Merlin S01E06: 'A Remedy To Cure All Ills'

Published Saturday, Oct 25 2008, 18:36 BST | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 13 comments

Merlin S01E06: 'A Remedy To Cure All Ills'

Some dodgy direction hampers a reasonable episode with standout performances from the dependable Richard Wilson and guest star Julian Rhind-Tutt as the malevolent medicine man.

As Gaius, Wilson has previously popped up once or twice each week to warn Merlin not to use his magic - a trait that has become totally yawnsome and predictable. Fortunately, the character is finally given more depth and space to express his dignity and dogged determination when he is framed for medical negligence and placed under immense scrutiny. Not only does he finally advocate magic, but he even pops to see that Waste Of Space CGI otherwise known as The Dragon.

But the crowning moment arrives in his supposed farewell scene with Merlin, which foregrounds his selfless paternal role and is sad but uplifting at the same time, thanks to Wilson's skill. Once he does return, one can't help but feel pity for his impotence when his spells fail to work.

The cold, dead eyes of Gaius's nemesis Edwin, lurking on his scar-strewn face, are formidably inhabited by Rhind-Tutt in the most impressive guest-starring role to date. Sadly the plot, involving a relative of someone killed by King Uther, is far too similar to the events of the first episode when Eve Myles starred as the revenge-filled witch. Furthermore, why should we care for the fate of Uther when he has committed a series of needlessly callous and cruel acts in the past, such as his insistence that Merlin drink the poison?

A very poorly helmed pre-credits sequence with Morgana and a little bug failed to whip up any excitement, and it was left to some superior acting to keep us gripped. However, the episode's climax is similarly botched. The overuse of staggering slow-mo in the fight between Edwin and Merlin serves to dissipate any tension, and you could probably start and finish a cryptic crossword in the time that it takes the fatal battleaxe to fly across the room into Edwin's skull.

To summarise - very good acting, woeful direction. Merlin really needs to start bringing all the elements together on a regular basis or else there's the danger that the remaining episodes will have a tired and inconsistent feel to them.

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Rosie, Scotland, on November 3rd, 2008
Really enjoying the series! I do not believe this show set out to be historically accurate. In fact there are no true historical facts on which to base it on! The Arturian legend is a legend (with perhaps some basis on a real individual an awful long time ago).

Meghan, London, on October 29th, 2008
I love this show one of the most talented casts on television(Colin Morgan is one brlliant!) One the downside i'm disappointed in the writing go join Robin Hood Colin

Michael, Shrewsbury, on October 28th, 2008
Why couldn't Uther have died? He's an arse, in spite of Anthony HEad playing him. He's tyrannical, is responsible for loads of people being burnt to death...and he was happy for Merlin to die, whether by poison or killed by Bayard. He should've died, I don't like him. Again, Colin Morgan is wonderful:) There does need to be a stronger villain, though, and longer story arcs. Doctor Who was the same. The villain of the week thing gets boring. And the fight scene was too short, I agree. We want big, epic magic battles!! Still, it's better than Doctor Who and Primeval, etc.

Phil, Sheffield, on October 28th, 2008
Far too many elements are repeating themselves in the series, such as someone unconscious due to magic requiring magic to revive them (every week it seems) as well as the basic plot being very close to the initial episode, as you say. And the inconsistencies in Uther's character haven't done the show any favours (nor any other of his actions in the poor fourth episode). Nor the repetitive doubt and subsequent faith in Merlin and Gaius (another weekly ritual: one of them getting a trial by fire, being highly regarded by the king, then cruelly treated the following week). As a series it has been put together quite poorly. HOWEVER, if removed from the context of the previous episodes, the script is by far the strongest, with believable moves at every turn, and compelling dialogue. The villain of the piece is the strongest yet, and the conundrum he places Gaius in is both complex and believable. It's almost a shame he was killed off, as he'd make a far more welcome return than Nimueh. For the series, the writing team have not shown that they can keep track of their scripts. For the episode, the writer has shown that he can write for some of the best actors in the UK (again Merlin's greatest attribute: flawless performances).

Katie, London, on October 27th, 2008
Simply dreadful stuff. I thought I'd try again after I watched barely 15 minutes of the first episode and had to turn off after staring incredulously at the television. Again I soon turned off. Terribly acted, awfully written, sub standard direction and no tension at all.

Jenna - Hampshire, on October 27th, 2008
I LOVE this show, its one of the best things on TV at the moment, its historically incorrect, but who cares, its Saturday night entertainment .. I think the Cult editor needs to lighten up and just accept that this it a bit of fun for a saturday night.

Granny, on October 27th, 2008
'Hello King Uther. I'm a creepy sounding man you've never met. My unfortunate scarring has the side effect of making me look even more creepy and sinister.' King Uther: Cool. Would you like to be my doctor? Nuff said.

Taz, London, on October 27th, 2008
Come on DS, you really need to get some taste, constant Childish whinging about this proigramme. Though not as good as Dr Who, this is perfect saturday night entertainment. The CGI is excellent for a TV budget, you can't expect big movie special effects on a TV programme. Bearing in mind the sycophantic reviews of the dreadul and dire BSG on this site, no wonder you don't like quality like this!!!!

London, on October 26th, 2008
it was amazing i have always been fascinated with Arthurian legends and Merlin brings it to life. However the plot needs to step up a notch maybe a doctor who writer like Stephen Moffat despite this the acting was enthralling.

Camilla, Norwich, on October 26th, 2008
I think that for Saturday night, light entertainment, Merlin is excellent. It doesn't matter if it isn't historically accurate - it isn't a documentary, and leave the dragon alone! If it was more realistic, you have the potential to scare some of the younger viewers, and in it's unrealistic, CGI glory, it has a kind of charm you used to find on the old Saturday night shows, before we got inundated with talent/singing and dancing programmes. Plus, it is getting a bit tedious everyone going on about how awful it is... I thought it was a really good, gripping episode, and that the plot is really starting to develop and gain even more depth and intrigue. Great acting too! Will keep watching! :)

robin - nottingham, on October 26th, 2008
I know it's bad, but it's so bad it's actually good!! Julian Rhind-Tutt is an amazing actor and is my number one vote for the new Doctor if/when David Tennant moves on.

Rob, London, on October 26th, 2008
I found it probably the most engrossing episode so far, and finally it begins to look as if there's some serious layering up of the back-story and motivations of the older characters. The only thing I can agree with this reviewer on (it's a definite first) is the casting of Rhind-Tutt. I've always found him supremely irritating in the past and he's probably one of my least favourite actors ever, but here he was brilliant. Nice to see a villain played with such gentle sensitivity.

Alex - Essex, on October 25th, 2008
Another great episode... Keep it up BBC , I specially liked the bug trying to kill Aurther and overall it was scary to watch. I still will give it 5 stars though. I can't wait for the next episode.

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