Review: Merlin 3.12: The Coming of Arthur (Part One)

Morgana takes the throne.

As the end looms, the first half of Series Three's finale took up the reigns and did what we expected it to - a powerful, tense 45 minute drama where our heroes are broken down to their knees. I don't know which I'm happier about; the quality of the episode, or the final eradication of the mindless filler that has mostly consumed this series.
     There's been a great battle between Camelot's and Cenred's forces, the battlefield within the latter's territory. Everyone lies dead, apart from Sir Leon, who is found by native druids and restored to health using the fabled MacGuffin Cup of Life. When Leon returns to Camelot, Uther uses his brain for a change and realises that they need to recover the cup before Cenred does. Standard fantasy fare then; find MacGuffin, save the realm.

A worried Uther.

     Arthur and Merlin are sent on the quest, but because of Morgana, Cenred's forces get their first (Arthur and Merlin's brief inprisonment in a slave camp couldn't have helped matters either. With the cup of life, the scheming Morgause makes an army of immortal soldiers, knocks off Cenred and then completely destroys Camelot, declaring her sister the Queen in front of Uther's angry face.
     The plot isn't anything new or exciting, but it certainly fresher than anything else so far this series. Especially fine-tuned was the acting of the three male leads Arthur, Merlin and guest Gwaine - firm feelings of brotherhood in times of stress. The light jabery between them felt at least a little reserved, which was more realistic than what is the usual.
     Away from the actual story, and the main area of extravagance this week was in the production - excellent costumes (and lots of costumes); brilliant, tense direction and a soundtrack the ties it all up in a neat little bow. Indeed, this year the main budgetary focus seems to have been on the sandwhiching two parters, something that made episodes like Goblin's Gold and The Changeling a little lacklustre.

The poorly named "Cup of Life".

     Overall, the first half of The Coming of Arthur is an excellent story by the series' standard, with realistic dialogue/acting and a sense of tension and motion that sweeps one away. However, in the little detail, the finale also keeps the idiosyncracies of the series and puts them in a clearer, more serious context. It also neatly wipes out any of the usual filler episodes that plague us so deeply. And for that I must thank it.

Thanks.