Merlin Series 5: Episode 13 — Diamond of the Day - Part 2: Now, THAT’S a way to go …

Merlin
Colin Morgan

Arthur
Bradley James

Mordred
Alexander Vlahos

Guinever
Angel Coulby

Gauis
Richard Wilson

Morgana
Katie McGrath

Wow … 

Just Wow … !

Now, you’ve possibly worked out I’m something of a fan of genre TV.

You’ve not been paying attention, then … !

And, as you’re probably no doubt aware, I’ve been following Dr Who since I was a child, and Merlin, ever since it started, five years ago.

And it’s been a hell of a fun ride, right up until tonight’s episode.

The last one of Series five: and, indeed, ever.

And from where I’m sitting … ?

From where I’m sitting, the BBC made a very good investment in Merlin.

—————

Episode 13 — Diamond of the Day - 2 — sees the conclusion of the Battle Of Camlann.

Where the forces of Camelot are saved by with the timely help from Merlin, in his Emrys disguise.

The army is saved.   But with its forces scattered and only slowly heading back for the citadel.

And the prophesies that Merlin had been given, coming true.

The saxons are defeated … 

The Dragon, Aifusa, seen off.

And that Arthur is fatally wounded.

Which isn’t necessarily all bad … until Arthur finds out that the help on offer — to get to the Isle of Avalon, where he can be healed — comes from a place he’s trusted for years, but been taught to abhor … 

Merlin … 

—————

Now … 

I have to admit, I’ve mixed feelings about this last episode, I REALLY do.

On the one hand … ?   On the one hand, I feeling  much saddened that a fully made piece of genre fiction — one that’s breathed so much new life into the UK’s old Arthurian myths — is now finally over.

Merlin has been one heck of an entertaining ride and been — arguably — stronger, sometimes, than my usual choice, Dr Who.   From talking to fellow sf/fantasty fanboi, Grub, it’s something I know he broadly agrees on.   (From what he’s said over the years, he’s not one for Merlin: but felt that Misfits, on Channel Four, has been the stronger entry in British genre TV.)

On the OTHER hand … ?

Phew* … !

On the other hand, Merlin has not only been one of the most entertaining things I’ve seen on TV … 

But one that’s kept me and many others glued to their sets for the past five years.

It may not be high art … ?

But its producers — Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps, all of Shine Productions — writers — too many to mention — and cast — Bradley James as Arthur Pendragon, Angel Coulby as Guinevere, Katie McGrath as Morgana, Richard Wilson as Gaius, John Hurt as the voice of The Great Dragon, Anthony Head as Uther Pendragon and Colin Morgan as the show’s central character, Merlin, himself — have managed to set the entertainment bar to a very high level.

I can but wish ALL of them well: based on the evidence, so far … ?

I’m convinced they’ll shine, whatever they do.

*        I may just have to use the Microwave, in a second, to re-heat my cocoa … 

Merlin Series 5 Episode 12: Diamond of the Day — Part 1

I’m going to be frank, here: I’ve just started writing this post with a bear minimum of actually screen-grabs and photos.

Which I’ll be adding, as soon as the penultimate episode of Merlin’s last series finishes ripping*.

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, tonight’s episode of Merlin — Diamond of the Day — Part 1 — is the twelfth in the fifth and last series. is one mightily impressive piece of work.

Opening with Morgana torturing one of her troops, it sees her sending a trained trooper to break into Camelot to set a magical creature on Merlin.

A hideous, leech-like, creature called a Gæn Canach that sucks its victims dry of any magical power.

Which it does to Merlin.

Leaving him to seek out the Crystal Cave — last seen in Series Three — to recuperate his power.

Just in time, in fact.

As, in order to do this, he’s had to abandon King Arthur: as the latter is forced to the Plain of Camlann, to confront Morgana and Mordred’s army.

By outflanking them … 

The last ever episode of Merlin will be on Christmas Eve, on BBC 1 at 8·15pm.

It’s going to be tight … 

*        I tend — and this is slightly iffy legal territory, sometimes, I know — to record TV series’ I like onto DVD, then use Handbrakeº to copy it across — or rip — to my hard drive.   Laws are relaxing on this, however: ESPECIALLY for personal use.

º        Windoze users will need a copy of Handbrake and DVD43 to do this.

Merlin Series 5 Episode 11: The Drawing of the Dark

Kara
Alexandra Dowling

Mordred
Alexander Vlahos

Phew … !

No, seriously: it’s another Phew.

Or maybe I should call that a Saturday Night Phew … ?

Either way, what I’m trying to say, hear, is relatively simple.

Tonight’s episode of Merlin — The Drawing of the Dark, episode 11 of the final fifth series — was … well, I’m thinking ‘rivetingly fantastic’ might just be overdoing it.

But could equally be bloody accurate.   I think, here, that the comments box is what the phrase ‘You Tell ME’ was designed for.

~~~~~

But let me try and summarize, first, though.

The Drawing of the Dark opens with the Knights of Camelot finding a wagon from the kingdom: one that’s been attacked by Morgana’s Saxons.

And that that’s accompanied by Kara, a Druid and old friend of Mordred: who Mordred is still enamoured of.

And who Mordred initially releases: and treats, with some herbs, stolen from Gaius’ infirmary.

Of course, the only person who realises what’s happening is Merlin himself.

Which leads to a confrontation between the two: and the eventual capture of Kara, the Druid girl that Mordred is so taken with, along with Mordred, himself.

Capture … Execution … 

Mordred’s escape … 

And his eventual betrayal of Merlin.

Well …

Look’s like Christmas — and the overall Merlin finalé — can’t come too soon …

Merlin Series 5 – Episode 10: The Kindness Of Strangers

Finna (Sorcha Cusack)

8/12/2012.

You know, I’m REALLY going to have to start putting in a warning note, aren’t I … ?   About how — if you see a date IN a post, rather than in the post’s header — that it’s taken me a while to write it.

Or, at least, that I’ve started it on one day, to be picked up on another.

Which is what I’m thinking I’m going to have to do with this post.

Alator of Catha (Gary Lewis)

I have to admit to having come over all tired … 

But … ?

But sufficient to say, I’ve seen tonight’s episode of the last series of Merlin, and come away … if not impressed, then certainly having enjoyed my self.

And been very aware that the show’s writers and producers have decided it’s time to mention Camlann.

We get ever closer, don’t we … ?

~~~~~

9/12/2012.

The Kindness of Strangers opens with the return of an old character: Alator of the Catha, who we’d last seen in the fourth series

.

Working for Morgana, torturing Gaius.

The difference, this time … ?

Is that Morgana is interested in information her old enemy, Emrys*: and keen to have a serious chat with Alator, the only person she knows has information about him.

There’s other factors …

One of them being Finna, Alator’s ally, keen to both meet Merlin … AND pass on a message to him …

~~~~~

Now …

Was this a good episode … ?

Actually, yes, it was!   The Kindness of Strangers is not only building towards the end of the series — as I think I’ve said, there’s a mention of the Battle Of Camlann in it — and on top of that, is a fantastically paced, beautifully written and acted thriller of an episode.

And one can’t say fairer than that …

*        Who is, of course, a heavily disguised Merlin.

Merlin — Series 5: Episode 9 — With All My Heart

Arthur — Bradley James

Merlin — Colin Morgan

 Wowsa … !

Arthur and Mordred —
 Bradley James and Alexander Vlahos

Or, at least I think it’s possibly a Wowsa …

The Dolmìr — Colin Morgan

Guinevere and Arthur —
Angel Coulby and Bradley James

 Actually, possibly not: now I come to think of it.

Mordred and Merlin —
Alexander Vlahos and Colin Morgan

I’d better get explaining, hadn’t I … ?

Yes, I think I should.

~~~~~

It’s Saturday.   You’d noticed, hadn’t you?   At least, if you hadn’t I’d like to know why … !

That means I’m usually watching something.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve already worked out I’ve been watching the BBC and Shine version of Merlin from series 1: right up to tonight’s episode.

Episode 9, of series five, called With All My Heart: just so you know.

And I have to admit: I liked it … 

~~~~~

With All My Heart opens with as Guinevere sneaks out of Camelot, late one night, to deliver the planned route of a delivery to Morgana.

The twist to the opener … is that Gwen’s being observed by Arthur: accompanied by Merlin.

And Arthur, on finding out the traitor in the heart of Camelot is his wife … 

Is OBVIOUSLY not happy.

Though, as Merlin points out, there’s an alternative to using a sword.

Although — as the episode progresses — Arthur’s decision to seek help for his bewitched queen is not as easy as one would imagine.

It definitely tests Merlin’s abilities to wear a frock … … … … 

~~~~~

Now … 

I’m hearing you ask if this was a good episode … ?

Yes, it was, frankly: although the opening pre-title sequence has something of a plot hole — in NOT explaining how Arthur has been made aware of his wife’s treachery, in the space of a week — the whole episode rolls along at a nice pace.

Actually, at a superb pace!

Complete with enough tension to certainly have me nibbling my nails.

And, although it brings the Guinevere as traitor storyline to a neat close, in the run up to the last ever episode, it does so in a way I personally found very satisfying.

Thus far … ?

Thus far, Merlin’s last series is proving worth of its name.

Merlin Series 5: Episode 8 The Hollow Queen.

The Sarum

 24/11/2012.

Bleugh … !

He says: in something of a tired tone of voice.

Do you mind me making a confession … ?

Guinevere

This is going to be one of those two-part posts.   Mostly where my DVD player managed to FAIL to record tonight’s episode of Merlin

— The Hollow Queen, so you know — and it’s taken me a while to figure out that was due to either a bad blank disc …

Or me programming the blessed thing wrong.

Morgana, Trapped

On the other hand, as things are getting late … ?

Trapped, again

Dægal

 I’m going to hit the sack.

JUST so I can have a good night’s sleep, before telling you about the actually episode.

Arthur and Company

~~~~

25/11/2012.

Right … !

I’m now thoroughly rested: I’ve disconnected the (soon to be gone) dead washing machine and cleaned a drain.

And now I’m back to telling you about last night’s episode of Merlin.

Just so you know, though … ?   Just so you know, for some reason, my DVD recorder failed to record last nights episode for some reason.

Thankfully, I managed to use my TV’s ability to record things to record the episode to a USB flash drive: the TV saves such things as what’s called an MPEG2 based transport-stream.

Then used vlc to re-encode the result into what’s called a programme stream: this has the file extension .mpg on my version of Mac OS X.

Once THAT was done … I’ve used MPEG Streamclip 1.9.2 to separate that file into an audio and video file: which I can reintegrate as an m4v file with iMovie.

But enough with the technical details, let’s move onto the episode, shall we?

~~~~~

Last night’s episode saw Merlin — Colin Morgan — talked into helping the mysterious Dægal: a young man who claims to be both a druid, and to have a seriously ill younger sister.

What Merlin doesn’t realise … ?

Is that Dægal has been persuaded — much against his better nature — to lie to Merlin.

By Morgana: keen to get someone she sees as an irritant out of her way.

With all THIS taking place … ?

All this taking place just as Camelot is expecting a visit from the formidable Sarum of Amatar: a king who both hates sorcery, has a habit of assassinating people … and putting his subjects on spikes …

All this … and, as it turns out, he had managed to a certain sorceress …

~~~~~

Now, I’ll happily admit to being a touch frustrated last night’s episode didn’t record to disc as I thought it would: so that sort of left me feeling a touch frustrated at the episode.

However, that doesn’t blind me to the episodes basic soundness.

It was a nicely put together one that helps take forward this season’s story.

And one that leaves me wanting to see more.

Let’s hope next week’s episode is just as good.

Merlin Series 5: Episode 7 A Lesson In Vengence

Oh, now HOLD on a minute.

Or, at least, long enough for me to turn around and say “Well, FINALLY!!”.

And believe it or not, I think I’ve good reason for that.

No … 

Really … !

~~~~~

Do you remember me saying — was it only last week? — that Angel Coulby’s take on Guinevere, in the 5th series of Merlin, had been very underused … ?

Until last week’s episode, that is … ?   The Dark Tower saw Morgana effectively turn Guinevere to the proverbial dark side, in what I felt — and still feel — has been one of the highlights of the fifth series to date.

Tonight’s episode, though, A Lesson In Vengence … ?

Managed to follow up nicely on last’s week’s with what has to be something of a coup … !

A Lesson In Vengence sees Arthur — in the pre-title teaser — attacked whilst he and Guinevere are out riding, with only a solitary Merlin to guard their backs.

Something we learn has been arranged by the villainous Morgana*.

Although she didn’t arrange for Arthur’s saddle to break: THAT we learn, has been arranged by the manipulated Guinevere.   Who ALSO manages to pass the buck onto Arthur’s loyal stable-hand, Tyr.

Who she later manages to kill, as Tyr tells Merlin he’s has been blackmailed into not telling all he knows.

There’s more … 

Guinevere manages to meet the heavily disguised Morgana — in the middle of Camelot, itself — to pick up a couple of small bottles: one, a sedative.

And the other a deadly poison, meant to be tipped into the ear of the intended victimº.

I don’t need to tell you who that victim is, do I … ?

~~~~~

Now, I’ll be blunt: this is one superb episode, with twists, turns and treachery abounding all over the plot.

It’s ALSO one that sees both Angel Coulby FINALLY getting some meat on her character’s bones.   That’s not to say she hasn’t done VERY well, over the past few years.

She has.

But A Lesson In Vengence, and last week’s Dark Tower have FINALLY seen both actress and character coming VERY much into her own.

AND holding her own against the rest of an ensemble that’s as fine as any I’ve seen in fantasy and SF TV.

What more CAN one ask … ?   Apart from “When’s the next episode … ?”

*        I know this is going to get me some funny looks, but … Katy McGrath … ?   PHWOAR … !   Sorry, sorry, I just have these Sid James moments … … 

º        The poison concerned was Henbane: and they’ve lifted the ear reference from Hamlet.   Has anyone given the Bard a copy of the Creative Commons License … ?

Merlin Series 5 Episode 6 — The Dark Tower

Oh, my word, but wasn’t tonight’s episode of Merlin a myth-spotter’s delight … ?

No, seriously … !

As well as being a stinkingly good story, as well!

Oh, LORDY, yes!

I’m burbling, excitedly, aren’t I?

I should bloody well think so, actually.   And with good reason, I feel … !

But here … 

Let me grab a cocoa and tell you about it … 

~~~~~

Oh … that’s a bit calmer, isn’t it … ?

JUST a  touch … !

Now, where was I … ?   Oh, yeah: tonight’s episode of Merlin

Called The Dark Tower, episode 6 of series 5 opens with Guinevere and her brother, Sir Elyan,  at their late father’s grave, still — after all this time — mourning his loss*.

On the way back to Camelot, Guinevere, Elyan, and the knights who’ve accompanied find their horses spooked by snakes: snakes that have been magically summoned by Morgana.

Snakes that bite Percival and Leon into unconsciousness, that frighten the rest of the party’s horse BACK to Camelot.

Leaving Guinevere in the hands of Morgana.

Who’s armed with a plan, a huge tower … 

And a room full of mandrakeº: that’s screaming … 

Continuously. 

~~~~~

Now … 

Burbling excitedly … ?

Oh, yes … !

At LAST we get to see an episode where Angel Coulby, as the criminally underused Guinevere, can get to be centre stage.

AND do very well off the back of a beautifully written episode.

Oh, granted, The Dark Tower does it’s fair share of swiping plot elements from all over: it steals Queen Mab from Shakespeare, the impenetrable forest from Sleeping Beauty, and the Tower itself looks likes the production crew have DEFINITELY been at The Lord Of The Ringsª.

But weaves those elements together in such an entertaining and refreshing way, that I — personally — couldn’t HELP but be pleased with what I saw.

Personally … ?

Yes … 

I’ve thouroughly enjoyed tonight’s episode … !

*        The character is killed in To Kill The King: episode 12 of series one.

º        There’s an old superstition I learnt of, as a child: that the Mandrake plant has roots shaped like a human — hence the name — and a reputation for screaming so loudly it would kill you, as it’s uprooted.   From what I recall, there’s supposed to be a safe method of harvesting the roots.   You block your ears up, tie a dog to the plant, and get IT to pull.   Superstition, obviously.   ’Til you remember the things poisonous: and, going by the Wikipedia entry, ALSO contains quite a lot of hallucinogens … 

ª        There’s even what seemed like — in part — a nod to the days when a dungeon crawl like Uncle Ugly’s Underground was a hell of a lot of fun … !

Merlin Series 5 — Episode 5: The Dìsir

 Oh, now, wait, hang ON … !

Can we NOT force a blogger to cliqué … ?

Can we … ?

I hope we can … !

You see, I’ve just finished watching tonight’s episode of Merlin’s fifth series — The Dìsir — and have to admit, I am trying to not use the phrase ‘best episode ever’ in describing it.

Even if it actually might be.

I know cliqués are — in some ways — the basic hammer and nails in a communication toolbox.

But even so … 

Let me get moving on, shall I … ?

So I can try to TELL you about tonights episode.

≤≤·≥≥

The Dìsir — the title refers to supernatural creatures in various European traditions who are somewhat akin to the Valkyries or Greek Fates — sees Arthur and the knights seeking out the sorcerer, Osgar, after he’s seemingly been involved in the death of one of Camelot’s more distant knights.

However, that’s something of a ruse.

Osgar’s been ordered to deliver a runemark to Arthur: something that resembles a largish gold medal, inscribed with various magical markings, that deliver the bad news to the recipient.

That he has been judged by the Dìsir, three women of the old religion trains as soothsayers and seers … and court officials, should the need rise, delivering the verdict of the Triple Goddess, should a man be found wanting.

That man is Arthur.

And he’ll lose something precious — seemingly — unless he allows sorcery back into Camelot.

Something that leaves Merlin with one HELL of a decision.

Be honest and ensure Arthur doesn’t get killed by Mordred: or stay silent and see Arthur mould Camelot into what he thinks should be be …

Now …

Phew … !  (It’s getting late … !)

Did I have one HELL of a good time with this episode … ?   And just it justify that “Best Episode Ever” tag?

Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed The Dìsir: the Dìsir themselves being thoroughly creepy and effective antagonists.

And what’s more … ?

I’m thinking Colin Morgan deserves a definite gong for this episode.

The Dìsir has shown us quite what understated — but powerfully intense — facial expressions the young man has.

More power to him … !

Merlin Series 5 — Episode 4 Another’s Sorrow

You know, I’ll be honest … 

But it ALWAYS surprises me, sometimes, quite how long actually prepping up for a post about Merlin can take.

About fifty minutes for tonight’s episode, if you’re wondering: from the end of tonight’s aired episode — episode 4 of the 5th season, called Another’s Sorrow — to getting a couple of photo’s done, to looking up relevant webpages, and, as a last touch, opening iTunes — to get some Kronos Quartet going — and Pac the Man X, just in case I need to let off steam.

To actually opening up the Blogger.com Edit page, to start written.

That’s WITHOUT any video footage, demonstrating any points I wish to highlight.

Wait, what’s that you say … ?

Why bother, you say … ?   Well, I’m having fun: I’m assuming you are, as well, in your own dear sweet way … 

Hmmm … 

Let’s get a hoof on, shall we?   Sitting here nattering ’s getting us nowhere … !

~~~~~

As you know, I’ve been following a couples of TV series on a regular basis, for some time, now: Dr Who, obviously.

And the BBC’s own updated version of Merlin, now in it’s fifth season.

Fifth season … the fourth episode of which was tonight’s Another’s Sorrow.

Another’s Sorrow sees the return of an old friend to Camelot, in the shape of Princess Mithian*.   Mithian’s father, King Rodorº, has been captured by Odin^: the man who’d had a heck of a lot to do with the death of Uther.

Understandably, Arthur’s reaction — to take as many knights as possibly, along with Merlin and Gaiusª, to try an find both Rodor and Odin, AND extract revenge — is understandable.   And warned against, by Guinevere, Gaius, Merlin and Sir Leon†.

What no-one realises, to start with … ?

Is that Mithian’s personal maid, Hilda, is Morgana, heavily disguised by an aging spell similar to the one that Merlin himself uses.

And frankly … ?

Frankly, is out to take power in Camelot by any means necessary … 

~~~~~

Now, the usual sort of questions crop up, don’t they … ?

Was Another’s Sorrow a good episode … ?

Hmmmm … 

I’ll be frank, as entertaining as I found it, I also couldn’t help but notice the rather large hole in the bottom of the bucket.

The simple fact that Arthur, Gwen and Merlin all grew up with Morgana: they and Gaius should really have had  a lot less trouble than they did, in spotting that suspiciously familiar looking maid … !!

Like I say … 

Entertaining.

Just don’t trip over the hole … 

~~~~~

*        Reprised by Janet Montgomery.

º        James Fox: uncle of Emilia Fox, who’s another graduate of the series.

^        Fintan McKeown.

ª        Series regular, Richard Wilson: looking more and MORE like William Hartnell, every day … 

†        Although not by Uncle Tom Hobbley.   I don’t think he’s been given a look in, as yet … 

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*^.

««·»»

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.

««·»»

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 ...