Melisey I'm just gonna copy my tumbir post about it. This is what I thought: First of all. Arwen is flawless. This episode was perfect for them. So Arthur had decided to move on for the sake of the kingdom. Then he meets Mithian and he immediately likes her. In fact if there was no Guinevere. If his heart didn’t already belong to someone I think he could have been happy with her. He really tried to move on. As he himself said he tried to make himself love another. But he tried in vain. As I already knew. He didn’t even have to see Gwen to be reminded that there really isn’t anyone else for him. There is only her. He saw the ring and all the emotions he was trying to repress came washing over him all over again. The look on his face, him not responding when Mithian talked to him. Him not putting the ring away. And finally realizing that no matter if Gwen betrayed him, his love for her is so strong, he cannot be without her, the kingdom he loves so dearly means nothing without her. He has to be with her even if she has hurt him in the worst way possible. I am so thrilled that Arthur decided he has to have her before he finds out about the enchantment. That is how much he loves her. Even after what happened, he cannot give her up. I loved how we first saw Gwen fumbling the ring, than Arthur. Now Merlin. How awesome and cute was he? He is the biggest Arwen shipper of all. He stayed true to his bff. He tried to get her to come back. He saved her life. He thinks Gwen betrayed Arthur too, yet he wants them to be together. He knows that they are meant to be. He loves Gwen unconditionally. I may seem cold but I loved seeing Mithian genuinely have feelings for Arthur and that she seemed heartbroken that he didn’t love her. It made the story better and it seemed more real. I really liked her. I liked that she could see how special Arthur is. I liked that she herself would give up a kingdom to be loved like Arthur loves Gwen. I liked how she understood without him telling her that there was someone else. Morgana was clever with her deer plan. It was awesome. Once again she was surprisingly a good villain. The way it all played out was brilliant. It was heartbreaking how close Arthur came to shooting his one true love. The Hunter’s heart was the perfect name. Guinevere running through the forest was beautiful. The ending was so unexpected. At first I was all sad that I didn’t get to see my Arwen in each others arms again. But that would have been rushing it. In stead I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. They are really giving the reunion a build up. This episode was all about Arthur realizing that moving on is not an option. He cannot be without his Guinevere. The angst and the pining away for her will leave him vulnerable to attack. It is perfect. The way episode 9-13 will be connected is brilliant. No offense but I was not expecting the writers to do such a wonderful job. Arthur and Guinevere prove that they cannot be without the other. United they stand but divided they fall.

BradAngeleyes @allikat - Very interesting, thanks for that. I knew Helios had something to do with sun but didn't bother to look it up. See TPTB know their stuff with their own take on the story of Orion, Artemis and Apollo. They're really very clever with these little side-stories, everything has a meaning and their cleverness carries on throughout the series. Waiting for Tristan and Isolde next.

itsastart It is very easy to get disappointed when your hopes are so high for a reunion. I think this is something us anti-angst people have in common. I think we want the reunion so bad because it means an end to our suffering. We are not enjoying this or coping with it, and those that like angst and all that comes with it, have difficulty understanding that. I understand why some people are loving it, we can appreciate each other even with our differences here, that is why I joined this awesome group.

HumbleQueen @ Mels: Standing ovation over here!

Bonne-Bell There are spoiler pictures of Gwen with Arthur, Merlin, Tristan, Isolde and the other knights for 4x12 and 4x13 so I'm sure that A/G will see each other and patch things up between them by the end of the season. I liked this episode quite a lot. I wanted a slow build up to the reunion so I'm happy with how things turned out. A lot has happened between them and even if the enchantment is revealed, they will still need time to rebuild their relationship before they head down to the aisle. I'm glad that Arthur has realized that Gwen is the only one for him and he wants her back even without knowing of the enchantment. That's true love. I also like the way Gwen handled herself in this episode. I was so worried about her and the whole Helios thing. I'm glad that the show did not go there. He even treated her kind of decent. The things I didn't like were Arthur and the princess scenes (but I did like the princess, she was nice and I liked how she wasn't prissy and didn't mind getting her hands dirty), Arthur not listening to Merlin yet again about uncle Aggy and even threatening to exile him over it. That was not cool. I hope he apologizes to Merlin when he finds out that his uncle is a duplicitious asshole. And to answer your question, HQ, yes Merlin has redeemed himself in my eyes but Gwen's douche bag brother (where was he anyway) and Gaius are still on my shit list.

RosalynCabenson Melly, amazing review, I agree with everything you said - again ;) @itsastart I noticed that difference too. I'm all for angst and didn#t want it rushed but idk this tiem I wanted the reunion more... ahh but the tension that this build up brings is amazing oh I'm so divided LOL

BradAngeleyes Think of it like this: You're really, really thirsty and looking forward to having an ice-cold drink with lots of ice in it. The longer you wait, the thirstier you get, but when you finally get to put that glass to your lips and that ice-cold liquid is running down your throat ooooohhh it tastes sooooo good and quenches your thirst like never before - like Arwen. I was going to use another analogy but thought I'd keep it clean ;) LOL!

chattawak Hi everyone. Just watched it. And right away, Arthur's statement in Lamia came to mind: "I thought I knew everything about you, Guinevere. Your loyalty, your wisdom. Since when did you become this fearless hero? 'Cause Gwen rocked!! Fierce, resourceful and so queenly with Helios. I liked the slo mo scene with Morgana!! I just could not stand watching her in the wood, alone, wounded, shaking and dying nor hearing her blame herself. Heartbreaking. I cried. How can Morgana be so mean? Thought it was a family show... I liked Mithian. Under other circumstances, I might have shipped her and Arthur. But, Guinevere is my weakness. Besides, I would love to see THIS Arthur with Gwen. He's so guarded with her most of the time... I love Merlin's line to Arthur : "You still love her" and Arthur's reaction. Oh, well, the truth hurts, doesn't it? And most of all, Arthur's face when he found the ring just gave me goose bump. He wanted so much to cry. Did I miss Elyan lined up with the knights when the princess arrived/left?? And Merlin, boy, you made me proud of you.

kenya1234 I really did enjoy this episode. Merlin indeed redeemed himself in my book showing loyalty to both Arthur and Gwen. I was a tad disappointed because I wanted to see a make up scene but seeing Arthur missing her and admitting his love for her was priceless. Gwen continued to be humble as always and she clearly has not forgiven herself. Merlin does not see the enchantment because he had no reason not to. He knew that Gwen and Lancelot had feelings for each other in the past. I do believe that the truth will somehow come out. I do not know how, but I am glad that Arthur wants her back first, without knowing. It shows the endurance of their love. It will also make Gwen not as easy to run straight back into his arms next week having not forgiveness for herself yet. I think the next episode is going to be even better than episodes 9 and 11 put together. The reunion will be worth us not having that Arwen complete moment in this episode.

EPaws This for me WAS the best episode. One the BFF hood is back on for me and guess what? I quite liked GhostGirl (Mithian.)Know what I loved about Ghost Girl, she was not an evil bitch. I rather like her. Just not kismet with Arthur is all. Arthur and Guinevere are perfect together. I am sure some other political marriage somewhere will work well for her kingdom. She left richer than she came and again, Arthur formed another fabulous alliance and if I am right, he just made friends with Cornwall (Mithian). Works for me…come on Albion, your foundations are being made. Be back later maybe with other thoughts.

EpicArwen Whew. Just got done watching. So. Many. Emotions. WHEW! Ok, I wasn't sure how anything was going to play out so I didn't really expect a reunion, so I'm not really disappointed by not getting one. I love that they're taking this reunion in slow steps. Arthur realizing and accepting his love for Gwen despite the 'betrayal' was necessary and its a huge step in honoring the love between them. As HQ said, this entire episode was about Arwen and without them even seeing each other, they were connected in such a beautiful way, in so many little things. I don't know who wrote this one, but they were brilliant. There were so many subtle, but incredibly poignant lines that I'd like to just mention. 1. "She's a beauty. Sire, she's yours." Perfect. Absolutely PERFECT. They think it's only a deer and give first shot to Arthur. But we know, in truth, it's really Gwen and yes, she is a beauty. Even more than that, she IS Arthur's. Always has been. Lancelot who? Seriously, in comparison to her love for Arthur, he was just an infatuation. 2."Have you found the trail?" Seriously. Last ep, Arthur seemed very lost and out of sorts. This ep he's more in control, but it's clear that is ONLY because he's trying to banish even the mention of Gwen from his life. He's still a lost little puppy at this point. Gwen has always pointed him in the right direction -- put him on the right trail, so to speak. For THAT question to be asked while he's holding Gwen's ring...SERIOUSLY. How flippin' awesome was that??? 3. "There will be no more sport today." Arthur's trying to move on, trying to 'make sport', but that ring brought it all back to him. Bradders and Colin played that scene BEAUTIFULLY. There's Arthur seeing the ring and being absolutely paralyzed by it, then when he looks to Merlin its with a question in his eyes...Where? Here? She's been here? That Merlin then glances around him and Arthur follows suit, and then calls off the hunt...its like it really dawned on him where her life is now and there's no way he can even pretend to be happy after that. 4. "She enchanted me." Honey, you don't know the half and I'd really fear for Morgana once you do...that is if I liked her at all. I don't, so have at it! 5. "You must do what your heart tells you." Love, Love, LOVE that Gwen's words are coming back to him through Merlin. Yes, I know Merlin has stated the same before, but it's usually Gwen's voice that Arthur hears the loudest and that's usually what she's telling him to do. Beautiful moment when Merlin said, "I think you do." 6. "That's all I can offer." Such a wonderful line of realization and affirmation. Arthur has now come to the point where he's accepted the fact he cannot nor does he want to live without Gwen. And as such, he's off the market to anyone and everyone except her. WONDERFUL moment as were his answers to her questions. 7. "How can I make myself love another?" Proof positive, that while he may have been attracted to and liked Mithian, his heart wasn't in it. But that's always been Arthur's problem. He's only always ever loved Gwen. And when faced with another love interest, he's always having to 'make himself' or 'try', etc. I think Mithian was the only one that could have made him happy -- as someone said, if there wasn't a Gwen and his heart wasn't already taken. But since there is a Gwen, I get the feeling that the missing scenes in this ep are Arthur trying to convince himself that moving forward with the marriage is what he really wanted. 8. "How can I love someone who's betrayed me? It doesn't make sense." Ok, so I have to say these lines really, really got to me. Not just for the surface meaning, but I think there's a deeper meaning that just might lead to Arthur thinking Gwen didn't betray him after all OR jumping on that bandwagon at the first hint that something else was at work. I say that because of the "It doesn't make sense" line. Its almost as if he's asking himself how he could have allowed himself to fall so deeply for someone CAPABLE of betrayal. THAT'S what isn't making sense to him on some level. Or even the betrayal itself isn't making sense. Not that he's still in love with her in general. But that everything they'd experienced together wasn't true just like when he asked her about being happy. Because, for her to betray him, what they had would have had to have been a lie on some level. And I don't think, deep inside, he believes that. Overall obs... 1. Arthur's 180. Loved how angry at Merlin Arthur was in the beginning for just saying he still loved Gwen, yet he's the one declaring it, without hesitation in the end. Several times. 2. I liked the princess. She seemed kind and sweet and was quick to put Arthur in his place when he was messing with Merlin. I think she was very Gwen-like in a lot of things, which is why I think Arthur was drawn to her. And keeping in mind that he's just been jilted by the love of his life the night before his wedding, having a pretty, elegant princess start the show complimenting your looks, and showing great interest in you would be a huge ego-booster for someone like Arthur. I still never got the impression his heart was fully engaged though. Which was proven the second he saw Gwen's ring. 3. BFFs are back on track! Loved that Merlin stayed with her all night and tried to get her to go back to Arthur. Not quite sure why he didn't tell Arthur he'd talked to her since finding her was obviously on Arthur's mind, but I often don't get why they don't have Merlin tell Arthur things. 4. The ring. Loved that Arthur just could not let it go. He just couldn't. Wow. That, in and of itself, said so very, very much. 5. Does anyone else find it interesting that Arthur threatened to banish Merlin 2 times in the ep and both had to deal with people he loves -- Gwen and Aggy? I'm wondering if there's going to come a point where Arthur will have to choose between the two... Anyway, I've already overstayed my welcome on this post. Soooo sorry sooooo long!

HumbleQueen My dear, dear, EA. You can never stay too long for me. If you do not stop wowing me with your comments, I don't know what I'm going to do. I want to frame this one. How awesome can you get? I was thinking to myself a while ago that there was this depth to this episode and having you break down these lines, I know now for sure it's the writing. This to me is a different level for a Merlin writer. It's that new writer, the one we knew nothing about. Now we do know something about him and for me, he will not be forgotten. If this is the way he's going to write a script, I'm glad he got this one. The brilliance and poignancy of the lines you've pointed out can't be denied. Off the charts. I'm so glad to have something as beautiful as this episode to be the bridge taking us from episode 9 to the beginning of their real life together. Beautiful. Just beautiful. I was actually shaky when it was over and it's been a long while something on tv has done that for me. About your #8. THIS stirred me when he said it. And when I heard him say it, guess what? I thought of you. Because I felt that just maybe, his saying that was the beginning of not just him forgiving, but questioning the betrayal itself. I think this writer can go that deep; I don't know if the next one can pick it up and do it justice. So for now, I don't want to hope for too much because that's when we always get disappointed. How fantastic would it be though if he came to that conclusion, the one you've been pulling for all along, that Guinevere could not have done that. But we got the main thing. He's chosen Gwen as the only one he wants, he's done so with no uncertain terms, and he wants her without proof of innocence. @Itsastart and others who are so disappointed: I understand how you feel tonight; I really do. We know how it is to want something really bad, think you're going to get it, and you get nothing at all. Hold tight, hons. Methinks and feels in my bones that you may not be sorry you had to wait longer than you wanted to. Just a gut feeling if you can get through one more week. I know, the season's almost over, but if they end this the way I think and hope, the off season to next S5 may be mighty sweet. Read what our clever BAeyes had to say in her last comment. The one about being thirsty.

itsastart So many lovelies here, thanks for understanding, thoughts,and encouragement. Keep reminding all of us "want the happy ending now types" to be patient. Arwen is endgame. Be still my beating heart........

kbrand5333 Wanted to slap Arthur most of the first half. Every time the princess came on screen (first half), I was like "bitch." Poor Merlin. Arthur takes all his pain out on him. Agravaine? He must die. Helios? HOT. Evil, but hot nevertheless. Gwen is sexy as hell and badass to boot. She was AWESOME in this episode. When Arthur found the ring, it completely shook him. To his core. He could barely put it down after that. I bet he will be carrying it around (or wearing it on his pinky). Still no love for Elyan. Not even a twitch when Arthur announces he's marrying the princess. Really, Elyan, nothing? Really? Very glad they didn't make the princess all bitchy about him throwing him over. Too many evil women on that show already. Wanted a reunion, but I can TOTALLY wait, after seeing this ep.

Lucerne28 4 x 11 another great #Merlin episode Mithian: Tell me who trumps a princess? What house is she from? Arthur: She is a daughter of a blacksmith.” Mithian: “For her you would risk your Kingship? Your kingdom?” Arthur: “Without her they are worth nothing to me.” Aw, Arthur loves his Gwen. Standing ovation for Merlin for being the great Arwen supporter that he is, and for Arthur for following his heart. I was not expecting what happened in this episode to happen. Arthur wanting Gwen back even while thinking that she betrayed him. I though for sure that the whole enchantment thing was going to have to come out in order for any forgiveness to take place. Color me surprised, and impressed that the writers did not rush this. Gwen and Arthur’s relationship is too important to rush. I hope that Gwen and Arthur find out about the enchantment soon, but given the fact that all hell is about to break loose with Morgana and her invading army, I don’t see how that it going to come out. It will be interesting to see how Gwen and Arthur reconcile. From episode 4 x 11, and Gwen’s words “I can never see Arthur again, not after I have betrayed him.” And “I have what I deserve.” I don’t see Gwen allowing Arthur back into her life unless she finds out that she was enchanted and that there never was any betrayal. Gwen has so much self-loathing right now that she appears not to want to be in her own skin. She thinks that she betrayed herself and the love of her life, and doesn’t understand why. She doesn’t trust herself. Yes, Arthur is ready to forgive Gwen, but she isn’t ready to forgive herself. Heartbreaking. Man I hate Morgana and Agravain. I really hope that both get put down like the rabid dogs that they’ve become in my eyes. Any news about ep 4 x 12 from those who saw the sneak peek at that event they were having on 12/10/11(the name escapes at the moment)?

chattawak I think that the writers redeemed themselves for those who keep saying that they bungled Arthur and Gwen's relationship. As much as I waited for arthur and gwen to reunite in this epi, the way the writers are building their reunion is so much better. The fact that Arthur realizes he still loves her and wants her back even if he thinks she betrayed him may do more for their relationship then just finding out it was just an enchantment. I really liked the yearning. Their love and devotion to each other transcended the absence of scene together. I was wondering if Merlin said that it was Gwen who found out about uncle Agravaine. "How can I love someone who's betrayed me?" I think the trust/betrayal thing is the major point in the last two epis and foreshadows deeper things as regards Merlin and Arthur's relationship. I can't help but hope that Arthur will be as forgiving as he did with Guinevere when he find out about Merlin's magic. And last thing, I liked the stare Arthur and Merlin shared when Arthur found the ring. So meaningful.

kbrand5333 Yes, Lucerne, exactly. I was just coming over here to say that even they find her, she's not going to want to come back. She doesn't feel worthy any more. I have now decided that I want Gwen to figure out about the bracelet by herself. Maybe talking it through with Merlin or something. Like she realizes she was fine until... the bracelet. Merlin scurries off to go find it. Another theory, probably wrong.

sportyshuie oh wow!! so many comments. i have yet to watch it ... will come back here once i've watched the episode! just thought i'd sneak in here a while before i watched it and i'm blown by everything i read so far ... catch you ladies later ...

HumbleQueen "Their love and devotion to each other transcended the absence of scene together." I love that, Chattawak. As I've said over and over, I felt Arwen more in this episode than any other. Weird as it may seem, I felt it was all about them even when they were with the princess and Helios, respectively. Every single thing that happened in this episode, excluding the Morgana/Helios/Agravaine takeover plans, was about Arwen. But then again, it was just those plans that brought Gwen back to Camelot, because she wouldn't have come otherwise. So yes, this episode was Arwen through and through. I loved the way it was done; it was all about fate and destiny. It is definitely in my top five favorites for the whole four years. Need to watch it lots more to give it a final placing, lol. Please make sure you come back and let us know what you think, ShuShu.

leona21 Well, I have finally decided to add my little thought about this episode. I totally agree that this was indeed an Arwencentric episode. Alot has been said already but I thought this episode was unique, just as episode 9 was. I willed Arthur and Gwen to meet but alas they did not, yet I felt they did. The ring was that meeting point and loved how it went from Gwen holding it and caressing it, to Arthur doing the exact same thing. They were both pinning for each other and though it was extremely sad, it was also quite beautiful. Do not get me started on the hunting scene which was one of the best scenes in Merlin this season. The symbolism of the deer (Doe) alone was EPIC! I thought I would not cry at this but when Merlin's eyes saw Gwen crying as he looked at the beautiful deer, I wept too. I just couldn't take how much she has been through since the banishment. Then to top it all the love of her life was about to unintentionally kill her during his hunt yet she stood still and just watched. For a split second I thought Arthur wasn't going to shoot because of the deer's beauty and soft stillness. I blubbered when Merlin went back to find her during the night and saved her life. My heart warmed when I realised he had stayed up all night to be with her. I felt sad that she still does not feel worthy of Arthur's love just as he had come to realise that his love for her would go on despite what had transpired with the betrayal. This episode made me feel so many emotions. Also I have realised that these Pendragon siblings had ( have) such an obsession with Gwen. Both Arthur and Morgana loved her unconditionally until they felt she betrayed them and then all hell broke loose leaving poor Gwen to suffer the consequencies. Loved, just loved how Merlin stood eyeballing Arthur when they had their little confrontation regarding Arthur still being in love with Gwen. Loved how Merlin was passionate about it and it was Arthur backing off. Yes, I was disappointed they did not physically meet each other and I doubt they will in episode 12, but when they do finally meet up, I think, well I hope, it will be an unforgetable reunion.

sportyshuie Nanna ... the episode was awesome!!! Oh the comments, all thes comments are brilliant, brilliant indeed. I need to write but i have so much in me and i don't think the space here could accomodate me. So i wrote in another article. Pls read nanna and let me know what you feel ... all you ladies as well. I'm terribly moved by this episode that ... words seems to be constantly flowing. Just read will ya' and thank you for doing so. http://www.fanpop.com/spots/arthur-and-gwen/articles/137143/title/411-opinion-rant-thoughts-whatever

leona21 Does anyone else think Arthur has been secretly searching for Gwen? He did mention at the very end about, "What is the point in loving someone who cannot be found?" Does this mean he has been searching?

HumbleQueen Well, Leona, the way I took it was that he doesn't know where she is, he's decided he wants her back but doesn't know where to find her. I think it's implied he's going to be searching for her now. However, he's probably not going to have time because Camelot is about to be attacked!

kenya1234 The producers are definitely keeping it hush hush on any Guinevere spoilers.

HumbleQueen I notice that, Kenya. Everything I read about for ep. 12, there is no mention of Gwen whatsoever. LOL, that is mighty "fishy."