Merlin - Le Morte d'Arthur, S01E13 - Season Finale

Boy did Merlin (Colin Morgan) take a huge leap forward this episode both in maturity and in regards to his control over his powers. We also got a huge wave of emotion as all of the characters suffered bouts of grief after Arthur (Bradley James) was attacked by a Questing Beast and neared death. Powerful season's finale.

What started as a simple hunting trip in the woods got serious when the Questing Beast appeared, and even after Arthur and his knights had prepared to go fight the creature, things did not work out well. Arthur was knocked down and bitten before Merlin was able to distract the creature. He then magicked Arthur's sword and slew the beast, showing himself a proficient warrior and hunter when allowed to use his magic. But it was too late - Arthur had been bitten and no known cure existed.

Before they went out on their quest, Morgana (Katie McGrath) tried to stop Arthur going. She was in utter distress, fearing for his life. We hardly saw her for the rest of the episode, but it seemed as though a promise that her dreams would become a more central aspect of the series was made. I loved seeing how wretched she was over the idea of something happening to him.

Uther (Anthony Head) was also beside himself, though he never fully gave up hope or gave into his grief. He knew that Arthur was supposed to die, that Gaius (Richard Wilson) had no real cure, and yet no matter how many times he said to himself that he was about to lose his son, he never managed to sound convinced. And when the draught was procured and his son saved, he was pleased but not entirely surprised.

Gwen (Angel Coulby), who is always referred to as Guinevere whenever Arthur is talking to her, sat with Arthur during his illness to help relieve Gaius as Merlin went on a quest to save the Prince. When she sat with him, she spoke to him of all the great things he would do for his kingdom when he recovered. Naturally, she was embarrassed when he recovered and remembered all the things that she had said, but I thought it was a lovely look at the bond developing between the pair which will one day lead to love.

Finally, Merlin was wonderful. He went on his quest, returning in time to save Arthur, although to do it, he promised his own life. When, instead, it was his mother's which was threatened, he confronted the Dragon and finally realized how he was being manipulated. The Dragon gives no indication that he cares for Arthur beyond fulfilling the destiny of allowing magic back in the kingdom during his reign, which might mean the Dragon's freedom.

Merlin promised the Dragon that he would never be freed, and his magic was strong enough to protect him when he was attacked by a breath of flames.

Next, Merlin returned to Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) to demand his mother's life back, again for his own. Gaius beat him there, trying to save the boy. In the end, Merlin, again having somehow allowed his magic to grow exponentially, managed to turn the curse around on her, giving her life for that of Arthur's and sparing all those we love.

I certainly hope that this new development in Merlin's powers will play a central feature in next season's plot, as well as the relationship between Arthur and Guinevere, and Morgana's dreams. What do you want to see happen next?

Merlin - To Kill the King, S01E12

Wow, well this episode was a lot darker and a lot more morally ambiguous than most episodes of Merlin are. Treachery and vengeance, remorse and changes of heart, it had it all. In the end, choices had to be made. Were they the right ones?

Gwen (Angel Coulby)'s father got himself mixed up in sorcery and thus was arrested for conspiracy and treason. Uther (Anthony Head), always blinded when sorcery is involved, had him condemned before his trial even began, despite Morgana (Katie McGrath) and Arthur (Bradley James)'s requests for leniency. Perhaps Gwen's dad doesn't deserve any more leniency than anyone else in the kingdom, but Uther is always unusually harsh in these situations.

I'm not certain why Morgana took it so deeply to heart that this was a horrible wrong she could not bear. Her manner and attitude towards Uther rapidly decreased, and he, angry to be questioned so, threw her in the dungeon for the night. Clearly Morgana's behaviour is an indication of her own temper and irrationality, possibly indicating the future possibility of her part in the destruction of Camelot. She feels many things too strongly and takes them to extremes without truly considering the consequences. Young people commonly resent their parents everyone once in a while, and may even say they wish them dead, but to follow that up with the actual pursuit of a murder plot is another thing. And, worse than that, she planned to kill the king.

Merlin (Colin Morgan)'s choice was different. He is well aware of the many ways in which Uther has failed as a king, as well as what the future will hold once Uther is gone. But has that time come yet? And even if Arthur were ready to become king of Camelot, was it right of Merlin to sit by and do nothing when he could stop a murder. Naturally, he could not do this, though the decision took him longer to make than perhaps it ought to have. Frankly, I blame the dragon whose hatred for Uther makes his own advice and judgment very biased.

In the end, of course, Morgana changed her mind and saved Uther's life. I suppose that makes it even considering that she was the heart of that conspiracy in the first place. Merlin helped her own by eliminating most of the other attackers, and he also kept silent about the role she played.

I should also mention the particularly touching scene between Guinevere and Arthur. After her father's death, he promised her that her home would always be hers and that her position as Morgana's hand-maiden would be guaranteed. He also gave her his deepest condolences, and she, for once to grieved to be silly, was terribly gracious about the entire thing. Far more the image of a woman who could be queen.

In the end, the question of the episode is whether or not Morgana properly redeemed herself. Will this be the only time she considers the murder of her king? And was Merlin right to keep silent about her part?

Merlin - The Labyrinth of Gedref, S01E11

In a place where magic is despised, I suppose I can understand how a unicorn could be considered a beast to be hunted rather than revered, but I never disliked Arthur (Bradley James) so much as the moment where he so casually killed the beautiful beast without any appreciation for it. Though rather impressive...I suppose he used Merlin (Colin Morgan) as bate, though I thought the lure was always supposed to be female...ah well.

I loved that such a terrible curse followed the horrid act. I imagine that lesser men affect smaller areas, only drying up the water and wheat on their own lands, but Arthur is a Prince and his actions affect all his people. Probably a good thing he has yet to unite the entire country or all of England would have been in dire straights. Not that I was ever worried about it lasting, ever worried that Arthur would not be able to pass his tests when he finally put his mind to it.

The first test was easy enough. Arthur takes no pleasure in executions, particularly not when he understands the motivation behind the illegal actions taken. Starvation is a very powerful motivator, particularly when it is the starvation of one's children that is the issue. But the second test was far less fair. Certainly Arthur's pride was wounded, and that did cause him to attack, but he has been raised to believe that a slight against honour must be replied to with such a response, and the man in question not only mocked Arthur, but his father, and had robbed food from the starving people of Camelot. Perhaps his motivations weren't entirely selfless, but they were not entirely selfish either.

Finally, Arthur had a final test, meant either to redeem him and Camelot or forever curse them. The choice was whether he should allow Merlin to die to save himself, or save Merlin by his own death. Frankly, Arthur acted completely selfishly here. He could not live with himself if he allowed Merlin to give his life for Arthur's error, and so he chose to die even though that would leave the entire people of Camelot without an heir. Self-sacrifice is perfectly acceptable if you are only a knight, but when you are the crown prince, so many other responsibilities come first.

Still, it was decided that Arthur passed the test and that he was pure of heart. I suppose he just needs to continue getting lucky and only having brushes with death...but it certainly begins to prepare us for just how forgiving he will end up being with those he loves who will become his enemies - Lancelot, Guinevere, even Mordred... The only person whom Arthur knew whom he could decide against is himself.

I was pleased with the ending, where Arthur buried the unicorn horn, and that unicorn was reborn because he had proven himself, but, I ask you, do you believe that he properly passed his tests with a pure heart?

Merlin - The Moment of Truth, S01E10

Ah yes, the typical episode involving the former best friend of the protagonist and his current best friend. Neither can truly understand the other, but in the end, the former sacrifices himself for the other two, and all remains as it was. It may be a common plot line, but it always accomplishes important things in the character development of the leads, and was done very well.

When Merlin (Colin Morgan)'s home town is attacked, his mother comes to Camelot begging help. Unfortunately, the village is in another kingdom, and Uther (Anthony Head) can do nothing. But Merlin goes back with her, and Morgana (Katie McGrath), Gwen (Angel Coulby), and Arthur (Bradley James) go with him because they each care about Merlin. Honestly, Camelot's nobility cares far more than it ought about common servants.

While Arthur is busy trying to rally the people so that they will be prepared to fight, Merlin's best friend from home, Will (Joe Dempsie), who has a strong dislike of nobility, is certain Arthur will get them all killed. Funny thing was that I really agreed with Arthur on this one. Often when these situations present themselves, you agree with the person in Arthur's position, but you can still see the perspective of the other. But in this village, the options were fight or die. And I'd rather die fighting than of starvation.

Still, in the end, Will sacrificed his life to save Arthur, and claimed that he was the sorcerer who had saved the village so that suspicion would not fall on Merlin. It was the only possible way the episode could have ended, and I expected that outcome the entire time, but I thought it was really well done. Both taking the arrow for Arthur and his confession and last words to Merlin came out very naturally, and I nearly cried with Merlin when Will died.

But Merlin's secret remains safe for another week. The question is: what do you think would have happened if Arthur had learnt Merlin's secret?

Merlin - Excalibur, S01E09

In the Arthurian Legends, no object is as important as the sword Excalibur. Not the Holy Grail, not any sacred lance, Arthur's sword shines above them all. And the origin stories of this sword are so varied - some say he pulled it from a stone, others that the Lady of the Lake gave it to him. It is only fitting that Merlin would take those stories and put its own unique twist on things.

Speaking of origin stories, we were finally told the origins of Uther (Anthony Head)'s hatred for magic. His wife, whom he adored more than anything in the world, died in child birth, bring Arthur (Bradley James) into the world. This we already knew. But that she had been barren and brought to fertility through the magic of Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) at Uther's request, we did not know. Her death, caused by magic evening the balance - a life for a life - launched Uther's vendetta against those who had been his friends. He rid Camelot of their supposed evil, and those he hurt, such as Nimueh, turned to evil out of vengeance. Really a sad story.

Nimueh, of course, was the source of trouble in this episode, bring back to life Uther's brother-in-law who blamed the King for the death of Arthur's mother. He challenged two knights, killing them easily and without feeling their blows upon him. Arthur could not stand to see such a thing happen, and, partially for honour partially out of arrogance, challenged the knight himself. Uther and Gaius (Richard Wilson) knew that the knight could not be killed, as did Merlin (Colin Morgan), and both set out to assure that Arthur would live.

Although Uther refused to tell his son anything, he did conspire with Gaius to drug the Prince and take his place in the fight. The knight would have his vengeance and Camelot would still have Arthur. Merlin, meanwhile, created a weapon for Arthur which would be able to kill the knight, despite the problem that he was already dead. Merlin created Excalibur.

He got the best sword Gwen (Angel Coulby)'s father had ever forged and asked the Dragon to bless it with its fire. The Dragon agreed to this, on the condition that only Arthur wield the weapon, which Merlin promised. When, the next day, Uther showed up to be armoured and Arthur was no where to be seen. Uther took up the weapon and defeated the knight, saving Camelot and his son in the process.

And Merlin, reminded of his promise, then took the sword and threw it into the lake where we previously had seen two beings try to cross to Avalon. And so Arthur, who currently has no knowledge of the sword at all, will later somehow be able to retrieve it from the lake.

The most touching moment of the episode was when Uther told Arthur how precious he was to him. In most versions of the legends, Uther and Arthur never know each other, and it is sweet to see the father-son bond between them.

But, the real lesson is that Gaius and Merlin should communicate with each other about what they are planning to do to save those they love from danger so that no conflict between them ever occurs again.

Merlin - The Beginning of the End, S01E08

An aptly named episode, all things considered. Merlin (Colin Morgan) could have acted differently, could have prevented the eventual conclusion to the dream that is Arthur's Camelot, but it was not truly in his power to do so, no more than it is in Guinevere's to choose between Arthur and Lancelot.

In many ways, I consider this a very odd episode. Morgana (Katie McGrath), for reasons unknown, was terribly drawn to the boy and desperately wanted to help him. So much so that she was willing to betray Uther (Anthony Head). Now the King may be a bit mad at times, but he has given her absolutely everything. And, although it is true that his fear of magic has turned into a blind hatred, he's not altogether wrong about what it can do.

I do hope that Morgana's connection to the boy will be revealed. I seem to recall Morgana may also be part of the reason that Arthur dies...but I can't remember if that is because of a connection with Mordred.

That's right, the boy is Mordred. Naturally, I felt a shiver when Arthur learns this at the end of the episode, even though it means nothing to me. But, Mordred is a sorcerer? Really? I do not remember that part. And it's hard to imagine this little child is the original lover that Guinevere betrayed Arthur for. So we have another course being taken. Frankly, I just want Gawain to show up; he's my favourite.

Could you have made the choice that Merlin had to make? Kill a boy now to prevent a future travesty? None of us believe that the future is set in stone, none of us believe that one innocent death (for it is hard to think the boy anything but innocent now, regardless of what he may become). We always think that there will be another way, and that the consequences of tomorrow are not so important as the consequences of today. But you decide - should Mordred have been allowed to live?

Merlin - The Gates of Avalon, S01E07

In this episode, we got not so much a look as at least a proper mention of Avalon when Arthur (Bradley James) finds himself being seduced by a woman who only wants him so that she can sacrifice his soul for her own immortality.

I continue to think that Uther (Anthony Head) is a wee bit extreme and hardly very consistent. Merlin (Colin Morgan) finds himself repeatedly taking the blame for Arthur's absences, earning him a stay in the stocks each time. Although Uther tells him that the error would have earned him a flogging in times of war, he never ups the punishment as it continues. Meanwhile, when Arthur comes to ask permission to wed, and ignores his father's wishes on the subject, Uther threatens to have the young woman and her father killed if Arthur does not behave himself more appropriately. It is a confusing time in Camelot, where the only thing one can be certain of is that if Uther finds out you have magical abilities, that will cost you your life.

I particularly liked the banter between Arthur and Morgana (Katie McGrath) in this episode. You certainly get the impression that Uther, at least, expects them to eventually marry, and there is a sense of romantic expectation surrounding the pair, but neither of them ever really buys into it. Certainly, Morgana is greatly concerned over Arthur's welfare and would willingly let something bad happen to him, and Arthur would protect her just as strongly, but love? I have yet to see it.

As for Morgana's dreams, I love that we are finally seeing signs of her magical ability. I thought last week when Gaius (Richard Wilson) was giving her the sleeping draft to prevent bad dreams that perhaps there was something there, and indeed I was right. Morgana's dreams do tell the future, and Uther would not be able to tolerate such a thing, though I do question Gaius finding it so important to keep it a secret, particularly from Morgana. How is she supposed to protect herself if she does not know what threatens her? Still, I'm glad that we are getting more than a pretty lady who's a little surly but otherwise not particularly involved.

But, the real question is - Did Arthur really forget what happened to him, or was it just easier to believe that Merlin had struck him hard on the head rather than admit having been ensorcelled?

Merlin - A Remedy to Cure All Ills, S01E06

Often, in fantasy series, magic is the remedy to cure all ills, and indeed Merlin (Colin Morgan) probably could heal most people in Camelot of their 12th century ailments. But with Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head)'s ban on all things magical, Gaius (Richard Wilson) and Merlin are generally forced to heal people by natural means...even if the disease is magical.

It does amuse me how friendly and welcoming Uther continues to be, despite the number of magic-wielding villains who have shown up in Camelot of late. Certainly, his continued fear of all things magic is not surprising, but I am a little surprised at how easily he trusted Edwin (Julian Rhind-Tutt). Sure, the man was able to save Morgana (Katie McGrath), a feat he only accomplished after kicking everyone out of her room (and, by the way, wouldn't that never have been allowed? I mean, what did they know of this guy, he might have ravaged her in her sleep). Is saving someone's life necessarily proof of good intent? Uther really ought to realize it is the perfect way to manipulate him into giving his trust.

Then again, we all know Uther is flawed.

What I really like about this episode was how it focused on Gaius and Uther. Certainly the younger characters, particularly Merlin, all had their parts to play, but the important developments surrounded the two characters who were alive and adults during the scourge on sorcery 20 years before. We got a better sense of what happened at that time, and of the feelings of guilt, shame, and regret both felt, though neither will deny that it wasn't necessary. One of the reasons Merlin (the show) is so compelling is because this mystery about the past keeps slowly being revealed. I relate to the lead characters not only because they are about my age and at similar points in their lives, but because I know as much as they do about the events that took place 20 years before.

I can't wait to be fully aware of all the details from the myths which have been incorporated into Merlin. What do you think we will discover?

Merlin - Lancelot, S01E05

What is a story of Arthur and Camelot without Lancelot? Well, it's just one that dates to before the French got a hold of the legends and added him in. But Merlin was written well after that happened, and with all the playing with romantic connections, not including Lancelot would just be wrong.

When Merlin (Colin Morgan) is attacked whilst gathering mushrooms, Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera) saves his life with his amazing fighting skills. Naturally, he shows up and is immediately heroic. And as part of Merlin's plan to dress him up as a nobleman so that he can become a knight of Camelot, Lancelot meets Gwen (Angel Coubly), and there is instant chemistry, although she tries to deny it.

I got quite a laugh out of the scene where Merlin is trying to make Gwen choose between Lancelot and Arthur (Bradley James), while she still harbours a crush on Merlin. Particularly as she never made the choice. Interesting, though, that Lancelot immediately felt attracted to Guinevere, while Arthur has yet to particularly notice her as a woman.

Lancelot and Arthur's relationship was even more fascinating to watch. Their first battle was fought with two broom handles, and Lancelot lost. Yet he ended up besting the Prince in his final test to become a knight....through trickery. Arthur took quite a shine to the man, as he did to Merlin, and Lancelot has already presented himself as the perfect and honourable knight, saving Arthur (with Merlin's help), but refusing to take the honour when he knew it was not entirely his own.

Depending on how long the series lasts, I look forward to Lancelot's reappearances and the development of the love triangle between he, Arthur, and Gwen. In this series, so far, who do you think she ought to choose?

Merlin - The Poisoned Chalice, S01E04

The confusion wasn't about whether the chalice from the palace or the vessel with the pestle had the brew that is true, but rather who poisoned the brew in the first place. Merlin (Colin Morgan), preventing yet another attempt on Arthur (Bradley James)'s life, has yet to learn discretion, thus threatening a violent conflict for Camelot as well as causing a deadly consequence for Merlin.

Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head) is utterly frustrating. When Merlin burst in accusing his former enemy, now tentative ally of trying to poison Arthur, Uther's response was more than predictable. He decided that the best thing to do was to have Merlin drink the potential poison so that he would have the pleasure of killing the poisoner himself if Merlin's allegations were true. I suppose it is an indication of how little Uther thinks of his servants, or potentially how much of a pain he has decided Merlin is (despite his track record of saving Arthur's life), but if I were him I would have at least had one of my supposed enemy's servants drink the drink.

Uther must really have it out for Merlin, as, after all the effort Arthur put into recovering the antidote, he still tried to prevent his son from rescuing the boy. Infuriating that he is so unyielding, blind to anyone's perspective but his own.

Arthur, meanwhile, proved himself quite the hero. Not only did he go on the quest for the antidote, but he defeated quite a number of vile creatures handily while he did it. Yes, Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) could have killed him, though she said it was not Arthur's destiny to die at her hands, but he still handled himself honourably and well in the situation. I quite liked the self-doubt he felt, both because he had been spared and because some other force had brought him a light to save him from his difficulty. It also indicates yet another time where Arthur isn't entirely certain that his father's desire to totally annihilate witchcraft is justified.

Finally, we got to witness Gaius (Richard Wilson) use a bit of his magic, but even more so we got to witness Merlin using his while poisoned and right off his nut. The man is powerful and driven.

So, let's hear your thoughts on Uther and whether or not he is in the way of the progress of Camelot.

Merlin - The Mark of Nimueh, S01E03

The stakes on Merlin escalate when a sorceress releases a plague on Camelot, killing dozens of citizens. I am quite pleased to see that death is a real risk in this world, and not everyone escapes with ease. It was apparent from the first episode, when the witch was willing to kill a couple people to get to Arthur, but in this episode the bodies were really piling up.

Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) may well be the "big bad" of the season, putting a face on Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head)'s fear of magic. She clearly has the power to bring destruction, and lacks any moral compunction to stop it. We also saw Uther's desperation to keep his kingdom stable, proclaiming that a cure had to be found before people turned to magic for answers. He has clearly seen far too much of the evil it can do to find any value in to good, and while, as Gaius (Richard Wilson) said, magic can be good or evil depending on the person using it, far more often it leans towards selfishness and evil.

I have to say that I find Merlin (Colin Morgan) and Gwen (Angel Coulby)'s relationship disturbing. We all know who she's going to end up with..well, actually, Guinevere has been paired with Arthur and Lancelot, as well as with Mordred, and perhaps Merlin might have attracted her attention at some point too...Regardless, knowing that Merlin and Gwen aren't going to live happily ever after together, seeing her affection for him is bizarre. His friendship for her, construed as love both by Morgana (Katie McGrath) and by Arthur (Bradley James), who prevented Merlin from confessing he was a sorcerer to protect Gwen since clearly Merlin would lie for the girl he loved, caused him to take silly risks. At least now Merlin seems to have finally realized the consequences for his easy use of magic. I hope that lesson stays with him.

The thing that amuses me the most is Merlin's inability to deal with riddles. It may simply be that he functions best when told exactly what to do (a fact that will not help him in the long run), or it may be that ever riddle prophesy he is told emphasizes that Arthur and he are linked, but every time he goes to the Dragon, he is annoyed that he doesn't get a straight answer. Though, really, as far as prophesies go, those ones aren't so complicated.

So, what are your thoughts? How much does the idea of Merlin and Gwen together weird you out?

Merlin - Valiant, S01E02

We are just out of the gate, and Merlin (Colin Morgan) again finds himself in a position where he needs to save Prince Arthur (Bradley James) from magic. It's funny, considering Merlin is proof that there is place for good magic in Camelot, at every turn magic is otherwise being used for ill. And that ill is generally killing Arthur.

Despite the fact that last episode Merlin was convinced that Arthur had no redeeming qualities, the two seem to have grown quite close quite quickly. I suppose Merlin is just the kind of guy who likes people if given half the chance, and how could Arthur really dislike someone who had saved his life. The trust that had already developed between the two, that Arthur believed that Sir Valiant (Will Mellor) had an enchanted shield on Merlin's say so, is a testament to the destiny that unites them already.

I also love Arthur and Morgana (Katie McGrath)'s relationship...again, ignoring that they are supposed to be half-siblings. I don't really feel a strong romantic vibe, more one of affection and respect, when they aren't busy disliking each other just for show. That Morgana helped save Arthur's life, too, was also brilliant, particularly as she has yet to step out of what would have been possible and likely at that time for a lady to do.

Finally, when Arthur redeemed himself in front of his father, when Valiant's shield came alive and proved his words, Arthur and Merlin's friendship was redoubled in strength as the slight Arthur had felt when Merlin failed to provide the proof he needed was healed.

Excellent show, lot of fun, some well choreographed fights. I continue to enjoy, and hope you do the same.

Merlin - The Dragon's Call, S01E01

What is it about BBC shows that I love so much? Is it just the accents? Or is it the quality of the programming, where 13 episodes is the norm and there is less room for superfluous episodes?

Merlin not only meets my expectations based on show quality, but it is also a beautiful period piece with a flare of magic.

We are presented with a world in which magic exists, but has been banned for the last 20 years because it was too often used for evil. Merlin (Colin Morgan) knows of this, yet can't help but use skills he was born with to move objects when it seems necessary. He has never trained in magic, but it is innately part of him. It doesn't take long for him to meet Arthur (Bradley James), the spoiled prince. Merlin immediately steps into the role of mentor, though not in the conventional fashion. The young men are about the same age, but while Arthur was always allowed to get away with whatever he wanted, Merlin doesn't believe people should act that way and sets himself opposite the once and future king.

Guinevere (Angel Coulby) is also present, as the humble maid to Lady Morgana (Katie McGrath). Gwen seems uninterested in Arthur, claiming she likes humble men like Merlin. She's not at all how I picture Guinevere; it's hard to see her as someone who so easily sways the hearts of men, like Arthur and Lancelot, and who will one day, through selfishness, bring destruction to the greatest kingdom ever known. Morgana, however, is very much how I picture her - confident and defiant. A little weird that there are some romantic hints there, as traditionally she is Arthur's half-sister. But I guess it is apparent that the traditional tellings are not going to be too closely adhered to. And that is one great thing about the Arthurian Legends - they are so varied that retelling the story does not take away many freedoms.

The episode also set up the series well. First, a dragon (voiced by John Hurt) in the depths of the castle reveals to Merlin that his destiny is to guide Arthur on to being the greatest king ever. Merlin's response was brilliant: "There must be another Arthur because this one is an idiot." Still, when a sorceress, bent on revenge for the death of her son, tries to kill the young prince, Merlin saves Arthur's life. He even uses his magic to do it, but has the sense to make it look as though he simply moved quickly.

As a reward, Merlin becomes Arthur's man servant, putting him in the perfect position to become royal adviser.

The series, already filming its third season for airing in Britain, shows great promise. I look forward to following the series on Space this summer.