Review: Merlin – Excalibur
Written by Ian Cullen on November 16, 2008 – 11:49 am -
By Ian M. Cullen
Episode Nine of Merlin goes a little further in exploring the background of Arthur and King Uthers loathing of all things magic, and we learn that Uthers dislike of magic is linked to the circumstances in which Arthur was born.
The episode introduces us to the Black Knight, a wraith who is conjured up by Nimueh in order to take revenge on Uther.
The Black Knight enters the court of Camelot and systematically challenges the knights of Camelot one by one. Merlin learns that the Black Knight is a Wraith and sets about trying to find a way it can be defeated.
As you’ll no doubt have guessed. A wraith can only be defeated by magic, but it requires magic far more powerful than what Merlin can provide. In order the wraith to die it requires running through with a sword that has been forged with the dragons breath. When he learns this, and that Arthur is the next to take on the Black Knight. Merlin rushes to the Dragon for help. The Dragons few weeks away have obviously agreed with him, because finally we see the Dragons part in the whole story. The Dragon agrees to forge the sword, but says that Arthur and no one else must only use the sword.
Unfortunately Uther has made Gaius drug Arthur and lock him in his room. Uther knows that the Black Knight has come for him, and chooses to fight the Knight to save his sons life. Unfortunately these circumstances make it difficult for Merlin who brings the sword to Uther thinking he is taking it to Arthur. Uther is impressed with the sword and insists on using it in the coming battle.
After a fantastically drawn out battle Uther finally defeats the dragon, but at what cost?
After the fight the Dragon calls Merlin. When he informs the dragon that it was Uther who used the sword. The dragon is none to pleased and tells Merlin to take the sword to a place out of the reach of man, because used by the wrong person; it can be the source of much evil. Needless to say it will likely take Merlin awhile to earn back the dragons trust. If ever he does. Merlin throws the sword that we know to be Excalibur into the lake.
One interesting thing about the episode is that at no point do any of the characters refer to the sword as Excalibur.
There are some truly great performances in this episode. Anthony Head is outstanding, and for the first time we get to see Uther actually frightened by the prospect of losing not only his son, but also the future of Camelot to the black knight.
Michelle Ryan reprises the role of Nimueh and shares a revealing scene with Uther where we learn why he loathes magic, and also why Nimueh has it in for him.
Everyone gets his or her moment to shine in what is probably the best episode to date.
Score 9/10
Related posts:
- Review: Merlin – Lancelot
- Review: Merlin – Valiant
- Review: Merlin – The Mark Of Nimueh
- Review: Merlin – A Remedy To Cure All Ills
- Review: Merlin ‘The Dragons Call’
Tags: Merlin, TV Reviews
Posted in Reviews/Editorials, SF-TV & Movie News | 1 Comment »
By Trevor on Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
“One interesting thing about the episode is that at no point do any of the characters refer to the sword as Excalibur.”
Somehow I managed to miss that! *kicks self* Thanks for pointing it out.