'Merlin' S01E10: 'The Moment Of Truth'

Published Saturday, Nov 22 2008, 20:10 GMT | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 19 comments

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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19 Comments

Your Responses

Michael, Shrewsbury, on November 30th, 2008
Yeah, I thought this was one fo the best episodes, too. Although, I think there was a similar episode in RObin Hood...meh, I don't care. I liked it:)

Bethany, on November 27th, 2008
I completely disagree with your review. This episode was really sweet, although admittedly lacking purpose, it displayed a little more Merlin/Arthur. And I love these two. It's impossible not to see the subtext. Maybe it's the older generation that are a little homophobic, because I don't know anyone my age who doesn't adore these two.

Michael, Shrewsbury, on November 25th, 2008
*So gay it's borderline awkward* Sigh! I think the Merlin/Arthur is wonderous:) So stop being homophobic. I'm surprised that it's taken so long for a review to cotton onto the fact that Merlin likes menfolks. I knew straightaway in the 1st episode when he said to Gaius 'Why was I born like this? Am I a monster?' And don't compare Merlin with Ianto/Jack and Vince/Can't remember his name! This is better! Shut up!! The villain was a bit mundane, but so what?

Shayane, on November 25th, 2008
Well it is a family show! Lol. They're not going to have terrifying baddies are they/ Plus, did anyone else see that Gwen/Arthur moment?

Ste, on November 24th, 2008
I loved this episode - and you are correct about the not so subtle homoerotic subtext (would that just be 'text' now?) ... even Merlins mother is shipping them! Do you know the first question that was asked to the panel at the London Expo a couple of weeks ago? "is this a Merlin and Arthur romance?" - priceless :) I love the slash though, keep it up!

Phil, Liverpool, on November 24th, 2008
Ok, so the baddies weren't exactly 'rounded' characters but what do you want for 45 minutes. It was an enjoyable episode and I think you're just trying to be controversial with the review. It's early evening Saturday night TV not Pinter.

John, Cambridgeshire, on November 24th, 2008
This is a good series so don't knock it. It makes a change from the run of the mill crap that we get on TV.

Aled, South Wales, on November 23rd, 2008
I totally disagree with your review of this episode! I really enjoyed it. I dont think the story went into enough depth, but you definetley got to see a softer side to the characters.

Alex - Essex, on November 23rd, 2008
Another brilliant episode if dark episode... I specially liked it when Merlin made the fire ambers float in the air. I also liked it when Merlin used his magic to push away the enemy using wind magic. I also liked the way they focused on the villiages outside of the Castle instead of using the Castle all the time. Great stuff. I can't wait for the next episode and I hope they do another series after this one.

Alex, Down, on November 23rd, 2008
I think you're being very harsh, in fact I thought it was one of the best episodes the show has ever done. Character wise it was excellent. I think you're being very harsh, in fact I thought it was one of the best episodes the show has ever done. Character wise it was excellent. (It's Kanen, not Canan) (It's Kanen, not Canan)

Bree, England, on November 23rd, 2008
Do not approve of your review at all. Brilliant episode and the only disappointing thing is that it's bringing us closer to the end of the first series. Was by far one of - if not the - best episode yet.

Bojan Vlasic, on November 23rd, 2008
Awkward episode. Did it have any purpose other than to establish that Merlin carries a torch for Arthur? And next episode will be about unicorns, you say? Torchwood and Queer as Folk have nothing on Merlin. Rustie, you're being one-upped.

Amy, Exeter, on November 23rd, 2008
Why aren't they giving Katie Mcgrath more screen time? It's obvious that she's by far the best actor in the show! Hopefully she'll have a bigger part to play in the last few episodes!

Shaz, Bristol, on November 23rd, 2008
I really liked this week's episode. It was great to see Joe Dempsie back on our screens again. A very clever episode with lots of hints to how Arthur will behave as King. I can't understand why it's been given poor reviews.

Simon, London, on November 23rd, 2008
Totally disagree with this review, on all by one point. Merlin & Arthurs' homoeroticism. It's been totally bubbling away for weeks now - but watching the two top & tailing in bed was totally hot. The two of them are almost certainly set to become the Xena & Gabrielle of their day. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Okay so the villain lacked depth, but he was totally a plot device to be Merlin & Arthur in bed, so who gives a monkeys about his 'Ill get you and your little dog too' dialogue. Not me! That's who.

Alex, Wiltshire, on November 23rd, 2008
I think the end of this episode wll be viewed differently by the end of the last episode - specifically Arthur's quick acceptance that Merlin had nothing to do with the magic..

Camilla, on November 22nd, 2008
Goodness, on second viewing, it's even more boring. (And gayer.)

CJ, Slumberland, on November 22nd, 2008
Thought the review was harsh only giving 2 stars - thought the episode was good and enjoyed seeing the younger cast members do something without constantly running back to either Gaius or Uther for intertvention. The reviewer getting on board the homoerotic subtext is certainly showing up late to the party - I thought everyone else had figured this out weeks ago!

Camilla, on November 22nd, 2008
That was mighty boring episode. Arthur and Merlin: so gay it's borderline awkward. Poor McGrath, Ryan and Head. They're being wasted on this series. Hope they get a new gig soon.

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