Merlin S01E08: 'The Beginning Of The End'

The best Merlin episode yet ditches the action and focuses on an engaging and haunting tale of a seemingly innocent young child, and is packed full of powerful confrontations and tantalising dilemmas. That darn dragon also serves a purpose for once, but fortunately more screen time is given to the excellent Katie McGrath, who delivers a mesmerising performance as Morgana.

The fascinating moral dilemma at the core - whether Merlin should prevent possible future atrocities by allowing Mordred to die - is very reminiscent of a sequence in the 1975 Doctor Who story 'Genesis of the Daleks' in which The Doctor had the chance to wipe out the evil race in their infancy before they'd barely raised a plunger in anger.

This scenario is as dramatically effective here, particularly through Mordred's sorrowful demeanour and the emotive telepathic wail he lets out when his father is executed. The narrative structure is well developed too, with the final exchange of looks between Arthur and the child a hint of things to come.

Mordred's presence, and evil Uther's pursuit of him, allows Morgana to display her protective, maternal instincts towards the young child. When she's coupled with Merlin, who also has special powers, the pair have a natural warmth and chemistry together. When they're joined by Arthur, defying his sadistic father, it's a joy to behold the trio's teamwork and one can only hope for more of the same amongst the excellent young cast.

The darkness of the episode, visually brought out through expressionistic cinematography, is nicely counterbalanced with some crowdpleasing moments. Merlin's covert use of magic has never been funnier, as shown by the self-walking boots and keys jangling behind Arthur's head, both of which should raise a few laughs.

Entertaining and intelligent family viewing with a pleasingly ambiguous touch, this instalment of Merlin shows how fine it can be when it tries.

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