After 1800 years, you’d think he’d have it all figured out.
He certainly thinks he does.
MERLYN’S MISTAKE
The limited series
EPISODE SEVEN
In Which Merlyn Misses the Moment
Merlyn pleads again for Nimue’s restraint. A good deal more falls into place here about the nature of Faerie logic and law.
The Vivica/Frankie episode. As Merlyn is sent off with enchanted soldiers ready to learn a breathing exercise from him in hope of pleasing Nimue, Vivica and Frankie follow Nimue for the sword hand-over.
This episode introduces the premise of the WITNESSED FLASHBACK as Nimue abandons ritual for speed and delivers information through near-psychic transmission to Frankie—firmly established by his lack of enchantment as Vivica’s Knight—so that while the clues we need to understand the end are given clearly in Nimue’s voice, the imagery they convey to Frankie takes us deep into memory of Arden well beyond anything Merlyn knew.
Now understanding his own ability to step into the memory of another, Frankie determines to learn what so troubles Merlyn’s soul that it darkens his every thought. Once Vivica has the sword, Nimue walks them back to Merlyn and the mesmerized soldiers. As she walks away, into the water, soldiers watching her every moment, Merlyn realizes that once she’s gone, they’re gonna snap out of it. Before he can act on that, though, Frankie draws him into a focused staring contest, leaving Vivica with the sword she has been admonished not to draw pretty much alone as Nimue disappears and a group of armed soldiers surround them.
She steps up into a sword stance with the sheathed weapon and prepares for battle.
At the intersection of Roger Zelazny and Jim Butcher stands a small monument to individual agency, This magical, funny book that calls not for accountability but responsibility. As painful truths come to light, Merlyn’s conscience compels him to redress old wrongs only to realize that he has endangered all the people he loves. Still, despite machine gun fire, plane crashes and giant spiders, they will stand by him.. When he needs them, even his old Faerie ally Nimmue will be there to do her part. Still, if he can’t unravel the last riddles woven into the Arthurian Excalibur construct they may be too late to save themselves or the world.
“Brody’s writing is brilliant.”
Robin Williams
In the words of the wise, ancient magician himself, “If I see a way that I might save the world and I don’t at least try, then I’m sort of dick.”
