'Merlin' S01E10: 'The Moment Of Truth'

A change of scene doesn't do Merlin much good this week, as the excellent run of dark episodes is brought to an end with this tired adventure. At least a homoerotic interpretation of the lead characters provides something of interest.

It's best enjoyed if you view Merlin and Arthur as a medieval Ted and Ralph from The Fast Show, full of unrequited love. Merlin wants to 'come out' to Arthur, and even his own mother tells the wizard that "he really likes you". But Merlin fears persecution if his true nature is revealed: "If anyone found out about my powers, I'd have to leave Camelot for good."

There also seems to be an undercurrent of jealousy from Merlin's childhood pal William, who dies a martyr for love by saving his rival Arthur from death. That's not a definitive reading of the show, but there's certainly some substance to this interpretation.

Elsewhere, the pre-credits sequence is very underwhelming and amateurish again, while the main baddie Canan is a lousy stock villain reeling off mundane dialogue like "You'll pay for this! With your lives! All of you!" Yawn. Canan's demise is similarly hackneyed and clichéd, as he musters enough strength for one final act of destruction before slumping dead.

The departure from Camelot does at least serve to reinforce the appeal of the younger regulars, who are bonding well as a moralistic team of crusaders. It's a shame that Katie McGrath is wasted yet again as Morgana though, as she rarely receives the screen time she deserves.

At least a modicum of redemption is offered by the central theme of being prepared to fight against evil and stand up and be counted. For a family drama, Merlin's heart is in the right place and it sends out the right messages to younger viewers.

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