The Beginning of the End

Merlin Episode Review

In which Morgana needs a new hobby.

What Happened

A Druid man makes the mistake of coming into Camelot to get supplies, which makes him the target of Uther's latest hissy fit over magic and magic-doers. Fleeing, his young son falls into the care of Merlin and Morgana when they shelter him from Uther's soldiers.

The boy is injured, forcing them to steal from Gaius to heal his infected wounds. As the boy slips in and out of consciousness, he tells Merlin that Merlin is known among the Druids, where he is called "Emeris."

The Great Dragon warns Merlin not to interfere. Gaius makes worried face. But Morgana insists on trying to slip the boy out of the castle. When they are caught, Uther is furious - he orders the child executed in the morning.

Morgana begs help from Arthur, who has her dine with Uther to cover their tracks and order a nervous Merlin to help him with the horse. Not sure what to do, Merlin goes to see the Great Dragon again. He claims that the boy will kill Arthur if he lives. After a discussion with Gaius, Merlin decides not to help Arthur.

As Morgana makes a tearful apology to Uther for her actions in order to soothe his suspicions, Arthur frees the boy from the dungeon and takes him into tunnels beneath the castle. Merlin was determined not to act, but the boy calls for him and Merlin cannot resists his pleas.

Arthur gets the boy to the woods and turns him over to the Druids. As they leave, Arthur asks the boy's name.

"My name is Mordred," he replies.

The Good

• The initial chase scene is well done.
• Interesting to see Merlin and Morgana playing off each other more.
• Morgana totally lies her weepy butt off to Uther.
• Uther is getting scarier by the minute here. He is not a nice person.

The Bad

• Arthur is constantly being sent out on searches and he never finds anyone. I think that it's time to admit that he just kind of sucks at finding people.

The Cliche

• That Merlin even tries to pretend he's not mixed up in this. Gaius knows much better by now.

What Did I Think?

Well done. More tension between Uther and Morgana - that cannot end well.

Of course, it plays merry havoc with the traditional tales that would rather have Mordred be the son of Morgana and Arthur. I certainly don't recall anything about him being telepathic or connected to the Druids.

It's a change, but if they manage to do something interesting with it, I'll get over it.