Merlin Series 5 Episode 3: The Death Song Of Uther Pendragon

You know, I have to admit, I know there’s a reason I like Macs.

Part of it ... ?

Is the keyboard.

At least the desktop ones.

It’s a much nicer layout: and certainly bigger on those aluminium ones.

Now, you’re probably wondering why I’m burbling on about keyboards, aren't you ... ?   To be perfectly frank, I’m on babysitting duty, tonight: over at my mum’s place.

Right at the moment, I'm sat next to my nephew, Jude: who’s happily asleep … and snoring, I should add.

I’ll confess, he’s happily slept through tonight’s episode of Merlin, The Death Song Of Uther Pendragon.

AND through his uncle's fervent cussing at the unholy mess of a borrowed laptop keyboard*^.

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At ANY rate ... ?

At any rate, I've managed to catch tonight's episode of Merlin over at my mother's place.

The Death Song Of Uther Pendragon sees Arthur given the custody of an intensely magical item call the Horn Of Cathbad. 

The horn’s sole purpose … ?

Is to summon the spirits of the dead, so that the living may talk with them.

The flaws to that are the ones that Arthur finds out about, during the course of tonight’s episode.

As you might just have guessed, Arthur can’t resist summoning up the ghost of his father, Uther.

Only to find Uther doesn’t approve of what’s been happening while he’s been dead.

And that sometimes … the dead are harder to banish, than call.

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Now … 

Hmmm … !

And that’s an impressed ‘Hmmm … !

’ I should add, in case a Certain Grub’s reading this.

So far, season 5 of Merlin is three episodes in, and I have to admit to STILL thinking it’s knocking out some impressive stuff.

After all, tonight’s episode — much the Christopher Ecclestone episode of Dr Who, Father’s Day — forces its central character’s to examine their relationship with such a central figure.

Bradley James’ Arthur in particular: after all, this episode sees his face doing half of the actual acting work.

And I should also give Colin Morgan equal plaudits, there: especially in this scene.

On the whole … ?

After just three episodes, I’m thoroughly enjoying this series of Merlin

*        I’m sorry, but pressing shift and 2 is the WRONG way of accessing the quote marks: it’s MUCH more logical to press shift and apostrophe.

^        I can only refer my honourable reader to the video I offer, below ... 

Merlin Episode 4 Series 4: Aithusa.

You know, I think I really am starting to get old, I really am.

Either, that, or Merlin really is starting to get shown well past my bedtime … !

At ANY rate … ?

I meant to tell you about last night’s fourth episode of Merlin — Aithusa — last night, after the episode had actually finished.

But my eyeballs felt too much like knot-holes.

You know, maybe getting my eyes checked might not actually hurt …

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At any rate … ?

At any rate, let’s talk about Aithusa, shall we?

Aithusa sees Gaius contacted by an Julius Borden, an old pupil: and one who needs Gaius’ help to gain access to the vaults of Camelot.

Borden’s not actually interested in loot. He’s interested in just one thing that’s kept there: the third part of a magical key — called a triskelion — that he already has two-thirds of.

Borden has plans: he knows perfectly well that possession of the complete key allows him access to the Ancient Tomb of Ashkanar and it’s most important contents.

Not Ashkanar’s body.

But the last remaining dragon’s egg.

Given that Merlin is watching both the exchange between Gaius and Julius? And that — as we know — Merlin is the last Dragon lord … ?

Well …

We can probably see what’s coming, can’t we … ?

And it’s not just that Julius and Merlin have different motives in seeking the egg out, either.

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Suffice to say that the good guys —Merlin, in this specific case —win through to claim the dragon’s egg.

And find out — from the Great Dragon, Kilgharrah — that the only way a dragon’s egg may hatch is if a dragon lord names it …

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Now … I’ll quite happily admit, I’m still enjoying series 4 of Merlin.

And believe it or not, Aithusa is — of the four episodes, so far — the lightest to date: although in any of the earlier series it would’ve had quite an ambiguous tone.

Ambiguous …

But with something of an upbeat finish.

Which is something I know I’ve been wondering about.

I used to love Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders novels and have to ask …

Where exactly did Merlin’s producer’s get the idea of a white dragon … ?

Merlin Episode 3 Series 4: The Wicked Day.

Actually …

That’s a VERY to the point title for episode three, that really is …

I think you know me well enough by know to be able to guess I like a certain dark tone to my television fantasy and SF.

Hmmm …

The old portmanteau, telefantasy, springs to mind, here, but explaining that is possibly for another time.

At any rate …

I’ve got to admit I’ve been watching — and re-watching — last night’s episode of Merlin: episode 3, if you didn’t know, and called The Wicked Day for a reason.

Episode three opens on Prince Arthur’s birthday: and the pre-title teaser shows us a group of gleemen arriving to help Camelot celebrate thew Prince’s birthday.

The day is spoiled, though …

Because a botched assassination attempt on Arthur sees his father, Uther, fatally wounded.

Please notice the fatally bit, there.

Because the extent of Uther’s wounds … ?

See Arthur decide that the only way that Uther can be healed is through magic.

And for that, he seeks Merlin and Gaius’ help in finding a sorcerer* who can heal Uther.

A healing attempt that — I should add — is thwarted by Morgana, with the help of Agravaine.

And a healing attempt …

That leads to the inevitable happening.

The death of Uther Pendragon.

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The King is dead …

Long Live The Kingª.

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Phew … !

Now, I’ve got to admit, I think the BBC’s hit a good one, with the three episodes of Merlin series 4.

Normally … ?

Dr Who fan that I am, I believe that series 6 — Matt Smith and Stephen Moffat’s second in place — to have been generally good, but a touch on the messy side, and not help by the big gap between episodes 7 and 8.

And I’m ALSO convinced that — in comparison — series 4 of Merlin is a hell of an improvement.

Both on its predecessors and on the Matt Smith episodes of Dr Who: although, granted, Moffat and co are effectively only on their second season of a completely different show.

Last night’s episode … ?

I think last night’s episode only show’s that, very well: cast, crew and writers are coming to something of a head.

AND in showing us Uther’s death, and Arthur’s coronation, has moved this version of the Arthurian myth further along to it’s sources.

All this?

And it’s still only episode three.

* Merlin: basically reusing the disguise he uses in last season’s The Queen Of Hearts. These scene’s provide a heck of a lot of the much needed comic relief for the episode.

ª There’s a possibly apocryphal story: that says when the late Queen Mother was told of her husband, George 6th’s, death, she turned around to the messenger who’d brought the news and said “You’d better inform Princess Eliza … ”. Then stopped, took a deep breath and said “You’d better inform Her Majesty of her father’s death”.

Merlin Episode 2 Series 4: The Darkest Hour: Part 2.

You know, I’ve got to make a quiet confession, here.

Usually, I’ll be re-watching an episode that I’ve just seen, in order to keep myself famillier wityh what I’m going to write.

Usually.

But I’ll happily confess I’ve got the Was (Not Was) album, Boo

Give it a listen if you get the chance.

It’s both fascinating and beautiful.

That’s just my opinion, though: if you do get a copy* … ? Let me know what you think.

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Let me get moving on to tonight’s episode of Merlin, shall we … ?

Yes, let’s … !

Part 2 of The Darkest Hour sees Arthur and the bulk of his knights — Leon, Perceval, Elyan, Gwaine — heading on for the Isle of The Blessed whilst Lancelot takes Merlin back to Camelot.

A Camelot that is suffering under Agravain’s leadership: unbeknown to anyone, Agravain is ready and — seemingly — willing to follow every order given him by Morganaº.

And a Camelot that is being protected from Agravain’s mismanagement by Guinevere and Gaius.

Which leaves Guinevere almost fatally harmed by Morgana.

At about the same time that a healed Merlin and Lancelot rejoin Arthur and the crew on the Isle of the Blessed, facing the Cailleach.

And facing her in a way that ends — for me — very surprisingly.

With Lancelot sacrificing himself to close the veil between worlds.

That’s put the cat amongst the pigeons … … … !

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Actually, for those of us who know the old stories?

That has a bit, hasn’t it … ?

I’ll be frank … ?

I am HOOKED … !

Hooked: and although I only know only a little of the old legends?

I’m wondering how Merlin’s producer’s are going to script themselves out of this one … !

* From the Head to The Heart is just down beautiful, it really is. Your Luck Won’t Last and Big Black Hole are pure funk, Needletooth is the STRANGEST thing I’ve heard, this side of the ODD Zappa I’ve indulged in … or Hello Dad, I’m In Jail, now I come to think of it. THEN there’s Crazy Water. WHY Crazy Water wasn’t a number 1 hit in every English speaking nation on the planet, I do not know … !

º Hmmm … You know, in part 1 of The Darkest Hour shows us Morgana having a vision of a battle field where crows are flying around. Now, I know the Wikipedia entry the Morrigan links her to Morgana, but I’m sure I’ve heard them linked, before now.

Merlin Episode 1 Series 4: The Darkest Hour.

You know, I’ve REALLY go to be thankful — in a bizarre sort of way — that Grub’s not a fan of Merlin.

No, really … !

It means there’s at least one TV show I can happily write about, right here.

Rather than over here … !!!

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Which does sound a little silly, now I come to mention it, doesn’t it … ?

But I’m ALSO very aware that Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar has been a little shy of material, just recently.

Life’s quiet at the moment.

What CAN I tell you … ?

»»·««

APART from one little thing … ?

I’ve just seen the first episode of the new fourth series of Merlin —The Darkest Hour: Part 1 — and I’ve come away impressed.

Until someone comes up with a synonym for ‘impressed’ that I like the sound of!

(I’m running out of thesaurus entries. And thesauri, before you ask.)

But at any rate … ?

At any rate, I managed to see The Darkest Hour: Part 1, and came away having thoroughly enjoyed the series 4 opening episode.

The Darkest Hour: Part 1 opens a year after the finish of series 3, with a small group of Camelot’s knights on the path of a suspicious women with a cart.

A woman who turns out to be the gone-to-the-bad Morgana — Katie McGrath, as ever — who’s transporting her dying sister, Morgause — Emilia Fox — to the Isle of the Blessed.

Not for any kind of healing, for those of us familiar with the legends.

No …

Morgause is helping her sister in the only way she has left.

By being sacrificed.

At midnight, on the night of Samhain’s Eve.

Allowing for the vail between the world of the living and the dead to be broken, and allowing both the spirits of the dead to run riot.

And the scary figure of The Cailleich to show herself to both Morgana: a figure who warns Morgana about the magic worker who will be her doom.

And capping all that … ?

Capping all that we ALSO find that Arthur, and Camelot, have been receiving help from Arthur’s Uncle Agravain.

As has Morgana, as this episode makes perfectly clear …

»»·««

Now …

I’m going to happily admit, I’m a huge fan of Merlin and have been, this day 1.

But this opening episode, darker than the previous three as it is … ?

Yes …

I think it bodes for an interesting series …

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 …

Merlin: Episode 12, The Coming of Arthur — Part 1

*Spoilers*

You know, I think I’m …

Whoah, now hang on, just a second, and think, here, shall we, Paul … ?

You’ve probably read quite a bit of my posts, by now, haven’t you?

So me telling you that I’m impressed by … impressed by something … ?

Is going to be about par for the course, isn’t it … ?

Even if it’s not strictly accurate.

Now, if you haven’t read the title’s post … ?

I’m talking about the twelve episode — the penultimate episode — of series three of Merlin: The Coming Of Arthur — Part 1 … … … …

Couldn’t see that one coming, could we … ?

And I’ll happily admit, I’m impressed …

In part …

Tonight’s episode … ?

The Coming Of Arthur — Part 1 starts fairly innocently, with one of Camelot’s patrols attacked and killed on the borders between Camelot and Cenred’s realm.

And it’s leader, Sir Leon being helped by nearby druids: who bring him back to life with the help of something called ‘The Cup of Life’, last seen being wielded by Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) way back in series 1.

«•»

I’ve got to admit, I’d completely forgotten bout that.

But, of course, given that Merlin is the 21st century take on the stories of Arthur, its version of the Grail was going to make an appearance — or re-appearance, I should say —at some point.

«•»

Where was I … ?

Cup of Life , yeah … !

The now healed Leon reports back to Camelot: complete with details of how he was healed. Including the fact that the druids had used the Cup of Life.

Uther, Gaius — and Merlin — know of both the cup, it’s abilities and about how it can be misused.

By the likes of … oooh … an evil warlord, looking to take over Camelot.

So sends Bradley James’ Arthur — along with Merlin, played by Colin Morgan, and joined by Gwaine, played by Eion Macken — out to find the Cup, before it falls into the wrong hands.

«•»

You know, it’s really a shame Cenred — played by Tom Ellis — gets treacherously betrayed and killed by one of his own — now immortal — troops, at the behest of Morgause, played by Emilia Fox.

Thought he had a lot of potential as a long term villain, that chap …

Cie la Vie …

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Now, my first urge, here … ?

Is too try and be polite, and try not to spoil things, too much.

But to hell with it … !

I have put the word Spoilers at the top of the page for a reason … !

Now, I’ll happily admit that with the rebooted Dr Who, I’ve generally felt the the penultimate episodes are generally stronger the the season climax: with the possibly exception of the Matt Smith, Karen Gillane, Stephen Moffat season five climax: I thought both were quite strong.

Part one of The Coming Of Arthur, though … ?

Isn’t the strongest episode, I believe: but is a nice way to start the season finale.

And, as a big climax … ?

Has a very powerful show and tell as it’s closing scene …

Enjoy the episode, when you see it, folks …

Let me know what you think of it.

And as a final thought … ?

Get ready for next week: I’m hoping this particular two-parter may improve …

Merlin Episode 11: The Sorcerer’s Shadow

*Spoilers*

You know, I’ve got to admit, I’ve started this one, towards the end of tonight’s episode of Merlin, The Sorcerer’s Shadow.

And I’m quietly impressed …

Tonight’s episode sees Camelot hosting a no-holds-barred, open knockout tournament.

And I mean knockout.

One in which Uther himself intends to take part in.

But which also sees an unknown young man — Gilli, played by Ian Burfield — taken to the field.

A young man who unknown to all but the perceptive Merlin and Gaius, is using the powers inherent in a magical ring that’s Gilli has inherited from his father.

And his intention … ?

His intention is one that sees Merlin going for help to the Dragon.

Gilli intends to have a serious go at Uther, himself …

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Now, I said I was impressed with this episode.

And that’s true …

It strikes me that Shine and co are doing rather well with the more character driven episodes.

And The Sorcerer’s Shadow — while I think it’s not necessarily going to add anything huge to the overall Series 3 story arc — is much like Love in the Time Of Dragons.

Something that tells of about the characters we’ve come to know.

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Merlin: Following on from Part 1 …

Yes, I know, I’ll admit it, I’m watching last nights first episode of series three of Merlin, again.

And putting up another post.

But, be fair, I did warn you … …

And being equally as fair, I don’t know that I can add much to what I told you last night.

Possibly …

Apart from maybe a few things …

Hmmm …

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Possibly …

One thing I know I wanted to do was put up some screen grabs from last night episode, and tell you that not only is it on the BBC’s iPlayer Service, but also gets repeated at 7pm, tomorrow night, on BBC 3.

Hopefully, the impression I managed to give you last night is that this is worth watching.

Especially as I feel that this series may — may — be a touch more … hmm … story-arc’ed than the previous two.

Don’t quote me on the, though.

But the whole situation with Morgana and Morgause … ?

Well …

Oh, and something else that occurred to me, towards the end of series 2, was the symmetrical appearance of the matched pairs at the heart of the story so far: strikes me that Morgause and Morgana make for a nice female version parallel to Arthur and Merlin.

Given some of the legends about them all … ?

That doesn’t surprise me.

After all, the producers of the series have already worked Merlin’s supernatural origins into the series, without necessarily descending to some of the odder ends of the stories*.

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But, at any rate …

Needless to say, I was very happy with this opening episode.

Now, granted, some folks aren’t going to be happy with it: I know Kevin D switched off after the second episode of the first series.

And I’m fairly Movie Night Adrian hasn’t really bothered, either … !

Which I personally think is their loss.

Series three of Merlin could well be where it gets seriously dark …

* According to some of the older myths and legends, Merlin is — apparently — a cambion: a creature born of a human mother and a demonic father. In the series, though, this is modified, so that Merlin’s parentage is slightly more conventional: both his parents are human, although Balinor, his father, is the last of the Dragon Lords, a group of magic users who could control dragons. Not that they were actually married, though. Which is probably the bit that’ll annoy some people …