Anonymous - To Believe or not to Believe

I know that I am on the late train with this, but the Theater Blog of the UK Guardian has a piece that really caught my eye on Anonymous, Sony Pictures period piece that asks the question --- what if William Shakespeare was a fraud?  Read it here.

This essay pretty much sums up my feeling on the whole subject. While I have no problem with a movie or book based on this tantalizing hypothesis, I do have a problem with the notion that a poor boy with a "grammar school education" could not possibly write anything good! It's snobbery at its worse.

Now, I have a confession to make that may seem sacrilegious to some, but here goes. I love Shakespeare, have since I read Hamlet in high school,  but unlike most I see his works as merely bawdy soap operas, melodramas full of incest, rape, sex, lies, love, family loyalty and all the stuff that plays on our deepest hopes and fears. That they have been elevated to such a place in our literary culture says as much about us as it does the plays. But that's just me.

So, why does it even matter if William Shakespeare wrote these plays? Because brilliance should not be questioned based on class.  I recently read a comment that stuck with me on a message board --- "To believe that Shakespeare wrote these plays is to believe in a dream that anyone, no matter the circumstances of their birth can grow up to be the greatest writer of all time. " Imagine that!

Ginnifer Goodwin Talks Once Upon A Time

The Associated Press recently interviewed Ginnifer Goodwin the star of ABC's Once Upon a Time about her take on the iconic role of Snow White. I fell in love with this show instantly and I think this re-imagined Snow White is brilliant. You can read what Ginnifer has to say here.

Merlin -- The Wicked Day

On this episode of Merlin, Arthur has the worst day ever as an evil traveling circus turns his birthday bash into a Wicked Day, depending on whose side you’re on, and sets in motion a chain of events that will change Arthur and Camelot forever.

It’s Arthur’s birthday and the kingdom is celebrating with a Circus du Arthur. The birthday boy is in no mood to celebrate; he is in Prince Regent Mode and can only think about his next duty. He changes his mind however when Uther wipes his drool and tells Arthur that he wants in on the B-day bash. Arthur is thrilled and soon the two are partying like its 1099!

Unfortunately for The Pendragons, the circus’ Gleeman is not there for merriment. He is an assassin hired by King Odin in another attempt to avenge his son’s death at the hand's of Arthur years ago. His last assassin didn't even put a dent in Arthur's Mack Daddying, chicken making, kissing to violins and jousting fun during The Once and Future Queen, but this one seems to be better at this assassin thing. After drugging Arthur he moves in for the kill, but is thwarted by Uther who channels his inner warrior and beats the Gleeman down, but not before he wounds Uther, leaving him on death's door.

A desperate Arthur decides to use magic to heal his father. Merlin sees this as a chance to show Arthur that magic is good and dusts off his Old Merlin Guise, while Morgana, after being informed of Uther’s plight by Uncle Scar has her own ideas. As Uther’s life hangs in the balance, the fate of an entire kingdom will be decided as the day of The Once and Future King may finally be at hand.

I’m just going to say it --- I didn’t particularly like this episode. I know this because I watched it three times trying to feel the love and just went blah every time. It pains me to write this because this is the episode I have been waiting years for and it felt like an anticlimactic thud. Maybe it was the placement of it. It just seemed odd that something that would shake the status quo up so much happened in the third episode after last week’s kick butt season opener. Why not do this in the season premiere? In my opinion it would have made the arc flow better.

Why was it necessary to insert a magical subplot at all with old Merlin? Oh yeah, to give Arthur a reason to hate magic and force Merlin to continue to keep the magic a secret. Last time I checked it was the very mortal King Odin who put this mess in motion, Arthur’s anger should be directed at him, but maybe that’s just me.

Don’t get me wrong, there were things I liked and there was really good things in this --- This episode saw another fantastic performance by Anthony Head who finally did the impossible, made me appreciate Uther for his complexities. I still hate the baby drowning bastard, but the ending of his arc just felt right.

Also, the last scene in this episode is iconic; there is no way around it. It made me smile and feel excited about what’s next; too bad all that other stuff had to happen before it.

Kudos to Bradley James as well. He brought his A Game in this episode. I felt Arthur‘s pain and his fear and ultimately his resolve.

Colin Morgan continues to shine as Merlin. As I said, it’s his party, and rightfully so, but can other people come to the table?

 The lack of Gwen was ridiculous. Given the magnitude of events in this episode she should have been at Arthur’s side. Why have an actress as good as Angel Coulby and give her nothing to do? I came across the completed script for Wicked Day which featured Gwen the way she should have been portrayed in this eppy, so my instincts were correct, her absence was odd. She was needed to make it feel like a complete story and her presence would have been an organic part of the story. So why was it cut? Oh look, another trouser joke!  

Maybe the fourth viewing will be the charm.

Questions/Comments

This is actually going to be more like a rant. I know that this show is about Merlin and everything, even as something as momentous as what happens in this episode, is told from his point of view, but the lack of view point from anybody else besides Arthur was a HUGE disappointment.

This is Morgana’s journey too, and what she did in this episode is yet another step into her decent to darkness, but we get no real reaction from her. What a letdown. In fact, she could not have even been in THIS episode. That makes no sense given her place in the story. Why is somebody like Morgana, who had the potential to be an amazing villain being treated like an afterthought in this of all episodes? You can argue that it was she who ultimately did the deed, but her scenes were so whatever that her role in all this lacked a true impact. I know some extra lines thrown Morgana’s way might have taken away from all the tomfoolery with Merlin and Arthur -- playing dress up and giving each other horseback rides and such, but geesh. Yes, the bromance is one of the things that makes this show sparkle but it was the subtle way that Merlin was there for Arthur in this episode that really tugged at the heart. They didn’t need all that other stuff.

Speaking of head scratching developments, this was THE moment the Gwen and Arthur have been talking about forever and?…I’m going to let this go because I could type at length on how Gwen’s small role in this episode tees me off. No Gwen being a supportive girlfriend and future queen for us! But I’m sure we will see PLENTY of Gwen when the Triangle of Doom returns ‘cause a woman’s real value is measured by how crazy she can make the men fighting over her, right. Maybe she’ll even be enchanted during that episode to give Arthur yet another contrived reason to hate magic. I know that the writers don’t want the Gwen/Arthur romance to eat this show, I get that. I even agree with that. If Gwen was Merlin’s love interest it would be different since he’s the main character, but she’s Arthurs’ so their romance is on the fringes, I get it, but as Arthur and Gwen move to their destined fate as husband and wife it might be a good idea to ,you know , show them acting like a couple. This was the perfect opportunity, too bad all the scenes that did that ended up on the cutting room floor.

No scenes with Uther and Uncle Scar talking? Really? That bedside scene doesn’t count! Uther told Arthur he knew everything going on around him, that would seem to mean that he knows his brother-in-law is back as well. Maybe they reunited off screen because who needs to see something as important as Uther being reunited with Ygraine’s remaining brother?  We know that Aggy hates Uther, and we all know why he hates Uther, and I’m sure Uther knows it as well. That much animosity and past issues warranted a scene or two.  
Don’t te

Why does Arthur blame magic for his mother’s death? Does he know the truth about his birth? Last time I checked he didn’t believe the vision he saw, thanks to Merlin. Don’t tell me he found out off screen.

One last thing, I know that I rag on Gaius A LOT, but his scene with Merlin after things shake out when he basically shrugs his shoulders and says let’s go get something to eat just made me laugh! I’m sure he went to the pub afterwards and did a happy dance that he “made it.” I know I would have.

Once Upon a Time

Last night ABC's Once Upon a Time premiered and I loved it. The perfect blend of fantasy and mystery the show has a brilliant premise --- Snow White's evil stepmother puts a spell on the Enchanted Forest and all the fairytale characters are cursed with a fate worse than death --- exiled to Storybrooke, Maine with no remembrance of their happily ever after.

The story center's around Emma Frost, Snow White's daughter ,who was was sent to the real world as a baby right before the enchantment took place. Even though Emma has no memory of who she really is, she is destined to break the curse and reunite her family.

The romance between Snow White and Prince Charming is incredibly romantic and Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas have amazing chemistry as the star crossed lovers who are the main targets of The Evil Queen.

I love fairytales so I was excited for this show to premiere, but I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did. I was pleasantly surprised that this show isn't about sword fights and magic but  about a family --- fractured by greed, jealousy and pain and destined to be reunited by love.

Most importantly, I found the character's "enchanted lives" and "real world" lives to both veryinteresting enough to watch.  "Grumpy" is an instant favorite in both worlds. It was an amazing first episode, but I have to wonder just how long a show with the premise can last. However, if they keep churning out episode's like this week's we'll all be feeling the magic for a long time.

Merlin --- The Darkest Hour

Previously on Merlin…

·         Morgana returned after a year’s absence and spent the entire season being EVIL and smirking along with her SISTERRR Morgause and their new smoldering sidekick King Cendred who was zombie food by season’s end.

·         Gwen’s never before mentioned brother Elyan, Gwaine of the Luscious Hair, and Percival the Mighty joined the knighthood.

·         Lancelot returned and continued to bond with Merlin and pine after Gwen.

·         Gwen and Arthur’s romance continued to simmer in secret on a slow burn, with the exception of an almost marriage to clumsy, but adorable Fairy Princess, and a near burning at the stake courtesy of Uther and Morgana.

·         Arthur continued to do his father’s bidding without question, leading to a disastrous mission to retrieve “the cup of life” that paved the way for Morgana to take the throne from a shocked Uther and a neutered Arthur.  

·         Arthur and his newly formed Knights of the Roundtable, with Gwen’s help, overthrew Morgana’s curiously cruel reign.

·         With her sister near death, the kingdom scarred, Uther driven mad and her EVIL finally discovered, Morgana teleported out of Camelot with a HUGE chip on her shoulder.

·         Arthur STILL was clueless about Merlin’s magic.

Merlin returns for its fourth season with a creepy two-parter that sets the stage for  what is to be some dark days ahead for our heroes. As the series opens Morgana and Morgause are in route to their next big project --- tearing apart the veil between the mortal and spirit worlds so that evil spirits will descend upon Camelot bringing death and destruction wherever they go. At least they are learning how to delegate.

Morgana no longer seems to need to telegraph her EVIL through smirks and convoluted plans, but seems to have decided to wear black this season in case someone didn’t get the “I’m evil now memo.”  The two SISTERRS succeed in opening up the veil and all Hades literally breaks loose.   

With Uther spending most of his time catatonic, Arthur is acting as Prince Regent. He is troubled that Morgana is back causing problems and turns to  his long lost Uncle Agravaine for support. The black clad, slicked hair, fork tongue man is clearly up to no good and pretends to be touched that Arthur trusts him. Arthur discovers that the only way to close the veil is a blood sacrifice and after much deliberation (not really) Arthur decides that he is going to sacrifice himself to save the people of Camelot, but not before crying all over Uther about how he taught him to be a great prince (did I miss that?)  and saying a touching goodbye to Gwen who knows that something is up.

 Sure enough, faster than you can say Mufasta, a gleeful Uncle Scar can’t wait to tell his secret BFF Morgana about Arthur’s plan.

Gwen takes time from wiping Uther’s drool to see Lancelot whose clear happiness at seeing her is dampened when she asks him to take care of Arthur and doesn’t even wish him a safe trip. Lance promises to look after Arthur with his life so you can guess where this is going…

On their journey, the knight's experience some hilarious hijinks's from Gwaine that involve food and besotted monsters. OK. But the fun can’t last forever as Merlin is stung by an evil spirit and Lancelot volunteers to take him back to Camelot for help.  While on their own, the boys bond over magic and water spirits and unrequited love once Merlin is healed.  

Meanwhile, Gwen is upset to hear that Uncle Scar has closed the gates to villagers who need help because he’s scared of chaos and that’s  not what Arthur would do and let’s her opinion be known in front of The Council. The Council sides with Gwen much to Uncle Scar’s chagrin. He goes whining to Morgana who goes on a tirade about Gwen stealing her throne and how she was warned that a guy named Emery would be her doom. Uncle Scar, who is not only a coward, but not very bright, runs to Gauis of all people and asks him for info on Emery as Merlin overhears. Maybe Morgana left out the fact that Merlin is a constant spoiler of bad guy plans in her “What You Need to Know to be Evil in Camelot” briefing.

Determined to get that crown stealer tonight, Morgana sneaks into the citadel and unleashes her wrath on Gwen who manages to come throw it with merely a gash on the head. Better luck next time.

Meanwhile at the opening of the veil, as Arthur and Merlin play “I’m willing to die more than you”,  Lancelot makes the ultimate sacrifice, keeping his promise to Gwen, and his unspoken vow of loyalty to Merlin, by walking around the talkers and closing the veil himself, but not before throwing Merlin a contented smile and looking as sexy as he ever has.  

Merlin is devastated, but it’s nothing compared to Gwen’s grief who tells a shocked Arthur that she asked Lance to look out for him and he died to keep his promise. Realizing that Lancelot still loved Gwen, something I’m sure Lance went out of his way not to show during the unseen year, and seeing the depth of Gwen’s feelings for the fallen knight, Arthur leaves his lady love to grieve alone, but their conflicting feelings about Lance and his place in their lives, will no doubt come back in a strong was when a not so dead Lance reappears...

Morgana is furious that Arthur lives. Uncle Scar informs her that he just got lucky but Morgana’s been to this rodeo too many times. She’s determined to come out on top, if only she can find that pesky Emery.

I really enjoyed this season opener. It seems that the writers have a clear vision for this season and the show as a whole and this year everybody’s going to get knocked a bit. You really get see how everybody’s weaknesses are going to used against them --- Arthur attachment to the people he loves and his continued blind spot for his family; Merlin frustration at having to keep his magic a secret; Morgana’s selfishness and obsession with Camelot;  Gwen’s ability to love and need to be loved and valued (as seen when she makes the mistake of being flattered by Uncle Scar’s pretty words); and Lancelot’s love for Gwen. Personally, I like the darker tone of the show and I’m curious to how far the writers are going to push the envelope with the characters.

Questions/Comments
Lancelot and Merlin’s friendship was the highlight of this two-parter. I LOVE Santiago Cabrera in this role and I’m sorry that we only get him in so few episodes. He IS Lancelot. His relationship with Merlin is fantastic as Merlin can be himself around him and he has great chemistry with Angel Coulby.  The looks he was giving her during their scene together made me swoon!

Nice to see Gwen having a bigger role and a bigger say in Camelot. Speaking up at the Council Meeting? You’ve come a long way Baby. I feel like this was one of the first times we really saw the real her unhampered by her “servant role.” But taking care of Uther, the man who killed her father and nearly toasted her on the pyre twice? It’s a choice… Kudos to Anthony Head for playing drooling Uther so well, it’s almost enough to make you feel sorry for the guy until you remember he likes to drown babies for fun.

Morgana is so much more convincing as a villainess now that she’s gotten rid of that evil smirk, but tell me that’s she’s being a little bit more proactive than sitting in her hut, wearing black and getting info from Uncle Scar.

Morguase, that’s your grand plan, really? Maybe, it was the only way she could think of getting away from her SISTERRR. I’m going to miss typing that!

Was I the only one that laughed when Gauis did his typical “do the right thing Sire” speech to Uncle Scar and quickly shut up AS USUAL when he was smacked down?

So, I take it that Gwaine was reduced to comic relief irrelevance because with Lancelot in the house he just couldn’t compete. Well Lance is in limbo now so hopeful Gwaine will get his spark back.

WHY IS ARTHUR MADE TO LOOK SO BLOODY CLUELESS?  I’m sorry, but I had to get that out. I get that Merlin’s magic must stay a secret for the story to work as it currently set up, I also understand that Merlin is the hero of the show, BUT Arthur is the Once and Future King not Boo Boo the Fool. He doesn’t suspect anything once he wakes up from all these convenient knock outs? EVER? And come on, I mean, even Stevie Wonder could see that Uncle Agravaine is a BAD GUY --- the black clothing, the gelled back hair, the “I live to serve you nephew” attitude.  You’re the Prince Regent now Art, get it together!

Merlin may not do everything right, but they are building a triangle that is pulling at the heart strings. I’m a Huge Arthur/Gwen shipper, but even I see why Gwen likes Lancelot so much and I don’t blame the girl for giving him a second, third or fourth look! It breaks my heart to see him pining for Gwen. I thought it was very mature of Arthur to leave Gwen to her grief, but seeing it is going to make him wonder just how deep her feelings for Lance run setting the stage for what we know will be Lance’s return. Arthur’s shock when he realized that Gwen and Lance still had feelings for each other and Gwen’s grief and guilt was palatable and that sight of her alone at his pyre was beautiful.

Merlin seems to be growing tired with having to keep his magic a secret. I can’t blame him. I hope that this season we see his building resentment played out.

Ringer Gets an Entire Season

If you're not watching Sarah Michelle Geller's Ringer than you are missing out on one great show; but it's not to late to join the fun, the confusion, and to ogle the REALLY good looking men in this twisted doppelganger tale. The CW has renewed purchased episodes for an entire season. Read more about it at Daytime Confidential.

Merlin Series 4 is here!

Merlin is FINALLY back and I'll be resuming my episode reviews next week. In the meantime, enjoy this great Series 4 teaser posted by Cult Fix.

Live Long and Prosper!

Leonard Nimoy, who portrayed Spock in the original "Star Trek" series, recently attended what he said would be his final convention for the hit sci-fi franchise. As a Trekkie who has attended Star Trek conventions and enjoyed Mr. Nimoy, I'm sad about this, but all good things must come to an end. Read more about it at the On the Red Carpet site.

Is the Reboot Really A Good Thing for Lois Lane

I've had a hard time warming up to the new Superman Universe now that's its been rebooted. I loved Clark/Superman, Kara/Supergirl, Connor/Superboy, and Lois Lane-Kent just the way they were, thank you very much. But I know that I am just one person and if the Superman Family was selling like it needed to the old status quo would still be in place. Business is business and Superman deserves to be a bestseller and his family, which in my opinion, is as compelling as Batman's family deserves to be uberpopular as well.  So I am not mad at DC for doing what it needed to do.

But, as a Lois and Clark marriage fan I am beyond sad that the marriage is over and the only story I want to read about that blonde boyfriend is him disappearing into the time stream. As a Lois/Clark rival reporters fan, I'm sad to see that relationship lost. As a Lois is Superman's biggest champion supporter... well you get the picture.

But just because I'm slow to warming up to the reboot, doesn't mean that others are. In fact, Comic Vine makes a very interesting argument that the reboot is the best thing that could have happened to Ms. Lane. What do you think? Is New Lois better than Original Receipe Lois?

Galactic Space Travel Dead?

Virgin Galactic, what was to be the world's first cruise ship to the stars seems to be calling quits. You can read the story here. As a fan of Science Fiction, fantasy and space operas I have always imagined other worlds and what it would be like to visit them. We've accomplished so much in technology over that past few decades, but it seems that our space program is sputtering and our drive to boldly go where no one has gone before is almost non existent. I for one hopes that some one, some day picks this touch up and runs with it. What do you all think? Will we see space travel for the masses in our lifetime?

The Buffyverse Comes to Supernatural

Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Angel alums Charisma Carpenter and James Marsters will being spicing up Supernatural as a bickering married couple who quickly become a thorn in the Winchester's brothers side on October 21. Spike and Cordy married? What would Angel think??!!! Read the rest here at  TV Guide Magazine.