Queen for 3 years actually looks like. I liked her relationship with Sefa early on, it reminded my of early Morgana/Gwen. But then when she was caught outside the Privvy Council, I thought, here we go, another traitor under their noses all series, but imagine my pleasant surprise when she was not only caught but sentenced to death. Long live the Queen. But I feel something will happen and the sentence will not be carried out and she will stay as Gwen's handmaiden. But as someone else remarked, the look on Elyan's and Gaius' faces when the sentence was passed was priceless. I feel that a magic reveal is close .. after all Merlin summoned the snake while Arthur wasn't even unconscious, but of course he forgot, I was disappointed that Merlin didn't use his magic during the battle to help his friends. I enjoyed Queen Annis, and who knows maybe the 2 Queens will meet next week, but I did not enjoy Merlin being called a fool, and Arthur's harsh words again. However the look on his face during the juggling was priceless. Props to Colin there. One question though ..... where is Excalibur? Overall, a good and exciting start to the season, loved the naked torsos, wish one belonged to the King though, and the scene is set for an interesting Part 2. Hope we get more Arwen, and that a magic reveal is close. I hope I haven't rambled too much. See you next week. I am so happy Merlin is back!

guen_evere You all already said my thoughts and impressions about this episode. So I'll just say the episode WAS FREAKING BEYOND AWESOME!!!!!! Still can't get over our BADASS QUEEN!!!!

Yasmine29  WOOWWWWW !!!!!!!!!!!!! Guinevere was fabulous !! She was born to be Queen. It's a fact !!! Arthur, a queen is never late , guests arrive too early. When she sentenced to death Sefa, I was quite afraid instead of her servant !!! I must say that the most striking character in this episode is Queen Guinevere. Arthur shows a little bit more of respect in what merlin is saying which is appreciated ! :D Merlin is always saving the world and his crush on the servant girl will be short, poor thing. Katie has improved with her acting. Morgana isn't anymore nervous as before more calm to decide what she is going to do as she said : "Patience and I are old friends". real great episode but one question : Why is gollum from Lords of the ring in this cave with Gwaine ? Some spoilers ???

leona21 Not really anything different to add. Agreed with most of the comments on here. As said before, I know there HAS to be Arwen episodes so I will get over my slight deflation following this episode. Our Queen was the BOMB! Loved how she carried herself with grace. I was a little shocked at her sentence of the maid but the maid was caught and treason was the result. Gwen at this point has no idea the maid was conflicted, she defended her father's murderous actions which may have claimed the life of the King and his men. All and all I enjoyed the episode, so I am happy.

lailastar I will start that first chapter for you KBrand5333. He walks into his inner chamber and sees her standing by the window looking out into the night. He knows her thoughts are on his mission tomorrow. He walks softly to her and wraps his arms and himself around her, he still, after three years gets a thrill and unbelievable joy every time he touches her. She says nothing and he dips his face in her neck, kisses her and whispers, "everything will be fine, I promise ", she slides her hands over his arms and then reaches back and strokes his hair and glides her hand down side of his face to his neck, and whisper " take me to bed my husband " He takes her hand and they move toward their bed, the bed which he has brought her to such ecstasy since their wedding night. The rest I leave to you KBrand5333, run with it like you do so well. This was what was missing from this episode, their night before he left.

leona21 lailastar, great first chapter my dear!

kbrand5333 I think you just wrote it, Laila, lol. Unless you were looking for smut...

kbrand5333 Oh, and welcome, Pocketgal, do not be shy! I have one more thought on last night's ep: Someone PLEASE needs to tell me that Colin really does know how to juggle. Call me weird, but that was kind of hot.

leona21 Knowing Colin I suspect he learned to juggle for that scene, the method actor that he is. Isn't there a picture of him practising? I must be weird too cause it was HOT!

kbrand5333 I just found it and about died. Posted here now: http://www.fanpop.com/spots/arthur-and-gwen/images/32402996/title/omg-guys-photo

hapybeinginsane I smiled so much yesterday when I realised what he had been practising juggling for.

lailastar KB, girl, I love the way you write smut, that is why I left that part to you, please write us a story with at least two chapters. I want him to take away with him enough of her to remember her, for the weeks he will be away. There is also a scene where he throws his boots at Merlin and lies back on the bed and all I could think of is he is thinking of her. Please include that in your story ( he is reliving that night with her )

MISAforever Wow laila, you really want our Kim to make up for what we believe are missing scenes.. I approve! After all, i'm Kim's fan! So, i stayed up till 4.30am just to watch it cause of my stupid slow internet. And afterwards I couldn't sleep. I don't party that hard even for New Year Eve LoL. When i watched it, I felt like I'm watching thew new improved version of Merlin. But that mostly and almost only due to Angel. God, she was BRILLIANT!!!!! It was breathtaking.. As well as Bradley, but I'm called biased there! :D The rest of the episode was really good, though nothing special. Bromance was obviously there, a bit too much i dare to say. But i quite enjoyed it. After all it's my BROTP. I missed Arwen scenes, but I knew we won't get any in the first episode so i didn't have my hopes up. All in all, great start and i feel it will only get better. I'm pleased.

Pocketgal Thankyou for the welcome :) I was trying to work out what was missing from this episode, and I have worked it out. The conversations. Yes Merlin and Arthur had their chats, but in every other episode of the series, Gaius has spoken to Merlin before a quest. They didn't even speak this episode. Naybe next week they will discuss Mordred and Merlin's fears. The other conversation that was lacking was The King and Queen. Yes they shared scenes, but they didn't really speak to each other if ou know what I mean, and I think tis interaction is what I missed the most. And yes we do need those Arwen fics :)

kbrand5333 Okay, okay, I've pasted Laila's start into a document to save. Will give it some thinking.

kbrand5333 Here you are, darlings: http://www.fanpop.com/spots/arthur-and-gwen/articles/188657/title/farewell (I just did the once scene. No post-boot-throwing reverie, sorry.)

RosalynCabenson I really hope for more Arwen next episode and I don't want Gwen responsale for the death of that girl so I'm really excited how all will unfold. most excited I'm about Mordred. Liked the twist at the end.