I decided I’d post this thread BEFORE viewing today’s episode, because I wanted to share how I’m feeling as we head into this two part finale of Season 4. None of us knew for sure what to expect this season. Those of us who are not spoiler free have enjoyed all the hints coming from the photos which were taken during the three filming sessions at Pierrefonds. We’ve listened ever so attentively to the various interviews, tweets, and comic cons. We’ve excitedly viewed the trailers and promo pics for the coming series. So, when October 1st came and we watched our first episode, there were a few things we already knew. We didn’t know details, but had some ideas of certain storylines, especially that Uther was perhaps going to die and that the triangle was going to be visited with a twist. We speculated about those issues and had a lot of ideas. Now we know most of it. Uther has in fact died, with Arthur becoming king, even earlier than most anticipated. And yes, the triangle was visited and yes, there was a twist. Many guessed that the Kiss we saw in the earliest trailer would be the result of an enchantment, and we were right. For most of us, that was a relief. The last thing we wanted was that Gwen would Kiss Lancelot being in her right mind and that the Merlin version of the legend would follow the course of many later versions, where Guinevere’s cœur, coeur belonged to Lancelot and there was actual infidelity. I know was I ever so grateful to the montrer that they did it their way, and didn’t compromise our precious Gwen’s character.

But we’ve had a few surprises, like that short little breakup in ep. 5, the hilarious scene with naked Arthur and amused Gwen, Gwen stabbing and saving Merlin with Arthur saving them both and for the first time we get to see her leap into his arms. Soooo many precious moments, such as the handholding at the pyre, his hand caressing her face several times (new for this season), two sweet kisses, several nice hugs, and of course, the proposal. And heartache. So much heartache. plus than ever, plus even than 3x10. Of the earth-shattering and fateful kind of heartache.

I’m happy with this season. The biggest surprise for me has been that there has been no enchantment reveal as we head into episode 12. Spoilers indicate that after a three episode separation, with the “supposed” betrayal which ruined their lives still hanging over their heads, our couple will see each other in the final minutes of the episode. AND spoilers indicate they still won’t know the truth about that cataclysmic G/L Kiss when they meet again. I don’t know how the écriture is going to play this out, but already I’ve been blown away par this. I’m tickled rose that they actually went this route and didn’t emballage, wrap the whole thing with a little bow at the end of ep. 9 with the truth revealed and a cute little makeup scene. I can’t believe it’s three episodes later and it’s STILL not known.

But what pleases me most is that Arthur in ep. 11 has decided that his l’amour for Guinevere overrides it all. Do toi guys realize the beauty of his decision in that episode? Sure, he mentioned the betrayal when he came to his decision, but I think we’re seeing a massive display of forgiveness here of momentous proportions and I applaud the writers and producers for it, because what we’ve gotten this season is plus than I ever hoped for. Not only are we seeing the extent of Arthur’s love, but Guinevere’s. Finally we got our verbal confirmation of her l’amour during that horrific trône room scene and that he’s “everything” to her, but we saw the display of the its extent in her desperate struggle to get word to him in the last episode. We saw her worthiness to be Queen as well, because she wasn’t only driven par l’amour for Arthur, but also her l’amour for Camelot.

Season 5 has gone beyond my hopes for it prior to that first Saturday. There have been disappointments for sure, for me the biggest was how episode 3 was handled with the cut scenes, etc. But all in all, I’m happy with the season. Our sweet little Arwen has passed over the threshold from their status as a cute and sweet couple into one of far greater significance: the Arthur and Guinevere pairing of the Merlin montrer is epic, historic, and legendary, something which can be denied par no one. At least par no one who really wants to be fair. And this will be the case no matter what happens in the suivant two episodes.

So come share your thoughts, and I will too, after viewing this much anticipated episode 12.