The Gates of Avalon

Merlin Episode Review

In which Arthur has crap taste in women.

What Happened

Two people, Sophia and Ulrich, come to Camelot, claiming to be refugees from a destroyed kingdom. Arthur falls hard for Sophia, which is just what she wants. Morgana, who has had a prophetic dream of Sophia drowning Arthur, tries to hint to people that Sopia is up to no good, but only Gaius believes her. Worried that Uther will have her burned as a witch, Morgana hesitates to tell anyone else.

Gaius and Merlin discover that Ulrich is a banished Sidhe (pronouced "she") - a fairy race that lives forever in Avalon. Ulrich has cut a deal: if Sophia delivers Arthur's soul, she can go back to Avalon and live forever.

Merlin runs after them to the river and grabs Sophia's staff, using it to destroy her and her father. He rescues Arthur, who doesn't quite remember eloping with Sophia, keeping Merlin's secret. (He was also underwater at the time, so its not like he could have seen much of what was going on.)

Best Lines

Uther: "If this was a time of war, I would have you flogged."
Merlin: "And since it's not, we'll let it go just this once?"

Morgan: "And killing things mends a broken heart?"
Arthur: "No, but it's great fun."

What Did I Think?

So this ticks off the "Lady of the Lake" box.

Sophia and Ulrich come across as somewhat sympathetic. He really did just want to send his daughter "home." (Don't know why he felt the need to laugh Big Evil Overlord maniacally over it, but there you go.)

It's also good to see Morgana get something to do, because she and Gwen are in danger of being a bit under-developed and mostly relegated to staring or glaring after Arthur.

The showdown between Arthur and Uther was well done. It put character developmnet to the plot - as did Arthur and Merlin's friendship. However, we are falling into a pattern where an Arthur-related guest star comes ot Camelot, causes trouble, then leaves. Getting a bit old, yes?