Loved this chapter! The cresendo of tension in the council chambers was palpable. And the end was a nice little cliffhanger for the next chapter!
I liked Elyan, and agree with you that the show did him a disservice. I never understood the point of introducing him as Gwen's brother, only for that relationship to be all but forgotten save for a couple of scenes. I, for one, wasn't that upset with Elyan's reaction, particularly since he knew nothing of the enchantment. All he knew was his sister making a grave mistake, and (potentially) ruining their family name.
I've read various forums, blogs, and message boards, and I think many viewers are looking at 4X09 and the fallout through the prism of modern feminism. I realize the show is fantasy, but it's also set in a historical past where women didn't enjoy the freedoms we have today. The show is feminist enough as is, given the time period in which it is presumably set.
Anyway, it's nice to read fanfic that explores the nuances of the fallout - lord knows the show completely botched it up. Thank goodness for the cast - the writing leaves much to be desired. For me, anyway.
Looking forward to more!
Author's Response:
First thanks for reading and reviewing.
What bothered me most about the way the events of 4x9 played out was not so much what happened, but that characters like Elyan were never shown as having any conflict or confusion about what happened, never expressed any doubt that this was the right thing to do. Even in the legends written in 1300's where Gwen does actually have the affair Gwaine speaks out against punishing her.So for all of the knights to side unequivocally with Arthur, for there to be no one on her side is a bit difficult to watch especially for a character as deserving as Guinevere...
I've had a lot of fun setting this up and there is more to come with the fall out.
btw- When naming this chapter it was between Class Warfare and Fall-Out. Fall-out was too modern sounding.
Reviewer: ribboninthesky Signed
[Report This]Date: April 06 2012 04:20 am
Yay you updated! I really like that you're giving us more of Elyan (I'll never forgive the Merlin writers for the travesty of his characterisation in 4x09). Can I also say I think the class warfare piece is brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Not only are you showing us Guinevere's potential as a great queen, but also the implications of her queenship for the nobility and the lesser-fortunate subjects. I love when fanfic explores Gwen's capability as a policy maker, and you've done it wonderfully. Keep at it!
Author's Response:
Initially I was so frustrated with Elyan that I wanted to pretend he didn't exist. Then I decided to find a way to empathize with him. Now that I have done that I can actually write reams of back story on him, his worsening relationship with his elder sister, not to mention his parents, his feelings about the country of his birth, etc...I'm not so keen on what the writers have done or haven't done with Elyan, but their failure leaves me with lots to do. :)
Thanks for your wonderful and encouraging words.I was a little uncertain about delving into politics and such, but I think that doing so puts all of the character's actions and choices into better perspective. I read about half of the Children of Avalon this morning, I'll read the rest this evening.
Reviewer: Anastasia_G Signed [Report This]
Date: April 02 2012 04:31 pm