Camelot – “Igraine” – Review

“Igraine” did exactly what it says on the tin and gave us an episode focused mainly on Igraine, both her real self and her doppleganger. Once again the show is lacking a little of the wow factor, but I thought this episode was at least a step in the right direction.

The highlight of this week’s episode was definitely Claire Forlani’s excellent performance as Igraine. Up until now there hasn’t really seemed to be much of a point to her character. Her role in the show was pretty much defined by her role as Arthur’s mother and as a possible love interest for Merlin. What I really liked about the opening scene was that we, like Morgan, got to see the world through Igraine’s eyes, and through this unique view we can see just how important and loved Igraine is in Camelot. What was really interesting is that Morgan seemed to grow into her new role as Igraine as the episode progressed. She steadily grew in confidence and stature, and that little scene at the end with her facing off against the real Igraine showed just how comfortable in her new skin she is.

Without a doubt the biggest shock in the episode and possibly in the entire series was the death of that young orphan boy. I was actually gobsmacked when it happened–I really didn’t expect it. Jeez, you’d think they’d give the poor little guy a break; it’s hard enough being an orphan without being killed by the person you love. Pretty much any possible redemption for Morgan went out the window the moment that little guy hit the pavement. Before that, she actually looked like she might have a heart. Her scenes with Merlin and the orphan boy were nice, and notable in that we got to see a whole new side to Merlin. He’s such a dote really, setting up a party for the boy and reading him a story. It’s good to see a kinder, gentler Merlin, who actually opens up to Igraine; their relationship is actually pretty believable, so it’s a pity it’s with Morgan rather than the real Igraine. It’ll probably cause Merlin to clam up again once he finds out the truth, which is a shame, as I was beginning to like this new side of him! The boy pointing out the loneliness in Morgan/Igraine’s eyes, though, was probably the most intriguing observation in the episode. Maybe her thirst for power is just to fill the crippling void of loneliness she has felt all her life? It’s possible, though unlikely that she can still be redeemed. Under it all she really is just a lonely girl with daddy issues, either that or a cold-hearted bitch. Take your pick!

Meanwhile the real Igraine had some problems of her own to deal with. The last thing I expected to ever call Igraine was a badass, but she showed some spunk here. The scene where she attempted to strangle Sybil was great, because it was unexpected from someone who before had seemed so regal and ladylike. Her resourcefulness came in handy later, too, when she killed that perverse guard and escaped. Sybil didn’t have much to do this week except get strangled and make threats, but she is a powerful figure.  It’s a pity for Morgan she doesn’t command the same love and devotion Sybil does in her employees. Hopefully Vivian, who actually seems like a half-decent sort, won’t suffer too much for her “lapse” in judgement.

I didn’t really get the point of seeing Arthur and the boys go hunting. It just seemed completely pointless. The only thing I liked about that whole story was Arthur’s idea of a senate and a council of champions. It just really distracted from the main storyline, though, and shouldn’t they have better things to be doing, like running the kingdom, perhaps? The wolf Leontes saw was interesting enough, but as a whole I thought this story lacked any purpose or focus. Oh, and I’m not even going to expand on the Arthur/Guinevere moment at the beginning, it’s all just a bit tiresome at this stage.

One good thing I will say about their relationship is that Leontes finally has an idea of what’s going on. It’s been a long time coming, and I can’t wait to see how Arthur’s champion will react; at this stage I just want the whole Guinevere mess sorted, and a battle to the death between the two men should do it! It was also good to see that Morgan actually had a plan, rather than just wandering around aimlessly, killing orphans and trying to seduce Merlin. I wonder how come Merlin wasn’t able to read Morgan, though, is it an effect of the magic she used to transform or has she learned to block him somehow? She didn’t seem to worry when he said he could see her past, which makes me believe she knew he wouldn’t be able to. Maybe she has more control over her powers than we thought.

I have to say I was confused by the ending, the image of Igraine facing Morgan Igraine was great, but why was Morgan so calm? Was she expecting this? It just seemed like they did it for effect, but maybe there’s a reason behind the calm, so I’ll reserve judgement for now.

I don’t know what to make of this episode overall.  I liked it, but once again I found the pace really slow, and after a lot of episodes like that it gets a little tiring. Things really need to liven up and fast. Nevertheless I am curious to see what will happen with Morgan and Igraine next week, and I still thought it was better than the previous few episodes. Onwards and upwards from here on out I hope!