Merlin ~ Quotes

Now, the reveal scene itself is everything you could want. Merlin’s tearful confession and Arthur’s reaction - ranging from incredulity, to shock, to disbelief at his own ignorance, to anger at his friend - are perfectly judged.

Our one niggle is this - why does Merlin confess now? He’s had ample chance to do it many times throughout the course of this show’s run - there have been times when revealing the truth would’ve saved his own life or the lives of others, and yet he picks this particular moment to tell Arthur all.

Yes, they’re in a tight spot and all seems lost, but isn’t that always the case on this show? You’re left with the feeling that the reveal happens simply because this is the final episode.

We had been waiting for Merlin to confess to Arthur that he had magic powers for five series, but when it came it was something of an anticlimax. Merlin’s delivery of the longed-for revelation and Arthur’s response to it was so understated that if you hadn’t been paying attention you might have missed it. Still, the emotional dialogue that followed was rather more overstated. “I don’t want you to change. I want you always to be you,” said Arthur tenderly. You could have cut the sexual tension with Excalibur. No wonder Arthur and Gwen’s (Angel Coulby) saccharine-sweet relationship always seemed so unconvincing.
Of course, Merlin and Arthur’s relationship was the driving force of the show, and its evolution from mutual dislike to a true friendship based on respect was a joy to watch. Morgan and James had great on-screen chemistry, moving seamlessly from comic rapport to affecting emotionally charged scenes. Morgan in particular was excellent, crafting the development of his character believably over five series.