The penultimate episode marks a return to mid-season form for Merlin; another relatively simple storyline, that's improved by underpinning the show's mythology, whilst giving the excellent Katie McGrath plenty to chew on as Lady Morgana. Again, no surprise that Merlin works best when it's actually pushing and developing its likeable cast, and delving into the Arthurian relationships people are familiar with...Tom (David Durham), Gwen's blacksmith father, is caught with sorcerer Tauren (Cal Macaninch), who has the power of alchemy and uses a magic stone to turn Tom's melted lead into gold. Tauren escapes just as Prince Arthur (Bradley James) and his men arrive to arrest Tauren, leaving Tom to face the music. King Uther (Anthony Head) is his usual merciless self, demanding that Tom be punished for his collaboration with an outlawed sorcerer. Gwen (Angel Coulby) is distraught that her father is to be made an example of and executed, which inspires Morgana to try and persuade Uther into being lenient.
After failing to change Uther's mind, Morgana smuggles a key to Tom to assist his escape, but Tom is caught and viciously killed by royal guards after leaving his cell. Outraged, Morgana's faith in Uther as a controversial, but ultimately wise and respected monarch, crumbles to dust. Seeking revenge, and with memories of her own father's death at Uther's command stirred, Morgana ventures beyond the castle walls to find Tauren and help him kill Uther...
Great to see Morgana taking centre stage here, as McGrath tackles the role with a notable degree of commitment and nuance. Merlin becomes less a tea-time triviality whenever she's on-screen, and scenes between her and Anthony Head are emotionally complex enough to elevate the series into more adult territory. Only a few comedy moments between Merlin (Colin Morgan) and Gaius (Richard Wilson), not to mention the talking dragon (John Hurt) with the cryptic tongue and fondness for dramatic exits, reminded you this is actually aimed at kids.
Above all, it was great to see the seeds of Morgana's downfall being sewn, in plausible developments from writer Jack Mitchie. McGrath will certainly make a fascinating and exciting villain one day, as Morgana is one of the Arthurian legend's most intriguing and compelling characters. And McGrath is certainly up to the challenge of not descending into pantomime villainy with the character. Sadly, "To Kill The King" once again suffered from a continuing annoyance of this series: after the introduction of an Arthurian icon, or development of a character closer to the traditional myth, the script slams on the brakes and ensures things are dragged back to normality before the credits.
Yes, I'm sure things like Lancelot, Mordred, Excalibur and Morgana's evildoing will be returned to some day, but it was still disappointing to see Morgana's moral compass right itself at the end. Still, at least her last-minute change of mind was nicely played by McGrath -- in a touching scene at the grave of Morgana's dead father, with a sombre and remorseful Uther reminding her of his grace – just as Tauren closed in on the king, weapon drawn. Even Merlin's eavesdropping and clandestine magic wasn't enough to save the day this week -- and it was a nice back-reference for him to use Aulfric's staff and wield magic with punch to it. I'm officially bored of Merlin's quiet chants being used to create slapstick chaos.
Overall, "To Kill The King" didn't have the most developed or structured plot, but the unpredictability of Tom's fate, Uther's probity, and Morgana's morals ensured it was more involving than usual. I'm especially enjoying these grey areas Merlin toys with – the apparently wise dragon is happy to let Uther to die, so Arthur can become king; Gwen's purity won't let her father's unjust death justify Uther's murder; Gaius makes excuses for Uther's cold ways, good-hearted Arthur struggles to justify his father's actions; Morgana walks a fine line between hero and villain in her beliefs; while Merlin is caught in the middle, trying to make the most informed decisions he can.
McGrath and Head were especially brilliant throughout – as both actors refuse to treat Merlin as inconsequential tosh for kids. Head obviously has cross-generational experience of Buffy The Vampire Slayer to draw on, while McGrath seems to believe (to her credit) that she's still in an episode of The Tudors, which she guest-starred in once. Next week, it's the big finale and we're promised a cliffhanger...
6 December 2008
BBC1, 7.25pm
Writer: Jake Mitchie
Director: Stuart Ormie
Cast: Colin Morgan (Merlin), Anthony Head (King Uther), Katie McGrath (Morgana), Angel Coulby (Gwen), Cal Macaninch (Tauren), Bradley James (Prince Arthur), Richard Wilson (Gaius), John Hurt (The Great Dragon, voice) & David Durham (Tom)
