Merlin Episode 13 Series 4: The Sword In The Stone: Part 2: NOW We’re Talking … !

You know, I’ve GOT to be honest, honest, right now, I’ve just had a rather nice christmas eve dinner with the family, tonight.

But managed to get home in time to catch the climactic episode — episode 13, in other words — of season four of Merlin.

And I’ll be frank, if I may … ?

I’m thinking two things, for starters.

For one thing … ?

This years Christmas TV offerings really AREN’T grabbing my attention.

At least enough to have them on … !

The second … ?

Is that tonight‘s season four climax was … …

Hmmm …

Let me try and sum up, if I can …

««•»»

Following on from last week’s episode, The Sword In The Stone: Part 2 sees Arthur fleeing from the site of a almost fatal skirmish, and having serious doubts about his abilities to rule.

Until … ?

Until in a pivotal scene, fairly early on, Merlin — after consulting with the Dragon — manages to convince Arthur his destiny is to rule not only Camelot, but all of Albion.

And does this by telling Arthur that the TRUE King …

Is the only one that can extract a certain very magical weapon from an equally enchanted stone.

««•»»

Hmmm …

Sorry, I got distracted, there: ended up looking for Stormbringer, there …

««•»»

At ANY rate … !

At any rate, I’m got to admit, I’m quietly impressed by this episode: although saying that … ?

Not as impressed by the opening couple of episodes series four: or by series 3 of Merlin, something I feel to have been the best overall series to date.

On the other hand … ?

The other hand will be happily pointing out that Merlin series four has concentrated more on the emotional lives of the characters, rather than the huge amounts of action that Merlin is capable of.

And what’s more … ?

What’s more, by making sure that Morgana is healed — and healed by Aithüsa, the white dragon we saw earlier in this season — the writers have left the story nicely open for a potential fifth season.

I don’t know about you … ?

But I want to see these versions of the characters grow: and develop.

AND have all those adventure that lead to the Last Battles …

««•»»

(Just as a final thought … ? Completely unrelated a final thought: I am frankly off to bed, but one thing I will leave you with … ? Is the phrase ‘Happy Christmas’.)

Merlin Series 4 Episode 12: The Sword in the Stone: Part 1

Now … I thinking I’m …

Hmmm …

Yes, actually, I think ‘Hmmm’ seems to sum it up, at the moment.

You see, I’m talking here, about last night’s episode of Merlin: the first of the two-part series finale, and I’m thinking …

Well, you kind of get my point, here, don’t you … ?

»»·««

Episode 12 — The Sword in the Stone: Part 1 — sees Morgana’s — Katy McGrath, at her Servalanesque best — plan to gain power in Camelot come to fruition.

Although her successful invasion of the main castle is spoiled by just one small thing.

The fact that Arthur has made an equally successful escape: an escape aided partly by an enchantment of Merlin’s — temporarily turning Arthur into an easily persuaded simpleton — and by meeting a band of smugglers led by lovers, Tristan and Isolde*.

»»·««

Now, I was saying Hmmm, wasn’t I … ?

Yes, I was.

You see, The Sword in the Stone: Part 1 is a beautifully done little episode: it sets the tone for the two parts, with the right mix of both menace and humour.

But I’m ALSO very aware that it’s exactly that: the first episode of a pair, in the season finale.

I think we’ll have to see what happens next week.

I’ll be watching, I know that.

* Proving, once again, that the writers of Merlin know how to plunder their sources. Sorry, did I say plunder … ? I meant ‘Do their research’ … … … … … … …

Merlin Episode 11 Series 4: The Hunter’s Heart.

Hmm …

I’ve got to admit, I’m impressed …

Impressed …

With reservations, I’m thinking.

You see, I’ve just finished watching tonight’s episode of Merlin — episode 11, so you know, called The Hunter’s Heart — and I’m thinking it’s …

Hmmm …

Let me try and tell you about it, first, if I can.

»»·««

The Hunter’s Heart sees King Arthur nearing the end of negotiations over some disputed land. And announcing that, as part of the deal, he’ll be welcoming the Princess Mithian — played by Janet Montgomery — to Camelot: with the obvious implications that he and Mithian will wed, to help seal the treaty.

There’s twists, of course.

In this case? The fact that Morgana has managed to get hold of a copy of the map of Camelot’s all important — and heavily secret — Siege Tunnels, under the castle and associated town.

Not only that, but she’s made a pact with Southron warlord, Helios, in order to invade.

There’s more.

The ultra civilised Helios has a guest: in the shape of Guinevere, who he’s captured in a raid.

»»·««

Now …

I said impressed … with reservations … ?

Yes, I did.

Although, to be frank, those aren’t necessarily major ones.

You see, I think I’ve yet another good, solid entry in the Series 4 canon.

It’s adding more depth to the regular characters, and agin is nicely written.

My one reservation with The Hunter’s Heart is the way some scenes — towards the end of the episode — are cut together seem rushed.

On the whole, though … ?

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Here’s hoping the last two episode of series four are as good — if not better — than what’s gone before …

Merlin Episode 8 Series 4: Lancelot du Lac.

Oh, now, hang ON … !

Hubba, hubba!

Sorry, I‘m definitely getting not just impressed, there.

I think I’m getting ENTHUSIASTIC … !

No, seriously … !

Oh, LORDY, yes … !

You see, I’ve just seen tonight’s 8th episode of Merlin, series 4.

And I think I’ve fallen in love … !

‹‹·››

OK …

Maybe that’s getting a touch carried away.

But I’ve got to admit to having sat meself down with tonight’s episode — Lancelot du Lac — and coming away seriously impressed with it.

Lancelot du Lac sees Morgana’s evil plans being unintentionally given a step forward, with Arthur’s own (unknowing) help.

Arthur — Bradley James — finally takes the big step of asking Guinevere — Angel Coulby — to marry him.

That piece of news … ? Is EXACTLY the sort of thing Morgana wants to hear. It gives her the excuse to bringing Guinevere’s former swainº, Sir Lancelot*, back from the dead.

AND makes sure that he has a small bracelet to give to Guinevere, guaranteeing that her buried feelings for the handsome knight will re-surface.

They do.

And while both Merlin and Gaius have realised that the Lancelot that’s walking around, causing havoc, is the shade of the man they remember, there’s little they can do to stop the inevitable — and apparent — betrayal.

‹‹•››

Now …

I said about enthusiastic … ?

Oh, LORD, yes … !

Episode 8 really DID seem to re-tell part of the Arthurian myth — that of Guinevere’s betrayal of her husband — in a way that was both wonderfully written, stunning performed: with genuine human emotion from it’s central characters, I should add, Bradley James as Arthur, and Angel Coulby as Guinevere.

And ALL together stunning viewing.

If you get the chance to watch … ?

I think you’d be well repaid …

* Reprised, again, by Santiago Cabrera.

º Did I just use the word ‘SWAIN’ in an otherwise innocent post … ? Dear GODS, somebody STOP me … !!

Merlin Episode 8 Series 4: Lamia.

You know, I’m going to be frank, here.

There are times when Merlin’s fourth season has had both it’s ups and down.

More up than down, I’ve thought, over these past few weeks.

And I’ll confess, tonight’s eighth episode — Lamia — is definitely an up.

And a very riveting one, at that … !

‹‹•››

Lamia sees Mary Howden*, an old friend of Gwenª’s, turning up on Gwen’s doorstep to ask for her help in dealing with an especially nasty form of plague that’s crippling Mary’s village.

And, as court physical, Gaius — Richard Wilson — is dealing with an outbreak of what he calls Sweating Fever‡, he suggests that King Arthur^ send Merlin† in his place: Gaius feels Merlin’s experience trailing him in Camelot’s surgery will be well within Merlin’s abilities.

Merlin, soon works out that the village is being plagued, not by disease, but by some form of sorcery: something he feels would be best dealt with by the more experienced Gaius.

The problems only get started when Merlin and Gwen — accompanied by the knights who’ve been guarding them — come across a bandit camp on the way back to Camelot.

The bandits have a captive called Lamia: a captive who is inevitably rescued by the the knights.

And who proves to be much more than she seemsº …

‹‹•››

Now …

Did I tell you I was riveted by this episode of Merlin … ?

I certainly meant to.

I’ve come away from Lamia having been both entertained.

AND quite happily glued to my chair.

FORGET anything I may have said, previously: Lamia is, quite frankly, the most watchable episode of series 4, to date.

Go glue yourself to a chair and watch … !

* Played by Melanie Hill.

^ Series regular, Bradley James.

ª Series regular, Angel Coulby.

† Series regular, Colin Morgan.

º Yep, you’ve got it, BANG on the money, Shine Production’s have been raiding the Mythology cupboard, again: Greek ones, this week. Unless someone’s read the entry in the Monster Manual …

‡ I’ve a feeling, here, that writer, Jake Michie, who’s penned Lamia has managed to avoid too much research … and made something up that sounds feasibly medieval …

Merlin Episode 7 Series 4: The Secret Sharer.

Hmmm …

You know, there’s time’s when I’ll happily admit to loving an episode of Merlin.

There’s times when I’ve not been impressed.

Although, yes, you’re right: those are rarer that rocking horse manure.

And there’s times I’m …

Sort of in-between.

I’ll happily admit that last night’s episode of of Merlin — episode 7, The Secret Sharer — was one that left me in-between.

Hmmm …

Maybe that’s not tha phrase, maybe.

In a move to undermine Arthur’s faith in those closest to him, The Secret Sharer sees Morgana and Agravain managing to abduct Gaius.

Abduct Gaius …

And hire the mysterious Catha^ warrior-priest, Alator — played by Gary Lewis, I should add — to put Gaius to the torture.

She is convinced — rightly — that Gaius and only Gaius knows the real identity of Emris.

And is determined to find out …

‹‹·››

Now, I was saying that I wasn’t impressed with The Secret Sharer?

True, I’m not necessarily stunned with the story, per se, although the writing — The Secret Sharer was penned by Julien Lloyd, who does a good job, with his usual dark touch* — is up to it’s usual good standard.

What did keep my attention … ?

Is the fact that The Secret Sharer isn’t a huge contribution to the series 4 story-arc, but does build nicely on the Merlin regulars, and feature some good performances from it’s central cast: Bradley James, Colin Morgan and Angel Coulby and Katie McGrath†.

Actually … ?

I’ve a feeling Merlin series 4 is where Bradley James — slowly becoming more the King we know Arthur will be — will seriously start to shine.

In that sense … ?

I think The Secret Sharer can only help.

‹‹Ω››

* Which I have to confess I do like.

† There’s one moment that has — hopefully — unintentional overtones. At one stage of the episode, Gaius is tied to a bench-type table: Morgana leans over him and says “It’s time for the fun to begin, ” … RIGHT into camera. I’m … going to go off and perve … …

^ Following on from last week’s Fomori references … ? This week, we have medieval French heretics!

Merlin Episode 6 Series 4: Servant of Two Masters.

Hmmm …

You know, I THINK I’m starting to see a theme, here.

Well …

If not a theme, then certainly a tone.

Hmmm …

I’m confusing you, aren’t I … ?

You’ve probably — over the course of the last few years — worked out I like me genre TV, have you … ? I mean, that’s the whole point of some of the posts I’ve put up both here, and over onNik Nak & Grub’s Who Peculiar.

And something I know that I’ve been following, for many years, as you’ve possibly also noticed … ?

Is the BBC update of the myths and legends of the King Arthur stories that is Merlin.

Now in it’s fourth series, I’ve just sat through tonight’s episode — episode 6 A Servant of Two Masters — and thoroughly enjoyed the experience … !

A Servant of Two Masters sees Arthur, Merlin and the knights ambushed on their way back from signing a treaty.

And as a result … ?

Sees Merlin — Colin Morgan, as ever — captured by the evil Morgana*.

And Morgana is determined to NOT use Merlin as a source of information about Castle Camelot.

Instead … ?

Instead, she’s going to a creature called a Fomorianº to enchant Merlin with orders to kill Arthur, when he gets back to Camelot. (As you’ll have seen from the footnotes, this version of the Fomori is something like the old Greek legends of the Hydra: chop of a head, and another grows in its placeª.)

The only way for Merlin to be free of the Fomori curse place on him by Morgana … ?

Is for him to kill the Fomori that the head has been taken from …

««†»»

Now, back to what I was saying about tone, earlier … ?

Im thinking that writer Lucy Watkins and — in particular — director, Alex Pillai, have managed to both keep to some of the darker elements of Merlin, series 4. Whilst ALSO maintaining the darker tones that we’ve seen in series four, they’s ALSO managed to keep the comedy elements that I personally have always felt were an essential part of the show.

From where I’m sitting … ?

I think I’d be doing this, for Episode 5, if it were a movie …

Merlin Episode 6 Series 4: A Servant of Two Masters.

★★★★

* Did I tell you I have a thing about Katy McGrath, who plays Morgana … ? She’s quite definitely, definitely, extremely … Yeah … Feel free to shove whatever word you think’s appropriate, in there. Yeah, I LIKE your word. It’s politer, for STARTERS … !

º There’s been some chopping and changing to bring assorted elements of Celtic mythology into the Arthurian legands. In this case, the Fomori are an ancient semi-divine race of giants — I think, so don’t quote me — from Ancient Irish myth: and an ancient race that were kicked out of Ireland by the Tuatha De Danaan, the old Irish gods. On top of that, the version presented in tonight’s episode … ? Looks distinctly like the ancient Greek myths of the Hydra: like the Greek monster it resembles, cutting off this Fomors head makes it grow another. On top of THAT, the production crew have managed to come up with a Merlinesque version of The Wrath Of Khan’s Ceti Eel.

ª Awkward, if you’re Gaius and Gwen, who are trying to remove the Fomori head that’s been placed in the back of Merlin’s neck: it immediately regrows. (Actually, that has lead to some seriously funny moments involving Gwen — played, as ever, by Angel Coulby^ — thumping Merlin with a pewter jug.)

^ Who, in the interest of fair play, is ALSO gorgeous! Hmmm … I’m watching a series with two of the most beautiful woman in it. On top of THAT, I know I’ve heard one or two of my female friends make ALL sorts of comments about both Bradley James — King Arthur — and Sir Gwaine, played by Eion Macken.

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.

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.

»»Å««

The King is dead …

Long Live The Kingª.

»»Å««

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.

»»·««

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 … … … !

»»·««

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 … !!!

»»·««

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.

«•»

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 …

«•»

* 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 …