TV Series > Merlin - Season: 4 > Episode: 13

TV Episode Details:

Almost immediately, after everyone else ducked into a cave, Merlin called on the great dragon for assistance, and without even needing a direct request, it goes on to roast the army hunting them. I can understand that they were in a tight spot, but normally things don't get so violent this early in the episode.

Agravaine did manage to survive the attack and followed Merlin into the cave, but he didn't last long. I was really surprised with the conversation between these two. Not only did Merlin admit who he was and what he could do, but he seemed to do so with so much confidence that we haven't seen in his character before. Also, since when is Merlin killing people with magic? Each time he 'pushed' people before, it always seemed to be just to knock them back, but this time he killed everyone, including the evil uncle. I am also surprised that he didn't show any remorse after he did it.

Arthur really seemed to bounce around with his attitudes again this episode. I thought that he seemed to have been maturing at bit during his conversations with Merlin and the former smugglers, but then he pushes Gwen away again like a child just moments later. Then shortly afterwards, he admits he made mistakes in believing Agravaine and almost apologized for not listening to the people who really care about him, but then he almost throws his crown away in a temper tantrum instead of listening to his friends again. I can understand that is likely a transition phase of his character, but at this point it flip-flops too much to be believable.

Arthur almost seemed to be the most useless character this entire episode, and most of it was up to Merlin. After some feedback from the dragon, he inspires Arthur's confidence by creating the Sword in the Stone story, then infiltrated Camelot, as his elder self, to plant a seed, that we learn later, completely removed Morgana from the fight. Further more, during the fight, he saved many lives, including Gwen when she was confronted by a very angry Morgana. That is quite the impressive list of achievements for someone who normally blunders a lot.

The battle for Camelot was a lot longer this time, with many great fighting sequences. The largest scene was the stand-off between Arthur and Morgana. These two were such great friends at the beginning, but are now bitter enemies, and Arthur doesn't understand why she hates him so much. This entire scene really showed how far Morgana's character has changed since the beginning. The convseration ends with her running away while Arthur and the former smugglers fight the mercenaries. I am a bit disappointed on how the smuggler's wife died saving Arthur since I thought she had a lot of strength compared to most of the female roles in the series, and this series needs more stronger women with permanent roles.

In all, we all got the happy ending we wanted. Arthur and Gwen got married and Morgana was saved by Merlin's white dragon. Wait... what? Why did the dragon save her? It seemed that her destiny has been completed, but yet it brings her back. I am wondering how they will explain this next year. I really believe the endings should of been reversed as going out on the happy occasion would have felt much more satisfying.

Part of me still thinks they rushed into the wedding too fast since there was a lot that Arthur could of learned from the common people if he had a longer period of exile. This would have likely made his transition from fool to responsible leader a bit smoother, too.

As Arthur and Gwen are now king and queen, I am hoping the next season will be able to concentrate on Arthur's fear of magic. It would be nice to finally see Merlin unleashed without him hiding behind objects.