Apart from filling in some gaps in what has happened to Morgana (at last we find out who was holding her) and giving Merlin a chance to get out from Arthur’s shadow, this episode does surprisingly little in terms of the continuing plot arc. At the end we’re left back where we were before – if you forgot to watch this episode you probably wouldn’t have any trouble picking up the thread again next week. Those hungry for a substantial reveal will not be content, unless that tiny morsel of Morgana backstory satisfies. It also introduces but kills off two great new characters and falls back on the old trick of knocking a character out of action (in this case Merlin) due to poison and sickness.
Nevertheless there are some superb moments in it, the strands of conspiracy and betrayal adding a delightful tension; and I’m genuinely pleased that we’re getting some information about what happened to Morgana. The Sarrum of Amata “once had her under lock and key” and admits “I kept her, like an animal”. The baby dragon, who Merlin discovered was unwell back at the start of the series, was “crippled and twisted” because it had to grow inside the Sarrum’s pit. It’s a gross but moving detail and the Sarrum seems to revel in it.
Other characters are evolving too, albeit much more subtly. Arthur’s role as king is now more layered, with him having to deal with a cruel regime in order to meet his political goals – even Gaius observes that Arthur’s becoming quite the diplomat and statesman. Meanwhile Merlin’s growing importance is revealed by the fact that Morgana realises she has to get rid of him in order to overthrow Camelot.
Ah, Gwen. After last week’s murderous activities the queen remains on villainous form. It’s chilling to see her smirking from an upper window as Arthur is bested during training and again when she says to the Sarrum, “I’d be happy if he died tomorrow…” I think Angel Coulby’s character is more interesting when she’s like this. She seems more determined and forthright and kinda charming when she’s not just being an adjunct to Arthur. But the convenient shooting of Amata’s king frustratingly ties up the loose end of their collaboration.
It’s fun to witness Merlin away on a solo mission and out in the wild and what we see this week is a return to the badass who killed Agravaine last year. By the end of this episode he has a purpose and a mission again, and we’re in no doubt that he will be ruthless in its execution. We’re treated to an awesome moment when Merlin lets loose his sorcery on the bandits. (“You don’t even have a sword.” – “I don’t need one.”) and once back in Camelot he actually strikes the would-be assassin down dead. Colin Morgan’s final look, that scene at the end in the royal couple’s chamber, says he means business; surely a confrontation with Gwen is coming.
Episode Review Source: http://www.sfx.co.uk/
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