With the end of season Dr Who the BBC opened the new season of Merlin which has progressed from a tea time teenage adventure into something darker which could disturb younger minds. Before recording my experience of the first two episodes of the new season which covered the same story I reminded myself of the characters and the actors from an excellent Wikipedia note which includes reference to their role in past seasons/
“Colin Morgan portrays Merlin: The series' protagonist is a young and talented magician who attempts to keep his powers secret and will one day become the world's greatest wizard. He is also Arthur's servant, protector, and friend, despite the initial animosity between the two and his annoyance at Arthur's rudeness. He is compassionate and tries to see the good in all people, doing what he feels is just. In season four we see a darker side of the usually optimistic boy wizard.
(My complaint is that the interaction between the two has become over repeated and irritating. Arthur and his father would have been long dead and buried with Merlin’s constant intervention and pretending to play the incompetent fool. I cannot see the situation continuing for another season as it is and is it no time for Merlin to be elevated into the position of a companion and friend and not that of a servant?)
Bradley James portrays Prince Arthur: The extremely headstrong yet brave and good-hearted son of King Uther, and future King of Camelot. He deeply cares about the people of Camelot even more than he does about himself. Though Arthur has been "trained to fight since birth" and is excellent in combat, he is often vulnerable, and Merlin must protect him to fulfil this legend. Arthur befriends Merlin, despite being his master, and feels protective of him, unaware of his power. The pair often save one another's lives. Although Arthur shares his father's prejudice against magic, he is more tolerant and fair-minded than Uther, often advocating second chances and banishment over execution. At the end of series one he develops respect for Guinevere; later, in series 2 and 3, he develops romantic feelings for her. In season 4 he is shown to have been watching over Camelot as his father is a broken man. (However he is also strangely naive about people and at times immature and as yet unfit for leadership. And given the treachery of his father‘s ward his acceptance of the brother of his father into holding power when he is away is irresponsible.)
Angel Coulby portrays Guinevere (Gwen): Morgana's humble maid and former best friend. She has an open, friendly, and forgiving personality. In the beginning it was insinuated that she had a crush on Merlin; later, there was a romance with Lancelot and recently Arthur. Gwen's father, Tom, was the castle blacksmith but was executed by Uther for suspicion of practising magic, despite Morgana pleading his cause. It turned out that Tom had been framed and Gwen was allowed to stay in their house. There are indications that Tom taught Gwen some of his skills. It has recently been revealed that Gwen has an older brother, Elyan, who was estranged. He later became a knight of Camelot. In season 4 it appears she has been caring for Uther whilst he is has. (In my view she is the star of the show demonstrating great loyalty and courage and always being true to herself).
Katie McGrath portrays Morgana: King Uther's ward and his illegitimate daughter (revealed in series 3 to Gaius, and Merlin overhears.) Morgana is best friends with Gwen despite their class differences, as well as good friends with Merlin in series 1 and most of series 2. She is secretly a "seer" - a person with prophetic powers. Although she does not realize it until the beginning of series 2, she—like Merlin—was born with magic (although Merlin is more powerful). While Gaius acts as a mentor to Merlin, he tells Morgana that she lacks any magic power in an attempt to protect her, giving her a sleeping potion to prevent her prophetic dreams. She is constantly lied to and thus feels alienated and confused. She is brave and forthright, caring deeply about others and strongly opposing Uther's persecution of anyone who comes into contact with magic. After realizing that she cannot convince Uther to change, witnessing the persecution of those she cares for, and fearing Uther will discover her powers and kill her, she forms a bond with Morgause, a powerful sorceress with murky intentions, and thus finds herself in opposition not only to Uther but to Merlin as well. It is revealed by Gaius that Morgause and Morgana are actually half-sisters. In series 3, she is the main villain; fully committed to evil, she is now fuelled by a desire for revenge against Uther and Camelot (echoing the original Arthurian legends in which she was morally evil). In season 4 she is shown to have survived the explosion caused by her reckless magic and worst still with the aid of the last mortal act of Morgause unleashing a new horror on the people in support of her ambitions and are now beyond redemption. However I anticipate a twist at some point in what has become predictable.
Anthony Head portrays Uther Pendragon: Arthur's father and current king of Camelot. Uther is often a ruthless and cruel man whom some have called a tyrant, but he does care deeply about Camelot, as well as Arthur and Morgana, despite often being strict toward them. However, he is frequently blinded by his hatred of all forms of magic. Since his wife's death while giving birth to Arthur (which he blamed on the fact that the pregnancy was created through magic), he has waged war against magic-users, going as far as genocide. It has been indicated that he killed children who were born with magic and will execute anyone seen with a magician, thus Merlin and Morgana must be very careful (he is neither aware of their powers, nor that the latter of the two seeks to overthrow and kill him). He reveals to Gaius that Morgana is actually his biological daughter, born out of a short affair with Morgana's mother while her husband was away. His refusal to acknowledge this further turns Morgana against him. Morgana's betrayal leaves him a broken man and still so a year after the end of season 3. (Is there to be also a twist here? Will he recover?)
Richard Wilson portrays Gaius: Camelot's court physician, Merlin's guardian and one of the few who know Merlin's secret. Gaius is a sorcerer himself, but Uther has pardoned him so long as he is reformed; he is also an alchemist and magical scholar. He has a dry sense of humour and sees Merlin as the son he never had. He is a trusted friend of his mother. He is a great source of advice to Merlin and at the start of season 4 recognizes the faceless monsters at once. (He is also the other outstanding cast member, a great humanitarian and the kind of sorcerer that most portrayals of Merlin when a mature man have presented)
John Hurt portrays the voice of The Great Dragon - Kilgharrah. Merlin often visits the dragon when in a predicament, especially since he claims he knows Merlin's destiny. The dragon is also one of the few who know Merlin and Morgana's secret. However, where he encourages Merlin to use magic and protect Arthur, the dragon tells Merlin that Morgana must remain unaware of her powers. The dragon appears omniscient at times, and at the end of series two Merlin is revealed to be Kilgharrah's natural master. In series three, Merlin and Kilgharrah share a close bond of Dragonlord/Dragon and the Dragon comes to Merlin's aid when needed. Due to the Dragonlord bond, he must obey Merlin even when he disagrees with his orders or intentions. In season 4 Merlin loses most of his control over the dragon which will most likely result in great danger.
Morgause was played Emilia Fox recent subject of who do you think you are She is Morgana's half-sister (they share a mother, who owned the magical bracelet given to Morgana by Morgause and who had an affair with Uther during the absence of Gorlois) who was smuggled out of Camelot by Gaius after her birth, as Uther would have had her drowned, to be raised by the priestesses of the Old Religion, learning powerful magic during her time with them. Returning to Camelot many years later, she challenged and defeated Arthur in a duel, but promised to spare his life if he came to meet her later and accept her challenge. Having passed her test – willingly placing his head on a block while Morgause held an axe as though about to behead him – and proven his honour, Morgause summoned an apparition of what appeared to be Arthur's mother, which revealed that Uther had used magic to ensure Arthur's birth. Morgause had apparently hoped that this revelation would drive Arthur to kill Uther– her precise motives for desiring Uther's death are unknown at this time, beyond the obvious detail of Uther's hatred of magic– but Merlin was able to halt their fight by claiming that the apparition was nothing but a deception, despite the fact that Uther's death would have made his own life easier and the lie has only increased Arthur's own hatred of magic. Morgause seems furious that her plan had failed. Morgause, while in Camelot, seemed to immediately recognize Morgana and gave her the bracelet bearing Gorlois' house's crest (which is how Gaius identified her). After learning that Morgana suffered nightmares, Morgause visited her while she slept and cast a spell to help her sleep better, leaving her the bracelet belonging to their mother, which she has enchanted as a sleeping bracelet. It is seen again and mentioned in Goblin's Gold when Morgana approaches Gaius for a sleeping draught as the bracelet has been stolen and she cannot sleep. Morgana is often seen wearing it throughout the third series.
In her second appearance, Morgause intends to revive the deadly Knights of Medhir, and use them in her plans to destroy Uther. This plan includes casting a spell to put the whole of Camelot to sleep, using Morgana as its 'host', but she is forced to abandon this plan when Merlin- based on instructions from the Great Dragon- is forced to poison Morgana in order to break the spell, Merlin providing Morgause with the poison he used on Morgana so that she could be cured in exchange for Morgause abandoning the attack and ending the spell.
Morgause and Morgana returned in the third season, now allied together to destroy Uther. Although Morgana attempted to drive Uther insane with a mandrake spell that caused him to experience visions of those whose deaths he had caused, her treachery was uncovered by Merlin, only for him to be captured and interrogated by Morgause. When Morgause was unable to get any information out of Merlin beyond him informing her of his belief in a just Camelot under Arthur's reign, she bound him in enchanted chains and left him to die, only for Merlin to later escape with the aid of the Great Dragon. During the subsequent siege of Camelot, Morgause expressed confidence in Morgana's ability to wield her magic to raise the dead inside the castle, but was left shaken when the plan failed. However she remained loyal to her sister, and in "The Crystal Cave", she sent a message to Morgana asking her to meet with her. A few days later she came to Camelot to find out why Morgana did not come, and learnt that Uther is Morgana's father. She pleaded that Morgana would not do anything rash, but Morgana ignored her and attempted to kill Uther anyway. Since this discovery, Morgause's attempts at Uther's throne have focused more on eliminating Arthur in order to make Morgana the sole heir, such as revealing Arthur's relationship with Gwen or planting a life-draining bracelet on Arthur when he embarked on a dangerous quest, although she is still unaware of Merlin's role in the quest when he managed to save Arthur's life. Morgause has recently taken hold of Camelot by creating an army of immortal soldiers, dethroning Uther and witnessing Geoffrey being forced to crown Morgana queen. However, this coup is cut short when Arthur leads a small band of loyal knights to retake Camelot, Merlin throwing Morgause into a pillar when she attempts to attack Gaius (after he had stopped her before she could hurt Merlin more). Morgana's reaction to the discovery of her sister's body suggested she may have died, however later discussions between Merlin and Gaius seemed to suggest that she had in fact just been seriously injured, as had Morgana at the end of Series 2.
Santiaga Cabrera plays Sir Lancelot an outsider to the kingdom. When his family is killed by bandits, he vowed to become a skilled swordsman to fight tyranny. His main aim is to become a Knight of Camelot and serve the King. However, because he is not the son of a nobleman, he cannot legally become one. After saving Merlin's life from a Griffin in "Lancelot", Merlin promises to help him achieve his goal. Merlin forges a seal of nobility and introduces Lancelot to Gwen, who helps make him clothes suitable for a son of a Lord, and to Arthur who accepts that he is the son of a nobleman and puts him to the test. He passes and is knighted. King Uther, however, knows his 'father' and uncovers the lie. Lancelot is arrested for using a forged seal of nobility, but later released – Arthur allowing him to depart as he admits that Lancelot fights like a knight despite lacking any of the other necessary 'qualifications'. After he saves Arthur's life, King Uther considers restoring Lancelot's knighthood but Lancelot cannot bring himself to lie any more and leaves Camelot.
A mutual attraction is established between him and Gwen in series 1, but before a relationship blossoms, Lancelot departs Camelot. He returns in series 2 when Gwen is abducted. He seems ashamed of his situation as a swordsman for entertainment and appears to have lost hope that he will achieve anything better in life, but promises to rescue her. He regains some self-worth when Gwen tells him that "he is all that is right with the world" and admits that he thinks of her often. His reappearance causes jealousy in Prince Arthur who, whilst he may not admit it, is falling in love with Gwen.
Lancelot is very observant. In series 1, when he notices Merlin's sudden appearance and then the presence of magic, he puts two and two together, but he promises he will not reveal Merlin's magical abilities. In series 2, when Merlin uses magic he sees that Merlin "is up to his old tricks" and Merlin reminds him that "It's probably best you don't tell anyone about that." He also observes from Arthur's actions that he has feelings for Gwen, even though Merlin refuses to confirm it. Realising this, Lancelot refuses to come between them, saying his feelings do not matter, and leaves while Arthur and Gwen are sleeping.
Lancelot returned to Camelot when Merlin sent a message requesting his aid following Morgana and Morgause's attempted coup of the kingdom with an army of immortal soldiers, accompanied by his friend Percival. Despite the odds against them, Lancelot swore to stand beside Arthur in recognition of the lessons he had taught him about the honour involved in being a knight, informing Arthur that he believed in the world Arthur would create when he became king. Arthur subsequently knighted Lancelot, Percival and his other allies around the Round Table in recognition of their role in Camelot's defence. Lancelot subsequently accompanied Merlin when he went to destroy the Cup of Life and thus defeat the immortal army. Although he was injured by the soldiers in the fight, Lancelot survived the battle, and is later seen with the other Knights of the Round Table, having become a true knight of Camelot.
In addition some established actors have appears in the series including Pauline Collins, Frank Finlay Miriam Margolyes Charles Dance and Tom Ellis
This brings me to the first two part opening t the new series. Morgana is discovered by Knights on their way back to Camelot who uses her powers to stop them from finding out she has a dying Morgause with her. They persuade a ferryman to convert them to an ancient tall and stark castle on a rock on an island which contains the partition between the deadly undead souls and the world, Morgause explains that Morgana must sacrifice her according to a disclosed rite and she will unleash the army of the undead a different version of those used in the previous series who cannot be killed but can fended off momentarily through fire.
Unleashed they devastate a village but a young girl escapes and turns to Camelot for assistance. Arthur Merlin and co go off to find out. Meanwhile other villagers in their 100’s begin to arrive at the city for help although the city is not immune from direct attacks. Gauis works out the nature of the new menace that only confronting it at the source will be by another sacrifice will close the opened partition. Arthur decides this is his role and goes off with Merlin to the revealed location. He leaves the Kingdom in the hands of the Kings brother not knowing that the man has been plotting with Morgana to take over power from the King and his son
Merlin is troubled because he has lost his magical powers but appears to find them again which lads him to tackle the undead spirits on arrival at their source and he appears to have been killed although we remembered that Gaius has mentioned that the only individual able to withstand their evil powers are those with magic. As anticipated the second part begins with Merlin very weak and incapacitated but alive and Arthur insists that he returns to Camelot for help and that Sir Lancelot returns with him which places the knight in a dilemma because he gave his word to Guinevere that he would protect Arthur and bring him back to her. He might not have worried because although they are threatened on the journey Merlin begins to recover along side a lake from which the Lady appears. She commends Lancelot for his bravery which he decries without knowing what she has seen in the immediate future, Merlin has recovered the following morning and insists that they ride to help Arthur. When they are attacked Merlin summons his friend the dragon who is able to destroy the undead with the flames of his nostrils. Sir Lancelot is unfazed by the arrival of the talking dragon who earns Merlin that the rift must be sealed quickly before the undead can do greater damage.
Arthur and the others continue to be pursued particularly when they take a short cut through underground passages rather like what happened in Lord of the Rings. They are delighted when Merlin and Sir Lancelot joins them and Merlin against uses his powers with the dragons to make them fly away.
Back at Camelot the scheming uncle has taken the decision to close the gates to more citizens and had the state Counsel following his lead and ignores the protest of Gaius. It is Guinevere who bravely steps in and suggests that the decision is counter productive because the people they are shutting out are farmers who will have brought their produce and animals with them adding to the supply of food. She asks pointedly if the uncle is assuming that Arthur will fail and her intervention persuades the Counsel to reverse its support and the uncle has no alternative but to open the gates again.
He reports to Morgana who urges that they deal with Guinevere and hatch a plot in which the uncle invites her to see him later when Urther who she cares for during the day rests. She and her guards are attacked and she is wounded but rescued by the suspicious Gaius.
They reach the island when Morgause is sacrifice to open the right and they are confronted by the keeper in the form of an old woman. Merlin uses magic to get Arthur our of her way but the woman says it is not written that Merlin can sacrifice himself at the point and it is Sir Lancelot who gives up his life and the vent is closed.
They return to Camelot with the plan of Morgause thwarted. However either she or the uncle have got hold of he name Emeris, Merlin’s name as a wizard as the cause of the plan going awry and set about trying to unmask the individual. Gaius warns Merlin that he must be extra careful when he is approached by the uncle asking if he has the name mentioned. Gaius assume the information could only have come from Morgana whose personal powers are beginning to increases as in effect she begins to take the place of Morgause and she is aware that her future and her success is tied in with that of Emeris without knowing it is Merlin.
The success of Arthur and Merlin is marred by the death of Sir Lancelot. I thought he had been spirited away and there was no body left suggesting a reappearance later however I am not sure it there was more that his armour on top of the burial pyre. The scene is set for the rest of the series.
“Colin Morgan portrays Merlin: The series' protagonist is a young and talented magician who attempts to keep his powers secret and will one day become the world's greatest wizard. He is also Arthur's servant, protector, and friend, despite the initial animosity between the two and his annoyance at Arthur's rudeness. He is compassionate and tries to see the good in all people, doing what he feels is just. In season four we see a darker side of the usually optimistic boy wizard.
(My complaint is that the interaction between the two has become over repeated and irritating. Arthur and his father would have been long dead and buried with Merlin’s constant intervention and pretending to play the incompetent fool. I cannot see the situation continuing for another season as it is and is it no time for Merlin to be elevated into the position of a companion and friend and not that of a servant?)
Bradley James portrays Prince Arthur: The extremely headstrong yet brave and good-hearted son of King Uther, and future King of Camelot. He deeply cares about the people of Camelot even more than he does about himself. Though Arthur has been "trained to fight since birth" and is excellent in combat, he is often vulnerable, and Merlin must protect him to fulfil this legend. Arthur befriends Merlin, despite being his master, and feels protective of him, unaware of his power. The pair often save one another's lives. Although Arthur shares his father's prejudice against magic, he is more tolerant and fair-minded than Uther, often advocating second chances and banishment over execution. At the end of series one he develops respect for Guinevere; later, in series 2 and 3, he develops romantic feelings for her. In season 4 he is shown to have been watching over Camelot as his father is a broken man. (However he is also strangely naive about people and at times immature and as yet unfit for leadership. And given the treachery of his father‘s ward his acceptance of the brother of his father into holding power when he is away is irresponsible.)
Angel Coulby portrays Guinevere (Gwen): Morgana's humble maid and former best friend. She has an open, friendly, and forgiving personality. In the beginning it was insinuated that she had a crush on Merlin; later, there was a romance with Lancelot and recently Arthur. Gwen's father, Tom, was the castle blacksmith but was executed by Uther for suspicion of practising magic, despite Morgana pleading his cause. It turned out that Tom had been framed and Gwen was allowed to stay in their house. There are indications that Tom taught Gwen some of his skills. It has recently been revealed that Gwen has an older brother, Elyan, who was estranged. He later became a knight of Camelot. In season 4 it appears she has been caring for Uther whilst he is has. (In my view she is the star of the show demonstrating great loyalty and courage and always being true to herself).
Katie McGrath portrays Morgana: King Uther's ward and his illegitimate daughter (revealed in series 3 to Gaius, and Merlin overhears.) Morgana is best friends with Gwen despite their class differences, as well as good friends with Merlin in series 1 and most of series 2. She is secretly a "seer" - a person with prophetic powers. Although she does not realize it until the beginning of series 2, she—like Merlin—was born with magic (although Merlin is more powerful). While Gaius acts as a mentor to Merlin, he tells Morgana that she lacks any magic power in an attempt to protect her, giving her a sleeping potion to prevent her prophetic dreams. She is constantly lied to and thus feels alienated and confused. She is brave and forthright, caring deeply about others and strongly opposing Uther's persecution of anyone who comes into contact with magic. After realizing that she cannot convince Uther to change, witnessing the persecution of those she cares for, and fearing Uther will discover her powers and kill her, she forms a bond with Morgause, a powerful sorceress with murky intentions, and thus finds herself in opposition not only to Uther but to Merlin as well. It is revealed by Gaius that Morgause and Morgana are actually half-sisters. In series 3, she is the main villain; fully committed to evil, she is now fuelled by a desire for revenge against Uther and Camelot (echoing the original Arthurian legends in which she was morally evil). In season 4 she is shown to have survived the explosion caused by her reckless magic and worst still with the aid of the last mortal act of Morgause unleashing a new horror on the people in support of her ambitions and are now beyond redemption. However I anticipate a twist at some point in what has become predictable.
Anthony Head portrays Uther Pendragon: Arthur's father and current king of Camelot. Uther is often a ruthless and cruel man whom some have called a tyrant, but he does care deeply about Camelot, as well as Arthur and Morgana, despite often being strict toward them. However, he is frequently blinded by his hatred of all forms of magic. Since his wife's death while giving birth to Arthur (which he blamed on the fact that the pregnancy was created through magic), he has waged war against magic-users, going as far as genocide. It has been indicated that he killed children who were born with magic and will execute anyone seen with a magician, thus Merlin and Morgana must be very careful (he is neither aware of their powers, nor that the latter of the two seeks to overthrow and kill him). He reveals to Gaius that Morgana is actually his biological daughter, born out of a short affair with Morgana's mother while her husband was away. His refusal to acknowledge this further turns Morgana against him. Morgana's betrayal leaves him a broken man and still so a year after the end of season 3. (Is there to be also a twist here? Will he recover?)
Richard Wilson portrays Gaius: Camelot's court physician, Merlin's guardian and one of the few who know Merlin's secret. Gaius is a sorcerer himself, but Uther has pardoned him so long as he is reformed; he is also an alchemist and magical scholar. He has a dry sense of humour and sees Merlin as the son he never had. He is a trusted friend of his mother. He is a great source of advice to Merlin and at the start of season 4 recognizes the faceless monsters at once. (He is also the other outstanding cast member, a great humanitarian and the kind of sorcerer that most portrayals of Merlin when a mature man have presented)
John Hurt portrays the voice of The Great Dragon - Kilgharrah. Merlin often visits the dragon when in a predicament, especially since he claims he knows Merlin's destiny. The dragon is also one of the few who know Merlin and Morgana's secret. However, where he encourages Merlin to use magic and protect Arthur, the dragon tells Merlin that Morgana must remain unaware of her powers. The dragon appears omniscient at times, and at the end of series two Merlin is revealed to be Kilgharrah's natural master. In series three, Merlin and Kilgharrah share a close bond of Dragonlord/Dragon and the Dragon comes to Merlin's aid when needed. Due to the Dragonlord bond, he must obey Merlin even when he disagrees with his orders or intentions. In season 4 Merlin loses most of his control over the dragon which will most likely result in great danger.
Morgause was played Emilia Fox recent subject of who do you think you are She is Morgana's half-sister (they share a mother, who owned the magical bracelet given to Morgana by Morgause and who had an affair with Uther during the absence of Gorlois) who was smuggled out of Camelot by Gaius after her birth, as Uther would have had her drowned, to be raised by the priestesses of the Old Religion, learning powerful magic during her time with them. Returning to Camelot many years later, she challenged and defeated Arthur in a duel, but promised to spare his life if he came to meet her later and accept her challenge. Having passed her test – willingly placing his head on a block while Morgause held an axe as though about to behead him – and proven his honour, Morgause summoned an apparition of what appeared to be Arthur's mother, which revealed that Uther had used magic to ensure Arthur's birth. Morgause had apparently hoped that this revelation would drive Arthur to kill Uther– her precise motives for desiring Uther's death are unknown at this time, beyond the obvious detail of Uther's hatred of magic– but Merlin was able to halt their fight by claiming that the apparition was nothing but a deception, despite the fact that Uther's death would have made his own life easier and the lie has only increased Arthur's own hatred of magic. Morgause seems furious that her plan had failed. Morgause, while in Camelot, seemed to immediately recognize Morgana and gave her the bracelet bearing Gorlois' house's crest (which is how Gaius identified her). After learning that Morgana suffered nightmares, Morgause visited her while she slept and cast a spell to help her sleep better, leaving her the bracelet belonging to their mother, which she has enchanted as a sleeping bracelet. It is seen again and mentioned in Goblin's Gold when Morgana approaches Gaius for a sleeping draught as the bracelet has been stolen and she cannot sleep. Morgana is often seen wearing it throughout the third series.
In her second appearance, Morgause intends to revive the deadly Knights of Medhir, and use them in her plans to destroy Uther. This plan includes casting a spell to put the whole of Camelot to sleep, using Morgana as its 'host', but she is forced to abandon this plan when Merlin- based on instructions from the Great Dragon- is forced to poison Morgana in order to break the spell, Merlin providing Morgause with the poison he used on Morgana so that she could be cured in exchange for Morgause abandoning the attack and ending the spell.
Morgause and Morgana returned in the third season, now allied together to destroy Uther. Although Morgana attempted to drive Uther insane with a mandrake spell that caused him to experience visions of those whose deaths he had caused, her treachery was uncovered by Merlin, only for him to be captured and interrogated by Morgause. When Morgause was unable to get any information out of Merlin beyond him informing her of his belief in a just Camelot under Arthur's reign, she bound him in enchanted chains and left him to die, only for Merlin to later escape with the aid of the Great Dragon. During the subsequent siege of Camelot, Morgause expressed confidence in Morgana's ability to wield her magic to raise the dead inside the castle, but was left shaken when the plan failed. However she remained loyal to her sister, and in "The Crystal Cave", she sent a message to Morgana asking her to meet with her. A few days later she came to Camelot to find out why Morgana did not come, and learnt that Uther is Morgana's father. She pleaded that Morgana would not do anything rash, but Morgana ignored her and attempted to kill Uther anyway. Since this discovery, Morgause's attempts at Uther's throne have focused more on eliminating Arthur in order to make Morgana the sole heir, such as revealing Arthur's relationship with Gwen or planting a life-draining bracelet on Arthur when he embarked on a dangerous quest, although she is still unaware of Merlin's role in the quest when he managed to save Arthur's life. Morgause has recently taken hold of Camelot by creating an army of immortal soldiers, dethroning Uther and witnessing Geoffrey being forced to crown Morgana queen. However, this coup is cut short when Arthur leads a small band of loyal knights to retake Camelot, Merlin throwing Morgause into a pillar when she attempts to attack Gaius (after he had stopped her before she could hurt Merlin more). Morgana's reaction to the discovery of her sister's body suggested she may have died, however later discussions between Merlin and Gaius seemed to suggest that she had in fact just been seriously injured, as had Morgana at the end of Series 2.
Santiaga Cabrera plays Sir Lancelot an outsider to the kingdom. When his family is killed by bandits, he vowed to become a skilled swordsman to fight tyranny. His main aim is to become a Knight of Camelot and serve the King. However, because he is not the son of a nobleman, he cannot legally become one. After saving Merlin's life from a Griffin in "Lancelot", Merlin promises to help him achieve his goal. Merlin forges a seal of nobility and introduces Lancelot to Gwen, who helps make him clothes suitable for a son of a Lord, and to Arthur who accepts that he is the son of a nobleman and puts him to the test. He passes and is knighted. King Uther, however, knows his 'father' and uncovers the lie. Lancelot is arrested for using a forged seal of nobility, but later released – Arthur allowing him to depart as he admits that Lancelot fights like a knight despite lacking any of the other necessary 'qualifications'. After he saves Arthur's life, King Uther considers restoring Lancelot's knighthood but Lancelot cannot bring himself to lie any more and leaves Camelot.
A mutual attraction is established between him and Gwen in series 1, but before a relationship blossoms, Lancelot departs Camelot. He returns in series 2 when Gwen is abducted. He seems ashamed of his situation as a swordsman for entertainment and appears to have lost hope that he will achieve anything better in life, but promises to rescue her. He regains some self-worth when Gwen tells him that "he is all that is right with the world" and admits that he thinks of her often. His reappearance causes jealousy in Prince Arthur who, whilst he may not admit it, is falling in love with Gwen.
Lancelot is very observant. In series 1, when he notices Merlin's sudden appearance and then the presence of magic, he puts two and two together, but he promises he will not reveal Merlin's magical abilities. In series 2, when Merlin uses magic he sees that Merlin "is up to his old tricks" and Merlin reminds him that "It's probably best you don't tell anyone about that." He also observes from Arthur's actions that he has feelings for Gwen, even though Merlin refuses to confirm it. Realising this, Lancelot refuses to come between them, saying his feelings do not matter, and leaves while Arthur and Gwen are sleeping.
Lancelot returned to Camelot when Merlin sent a message requesting his aid following Morgana and Morgause's attempted coup of the kingdom with an army of immortal soldiers, accompanied by his friend Percival. Despite the odds against them, Lancelot swore to stand beside Arthur in recognition of the lessons he had taught him about the honour involved in being a knight, informing Arthur that he believed in the world Arthur would create when he became king. Arthur subsequently knighted Lancelot, Percival and his other allies around the Round Table in recognition of their role in Camelot's defence. Lancelot subsequently accompanied Merlin when he went to destroy the Cup of Life and thus defeat the immortal army. Although he was injured by the soldiers in the fight, Lancelot survived the battle, and is later seen with the other Knights of the Round Table, having become a true knight of Camelot.
In addition some established actors have appears in the series including Pauline Collins, Frank Finlay Miriam Margolyes Charles Dance and Tom Ellis
This brings me to the first two part opening t the new series. Morgana is discovered by Knights on their way back to Camelot who uses her powers to stop them from finding out she has a dying Morgause with her. They persuade a ferryman to convert them to an ancient tall and stark castle on a rock on an island which contains the partition between the deadly undead souls and the world, Morgause explains that Morgana must sacrifice her according to a disclosed rite and she will unleash the army of the undead a different version of those used in the previous series who cannot be killed but can fended off momentarily through fire.
Unleashed they devastate a village but a young girl escapes and turns to Camelot for assistance. Arthur Merlin and co go off to find out. Meanwhile other villagers in their 100’s begin to arrive at the city for help although the city is not immune from direct attacks. Gauis works out the nature of the new menace that only confronting it at the source will be by another sacrifice will close the opened partition. Arthur decides this is his role and goes off with Merlin to the revealed location. He leaves the Kingdom in the hands of the Kings brother not knowing that the man has been plotting with Morgana to take over power from the King and his son
Merlin is troubled because he has lost his magical powers but appears to find them again which lads him to tackle the undead spirits on arrival at their source and he appears to have been killed although we remembered that Gaius has mentioned that the only individual able to withstand their evil powers are those with magic. As anticipated the second part begins with Merlin very weak and incapacitated but alive and Arthur insists that he returns to Camelot for help and that Sir Lancelot returns with him which places the knight in a dilemma because he gave his word to Guinevere that he would protect Arthur and bring him back to her. He might not have worried because although they are threatened on the journey Merlin begins to recover along side a lake from which the Lady appears. She commends Lancelot for his bravery which he decries without knowing what she has seen in the immediate future, Merlin has recovered the following morning and insists that they ride to help Arthur. When they are attacked Merlin summons his friend the dragon who is able to destroy the undead with the flames of his nostrils. Sir Lancelot is unfazed by the arrival of the talking dragon who earns Merlin that the rift must be sealed quickly before the undead can do greater damage.
Arthur and the others continue to be pursued particularly when they take a short cut through underground passages rather like what happened in Lord of the Rings. They are delighted when Merlin and Sir Lancelot joins them and Merlin against uses his powers with the dragons to make them fly away.
Back at Camelot the scheming uncle has taken the decision to close the gates to more citizens and had the state Counsel following his lead and ignores the protest of Gaius. It is Guinevere who bravely steps in and suggests that the decision is counter productive because the people they are shutting out are farmers who will have brought their produce and animals with them adding to the supply of food. She asks pointedly if the uncle is assuming that Arthur will fail and her intervention persuades the Counsel to reverse its support and the uncle has no alternative but to open the gates again.
He reports to Morgana who urges that they deal with Guinevere and hatch a plot in which the uncle invites her to see him later when Urther who she cares for during the day rests. She and her guards are attacked and she is wounded but rescued by the suspicious Gaius.
They reach the island when Morgause is sacrifice to open the right and they are confronted by the keeper in the form of an old woman. Merlin uses magic to get Arthur our of her way but the woman says it is not written that Merlin can sacrifice himself at the point and it is Sir Lancelot who gives up his life and the vent is closed.
They return to Camelot with the plan of Morgause thwarted. However either she or the uncle have got hold of he name Emeris, Merlin’s name as a wizard as the cause of the plan going awry and set about trying to unmask the individual. Gaius warns Merlin that he must be extra careful when he is approached by the uncle asking if he has the name mentioned. Gaius assume the information could only have come from Morgana whose personal powers are beginning to increases as in effect she begins to take the place of Morgause and she is aware that her future and her success is tied in with that of Emeris without knowing it is Merlin.
The success of Arthur and Merlin is marred by the death of Sir Lancelot. I thought he had been spirited away and there was no body left suggesting a reappearance later however I am not sure it there was more that his armour on top of the burial pyre. The scene is set for the rest of the series.
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