Review: Merlin 3.5: The Crystal Cave

Now that's more like it. Finally, an episode of Merlin that actually comes close to the standard that we've expected since the Series Two finale. Yes, it had some flawed scenes, and I was disappointed by the resolution, but its a definite step in the right direction. The Crystal Cave further developed the characters, as well as Merlin's predicament, and gave us some genuinely touching moments unlike anything in the previous episodes this series.
     While running from a group of bandits, Arthur and Merlin escape through the cursed Valley of Fallen Kings. Within, Arthur is shot and falls unconscious, leaving Merlin to try in vain to help him. Luckily, a mage comes across the crying servant and heals Arthur, and then shows Merlin a cave full of magical, prophetic stones. The acting is actually ok here, and for the first time Merlin's anguish is believably done. The crystals show Merlin a series of images which he interprets as Morgana being given a blade with which she then kills Uther. I got excited.
     Merlin worries about Morgana's plot, and, seeing as it is her birthday, tries to stop Arthur from getting her an ornate blade - inextricably causing him to. Morgana makes her move, but she falls down a set of stairs and has a head injury. The castle waits, and Uther is particularly distraught at the thought of losing her, who it turns out is his daughter (He doesn't want her to know, because then she has a right to his thrown and has already shown murderous tendencies. She somehow hears him through her sleep though.) Merlin, seeing Uther, Arthur and Gwen's pain, goes to ask the Dragon for guidance on whether to save his enemy. The Dragon isn't happy, but is forced to oblige; Morgana is healed, and awakes with a vengeance - as she goes to kill Uther in the night, Merlin only just manages to stop her.
     Colin Morgan (Merlin) and Anthony Head (Uther) really shine here. They're believable and adaptable, and now the writing is strong enough for them to show off. The only thing I was annoyed at was the fact that it returned to the status quo when it came literally seconds away from making a positive story move - killing Uther and revealing Merlin's magic. I don't think the BBC realise that a lot of people are actually gunning for Morgana to win at the moment, just to get away from the obnoxious filler. Next week's episode looks like more filler, but it also features the Lake where Excalibur lies, so I mustn't worry.

Thanks.