TV Review: Merlin – “The Diamond of the Day” (parts 1 & 2)

I never wanted to watch the final episode of BBC Merlin. I was convinced for the longest time that there would be a sixth season and I was horribly unprepared for the news that the show was to end after the fifth season. It is especially difficult because this has not been the best of seasons: I hated the storyline of Morgana’s breaking of Guinevere’s spirit and the subsequent hijacking of her will. That magical spell of Arthur and Guinevere’s romance, of his choosing to be with her in spite of her standing as a servant girl, was broken.

The temptation is to draw this out forever but I won’t.  I’ll be a good fangirl and write up my final Merlin review ever.  I’ve combined both episodes as well as they were aired together and it would be silly to spilt it up

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

Gratuitous spoilers for “The Diamond of the Day” (parts 1 & 2)

 

Bittersweet Love and Regrets

“The Diamond of the Day” started of really well.  I really enjoyed the first scenes where Morgana stole the magical powers from Ari (Peter Guinness). Mordred’s comment about about Morgana destroying loyal allies would have been deeply telling if it had been uttered in the first couple of episodes of the season (say, instead of the Evil Guinevere arc) but really, it was a bit wasted here.

I did enjoy the scene with Merlin (Colin Morgan) cheating at dice. Arthur made such progress in growing up and becoming more respectful in seasons 3 and 4 but rarely have we seen any of that in this final season. I was just glad to see Merlin get the upper hand for once.

I even liked the scene where Merlin lost his magic. It is crazy because for the longest time, I was worried that it was Gaius (Richard Wilson) who had lost his magic and didn’t for a moment think it would happen to Merlin. What a fabulous concept.

I was bursting with pride at Arthur’s decision to ride out to meet Morgana (Katie McGrath) in battle and to protect his subjects from further harm.  But that turned to heartache when they agreed to make their last stand at Camlann.

My Heart Begins to Tear Apart

“The Diamond of the Day” was difficult to watch and my heart soon began to tear apart. Part of it was the suspense and knowing that it was ending, part of it was that too much was going wrong and there was no time to fix it. I think I felt physical pain in my chest when Arthur accused Merlin of being a coward. I can barely write about it now. It was so unfair and Merlin deserved so much better than this, disappointment with barely an hour to go until the end.

I loved the scenes in the Valley of the Fallen Kings and in the Crystal Cave. As British television moves away from genre shows, I know that it will be a long time before we see such magical, beautiful scenes in a UK show. Somehow hidden caves and ancient stones don’t quite match up with hard-hitting crime dramas.

As part 1 of the two-part finale came to a close, Merlin was locked in a cave without his powers. He was alone and had no one but Gaius to believe in him (and Gwaine at a stretch). It was a dire moment and I had to wonder whether all would be saved in the final hour.

The Grand Finale

I kind of loved that Merlin’s father Balinor (John Lynch) returned as Merlin’s spirit guide to help him reclaim his magic and escape the Crystal Cave. The scene with Merlin standing tall on the mountain over Camlann, wielding his magic, and commanding the dragon Aithusa was incredible. I loved that Arthur killed Mordred (Alexander Vlahos) but was devastated that he was stabbed with the sword forged in dragon’s breath. My heart finally stopped beating when Merlin picked Arthur up and carried him from the battle.

But I was so disappointed in the magic reveal. Let me emphasise that. I hated the magic reveal. It was absolutely underwhelming. I hated that Arthur still didn’t show Merlin respect, that his reaction was one of disappointment, hurt and betrayal. The look on Merlin’s face when Arthur said he’d lied to him all this time nearly finished me, it was very nearly my undoing.

I wonder if the writers realise that they spent five years building a character up, that they named a show after him and made him a hero and then they destroyed him in the last episode? Merlin deserved so much more than this and so did the viewers. Then again, Guinevere (Angel Coulby) deserved more than what she got this season too.

After that, there isn’t too much more to say. I loved the moment when Guinevere realised that Merlin was the sorcerer but died a little bit when Gwaine (Eoin Macken) died. I was only revived because Percival (Tom Hopper) was so awesome in that scene.

And yay! Morgana died in the end. But then so did Arthur and I still don’t think that Merlin came even close to receiving the glory he deserved.  And what the heck was that final scene with the truck?

Verdict

Ultimately, “The Diamond of the Day” broke my heart. Actually, the whole of the fifth and final season of BBC Merlin broke my heart. I wish that my heartbreak had to do with the unavoidable death of King Arthur, the once and future king but it didn’t. It had to do with the writers short-changing fans and assassinating two of our favourite characters. I’ve decided that it just won’t do. I won’t accept it. I’ve decided to rewrite the final season.

Whereby I Rewrite the Final Season of Merlin

Why did the writers not spend the last season focusing on Merlin’s magic?

Merlin could have lost his magic at in a two-episode season opener and then regained it. There could have been a explosive mid-season reveal where Arthur finally learned of his magic and that could have been followed by Merlin and Arthur fighting darkness together. The kingdom of Camelot could have been united once and for all with the Druids and citizens of Camelot fighting for a common goal. Morgana could have uncovered Emrys’s true identity in the 9th episode and then we could have had a devastating finale where Arthur and Merlin fight side by side with the Knights of Camelot but Arthur still dies.

I have to admit, I think I prefer my version and this is how I will choose to remember my favourite show.

The Most Memorable Quotes of All

Mordred: “He was a loyal soldier. In robbing him of his magic, you’ve lost yourself a powerful ally”.

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Arthur: “You know Merlin, all those jokes about you being a coward? I never really meant any of them. I always though you were the bravest man I ever met. I guess I was wrong”.

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Guinevere: "Your plan is brave and bold and our only chance to defeat Morgana once and for all. Yes, we could have held out in the citadel but for how long? And at what cost to the kingdom? I have never for a moment doubted the valour and wisdom of this choice".

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Gaius: "Arthur, he doesn't just have magic. There are those who say he is the greatest sorceror ever to walk this earth".

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Arthur: "All these years Merlin, you never once sought any credit.

   

All images © BBC / Shine

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TV Review: Merlin – “The Drawing of the Dark”

The end of the the hit BBC series is certainly nigh but “The Drawing of the Dark” is a confounding episode. On the one hand, it was really good and ended with the ultimate betrayal but before all that, there was the small matter of a couple of minor inconsistencies.  And by minor, I mean massive.

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

Gratuitous spoilers for “The Drawing of the Dark”

It Just Doesn’t Add Up

I have always doubted Mordred and didn’t for one minute buy his loyal act. I honestly thought that he had returned to Camelot for nefarious reasons and that he was constantly plotting against Arthur. That is why I was so frustrated by the lack of storyline around Mordred and the fact that he was such a non-character. Of course, my assumption was perfectly reasonable given the realisation that Merlin reaches in the very first season:

“You're saying that this little boy will kill Arthur?” - Merlin to Kilgharrah, “The Beginning of the End” (season 1, episode 8)

Indeed, it would have been foolish to reach any other conclusion. And who could forget Mordred's threat to Merlin towards the end of season 2?

“I shall never forgive this Emrys, and I shall never forget” - Mordred to Merlin, "The Witches Quickening" (season 2, episode 11)

Well, apparently Merlin’s writers can.

In this version of Merlin, the writers have forgotten all of that and Mordred is loyal to Arthur, is truly blind to Arthur’s oppression of the Druids and even regards him as a friend.  Rather than tackle the difficult subject of tyranny and oppression, the writers reduce Mordred’s ultimate betrayal to his love for a girl.

It is frustrating and inconsistent and the writers have destroyed one of the strongest themes of the entire series. It is lazy writing and I realise that they had to make some difficult choices given the show’s imminent demise but they should never have even tried to make Mordred an ally. Why didn’t they build up his anger and fury rather than indulging in the truly crappy storyline involving Guinevere turning evil?

If I judge it on its own though and not against these inconsistencies, there were good and bad parts to the episode.

The Good

There were so many characters in Merlin who begged for mercy and deferred to Arthur that it was refreshing to see Kara (Alexandra Dowling) absolutely defiant to the end.

I enjoyed her first conversation with Arthur where she justified her actions but where Arthur admitted that he would not have been so hard on users of magic if they hadn’t used their magic for evil means.

I loved that Merlin begged Arthur throughout the episode to reconsider his decision and show mercy and that he warned Arthur that this would turn Mordred against him.  I also loved that Arthur did try to give Kara a chance and I even kind of loved that she was still defiant and refused to confess. 

The Bad

I really couldn’t stand the fact that Merlin is still portrayed as a bumbling idiot and that Merlin has not matured one little bit. I did read that the writers had refused the magic reveal earlier in the show but couldn’t they have still managed to show Merlin a bit of respect? Evidently not.

I was disappointed that to the end, Arthur’s ignorance runs so deep that everything could be lost because of it. We know that all will be lost anyway but a modicum of character development in the final season would have been nice.  And I hate the idea that the series could end while this ignorance still prevails. There is just no time for any great reveal to matter – where is the lesson in that?

The Final Scene

I’d always dreamed of that moment when Morgana would finally realise that Emrys was none other than Merlin. I’d imagined trumpets and fanfare as Merlin rose victorious and I’d certainly imagined that he would do reveal himself, showing himself to be the far greater sorcerer and Morgana’s ultimate doom. Mordred’s final reveal was a tiny bit underwhelming but I still took the opportunity to yell “noooooooooooooooooo” at the television.

Memorable Quotes

Mordred: “Why are you doing this? Everything I do, you think the worst”

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Kara: “It is not I, Arthur Pendragon, who needs to answer for my crimes. It is you”

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Kara: “I cannot repent a crime I have not committed”
Arthur: "Kara..."
Kara: "It is not a crime to fight for your freedom. It is not a crime to fight for the right to be who you are. You deserve everything that is coming to you, Arthur Pendragon"

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TV Review: Merlin - “The Kindness of Strangers”

I knew it the minute I found out that BBC’s Merlin had been cancelled. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to finish watching it. To this day, I have not been able to finish watching Buffy, Veronica Mars or Prison Break and it took massive amounts of determination to watch the final seasons of Charmed and The O.C. I don’t know what it is, perhaps it is some misjudged sense of delaying the inevitable conclusion or of never wanting the magic to end, but I just can’t do it. Nevertheless, as strange as it might seem, I know that I have to finish what I started and I’ve made my decision: I will watch the final four episodes of Merlin and I will review them.

Of course, I’m not even sure if it is any fun anymore. Things that I found moderately annoying before, like the adult Mordred or Arthur’s arrogance, are driving me mad now and all I can think of is whether or not they’ll be able to wrap up the entire series properly in four more episodes. I’m going to put it all into perspective and keep an open mind because there is a reason that this has been my favourite show for the past five years.

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Episode 10 of BBC Merlin begins with an urgent chase through the forest as Morgana (Katie McGrath) and her cronies hone in on the fleeing Alator (Gary Lewis). As far as Morgana knows, Alator is one of the only people who knows the identity of Emrys but Alator would rather die than tell her. In this pivotal episode, Merlin learns that he is closer to his true destiny than ever before and that time is indeed running out.

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

Gratuitous spoilers for “The Kindness of Strangers”

What I Didn't Like

I’ve always loved the banter and humour in Merlin but at the same time, I appreciated that Arthur (Bradley James) was growing up and that he was coming to appreciate and respect Merlin. With that in mind, Arthur’s was insufferable in this episode and his arrogance towards Merlin was at an all time high. As a fan, I would rather Merlin’s magic have been exposed by now, at least at the beginning of this final season, and I just find this to be a step too far in the wrong direction.

Likewise, the cloakroom antics with the Knights of Camelot has been done so many times before. If this representation of Arthurian legend is going to end at Camlann in just four more episodes, I’m not really sure I want any comic relief at all. Perhaps I’m just experiencing a serious sense of humour failure?

I decided in this episode that I really don’t like Alexander Vlahos as Mordred. Actually, I think I might have said that about every other episode. He just doesn’t have the intensity and presence that Asa Butterfield had and I find him creepy (and not in a good way). I get it, he’s meant to be duplicitous and evil but this portrayal is pretty one-dimensional given Mordred’s history.

Finally, this is going to sound a bit contradictory given my request for more darkness two paragraphs ago, but I really didn’t like the deaths of Alator and Finna (Sorcha Cusack). They just seemed pretty gratuitous to me and both characters deserved a far better send off.

What I Liked

The photography and cinematography in this episode was quite beautiful with a lot of misty forest scenes and sequences in creepy old castles. I especially liked the setting of the ruins at the Old Temple of Erui where Merlin met up with Finna.

Alator and Finna were the real heroes of this episode, despite Gaius’s initial misgivings and I was thrilled when Finna warned Merlin that Arthur’s trust in Mordred was misplaced.  i also really loved Gary Lewis’s Scottish accent and his beautiful voice seemed to wrap itself around his excellent dialogue.

The scene with Kilgharrah was extremely touching, as were the scenes with Finna and Gaius where Merlin comes to terms with his fate and destiny (see the quotes below). The profecy Finna handed to Merlin about the battle at Camlann was especially significant and marked the final march towards the conclusion of the legend. All told, this was a pretty momentous episode and so I present…

Momentous Quotations

There were some pretty incredible scenes in this episode but these were just some of my favourites:

Merlin: “How did you know my name?”

Finna: “From my master Alator of the Catha. He sends you greetings but also a warning. The great battle nears, the fate of Camelot rests in the balance. Only you, great Emrys, can ensure the triumph of the Once and Future King”.

______

Alator: “You think I fear death?”

Morgana: "Shall I let you into a secret, Alator? I'm no longer interested in what you think or what you fear".

Aator: “I shall pass to the other world happy in the knowledge that you will never find Emrys. He is your destiny Morgana and he is your doom”.

______

Merlin: “It won’t always be like this. Things will be better”.

Finna: “That is why I was sent, to help you make it so”.

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Merlin: "Why are you doing this for me?"

Finna: “Without you, Emrys, Arthur cannot build a new word we all long for.”.

Merlin: “I don’t understand”.

Finna: “For hundreds of years the Catha have guarded their ancient knowledge but now the time has come to pass it on… to you Emrys. For only you can carry their hopes into the great battle itself”.

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Finna: “There is something else, something Alator himself wanted me to tell you. Do not make the same mistake as Arthur. Do not trust the druid boy”.

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Merlin: "Are you alright?"

Kilgharrah: “Of course”.

Merlin (pointing): “Your wing”.

Kilgharrah: “I am tired Emrys, that is all, but I shall serve you as long as I have the strength”.

Merlin: “If you’re ill, I can heal you”.

Kilgharrah: “There are some things even a warlock as great as you cannot overcome. I am old, Emrys, my time has almost come”.

Merlin: “No”.

Kilgharrah: “It is the cycle of life, no more, no less”.

Merlin: “What will I do without you?”

Kilgharrah: “You will remember me”.

Merlin: “Willl I see you again?”

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Merlin: “So many have suffered so that I may hear this”.

Gaius: “Yes… I think I know what’s going through your mind Merlin. That your destiny’s almost too much for one man to bear”.

Merlin: “You.. you always did know me best, Gaius”.

Gaius: “Be assured of one thing. There was never anyone more capable than you Merlin. You will not fail.

   

All images © BBC / Shine

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TV Review: Merlin - “With All My Heart”

It’s been just five days since we received the nuntius horrendus that the current season of Merlin will be the last and it feels rather strange to continue with weekly reviews.  I’ve loved this show from the very first episode and while I worry that they won’t wrap the story up in four more episodes, I have to trust the producers’ assertion that it was always meant to be this way.

Co-creators and executive producers, Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, confirm the current series will be the last: “This is the series where the storylines truly reach their apex. We always felt the story of the legend was best told across five series, leading to a spectacular finale that draws on the best known elements of this much-loved story and brings to a conclusion the battle for Camelot.

Let the Official End of Merlin Mourning Period commence.

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The ninth episode of the final season of Merlin begins with a typical scene of Guinevere weaving her manipulation, this time on Sir Percival.  But prepare for a great surprise as this is the episode where everything changes.

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

Gratuitous spoilers for “With All My Heart”

It seems that “With All My Heart” takes place some time after the events of the previous episode for Arthur is aware that Guinevere is a sock puppet for Morgana.  Arthur and Merlin have followed Guinevere out of the castle and witness an exchange between Morgana and the queen in which Guinevere divulges the route of an upcoming levy collection.

Arthur is quite eager to break Morgana’s control over Guinevere and even more so when Gaius explains the nature of the sorcery to which she has been subjected.  Gaius explains that the spell Teine Diaga is an Old Religion ritual meaning The Sacred Fire.  It works by delivering unimaginable terror to the victim until their will is no longer their own and they become slaves to the high priestess.  Gaius knows of only one other sorceror beyond Morgana who might know how to break this spell and that is the Dochraid.

What I Loved

I was really impressed with the concept of the Teine Diaga and the notion that the spell could so break Guinevere’s spirit that Morgana was able to control her.  And I love the idea that after everything she went through, it was Arthur’s love and her promise of “with all my heart” that saved her.

I liked the idea of the Cauldron of Arianrhod, that the white goddess could be reached there and the notion that Guinevere must enter the Cauldron willingly without trickery or beguilement.  Expecting something of a witches cauldron, I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the Cauldron was.

I loved Merlin’s face when Gaius announces that the sorcerer who would help them at the Cauldron was a woman.  I got bored with Dragoon the Great, the crotchety old man that Merlin has disguised himself as throughout the seasons, and although I was a little wary of more not-so-hilarious antics, I was not disappointed in the end.

Merlin more than stole the show in this episode (well, it is his show) and I loved how brave he was in the face of Aithusa and how he was able to command her.  Is this an omen of what is to come?

Even thought I had my doubts, my favourite part of the episode was the entire scene at the Cauldron with the sorcerer Dolma (better known as Merlin in drag).  Colin Morgan was spectacular in this scene and I loved that the comedy was finely balanced with a wise and powerful alter ego.

I adored the theme “with all my heart” and was cheering when Guinevere finally walked into the Cauldron of Arianrhod and was freed.  Yes, she still killed a man which means that her soul is tainted (because this is a show of myths and legends and that is what myths and legends proclaim).  Regardless, it was a very satisfying resolution of the arc and I am glad that we get to move on with the story now.

And finally, I think I love that Mordred knows about Merlin.  Please, please, please let Merlin get the recognition he finally deserves by the end of the show.

Memorable Quotes

The Dochraid: "If she is tricked, forced or beguiled, she will fall into the abyss."

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Arthur: “Why would a recluse be interested in clothes?”
Merlin: “I don’t know Arthur. She’s a sorcerer. She’s not going to be normal, is she?”

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Dolma: “You must reach her Arthur. Reach that part of your queen which has remained untouched by the evil of Morgana”

Arthur: “Is there such a part?”

Dolma: “You must believe there is”

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Dolma: “Remember what saved your queen, magic and sorcery”

Arthur: “It was sorcery that bewitched her”

Dolma: “There is no evil in sorcery, only in the hearts of men. My request is that you remember this”.

Merlin returns on Saturday, 8 December at 7.55pm with “The Kindness of Strangers ”.

All images © BBC / Shine

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TV Review: Merlin - “The Hollow Queen”

It is not easy recovering from an episode like “A Lesson in Vengeance” where your primary reaction is from a fan’s point of view and you are disappointed, perhaps angry, with the turn a show has taken. Nevertheless, I made the decision to judge all further episodes of Merlin on their own merit and only refer briefly to my quarrel with Guinevere’s confounding change of heart.

In the dead of night, a lone boy breaks into the castle at Camelot. He runs into an evening patrol lead by Guinevere, but the queen insists that he is harmless and must be left to go on his way. The boy finds Merlin where he introduces himself as Daegal, a Druid. He needs Merlin’s help to aid his ailing sister who is lying half a day away in the Valley of the Fallen Kings.  Merlin ignores his better instincts and leaves with the boy.

While Merlin runs into trouble in the forests of Albion, Guinevere is left to weave her deceit in Camelot with tragic consequences.

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

Spoilers for “The Hollow Queen”

The Return of Love

Ignoring Guinevere, there was a lot to love about this episode. 

In a way, I love that Merlin was so easily trapped, that after everything he has seen, he would rush to the aid of a Druid family.  Ultimately, it was this benevolence and morality that was his saving grace in this episode.

Colin Morgan proved his worth yet again and I loved Merlin’s look of dawning realisation that Daegal had lead him astray.

I was thrilled that we finally learned how Morgana got to the bottom of the pit with Aithusa in “Arthur’s Bane part 2”, that it was at The Sarrum's hands.  We finally learn what was wrong with Aithusa, that she had been crippled by her confinement in the well with Morgana because there was not enough space for her to grow.  Thumbs up to the writers for finally answering some of our questions!

I love that the eerie music was playing again in the scenes between Morgana and Guinevere.  I’m going to call it “Morgana and Guinevere’s Theme”. They do release soundtracks each season so be sure to check on Amazon.co.uk for the season 5 soundtrack.

I loved Daegal (Alfie Stewart) and I did so even when I thought he was evil.  I love that he came back to rescue Merlin and that he wouldn’t leave his side.  Mostly, I liked that after everything he’d been through with the loss of his mother, Daegal was still able to recognise the good in Merlin. And yes, Alfie Stewart is on Twitter: @AlfiexStewart.

Non-verbal communication is key in this season with the enemy among us in Camelot.  There is so much that the characters cannot say as they cannot risk Guinevere realising that she has been exposed.  With that in mind, I loved the look on Gaius's face when he confirms that Guinevere is no longer on their side. Like Colin Morgan, Richard Wilson is a truly remarkable actor.

I adored Merlin in “The Hollow Queen” and his truly courageous battle to overcome the poison, fight the bandits and make it back to Camelot in time to save Arthur’s life.  He was absolutely brilliant in this episode.

I was cheering when The Sarrum (John Shrapnel) double-crossed Guinevere.  Of course he would do so! That is the problem with newcomers to the arena of betrayal and sedition, they get arrogant and play all their cards.  Well, The Sarrum saw right through Guinevere.

I loved the scene in the great hall and I loved the crossbow-wielding assassin Albin (Matthew Clancy) , his death and the death of The Sarrum.  That scene with Merlin leaning over the balcony was incredible, showing how truly powerful and masterful he is.

And finally, I loved Merlin and Guinevere's visual stand off in the final scene and that while he didn’t contradict the queen, he didn’t capitulate and rush to support her version of the events either. He did not reveal what he knows about her and the game is most certainly still on.

Love Hurts

I was really impressed with “The Hollow Queen” and equally impressed by the parts that made me sad.  I really did not like Guinevere’s betrayal first of Arthur and later of Merlin.  The latter was especially hurtful because Merlin has never once waivered in his greatness and morality (nor in his support of Guinevere, peasants and sorcerers) and whatever the Pendragon kings might have done, Merlin did not deserve that.

I did not like the scene with Merlin lying alone and poisoned but that was absolutely redeemed by Daegal’s return.

It was really sad that Daegal perished in the end but it certainly fitted in well with the rest of that scene.

I Still Don’t Accept Evil Guinevere

I said I’d be brief, so here you go: I still don’t accept evil Guinevere.  I don’t accept her change of heart and I don’t know where the writers are going with this.  As with her acts of treason and murder, how is she ever going to come back from this? She will eventually be exposed and when she is, she has to remain forever a nemesis or be cast out of Camelot and punished. These acts of betrayal are too absolute and there can be no absolution.

I feel kind of cheated. Was it too much for the writers to allow the simple serving girl some joy? It seems to me that she is repeatedly being reminded of her place in the lower classes of society, that as a woman and a peasant, the writers could not allow her to rise to the true status of a great and powerful leader.  And yes, Guinevere of old was a bit of a traitor who conducted an affair with Lancelot but that is not what we’ve been told for almost five full seasons of Merlin.

Quotes and snippets

Daegal: "Why are you being like this? People I've met, they're... not like you. They don't care, I don't matter"

Merlin: "Don't ever think that. We all matter"

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Gaius: "He also has a fondness for assassinating his friends"

Arthur: "I doubt we'll ever be that close"

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Guinevere: "I have a simple proposition, one that would be mutually beneficial. You kill Arthur, I assume the throne and in gratitude give over one third of Camelot's lands to Amata"

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Bandit: "You don't even have a sword"

Merlin: "I don't need one"

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Daegal: "Merlin, you may be a warlock but you need that treated. I'll help you. Please, please"

Click on high-res stills for full resolutions

  

 

BBC Merlin returns on Saturday, 1 December at 8.00pm with “With All My Heart”.

All images © BBC / Shine

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TV Review: Merlin – “A Lesson in Vengeance”

Well, I guess it had to happen, given my blind dedication to Merlin over the past 5 years. I really didn’t like tonight’s episode of Merlin and my overall impression was so poor that I considered giving up on the show. 

I really don’t like where the writers are going with the story this season and I also don’t know if I have the energy for an evil Guinevere.  It all feels too contrived to me and a bit like a bad episode of The Bold and Beautiful. I realise Guinevere (Angel Coulby) might have been enchanted but it seems more likely to me that the writers are trying to sell that her spirit was so broken in the Dark Tower that she has become the opposite of everything she was and everything she stood for before.  If she is enchanted, it gets a little boring and a little bit too easy; if she’s not enchanted, then this really is a bad soap opera script.

*** Spoiler alert ***

Spoilers for “A Lesson in Vengeance”

“A Lesson in Vengeance” begins with Arthur, Guinevere and Merlin riding off into the woods to celebrate the royal couple’s anniversary. A hex spooks the horses and the party is ambushed, with Arthur narrowly escaping death and Merlin using sorcery to protect him.

Back at the castle, a witch hunt is launched and it soon emerges that Arthur’s saddle was tampered with.  The groomsman Tyr Seward (John Bradley) is arrested, found guilty of treason and sentenced to death for his crimes.

What I Didn’t Like

I didn’t like that an innocent man was accused of treason and that he was sentenced to such a severe punishment.  We’ve seen this too many times, especially as Uther Pendragon sentenced far too many innocent people to death.  I simply cannot accept that Guinevere, who was once unfairly accused, sentenced and banished from Camelot would see the justice in this, no matter how determined she was to exact revenge on Arthur.

Hate is such a strong word, isn’t it? And didn’t your mother always tell you not to use it? Fine, I won’t use it lightly.  I hated that Guinevere committed murder. I have no idea why the writers decided to go there but you can’t ever return from an act like that. What are the options? It was sorcery and the enchantment ends? She still committed murder. She really has done a personality 180°c and has claimed the evil witch-from-hell-crown from Morgana? I don’t buy it. I just don’t. She repents and begs Arthur for forgiveness and we have a couple of touching episodes focusing on her infinite contrition? She still killed a man.

Naturally, I was pretty disgusted when she accused Merlin of poisoning Arthur.  No matter how she feels about Arthur, I cannot believe that she’d turn against Merlin. 

A Glimmer of Light

Merlin provided the only glimmer of light in this episode.  I really enjoyed the scene where he escaped from the cells and used his magic to bring darkness on the courtyard and slip undetected into Arthur’s room.  Once again, Colin Morgan proved what a fine actor he is and he aced the look of anguish on Merlin’s face when he thought he’d failed to save the king. 

The subsequent conversation between Arthur and Merlin provided the only notable quotes of the entire episode:

Arthur: “I also told them that you simply weren’t bright enough to organise an assassination attempt”.

Merlin: “That’s very thoughtful”.

Arthur: “You’re welcome”.

Long Live the Queen

I strongly disliked the final scene, where Queen Guinevere is celebrated for supposedly getting to the bottom of the poison plot.  I don’t like the look on her face and I think her own thirst for the throne of Camelot will begin to emerge soon and perhaps lead to conflict with her role as Morgana’s puppet queen.

I realise that the lines have been written and the plots finalised and the writers have already decided exactly where Merlin is going but I’m quite afraid that this might be the beginning of the end for me.  I’m really feeling that disappointed and let down after tonight’s episode.

What are your thoughts on “A Lesson in Vengeance”? Did you enjoy it? Do you like this plot twist? Or do you agree with me that the writers have left the reservation?

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TV Review: Merlin – “The Dark Tower”

Before we begin with this week’s Merlin review, I think it is only fair that I make a slight disclaimer.  I have flu, not your average bad cold but a bone-aching, feverish, dismal sort of affair which requires pretty strong flu meds and lots of sleep.  I mention this for three reasons: this review might not make any sense at all, it might or might not be shorter (or longer) than usual, and my experiences of last night’s episode may have been a little exaggerated.  Then again, it might be that it really was that terrifying and ultimately horrible.

“The Dark Tower” begins on a hilltop high above Camelot where Elyan (Adetomiwa Edun) and Guinevere stand by their father’s grave.  It was a grim reminder of all that the siblings had lost at the hands of the Pendragon dynasty, as Uther Pendragon might have executed their father Tom but it was Arthur who arrested him in the first place.  Not only did Guinevere lose her father in that episode (“To Kill the King”, season 1) but it was also a major turning point for Morgana.

*** Spoiler alert ***

Some spoilers for “The Dark Tower”

On the way back to Camelot, Morgana ambushes the party with venomous vipers and kidnaps Guinevere, whisking her off to The Dark Tower.  But, as we’ll learn, the Dark Tower is not a real place but the place of nightmares and terror and all that is dark and evil in the world.

What Terrified Yet Impressed Me

This episode was absolutely terrifying, in an almost not-safe-for-children kind of way.  Yes, that might be the fever talking but I jumped out of my skin on several occasions.

Nevertheless I really loved the writing in “The Dark Tower”.  I loved the mythology of the Tower, that it is something Arthur knew of, that it is terrible and that we must not speak of it.  As Mab explained, it is not real but the embodiment of fears and bad dreams and I really appreciated the imagery and symbolism in this episode (did I mention I was a Psychology major?).  I loved the Impenetrable Forest and Mab’s instructions for escaping it but I have to admit that it fell flat in the execution when Merlin used magic to find his way instead.

The Dark Tower itself was just horrible and hats off to Angel Coulby for her fantastic acting in this episode.  I loved her portrayal of Guinevere’s defiance in the face of utter horror and despair.  The Dark Tower was Guinevere’s personal house of horrors with the mandrake roots, screams, shadows, laughter, darkness, whispers, hallucinations, footsteps and constant dripping.  I guess it was no wonder that Guinevere might have cracked under that pressure.

I was also impressed that Morgana (Katie McGrath) reached a new level of manipulation, evil and nastiness in “The Dark Tower”.  She was absolutely menacing and malevolent and I always appreciate when they write a bit of depth into her character.

What I Loved

I loved that Arthur’s men, and Merlin, would not turn back when given the option of doing so.  Each had their own reason, be it sister, Queen, friend or damsel in distress, but each asserted once again why they are the Knights of Camelot.

Kerry Wenham was simply spectacular as Queen Mab and I honestly think this is one of the best-written scenes in the whole of Merlin.  It was that good that I replayed the scene over and over again (thank you Sky +) and have practically quoted the entire scene below.  I just loved her cadence and the flow of her lines in riddles and rhyme. 

I really loved the music that played in the scenes with Morgana and Guinevere and how it changed slightly when Guinevere was defiant.  It was eerie and creepy and really quite beautiful.  Perhaps we could encourage the BBC to release the score from this season?

*** DOUBLE SPOILER ALERT ***

In which I discuss the ending of “The Dark Tower”

WTF?

I apologise, I really did try to think of a better title for this section but this one captures my enduring impression of the climax and ending of “The Dark Tower”.  It is strange, but in the opening scenes of this episode, I thought to myself how nice it was that Sir Elyan and Guinevere were finally getting a bigger storyline that wasn’t absolutely crappy and involved one or both of them being sentenced to death. 

I was wrong.

I just don’t understand why Elyan had to die and I don’t see how he (or Merlin) could have done anything differently that would have taken Mab’s advice into account and not lead to his death.  Perhaps it was simply a warning that the Knights of Camelot must act as one or they will be defeated?  This is definitely the fan in me talking but after all of the crappy things Elyan has gone through in previous seasons, did he really have to die defending his sister?

Part of me also doesn’t understand the whole scene with Guinevere and Elyan in the tower.  If she had broken by then, if she had finally succumbed to the terror and gone all Stockholm Syndrome on Morgana, why did she not at least say anything to Elyan, to protect him?  Especially if the sword was meant for Arthur? The whole idea is that Morgana was somehow able to prove to Guinevere just how evil the Pendragon’s were and how she wasn’t part of them, but the only person that let Elyan die was Guinevere.  How was it Arthur’s fault that Elyan rushed ahead to save his sister?

That same part of me just doesn’t believe that Guinevere would have broken down, no matter how much terror Morgana subjected her to.  Don’t forget, her last words to Morgana before the scene where she finally breaks down in her arms were, “no, whatever twisted game you’re playing, I want no part in it. I would rather stay here and die”.  I find it hard to accept the final scene or believe that Guinevere has gone over to the dark side.

Quotable Quotes

Morgana: “Sleep my lady for it will be some time before you do so again”

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Guinevere: “I don’t know what cruel trick you’re playing but I will not be broken by you”.

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Queen Mab: “Why, I’m Queen Mab. I am the spirit of this place and all the places that bring despair to men’s hearts. Few have ever seen me Emrys, you should count yourself fortunate”.

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Queen Mab: “Oh, little one. You shouldn’t have to ask. Left is right and right is left and the way behind is the way ahead.  It is simple”.

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Queen Mab: “The tower is not a real place. It is the heart’s rest, the mind’s deepest fear, the stillness in the hummingbird’s eye”.

Merlin: “Stop speaking in riddles!”

Queen Mab: “Then I will talk in rhyme. Heed my words with due concern or one of you will not return”.

___

 

Verdict

Ultimately, “The Dark Tower” rendered me grumpy and unhappy from a fan’s point of view and worried that the episode was not suitable for children at all.  As a lover of horror, I quite enjoyed the really scary parts of the episode and I was impressed with the writing in the first two-thirds of the episode.  I think there were some inconsistencies in the latter part of the episode and a lot of things just didn’t add up but I’ll have to see how future episodes play out before making a final judgement on that.

All images © BBC / Shine

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