Merlin Series 3, and Episode 13: Here’s my Current thinking

You know, I’ve got to admit, I think — having just watched episode 13 of Merlin, again — that I’m still impressed with the Series 3 finalé.

I really am.

The Coming of Arthur - Part 2 had near enough something for everyone.

Actionª — a really healthy dose of it — for those of us who wanted it.

Added emotion: and romance, as well, for those looking to see the development of Guinevere and Arthur’s relationship.

Magic in buckets!

All in all … ?

I’m thinking that The Coming of Arthur - Part 2 was the best season finale the cast, crew and writers of Merlin have put together in the three years of its production.

The Coming of Arthur - Part 2 sees Arthurº leading a small force of knights — that includes Merlin, Gaius and Guinevere as honourary knights along side Lancelot, Percival, Gwaine, Leon, and Gwen’s brother, Elyan — to an abandoned old castle, to lead a counterstrike against Morgana‡, who — as we saw last week — has taken power in Camelot.

And who, with her sister, Morgause^, has both an invincible army and the Cup of Life in their favour.

Merlin, though, has an ace up his sleeve: he’s told that the only way to defeat the invincible army …

Is to kill the soldiers one by one, with the Sword* he hid in the lake in Series 1.

Or to wipe them out totally by emptying the blood from the Cup of Life.

That oh-so-heavily-guarded Cup of Life …

I’ll leave you to watch the episode, itself, to see how he and Gaius achieve that.

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Now, let’s talk about the series as a whole, shall we … ?

Overall, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Series 3.

Now, granted I felt one or two episodes were padding: good quality padding, but padding, none-the-less.

And granted, other’s were down-right stand-out highlights: episode 9, Love in the Time of Dragons was one such, making such good use of Richard Wilson and guest star, Pauline Collins as it did.

Saying that … ?

I felt the season climax was the real shiner star of series 3: and can’t help but wonder if doing it as a Children of Earth style five night mini-series would have worked just as well.

Either way … ?

It’s worked.

And worked well enough for the BBC to commission a fourth series.

I’m looking forward to that.

One thing I believe Merlin’s third series has done well at, is in slowly — but surely — reinterpreting and updating the old myths of Camelot.

And bringing an old tale to now …

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* OK, I know it’s Excalibur. You know it’s Excalibur. But let’s not confuse the kids, just yet, shall we … ?

º Actually, I think that lead to possibly one of the more inspiration scenes in last night’s episode: I’ll let you judge that for yourself, though …

ª Oh, boy, action indeed …

‡ The one flaw in the ointment? I think that Morgana’s been underused, in this series. Granted, the writers have used Guinevere well, but …

^ Actually, it’s nice to see Gaius showing us what we’ve known since series 1: he has magical power, but generally doesn’t use it as he did in helping Merlin defeat Morgause …