Metro Review of 4x01

[magog_83]

My brother just emailed me this photo of a review of 4x01 from the Metro today! I think it's already going around Tumblr (or the last paragraph is) but anyway.... HERE IT IS :D At least this reviewer has noticed the bromance, I think I love this reviewer <3



"The bromancing twixt Colin Morgan's Merlin and Bradley James's Arthur is one of the show's principal pulling powers, simmering along while all around comes over all apocalyptic"

ps. I have made a ranty mcrant filter for my journal, in case I feel the need to rant about aspects of the show - but without harshing anyone's squee! I feel this may be a help to me in the coming weeks and will keep my main entries mostly cheerful.

Comments

[bryonyashley.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, i've seen a piece of it on tumblr ahah kudos to this reviewer :) thank you for sharing the whole article.

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I saw the end bit too but didn't know where it came from. You're welcome! It's thanks to my brother anyway really, for spotting it and emailing a pic :D

[winterstorrm.livejournal.com]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! I love this reviewer too!

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

THIS REVIEWER IS VERY WISE.

I was thinking of you today, I've just powered through the proposal scene in JE and am enjoying a nice fluffsome interlude before the big reveal. It's such a relief to write them being all happy and in love after all the melodrama.

[a8c-sock.livejournal.com]

I love this reviewer. I actually enjoy all his reviews when I can get ahold of a Metro.

At least he knows why we're tuning in! <3

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

It's about time someone acknowledged it!! I will have to watch out for him.

[seenthewoods.livejournal.com]

Oh it was in the Metro!!

Would it be the done thing to send this reviewer a fruit basket, or something?? =)

seem determined to fall on one another's sword, so to speak. Not sure if making innuendo or using metaphor........... but ahahahahahaha!

Simmering. Yes. Occasionally kicking right off the shot, though... ;)

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I think fandom could club together and get him whatever he wants <3 I wish all reviewers were that perceptive!

And yes, I loved the use of 'simmering' too, it sums up so much about their relationship ;)

[xthursdaynextx.livejournal.com]

Lol that line about the wood - I didn't notice it, I was too busy taking Saturday's episode all seriously. I'll definitely be on the lookout for possible innuendo in future.

Let's cross our fingers and hope the rant filter doesn't need to be used too often.

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I am hoping not! But I suspect there are a few of the later episodes it might need to come out for ;)

We need a fandom drinking game, based on innuendo, heart eyes, Merlin checking out Arthur's backside, everytime Arthur touches Merlin for no reason at all... You get the idea!

[rotrude.livejournal.com]

I must confess, my mind is not sufficiently dirty because I hadn't thought of the double entendre till it was pointed out by this and another article, but lol, yes, the bromance was there full force! And I love it.

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I hadn't either, if I'm honest, I was too busy squeeing at Merlin's blatent "HANDS OFF, if anyone is going to stumble around in the dark with Arthur, it's damn well going to be me!" <3

[jamie15.livejournal.com]

Aw, that's a lovely review :) Way better than the guardian one, in any case.

I'm saddened by the fact that people would rather watch the X-Factor than Merlin - but then again, that may be my natural antipathy towards casting shows talking :).

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I cannot stand the X Factor. What's making me more sad is that 9 million people can apparently watch that crap, but those same people can't get off their sofas and campaign for the NHS. Yes, I know, NOT THE SAME, but the apathy of people is annoying me particularly tonight!!

[jamie15.livejournal.com]

It's really a shame though, even if it's not the same. What's worse though is that they probably don't even keep up with the news or politics - otherwise they WOULD probably be campaigning. (At least in Austria I'm convinced that it's the lack of interest in everything that's to do with ... you know ... WHAT'S ACTUALLY GOING ON IN THIS COUNTRY AND WORLD ... that makes people so apathetic. It's a sad truth that they'd rather read about Britney Spears' new boyfriend than the dubious ploys of governments and corporations.)

Aw, why? Did something happen? Are you okay?

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

There's an article going round tonight quoting one of the Tory ministers 'off-record' stating that there will no longer be an NHS after the first 5 years of the next full Conservative government. There have been SO MANY leaked comments and things caught on tape where they have made their intentions to dismantle and privatise the National Health Service clear beyond a shadow of a doubt and yet people still do nothing. Even as they rely on the NHS for their own and their family's health. These tories have everything already, they are already winners, and yet they are just so greedy and self-serving, all they see is profit. It makes me depressed to live here.

[jamie15.livejournal.com]

Well, all I can say to that is 'assholes'!

But I think it's not only the people's fault - it's all to do with how modern media works and the fact that in my opinion they focus too much on the 'popular' stuff. I mean, what use is it to me to know, whether Angelina Jolie will get another child or not? They should focus more on what's important. Unfortunately though, all they care about are their viewer/circulation figures (well, a few newspapers and TV channels excepted maybe - but they're immediately branded as 'liberal' or 'left-wing' and therefore slightly crazy) - and so they just give the people what they want. It's just depressing how mis- and uninformed people are.

But don't feel depressed about your country - I think you've made it through worse periods throughout history, really. Just try to think about the good stuff: all the fabulous literature that comes from Great Britain for example :). Plus there are people who are trying to fight for their rights! I think while I was there, there were at least two protests about cutting benefits in London, and wasn't there the teacher's union strike as well? So don't give up hope - I think you haven't lost the game yet!

But still *hugs, hugs, hugs* - I hope I was able to cheer you up a little at least!

P.S.: I don't know if you'll reply to this, but I'lll probably be asleep already if you do. As much as I'd love to continue this it's past midnight here and I need to get up at six again unfortunately! :/ But ... *hugs again*

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

Yes, you're right with regards to modern media. Sometimes I look at the magazines and newspapers on the way into work and just despair at the inanity if it all. Or worse, the outright propaganda, from outlets like the Daily Mail for example. Recently the government changed the benefit system so as to make it much harder to qualify for disability and other unemployment benefits. They also employed a private company to perform the assessments. Amazingly they discovered thousands of people no longer qualified! The fact that 40% of these then took their claims to court and WON their appeal didn't stop the main tabloids running headlines like "70% of Benefit Claimants are Scroungers' and other choice comments.

I am trying to stay hopeful. I see good people around me still fighting the fight, especially in the Trade Union movement. But I just don't know sometimes, all the fighting in the world has never stopped the Tories doing what they want before. It feels like they're coming for the last few things they didn't get around to destroying in the 1980s, the NHS, the BBC and the state school system. Now they want to get rid of the Human Rights Act, and worst of all that's actually a popular move!

We have a probable day of action coming up on November 30th where some of the biggest public sector unions are balloting to strike. It's very likely though, as dad says (he works for the Trade Union Congress) that they're walking into a trap and the Tories are out to break them, but what else can you do? At some point you have to stop and do the right thing anyway I think. I;ve heard so many people complaining about the unions and saying "they should just be grateful to have a job/pension!" but simply having a job and a pension is worthless when you can't live on it. Maybe we shouldn't ever complain about anything then, we should just be grateful to be alive!

/end rant. You did cheer me up though, as always, I just have to hold on to hope that people will wake up at last. Hope uni goes well today :)

[jamie15.livejournal.com]

The Daily Mail sounds a lot like a newspaper we have around here called the "Kronenzeitung" which is just a terrible piece of ... well ... sh**. I do not understand how people working for that newspaper can live with themselves. They're doing such damage to our country - to its welfare structure, our international reputation (because what's written in there unfortunately affects our attitude to strangers :/) and even to our right of privacy. It's been proven again and again that what they report is either severely distorted or just plain wrong, but still so many of their readers believe a hundred percent of what's written in there. It's really depressing. But to be honest, I don't get why that's okay - why is it okay for a newspaper to deliberately misinform like that? Isn't there a difference between free speech and, you know, LYING? But I'm really going off on a tangent here :)

Anyway, the point is this: I am horrified that the Daily Mail would hurt the reputation of British citizens among the British population like that! It's just ... it's one thing to go after foreigners (every tabloid does that) but to go after one's own people? And even after one of the weakest groups of soviety? They should really be deeply ashamed of themselves.

I'm not a fan of conservatives in general - seems they all want the same dumb things motivated by greed and corporate interests. But what the heck is wrong with the Human Rights Act O.o?! Who would over want to abolish that? WHY?

When you say that you hear many people say that the public sector workers should be grateful for their jobs and pensions, that's exactly what I mean when I say the media is deliberately misinforming people. Because I cannot believe that that is their own, self-made opinion. It just sounds like such a typical thing they read somewhere and now think that that's the ultimate argument. Even considering that if it was them, they wouldn't 'just be grateful for their job' either. It's depressing when the population is fighting against itself like that, even though it should be pulling together to fight for what's really it's common interest.

However, like I said, (and even though I sound very gloomy as well today :D) I haven't given up hope yet, because as you say, there are still people who are motivated and willing to fight :). And just look to America and all those people who are occupying Wall Street. I think it's a sign that when it gets really tough, we actually CAN pull it together - and (I at least hope) that this hasn't happened here yet, because things are not as dire as they seem just yet. Which doesn't mean that we should let them get so dire, of course, but it makes me feel a little bit better about the entire situation.

I wish the public sector unions all the luck in the universe for November 30th, though. Hopefully they'll be able to move something and get their voices heard.

Aaand once again this has turned into an entire essay :/. I am really very, very sorry! I hope there is at least some stuff among it that makes sense - or even better, that cheered you up :).

[sally_maria]

I remember his reviews of Merlin right back to the first season - he's definitely a Merlin/Arthur shipper. Glad he's still enjoying the show. :-)

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I hadn't read him before, I don't think. Clearly I need to keep an eye out for his insightful and brilliant reviews ;)

[sally_maria]

People bring the Metro in and leave it in the staffroom at work, and sometimes there's nothing else to read...

I looked back in my journal, it was December 2008, and he was asking if it was just him who noticed the homoerotic subtext. :-) I think I remember seeing other times he's mentioned it since, as well.

[darcyjausten.livejournal.com]

The Metro had an article a couple of years back literally titled 'Why women love slash' and then went on to explain what slash was (mentioning Star Trek examples) yaoi, and how yaoi has spread to America so now they have yearly Yaoi Cons

Metro= officially aware of slash existence :DD

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I thought it was about time I got one. I don't want to ruin anyone else's enjoyment (or get defriended) but sometimes I need to vent!

He IS a bit dumb but honourable these days :D

[ambrosiatea.livejournal.com]

<3 this review!

Does Merlin always broadcast at the same time as X-Factor? Or is this a new thing? Because I would hate for Merlin to lose viewers and perhaps a proper chance for a movie because of a stupid singing competition.

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I think they broadcast against it in S3 and everyone was surprised at how well Merlin held up. For some bizarre reason The X Factor is huge here, even though it's absolute rubbish :(

[deerang2002.livejournal.com]

oohh...I'd like to be included inside the rant filter, if you please!

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I have just added you! I shouldn't think I'll be saying anything too ranty anyway, but sometimes I do need to vent :D

[bigolarthurfan.livejournal.com]

I too missed that double entendre. I'm so disappointed in myself! The reviewer certainly seems on the A/M bandwagon.

Count me in, if you're willing, on the rants. You were kind enough to read a big BOAFish rant. I'd enjoy reading yours, which I suspect will be better and funnier than mine ever are.

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

It's nice to see that someone official is!

I shall add you to the filter :D Hopefully I won't rant too much, but on occasion I may need to post the odd WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY with a million sad emoticons after it. BE WARNED ;)

[darlulu.livejournal.com]

Love the review.

Oh, and I'd like to be included on your rant filter if that's okay. :)

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I shall add you in, I hoped you might want to be as we've had some long and v interesting discussions about the show before, and Things That Could Be Better :D

[darcyjausten.livejournal.com]

Love your review - and would like to be included in your rant filter! I like ranting! Especially when there isn't enough quality M/A ;-)

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I have added you in :D I suspect my rants will be STRONGLY FOCUSED on the lack of quality M/A and how Merlin needs to kick some ass and Arthur needs to see it and be amazed ;)

[giecast.livejournal.com]

I think my fave part is when he said that Merlin and Arthur compete to out-noble each other and that they're determined to fall on each other's swords. *snickers* Yeah, fandom didn't notice that at all. =DD

Rant filter hmmm...I might need one of those too. Work is driving me crazy. Let's rant together.

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

Hahahaha yes, their... swords. That's exactly what it was ::nods::

I have added you to the filter but as always, you are free to ignore anything you wish (also I have a feeling I will be using it a lot for crazy spoiler speculation too).

[overtsock.livejournal.com]

This review is amazing. Their love (at least in this episode) is so freaking obvious, even my mother can see it (literally).

There might be things coming up on the show that make me go :/ and I really don't trust TPTB to keep this up. But I will cling to these moments in a deathgrip and they can't take them back now ;)

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

My mum always says that she can't get her head around them NOT being together in canon after reading so many of my fics <3

WE WILL CLING TO ALLLL THE MOMENTS. And gif them, and write fanfic for them, and make icons, and create epic ship manifestos for M/A...

[darcyjausten.livejournal.com]

My mum always says that she can't get her head around them NOT being together in canon after reading so many of my fics

Ahahah I love your mother! :DD

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I have trained her well ;) She gets lectured on why A/G is rubbish and M/A's love is epic and forever. Plus she helps me with the Mini Thems.

[xaritomene.livejournal.com]

I love this review almost as much as I loved the episode itself. ;D

Also, may I please be included in the ranty rant filter? I have an appropriate icon and everything!

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

You are added! Appropriate icon is very appropriate <3

Yes, sometimes a good review can make you see the episode in a WHOLE new light, falling on each other's swords and all ;)

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

I didn't see this piece. I know the ratings were down slightly but didn't know why. I see they put it opposite X Factor which is apparently watched by millions. At least we know that they are committed to 5 seasons.

As much as I love you and your work, I would prefer not to lose my squee so don't put me on your ranty filter. Thanks for splitting it out!

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

They put it up against X Factor last year too, and it did surprisingly well. I don't know why so many people watch the X Factor, it's awful horrible television :(

Don't worry, I wouldn't have added you anyway :) I'm not adding anyone that doesn't ask to be on it (except poor Stacey/seenthewoods, I should probably check she doesn't mind).

I suspect I will still make my feelings known publicly, since I have a thing about being upfront with what I say and do as much as possible. So I wouldn't feel comfortable pretending to be joyous in my public LJ if I wasn't, it would feel dishonest somehow, but I shall reserve my rants for private.

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

I honestly don't think you need to rant in private; just an LJ cut would be enough. If people want to read it, they can. It's your journal. You should be able to do what you want with it! I just find that if I read a rant, it really brings down my squee so I try and stay away from it.

And no, the 'anyway' wasn't rude at all. So no problem. :D

[magog-83.livejournal.com]

I've just realised that 'anyway' sounds quite rude, I just mean that I know you like to enjoy Merlin, so I wouldn't have thought to add you :)

[bluebeeangel.livejournal.com]

Thankyou for this! I used to get the Metro every morning at the station. Only stopped getting the train last week, how annoying!

My weird memory is weird, but I'm pretty certain this is the same reviewer for the Metro who wrote a review about the 'bromance' way back when in season 1. I think it was for the last episode of that season. I remember sitting on the train chuckling to myself, thinking 'awesome.'

Does anyone else remember that, or is it just my brain making things up to confuse me?

Apologies for sneaking into the 'mother' conversation, but my mum's a bit of a A/M fan too. She, however is very anti A/G. She actually heckles the tv in any of their scenes. I do 'shush' her as I can't hear what's going on, but I actually think it's a little bit brilliant.