Excalibur, The Sword of Excellence

This episode begins with Uther crowning Arthur as the Crown Prince of Camelot. Just as the circlet is placed upon his head, a black knight comes crashing through the glass windows. Such drama must be related to Uther, right? Well, apparently not because the knight drops his gauntlet in front of Arthur, not Uther. this means the knight has issued a challenge. As Arthur goes to pick up the gauntlet, which is a symbol of his acceptance of a duel, he is stopped by his father. Another knight named Orwain offers his services instead.

However, as Sir Orwain battles the knight, the Black Knight is quickly victorious. He once again drops his gauntlet and once again, someone besides Arthur picks it up. Knight after knight fall to the feet of this mysterious warrior. Each one angering Arthur further. With Uther preventing the best fighter from battling, his son. After one knight is killed again, Arthur is done obeying his king. He throws his own gauntlet at the feet of the Knight, declaring his challenge.

Gaius notices something about this Knight. He carries the crest that Gaius recognizes as Uther's brother-in-law, Tristan. However, Tristan had been long dead, killed by Uther. And when the dead are brought to life, they cannot be killed again by mortal means. Dunh, Dunh, DUNH!

As Uther is left to muddle over this problem, Nimueh appears in front of him. She shows Uther what his hatred has caused. Nimueh declares the truth of Uther's hatred. Uther and his wife Ygraine could not produce an heir, therefore Nimueh, who was his friend, agreed to give Ygraine a child, Arthur. But the balance of life requires one life unnaturally ended  in exchange for another  unnaturally given, so Ygraine died. Uther blames magic for this misunderstanding and exiled Nimueh while purging the land of all things magic, including people. These people were Minueh's beloved friends, whom she loved aand her own friend killed them. For this betrayal, Nimueh has remained furious over years. She ends their encounter by declaring that she brought Arthur into this life and that she will now take him out, so Uther can understand the pain of watching a loved one die at the hands of a once-friend.

Yet she did not account for Merlin's ideas. He decides to construct a sword that could penetrate anything and strike a killing blow to things mortal and immortal. First, he goes to Gwen, and finds the strongest sword that her father has ever made, then he goes to the Great Dragon. He has read that a sword bathed in a Dragon's fire is invincible, a weapon which the Dragon is reluctant to create. However Merlin assures the Great One that only Arthur shall wield the sword, and the Dragon encases the weaponry in his fire.

Once the day of the duel arrives, Arthur is confined to his room, with Uther taking his place in the battle and wielding the sword. (Uh, Merlin? Isn't this the exact person the Dragon wanted away from the sword?) But before Uther can be stopped, the duel commences. Blows are exchanged, fingers are bitten, pants are wetted until the Knight's helmet is knocked off. Tristan has become a wraith, something wrinkled, shriveled and inhuman. Yet still, it comes at Uther with a liveliness unmatched. But Uther holds his life in especially high value and lands a killing blow. Where the sword has cut seems to glow and burn the wraith from the inside out. Nimueh, who was in the audience, gasps and quickly escapes, once again foiled.

As the king reflects upon the events, he wishes to keep the sword. But Merlin, who got a fierce scolding from the dragon, steals it and puts the sword where no mortal man shall find it.

All images from: http://www.merlintvshow.com/photos/album/87764/109+Excalibur?offset=20&maxResults=20

The Beginning of the End (AKA Merlin and Morgana get to know eachother better)

This episode will focus mainly on Morgana, Merlin and the little boy that is in between them. His name is Mordred. To begin, Mordred and another man are in Camelot buying rations when guards come to seize them. For what, I'm not sure but most likely magic. I believe that they were called Druids at one point. However these questions are for another time because right now Mordred and the man are running for their lives. They dash through the streets, the guards hot on their tails. Suddenly, the man rushes Mordred through the doors that lead to the castle's courtyard. He tells Mordred to run and closes the doors with magic, but not before one of the guards cuts the poor boy with his sword.

Cue Merlin walking around in the courtyard. He's strolling along when he hears a voice inside his head. Merlin quickly finds the origin of the voice, which is Mordred, who appears very weakened, crying for help. Merlin takes the boy into the castle. Unfortunately, the boys are noticed by the guard, who immediately chase after them.

Merlin takes Mordred to Morgana's chambers and she lets the boys in. Soon after, Mordred faints from exhaustion. Meanwhile, Arthur is against executing the Druid man that was with Mordred, on the basis that they are a peaceful people. Unfortunately, Arthur's wishes are unheeded  as the execution takes place. Merlin and Morgana watch the execution until Morgana opts to be with Mordred. When the axe finally lands, Mordred lets out a scream with his mind, of course, and breaks Morgana's mirror.

Later, Morgana and Merlin size each other up while watching over Mordred, who is asleep. Morgana wonders if magic chooses people rather than the other way around and fiercely claims that Uther is wrong. This seems to give quite a good impression upon Merlin.

After having a rather fear inducing dinner with Uther, Morgana is in quite the rush to get Mordred out of Camelot. Unfortunately, his wound prevents this. Merlin says that he can treat it and goes through Gaius' books. However,  before he can tend to Mordred, Gaius fins him and delays Merlin with the basics of becoming a physician, mainly anatomy.

While Merlin is treating Mordred, Mordred calls him Emrys, using his mind/magic speech. When Merlin inquires further, Mordred says that Merlin is known by his people. This prompts Merlin to visit with the Great Dragon, whom I missed. The Dragon tells Merlin that he originates from a legend and tells Merlin not to protect the boy. Merlin refuses these ideas.

Once Mordred is healed, Morgana attempts to sneak Mordred out of the castle, unfortunately she is stopped by Arthur. Arthur is, sadly, surrounded by his guards and cannot let them go. This leads them to be taken away, with Mordred being forced to the dungeons, with an execution hanging over his head.

As Morgana begs Uther to release the boy, he physically threatens her into silence. While she anguishes over her failure to help Mordred, Arthur attempts to convince his father to another punishment besides execution. Clearly, none of this sits right with him. Which of course makes things easier for Morgana when she recruits him to help Mordred.

Arthur, Morgana and Merlin all concoct the plan to sneak the boy out of the castle. Before this plan can take part, Merlin is told by the Dragon that Mordred will kill Arthur, as is his destiny. Now Merlin has to make a choice between believing the Dragon and letting an innocent boy live. But he's not given much time to think.

Quickly, night settles and the plan commences. Morgana and Uther have dinner, to distract him and avoid Morgana's execution. Meanwhile, Arthur sneaks Mordred out. They run to a caged tunnel exit when the alarm sounds. Merlin was meant to be there to pull the bars off, but has decided to heed the Dragon's warning. As the guards get closer, Mordred calls out to Merlin, begging for help. Eventually, Merlin cannot ignore his honest cries. Merlin arrives and pulls the grate off.

Arthur and Mordred ride out into the forest, with Mordred's telepathic goodbye to Merlin. Once Uther is informed of the boy's disappearance, he immediately suspects Morgana and threatens her harshly. As Arthur delivers Mordred to his people, he and Mordred seem to have a sort of stare off and I really hope that Mordred doesn't kill Arthur in the future. But war drums are playing in the background and that's never good.

All images from: http://www.merlintvshow.com/photos/album/87763/108+The+Beginning+of+the+End

Video from: Megavideo.com

Gates of Avalon (and of Crazy Girls who Fight with Morgana)

Now, before this episode begins with Arthur being heroic, Morgana has a nightmare. As we know she has previously had prophetic regarding Valiant and such, and this one again involves Arthur's demise. There are visions of Arthur drowning, slowly. And a young girl standing over him with her hand out, seemingly forcing him further down. When Morgana awakens, she is petrified for Arthur's life and calls out for him. Unfortunately, the theme begins now.

Now for Arthur's heroism. See, he's out hunting with Merlin when they both hear screams of people in need. As they follow the screams they come upon an elderly man and a young woman, the girl from Morgana's dream, being attacked by robbers. Arthur makes quick work of them with his sword and crossbow, while Merlin secretly uses his magic to protect Arthur. However, Arthur, of course, doesn't notice and accuses Merlin of being a coward.

Before Merlin and defend himself, the two men are distracted by the appearance of the girl. She is quite pretty and seems to entrance Arthur. She introduces herself as Sophia and the old man as her father, Aulfric. Arthur invites the two back to the castle where they are offered shelter and comfort by Uther. After exchanging seductive glances with Arthur, Sophia is shown her room by Merlin.

On their way, Sophia is seen by Morgana, who recognizes her as the girl who made Arthur drown. After being informed by Merlin that the two guests will be staying for awhile, Morgana immediately takes suspicion. She tells Gaius of her dream, suspecting that she has seen visions of the future, but Gaius dismisses her doubts by claiming that they're mere nightmares and giving her a sleeping drought. However, this does nothing as Morgana's nightmare repeats that night.The woman is clearly frightened by her powers and I begin to worry.

Meanwhile, Arthur and Sophia escape to go on a little date. Arthur had duties to perform but Merlin covered for him, telling Uther that Arthur was absent due to Merlin. Something which forced Merlin to be pelted with potatoes in the stocks. However, he's a hopeless romantic and is quite supportive of Arthur's relationship with Sophia.

After Gaius discovers of Arthur and Sophia's romantic relationship, and recalling Morgana's dream, Gaius investigates their room. He fins a funky looking staff (which is in the title picture) but is quickly discovered by Aulfric, who's eyes turn red and force Gaius to depart.

As Arthur and Sophia are returning from their date. Sophia and Morgana pass each other. Morgana stops Sophia, claiming to know what the girl is up to and promising to stop her. Sophia is quite cocky as she taunts Morgana about jealousy and brushes the imposing woman off.

After a conversation between Aulfric and Sophia, I learn: A) Morgana has powers B)These two plan on taking Arthur's soul C)They have a true form other then their present bodies and D)They will regain said form in exchange for the alleged soul sucking. Generally, this is very bad news.

Next, Merlin and Gaius have a little chat. Gaius shares about Morgana's dreams and his suspicions about Aulfric and Sophia. He then reveals that Morgana is a Seer, which he has known since she was young. And Merlin seems a little bit excited to know someone else with magic, obviously forgetting who her guardian was (Uther? King? Hater of magic? Ring a bell?) and the danger surrounding her powers. But quickly returns to the present problem of Sophia and Aulfric.

The next step to find out more, is to stalk them, according to Merlin. He follows Aulfric through the woods to a lake. Aulfric calls upon some magical fairy folk. And apparently, Merlin and Aulfric are at the Gates of Avalon, where the fairy-like people called the Sidhe live. Aulfric has made a deal with these people that in exchange for the prince's soul, his daughter will be allowed to return from exile in her true form. This makes Merlin quickly run to inform Gaius of this development.

The next morning, Arthur is packing to run away with Sophia. As Merlin attempts to bring Arthur from Sophia's enchantment, he's knocked out by the she-devil herself. Meanwhile, Morgana rushes to Gaius, who stops her before she goes after Sophia herself. Gaius then runs to find Merlin. The elderly man awakens the boy and it's Merlin off to save the day!

At this point, Sophia is in a lake with Arthur, making him drown in slow motion while her father chants a spell. As they grow closer to killing the prince, Merlin bursts into the scene, grabs one their staffs and blows up Aulfric. Sophia screams in horror but before she can act BAM! she goes too. But Merlin can't rejoice yet. Arthur's still drowning.

As Morgana's dream comes to life, Merlin swims in after Arthur and heroically lifts him from the depths of the water. Merlin and Gaius dispose of Arthur in his chambers where he awakens to find the two men in his room. Asking for an explanation, the two lie that he had been running away with Sophia when they were attacked by bandits. Embarrassed by his succumbing so easily to a girl, when questioned, Arthur blames his disappearance on Merlin, who once again takes the punishment of the stocks.

All images from: http://www.merlintvshow.com/photos/album/87761/107+The+Gates+of+Avalon?offset=0&maxResults=20

Lancelot, he actually is Great!

Lance looks a bit small, doesn't he?

This lovely episode introduces the lovely Lancelot into the plot. pretty much adding to the show's eye candy, at least for me! Anyway, the beginning of this episode is rather simple. Merlin's picking mushrooms. He is doing so quite intently and I don't believe he's ever given so much focus to a task before. He is literally focusing every molecule of his being upon picking those mushrooms. He is the Picker of Mushrooms.

Unfortunately, it is at this moment that a Gryphon enters. Now, the only reason I know that this big gray monster is a Gryphon, is mostly due to my knowledge of Harry Potter and Gryffindor and such. Anyway...Merlin is attacked by one. Without a scratch but still, Merlin's a bit too shocked to realize that now would be a good time to use magic. This doesn't really matter though, because out of nowhere a dashing hero jumps to fight the Gryphon. After using his sword, skillfully, the man and Merlin run for their lives.

Now, Merlin and and the man, who is our lovely Lancelot, introduce themselves to each other. Lancelot tells Merlin that he has long since dreamed of becoming a knight. Due to Lancelot rescuing him like a damsel in distress, good old Merlin promises Lancelot to help achieve this dream. Lancelot is also offered housing with Merlin and Gaius, although I'm not quite sure where he'll go in the two-room apartment, I'm sure they can make it work.

Next, Merlin is attending to Arthur and tells the prince of a friend who wishes to become a knight. Arthur tells Merlin that a knight must be of noble blood and must sign in with the appropriate family crest the next day. Merlin assures Arthur that his friend is of noble blood, which he isn't, and that Lancelot will be ready. Unfortunately, a family crest must be found before anything close to Lance's hopes will come true.

Now, because Merlin has a convenient helpful/hero complex, he rushes to the library to find a book of family crests. As Merlin reads over a book, under the watchful eye of the librarian, Geoffrey, he finds the appropriate crest. He uses his handy-dandy magic (thankfully, he eventually remembered that he had it) and replicates the crest onto another sheet of paper, baring Lancelot's name.

However there is one last step. Lancelot needs armor. Merlin of course directs Lance to Gwen, who's a seamstress and daughter of a blacksmith, who hits it off with Lancelot (insert winks and nudges here). They exchange flirtations and Gwen assures Lancelot that he will make a fine knight. Lancelot even asks Merlin if he and Gwen are courting, so as not to step on any toes. Merlin picks up on Lance's affection for Gwen and assures him that Gwen is completely free for wooing.   It's sort of cute.
 

The next day, Lancelot registers with the knights-in-training, using the false crest, and is told to be prepared to be tested. The day before, Arthur had found Lance in the street and they had a bit of a spar, which was quite well done by them both. This day however, involves swords and no room for mistake. Lancelot must battle Arthur, who is the best fighter in Camelot, and draw or win to become a knight. After much nail biting, Lancelot finally wins and thus begins the companionship between Arthur and Lancelot.

Afterwords, there is feast to celebrate the knights and Arthur and Lancelot never leave each others' sides. While they talk, Morgana is brought up and Arthur asks Lancelot if he finds her "beautiful", which implies that Arthur thinks so...interesting. However Lancelot says that he prefers simpler girls with a look at Gwen. Off to the side, Gwen is watching the two men when Merlin comes to tease her. He asks Gwen who she would prefer to marry: Arthur and Lancelot? This nearly makes me scream from the foreshadowing and allusions to the original Arthur legend! (Does anyone else remember? Arthur marries Guinevere. Arthur and Lancelot are best friends. Guinevere and Lancelot have an affair behind Arthur's back. Anyone?)

Anyway, this party is quickly crashed by Geoffrey, the librarian, claiming that Lancelot's papers are forged. Oh crap! Apparently, Uther was suspicious of Lancelot's origins and had Geoffrey go over the papers, which he confirmed were false. These accusations upset Arthur, because he seemed to really like Lancelot, and make Merlin fell guilty. Of course, Uther, being his usual dramatic self, throws Lance into the dungeons.

While, Arthur tries to persuade his father to look over Lancelot's social status in favour of his fighting ability, that Gryphon attacks Camelot. And, like Lancelot, Arthur and his knights cannot defeat it. Merlin reveals that Lancelot has battled the beast before and might be able to defeat it. Uther orders Lance's release in exchange for the beast to be defeated. Anxious to prove himself, regardless of his mortality rate, Lancelot agrees. He and Merlin ride out to the beast in the forest.

Even though Lancelot only has a javelin to protect himself, Merlin has searched a spell to create a magical weapon  to destroy the beast. Hence, as Lancelot rides towards the Gryphon, Merlin casts a spell that encases the javelin (which is a big, pointy stick) in a blue magical fire. The javelin swiftly meets the heart of the Gryphon, which explodes in ashes.

Upon returning to the castle, Lancelot's wishes for knighthood are dashed as Uther claims he merely promised freedom. Regardless of Arthur's fierce objections, Lancelot prepares to depart. But not without receiving the promise from Arthur that he will someday be a knight. (Insert Aww! here.) Then, while leaving, Lancelot reveals that he noticed Merlin perform magic. Before Merlin can panic or lie, Lance assures Merlin that his secret is safe.

All images from: http://www.merlintvshow.com/photos/album/87757/105+Lancelot?offset=20&maxResults=20

The Poisoned Chalice: Dunh! Dunh! DUNH!!

One thing I'm growing accustomed to feeling, is pure dread every time that an episode begins with Nimueh. She is seen being cryptic and swearing vengeance on Merlin, as usual. Honestly, Nimueh is a bit of support for the stereotype that women are spiteful and vindictive. It's very unfortunate. She's chanting again and putting something on a cup/chalice. (Vocabulary Lesson: It should be noted that that goblet-like wine glass is indeed called a chalice. )

 Next she is seen rubbing some sort of flower along the rim and once again swearing that Merlin shall die. This girl seriously needs an anger management course or something. To continue, after the wonderful theme of Merlin plays, I am now in the kingdom. Uther and another king, called Bayard. The imposing men seem to declare peace and a feast begins. On his way to attend to Arthur at the feast Merlin meets a pretty girl. It's Nimueh. But of course, Merlin is Merlin and can never resist a pretty girl, so he befriends her.

Later, once both Nimueh and Merlin are at the feast, Uther and Arthur (I never quite realized their similar names until now, huh) are given two chalices by the king Bayard. It should be known that Arthur's is Nimueh's magic-y chalice. Nimueh then convinces Merlin that Bayard is trying to poison Arthur and when Merlin slaps Arthur's hand away, he must prove this treachery. By drinking from the chalice himself. This, of course results in Merlin being poisoned, and falling to the ground with a haunting thud. I and the rest of the court gasp. Bayard is blamed for treachery and Nimueh glides down the halls with a sinister smirk.

Luckily, Merlin is not dead. Yet. He is very ill and has approximately 3 days to live. Arthur is feeling very guilty and sentimental towards Merlin, after all Merlin saved his life. And, regardless of his father's objections, he sneaks out of the castle to find the antidote, which is a plant that grows only in certain caves about a day's ride away. As Gwen and Gaius tend to poor dying Merlin, Nimueh is set to stop Arthur. As he arrives at the caves, thanks to a map from Gaius, he finds an injured girl being "attacked by a beast". This girl is Nimueh and, because he's Arthur, he rushes to defeat the beast.

Thankfully, Arthur gets away scott-free  and comes back to Nimueh. She, playing the damsel in distress, gives her "immense gratitude" to our blonde hero and asks for assistance to return home. Arthur promises to take her home, after he gets the flower from the caves. Nimueh then responds that she can help him find it and the two set off into the cave together. Now, as expected, when they reach the ledge with the plant, a ledge which is across from an abyss, Nimueh pushes Arthur off the cliff. Luckily, he holds on and latches himself to the side with the plant. To make matters worse, however, Nimueh was the one carrying the torch and as she leaves, as does the light.

Now, encased in darkness, Arthur must struggle to find a way to retrieve the plant. Merlin, even though he's in his bed, dying, senses that Arthur's in trouble. As Gaius sends Gwen away to avoid Merlin's magic being discovered, he lifts the sheet off of Merlin to reveal a ball of glowing light in Merlin's hand. Merlin seems to be mumbling in his sleep and talking to...Arthur? He keeps telling Arthur to go towards the light.

Freaky, right?

This becomes much clearer as the scene changes to Arthur and the ball of light being in front of his face. Disregarding his mistrust of magic, Arthur follows the light to the plant. Arthur snatches the shrub in his hand and debates on how to escape his current dwelling. Thankfully, the ball of light raises and leads Arthur up and out of the caves. At this point, Merlin's magic seems a lot more powerful as I wonder how his dying self knew how to find Arthur and help him.

 However, once Arthur had returned to Camelot, before he could run to Merlin, he was stopped by his father. Uther, the jerk that he is, can not consent to Arthur risking his life for a "mere servant', this particular line made me want to punch the old guy. Arthur is marched to the dungeons before he can give Gaius the flower to cure Merlin and the latter is nearing the brink of death.

As Arthur is scolded by his father, Arthur accepts all berating. However he is probably blocking Uther out because he asks that since he already has the cure, to have the plant given to Gaius to save Merlin after he saved Uther's son. Honestly, not much to ask (and I think I'm falling in love with them both), yet Uther merely crushes the plant before Arthur can stop him and says that this should be a lesson for disobedience.

Luckily,  Arthur retrieves the crushed flora and is now left to find a way to get it to Merlin. Enter Gwen. Good ol' Guinevere enters Arthur's cell with "food for the prisoner", which Arthur rejects under the pretense that it is disgusting and places the cure on the tray. As Gwen is revealed not to have been sent to the cell, she sprints on her little legs to Gaius' chambers and gives the antidote. Once Gaius makes the potion, uses magic to strengthen it, and feeds Merlin, our dear boy is alive!!! Thank God! (I believe that while watching this, I actually shouted for joy!)

 To close the episode,Merlin asks Arthur if he did anything dangerous to save him. To which Arthur responds that he wanted to. This moment I think, cemented their budding friendship and commenced their adorable bromance.

All images from: http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/16600000/The-Poisoned-Chalice-prince-arthur-merlin-16689311-400-224.jpg

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The Mark of Nimueh (who's more than a little angry)

Now, to begin, this episode begins with the pretty and slightly creepy Nimueh (she's next to Merlin, in the blue hood, see her?). She's in a cave chanting some creepy words, much similar to magic spells that Merlin has used once and standing over some sort of water bowl/birdbath. She seems to be molding clay but I think it is probably more valuable to the story since Nimueh's eyes have yet to blink as they stare at the sculpture. Once the decidedly sinister Nimueh has crafted what appears to be a tiny goon, she places it inside some sort of egg. This egg is then dropped into the bowl/birdbath, seemingly harmless. Unfortunately, her smile is a little too evil for that egg to be harmless, and further questions are raised as the egg pops up in another cave.

My eyebrows are still raised even during the Merlin theme and next thing I know, Merlin's filling my screen and Gaius is examining a dead guy. The man appears to be quite grotesque and my questions continue as even Gaius doesn't understand what is happening, which is what he reports to King Uther, who looks equally concerned. As Merlin and Gaius discuss possibilities, magic is once again the answer to all of our questions.

Next, Merlin says that if magic is doing this, it is more than likely that he could use his magic to undo it. This idea is quickly squashed by Gaius' fear for Merlin's safety and the grave risk of Merlin being executed. Before Merlin can pout those cute Irish lips of his, Gaius asks Merlin where this problem could be originating from, claiming that preventing the illness is better than solving just one infected person. Merlin and Gaius compare their victims, all who have been diverse in gender, lifestyle, appearance, etc. However the one thing that everyone in Camelot shares is water.

Aww!

Before the two can further debate how to solve this problem and properly investigate, Merlin is being called by Arthur. However he does bump into Gwen and is seen by Arthur accepting a flower from her. When Merlin inquires as to who she picked all of the flowers for, Gwen responds with "someone special." I find this cute because she's next seen giving them to Morgana to cheer the lady up after another nightmare, which we know to be prophetic.However when Merlin attends to his "master", Arthur teases him about being in love with Gwen, which I believe to be untrue but adorable all the same.

Soon, things take a turn for the worst when Gwen's father becomes ill as well. Gwen is bid leave by the lovely Morgana and she is left to attend to an incurable father. This creates a bigger decision for Merlin since this time, he actually knows the dying man. And since we know our magic man is impulsive, it isn't too surprising that he opens the spell book and whips up a poultice to save Gwen's father. In order to heal the man, Merlin must deposit the poultice under the ill man's pillow. This requires a rather comical scene of Merlin "stealthily" breaking and entering. Yet by some fluke, Merlin is successful and the scene once again changes.

Word quickly spreads of Gwen's father's miraculous recovery and Uther is, of course, suspicious (the old coot!). The king forces Arthur and the other knights to investigate Gwen's house for any signs of sorcery and, unfortunately, they find the poultice. Gwen is then dragged through the corridors into the throne room, where the guards rather roughly throw her at the king's feet. The king seems ready to blame her for the illness itself, which Morgana fiercely protests. Even Arthur questions the logic of the king. If Gwen did heal her father with magic, healing and causing an illness are two different acts caused by two different people, duh! However Uther is blinded by hatred and sentences Gwen to death.

Once this reaches Merlin's ears, he rushes to the throne room claiming Gwen's innocence and his own magic. Yet Arthur quickly intercepts the idiot, claiming that Merlin is disturbed by a mental disease. He's in love. With Gwen. And after some laughs at Merlin's  expense, he is led out by Arthur and is told that if the two of them destroy all traces of the illness whilst Gwen is in prison, obviously she will be let free.

Hence why I find myself in a cave with Merlin, Arthur and Morgana, who obviously didn't want to miss the action and disregarded Arthur's objections. As soon as they make their way to the center of the watering system, we finally see what hatched out of that egg, because it jumps out at them. Previously Merlin was told that the monster is made of earth and water and the other two elements will be needed to destroy the monster. Luckily, Arthur has a torch but we still need wind. As Arthur takes charge with the fire, Merlin creates a wind, encasing Arthur's torch, together they stab the creature and it disappears in a cloud of dust. As I question if Morgana and Arthur saw Merlin's magic, I see Merlin pick up the egg from Nimueh and take it with him.

Now, Gwen is scene being personally freed by my new favourite trio and Morgana asks to speak with Merlin alone. She seems to hint that she saw what Merlin did, however my hope that Merlin and her share his secret is dashed as she hints at his love for Gwen. She promises to keep his secret and Merlin once again gets out of a close call, scratch-free.

When Merlin returns home, he gives the egg to Gaius who recognizes a marking. However Merlin quickly goes to bed before he can question Gaius further. GaiusNimueh, which implies that they knew each other.

  The episode ends with Nimueh watching these events in her bowl/birdbath and swearing revenge on Merlin. And with the way she's smiling, I fear for my Merlin!

All images from: http://www.merlintvshow.com/photos/album/87744/103+The+Mark+of+Nimueh

Valiant, ain't he great?!

Okay, it took me 5 minutes to notice the snakes protruding from his shield, because I was staring at Arthur, and I actually jumped out of my seat. Urgh, I'm getting shivers.

Alright, to begin, this episodes starts with some very eerie implications. There is a man, obviously unimportant, who seems to be charming some sort of shield. Then a sort of brutish man appears and the unimportant man presents him the shield. They exchange words and it all seems relatively mundane, when the snakes on the shield actually COME TO LIFE!! They're hissing and being all snake-y, and the unimportant man tells the brutish man that "they", I really hope he doesn't mean the snakes even though that seems unlikely at this point, will do whatever his buyer wishes. The brute smiles, as though impressed and I note something significantly off with this man, and then orders the snakes to "kill him", meaning the man who just made the shield. As I flinch at the loud noises of snakes attacking their creator, my flinches are interrupted by beautiful sound of the Merlin theme. Thank Goodness!

Not one of his best facial expressions.

Now, my screen is filled with the image of a reluctant Merlin being forced into armor and having to defend himself, rather pathetically, against Arthur. Arthur, the golden, seems to be practicing for something as he encourages Merlin to fight back, he also briefly mentions an upcoming tournament. At this I can't seem to help my imagination running wild with visions of wicked sword fights and jousting tournaments. By the time my musings are finished, Merlin has been knocked flat on his sweet little behind by Arthur, it appears that they have not yet eliminated their prominent dislike for one another, destiny predicted by dragons aside.

(Insert scene where Merlin is stretched out by Gaius, who is still a physician, Merlin ponders the importance of the upcoming tournament. Gaius mentions the pressure Arthur is under by his father. Merlin realizes that his small town boy ways have no knowledge of the customs of court activities, such as trivial matters like, say, putting armor on someone. Which is something he'll have to do for Arthur some the next day.)

Next, Merlin is seen gathering armor and Gwen is seen placing it upon him. She goes through quite a few pieces and since I didn't listen, they shall be void of this entry. Although Gwen has made quite a few appearances so far, I have yet to feel any connection to her character. It is clear that she is helpful. Offhandedly mentions that she is the daughter of a blacksmith. But she also seems to act quite friendly towards our Merlin. Quite friendly. Hmm...

 Finally, the tournament begins. I am met with the sight of various men, all knights, gathered together in a type of arena. King Uther, the magic hating killer, goes on a bit about the prize for the tournament, which is a lot of money. And then among these men, I find the man with the shield of snakes. With this, I feel just the slightest bit of apprehension and hatred of snakes. And then the fighting begins.

My eyes and ears are filled with clashing swords, yelling men and battles with two consistent victors: Prince Arthur and Knight man-with-snakes. Deductible reasoning forces me to thin, and dread, the fact that Arthur and Snake-knight could very well come into combat. And the Snake-man could win, possibly killing our golden boy in the process. 

And now to continue with scheduled programming, I am now in the courtroom as a ball seems to take place. The lovely Morgana is seen having her hand kissed by each knight from the competition, next to Uther who nods at each man, with Gwen, who is her handmaiden, just a little bit behind her. Finally the creepy snake man, who I've learned is named Knight Valiant, is given praise by King Uther. Than, he engages in some rather obvious flirting with Morgana and Arthur is seen in the background, looking displeased. 

When Arthur reaches the line, Arthur and is distant and cold towards his father and quite sensitive to Morgana's little barbs. Fortunately, Arthur's further embarrassment is saved when Morgana is seen dreaming. Their are visions of snakes, Valiant and...a dead Arthur. She quickly awakens, horrified by her dreams. (This should be noted as her "dreams' are hinted to be much more than that.

Next, is a brief interlude of a fighting Valiant who actually goes as far as having his snakes publicly bite his opponent. honestly, the man hates everything associated with magic, yet congratulates the man who uses it before his very eyes. Hypocrite! How this escapes the notice of the magic-loathing Uther remains unknown to me. Gaius is seen tending to the injured knight and Merlin is then seen to have a most likely idiotic and impulsive idea.

Our dear Merlin, who had earlier heard hissing coming from Valiant's shield, is seen creeping through a corridor to Knight Valiant's room. He sees Valiant feeding a live mouse (gross!) to his snakes, which I find quite cruel. Merlin gasps, because subtlety is now dead, and is seen running through the castle back to Gaius to report that his suspicions have been confirmed.

However, when Merlin tells this to Gaius, Gaius so kindly informs him that in order to save the knight that was bitten by the snakes, who seems to be quite close to death, is by finding some of the snakes venom. Hence, Merlin is probably the one who will have to go and find the sample. Good luck, my magical friend!

Now Merlin is seen, once again poorly creeping through the corridor, on his way to Valiant's room. After dodging a few people here and there he arrives and finally wonders how to make the snakes appear. Eventually, he points Valiant's sword at the shield and hopes for the best. Luckily, one of the snakes slithers outside of the shield and opens it horrifying mouth. Thankfully, Merlin manages to make quick work of the snake's head (see, he can do anything!), and thus interrupts the heavy beating of my heart.


Merlin presents the head to Gaius and the elderly physician collects the venom. Clearly still on the adrenaline of his previous deed, Merlin tells Gaius that he will present the snake head  and their knightly witness once he's saved, to Arthur because Arthur cannot fight against Valiant in the tournament. Gaius agrees and Merlin is next seen in Arthur's chambers.

Shockingly, Arthur actually believes Merlin and presents the evidence to the king. However, this evidence seems not to matter to the king when considering his clear favouritism for Knight Valiant. Thus, believing the latter above his own son. May I just interject that this man has many, many issues.


Unfortunately,  the evidence of Merlin and Arthur loses its value when the snakes slither into Gaius' chambers and re-bite the recovering knight. Thus, killing their only witness. Hence, Arthur being humiliated in court by his father and Arthur gaining anger towards Merlin. After returning to the prince's rooms, Arthur feels betrayed and says that Merlin is fired! Quite harsh or not harsh enough, I can't really decide.


Next, Merlin is left discovering how to reveal Valiant in front of the king to avoid Arthur's inevitable death (as predicted by dear Morgana, who is distinctly on edge around Valiant).


And now, for the moment of truth, the Battle Royale between Valiant, the brute, and Arthur, the beautiful. Now, as the two battle it out, Merlin perfects a new spell of bringing inanimate objects to life. He arrives at the tournament just in time to find Arthur's sword knocked away. Quickly, Merlin says some fancy words and forces the snakes to reveal themselves. King Uther finally sees this and orders the arrest of Valiant, however no one has yet been able to control the fact that Valiant has a sword and three snakes pointed at Arthur, who has neither a sword nor a shield. Luckily, Morgana is determined to have an alternative ending compared to her dreams and throws Arthur the sword of the king, who she was sitting next to. Arthur skillfully grabs hold of the sword and with a few swipes, makes quick work of the snakes and Knight Valiant. Yay!


My screen then fills with the scene of Morgana gloating about Saving Arthur, and Arthur's rejection of the idea. They exchange barbs once more and clearly things have returned to normalcy. Arthur then approaches Merlin, declaring that he should come back to work. Merlin seems surprisingly happy about this until Arthur rattles off Merlin's chores for the next day, thus concluding the second episode.

All photos are from: http://www.merlintvshow.com