TV
'Merlin' S01E12: 'To Kill The King'
Published Sunday, Dec 7 2008, 13:39 GMT | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 11 comments
Initially, the premise of the episode seems rather misguided. Why are we supposed to care much about the wellbeing of Guinevere's father, a figure who has barely featured in the series? Fortunately he's swiftly and unexpectedly killed off by Uther, which allows the real crux of the plot to shine through.
Merlin's soul-searching about saving Uther, despite the King's tyrannical ways, is fascinating to watch unfold and also features the most effective use of the Dragon in the series so far. In many ways, the audience's feelings towards the monarch fluctuates in unison with the sorcerer. Ultimately, the desire to save him owes much to Anthony Head's convincing performance, as the remorse Uther shows towards the end is convincing and demonstrates the pressures of single-handedly ruling the nation.
The plot is well structured and builds towards an action-packed yet tender climax by the grave of Morgana's father. Perhaps more thought could have been spared towards the murdered Tauren though, as his intentions were similar to Morgana's until her sudden backtracking.
Still, it just goes to show how fine the line is between life and death, hero and villain. Finally, has anyone else noticed how good the stories are whenever Katie McGrath is given a decent slice of the action as Morgana?
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It just didn't interest me like it usually does. It was just one of those episodes that wasn't as good as the rest. All programmes have them. I WANTED UTHER TO DIE!!
Another stunning episode, can't wait for the Finale next week.
Good episode but 'action packed' ending? More of a skirmish really. Why does the dragon always fly off like a naughty child after saying something controversial? Surely the writers can think of better ways to end his scenes. He's chained after all, so he can't go far ;-)
I thought this episode was great! I think the producers probably made a conscious decision not to have Morgana too powerful yet as most of the stories involving her probably wouldn't have worked. Katie Mcgrath is a fantastic actress! Hopefully next series (if there is a series 2- which I'm sure there will be) she'll have a lot more episodes where she's featured as heavily as this!
Good episode, but did anyone else notice Morgana wearing stilettos? It distracted me for a good five minutes!
Fav episode for me so far, Morgana is a great charachter played so well by the actress, which isn't something I can say about Gwen. Ive really enjoyed Merlin, Season 2 please BBC.
Another great episode... It is interesting to see Uther on the end of the rope by Morgana and Guinevere deciding weather to kill him or not and then he is saved at the end but it was sad to see Guinevere's dad died as we havn't seem many storylines involving him but none the less a pretty exciting episode. Good work BBC. I can't wait for the next episode.
Charlotte-- I do see what you mean, but I don't think Morgana is supposed to be powerful yet-- she's just willing to stand up to Uther and make herself heard even if it is futile-- which (for me) makes her more sympathetic and brave... I would'nt describe her as a little girl ;) Excellent episode I thought.
Charlotte, Bedford, on December 7th, 2008
While I agree that this was a pretty good episode (it wasn't one of my favorites), I do have one little quibble: quite often, I feel that McGrath is playing Morgana wrong. She doesn't seem to have enough power, she just seems like a little confused girl. I guess maybe that could be intended, allowing Morgana's power to grow, but right now, it can be a little frustrating. Like when she challenges Uther to restrain her, she doesn't do anything to stop him, and is just shocked that he did anything. That annoyed me. But many times, when it is important, McGrath delivers, and Morgana is amazing.
While I agree that this was a pretty good episode (it wasn't one of my favorites), I do have one little quibble: quite often, I feel that McGrath is playing Morgana wrong. She doesn't seem to have enough power, she just seems like a little confused girl. I guess maybe that could be intended, allowing Morgana's power to grow, but right now, it can be a little frustrating. Like when she challenges Uther to restrain her, she doesn't do anything to stop him, and is just shocked that he did anything. That annoyed me. But many times, when it is important, McGrath delivers, and Morgana is amazing.
First episode I found hard to get into. While the interaction with Uther and Morgana was excellently played and brilliant to watch they took too long in the set up. If they had spent a little more time on Merlin's choice, maybe in relation to whether or not Arthur was ready to be king, I think it would have been better. As it was it felt a little like the magic and the guest characters were all just added in order to build to that final scene- giving the whole episode a sloppy structure. An un-enchanting episode in my opinion although it had its high points.
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I enjoyed this episode, although I did find it a little unrealistic that Morgana would change her mind so quickly based on a (admittedly very convincingly delivered) remorseful speech by Uther, considering the strength of her hatred for him beforehand to the point where she is prepared to kill him. Nevertheless, a good plot overall, and it does help to round out Uther's and Morgana's characters. I am thoroughly looking forward to the final episode tonight. PS. Yes, I have noticed how episodes with Katie McGrath are always good; she is a great actress and a stunning woman.