I think we don't talk enough about the fact that angel coulby was a black woman cast in a period piece in the late 2000s for a love interest of (one of) the WHITE leading men... that she was cast as the iconic guinevere. Like. One of the most famous literature historical figures. Like almost everyone has heard of guinevere and lancelot. Guinevere and king arthur. Like that was and is SUCH a big deal. That's why it irks me so much that people try to erase Arwen. Like, am I a merthur shipper? Yes. Do I think Arthur loved Merlin? Yes. but. Do I think Arthur loved Guinevere? YES. Do I ship arwen? YES.
this is so important, and i don't think people truly realise just how important it is.
angel's casting as gwen not only sparked general discussions about her (positive and negative and discussions which are still had today), but it also has been discussed academically too!
im sure many of us can relate when i say gwen was one of the first Black female representations in a medieval/period drama.
her casting was one of most important when it comes to discussions around casting, race, and medieval shows.
a lot of new fans don't seem to understand the importance, which mostly is no fault of their own, just that they weren't around when merlin was airing.
angel as gwen pissed off (and still does) a LOT of people, but it also provided a way for Black women to see themselves on tv and through a period drama.
we are so lucky to now have more ethnically diverse casting when it comes to period dramas but back when angel was casted this didn't happen often!!
