A Remedy to Cure All Ills
Merlin Episode Review
In which Myrrydin is not Merlin.
What Happened
Edwin Myrrydin comes to Camelot, claiming to cure Morgana, who has fallen into a medieval coma. Gaius' position at court is threatened by the new guy, much as he tries to pretend otherwise.
Myrrydin's parents were killed in Uther's purge. Among others, he has it in for Gaius and blackmails him into leaving Camelot by threatening to expose Merlin. Confused, Merlin watches Gaius pack his bags and leave.
With Gaius out of the way, Myrrydin poisons Uther with a beetle, but Gaius comes back and tries to stop him. Merlin interuprts their fight and skewers Edwin, then uses magic to save Uther.
The Good
- Myrrydin is pretty creepy. In a good way.
- More background and detail to Arthur's purge and Gaius' role in it.
The Bad
- What is up with this show and the bugs?
The Cliche
- All About Eve. (Myrrydin and Gaius.)
- Do what I say, or I'll tell your deep dark secret! (Myrrydin and Gaius.)
- Killer bugs.
- Walking away before the guy is dead. (Myrrydin really should have stayed in Uther's room and made sure he was dead.)
Note That Will Interest No One But Myself
- I have seen Myrrydin as an alternate to Merlin in some stories.
What Did I Think?
Gives Gaius some depth and further plays off Uther's outlawing of magic.
I always wonder why people just don't say things and take their chances. Surely Gaius could have told Merlin the truth before he left. Warned him about the king if nothing else? Merlin was already in a mood to be suspicious of Edwin; he'd have believed Gaius. It's an example of false tension - things happen for no reason besides the writer's need to fill up some time.