Merlin Episode 5 Series 4: His Father’s Son.

Actually …

Now I come to look at it …

I’m making Hmmm noises, again, aren’t I … ?

I am.

But hopefully in a nice way.

I think …

««•»»

Yes, it’s a Saturday, again.

And … ?

I’ll happily admit I’m literally too skint to be able to take up the Halloween party invites that were flying my way.

Which is definitely a shame: I’ve not seen No-Ideas-Adrian — team captain to the No Ideas, one of the more formidable teams that used to do my old pub quizzes — and Gwen and Stefan for a while!

I think as soon as I get the chance, I’m going to to have to remedy that …

Let’s get moving on, though, shall we … ?

You see, one thing I have managed to do with my time, is catch tonight’s fifth episode of Merlin.

Called His Father’s Son, episode 5 opens with Merlin — in a full suit of chain mail — running for his life from the forces of rival King, Carleon, who’s fought his way deep into Camelot …

Arthur kills Carleon, at Agravaine’s urging.

And has to deal with the fact that that Carleon’s grieving widow* has declared war on Camelot as a result.

And to avoid the inevitable battle that Agravaine and Morgana have seemingly planned long and hard for … ?

Goes to Queen Annis to suggest single combat, to resolve the two sides differences.

««•»»

Now, I’ll happily admit, this is more like it.

Actually, no …

No it isn’t.

His Father’s Son is a very good episode, indeed.

In fact, I’ve got to give Bradley James — King Arthur, himself — ★★★★† for his performance as Arthur, tonight.

Actually, I’ve got to admit, I think that ALSO applies to Colin Morgan and Katie McGrath.

Saying that … ? Saying that, I felt the actually episode could have had a touch more … Hmm … something , although I’ll be honest, and say I don’t know if I can put my finger on what.

I think it’s partly the fact that, having seen Lindsey Duncan in The Waters Of Mars, I’m thinking she could have been much better used.

Which is the sad part about an otherwise wonderful episode, I’m thinking, here …

* Queen Annis: played by Lindsey Duncan, who I’d last seen in The Waters Of Marsª

ª I have to admit, The Waters Of Mars was possibly on of Tennant’s finest appearances as the Tenth Doctor. I’m ALSO thinking the fact Lindsay Duncan is one of only two actors I know of to appear in both series is one of those facts that’ll keep serious fanboys talking for hours. (The other is Colin Morgan, himself. See if you can find the relevant David Tennant episode he’s in …)

† Those of you who’ve followed me for a while, will know that it’s not often a film, let alone a performance with-in it, merits 4 stars.