Merlin "The Disir": Difficult Choices

I have to say, The Disir was the one episode of Merlin that just made me hurt on the inside. Both Merlin and Arthur were forced to make difficult decisions that would affect all of Camelot in the future. Unlike Arthur though, Merlin's decision was much more difficult as it would affect him personally and the future he was destined to bring about. The Disir was more of a game changer than the premiere of season 5 was, as it had more of an impact than the former. It was also more apparent that Arthur was leaning on Merlin more in The Disir than normal, and more than willing to look to Merlin for advice. You know, cause Merlin needs more burden on his shoulders.

It started off with the three Disir using magic to conjure the coin to use to sentence Arthur Pendragon, and later gives it to a wanted sorcerer to give to the king. Back at Camelot, Arthur is sparing with Mordred, who is increasingly becoming better at the sword. Merlin watches on with worry, knowing of Mordred's destiny and is unsure what to do about Mordred. In addition to that fact that Arthur has grown fond of Mordred. Then word of a wanted sorcerer comes to Camelot and Arthur and his knights (plus Merlin) set out to capture him. With his own mission the sorcerer gets injured, but still manages to deliver the coin and the Disir's judgement to Arthur. With Merlin's mood, and Gaius's confirmation, Arthur begins to worry about this judgement and decides to go see the Disir about the judgement. Ignoring Merlin's warning of sacred places, Arthur and his knights barge in and anger the Disir. The ending results is that the Disir refuse to pull back the judgement and Mordred becomes injured.

As I mentioned above, The Disir is a real turning point for Merlin as events have now been set in motion. Not only that, Merlin put more force behind the destiny that Mordred has to fulfill. We as the viewer know the destiny, but not exactly when or how it will happen. This makes watching Merlin a little more interesting as we watch Mordred grow into the villain he was meant to be. It was also nice to see Arthur confide in Merlin, despite Merlin being a servant. It makes you really reflect on the journey over the last few years that these two men had taken to get them here. Merlin has always been there to save Arthur without him knowing it, and had always put Arthur's safety first. Which is why he choose to make that decision that would not create the future meant to be, and us all hurt on the inside. I know I was screaming internally, "Merlin tell Arthur what you think", and then was destroyed when he told Arthur SPOILER (there is a sentence here). Oh poor Merlin, yet another burden to your pile of burdens.

Between all the feels I have for Merlin right now, it's hard to figure out what exactly didn't work. I didn't say there was nothing though as no television episode is prefect. As close as Merlin and Arthur have become, Arthur still can't tell what was really bothering Merlin? Or maybe, because Arthur is blinded to the truth. Ah who knows really. Last season I was happy that Arthur was a little more willing to let in a bit of magic with the druids, but he is still stuck in his ways about hating magic. He should know that not all magic is bad. For you Gwaine fans, you probably weren't too happy about how much he got flung around this episode.

Anyways, The Disir was a much better episode than I thought it would be. In a way, it really made this season feel like the last season as Merlin is pulling into the final stretch. Not to mention is still has not answered the big question, will Merlin reveal his magic? I have a feeling we all are going to have to wait for an answer for that one. Now with SPOILER on his feet and SPOILER denied, the future is looking bleak for Camelot. Next week, Morgana returns.

Do you think the Disir were actually punishing Merlin? How much this your heart break this episode?