The Labyrinth of Gerdref

Merlin Episode Review

In which Arthur does something stupid.

What Happened

Arthur up and kills a unicorn!

Well, no one who has seen a television show before is surprised a little while later when everyone's starving as all the crops whither. And the animals die. And the water turns to sand.

Arthur and Merlin encounter an old man who claims to be the keeper of the unicorns. The Keeper announces that Arthur will face three tests. Fail and Camelot will be cursed for all eternity. Arthur passes the first test, but fails the second. Merlin begs the Keeper for another chance and The Keeper says that Arthur needs to go into the labyrinth and face one last test.

Despite Arthur's orders, Merlin follows Arthur into the labyrinth. They find each other on the other side, where the Keeper places two goblets before them. Both must drink; one goblet is poisoned.

Merlin suggests pouring all the liquid into one goblet, satisfying the requirements but reducing the risk. Arthur distracts him and swallows the whole draught. As he collapses, the Keeper tells Merlin that Arthur has proven himself pure of heart. He'll wake up in a bit and the curse will be lifted.

When he returns to Camelot, Arthur retrieves the unicorn's horn and buries it in the forest. As they do, the unicorn is reborn and walks away.

The Good

• Merlin vs. the Rat. A worthy foe indeed.
• The final test with Arthur and Merlin. I like that they cooperate and figure out what they need to do.

The Bad

• Morgana and Gwen get almost nothing to do.

The Cliche

• Killing things is never a good idea. Especially magic things.
• Blah blah magic tests and stuff.
• Serving people rodent stew.
• Hero orders his sidekick to stay put. Sidekick doesn't listen and totally goes right on out after him.
• The answer is to sacrifice yourself for your friend and everything will be put right again.

Best Lines

Arthur: "I want you to go in there and flush it out."
Merlin: "Me? You just said you didn't know what it is. What if it's dangerous?"
Arthur: "Let's hope so."

Merlin: "This takes nothing like chicken."

What Did I Think?

Predictable, but effective. The last scene in particular does a beautiful job of handling Arthur and Merlin's friendship.