Merlin 'Arthur's Bane Part 2': Escape From Mount Morgana

They weren't kidding when they said Merlin was going in a darker place this season as the hunt to discover what Arthur's Bane was. As dark and gloomy as Arthur's Bane Part 2 was, it didn't change the basic dynamic of Merlin as we saw the usual amount of teamwork and bantering between Arthur and Merlin. Although I didn't feel much growth in Morgana's character in these first two episodes, but rather was used as a plot point instead. Arthur's Bane Part 2, although sets Merlin's final arc up as Camelot's greatest trial has only begun.

So Merlin and Arthur find themselves captured after the events of the previous episode, and on their way towards Morgana's hideout. As they come closer and closer to the final destination, Merlin continues to fret over the appearance of Mordred. Arthur and Merlin soon come up with an escape plan and escape from their captors. Once free, they continue on to save their captured allies, and find a pipe to crawl up to sneak in. They soon find Percival and get him to rally the troops. Then Gwaine, with the weird alien thing (which also just so happens to be the key to all knowledge) escaping. Back in Camelot, Gwen devises a plan to lure in her maid's father in for capture. Elsewhere, Morgana and Mordred reunite.

I have always loved the Merlin/Arthur dynamic of the show, and Arthur's Bane Part 2 continued to explore it as well as other elements that were excellent. I would like to point the part of the episode where Merlin and Arthur manage to trick their captors and escape. This scene reminds me of season 2's Lancelot and Guinevere, when Merlin attracts the guards attention and Arthur strikes them. Then again, that wasn't the first time either. There was some great development for Mordred as we saw what transpired between him and Morgana. He did not simply ignore the complete character change in Morgana, and noticed she wasn't that same kind lady who saved him all those years ago. Kinda makes me like him a bit despite what his destiny is.

Now Arthur's Bane Part 2 wasn't my favourite two parter opening as I felt it wasn't as strong as season 4's. I felt that this premiere didn't do much for Merlin as previous ones did. Only thing it really did was set in motion the large arc of the trials of Camelot that are soon to come. Arthur's Bane Part 2 also brought a combination of whinny and evil Morgana to the scene that wasn't very appealing. She was like a complete bad ass in season 4, but now she is being painted as the whinny evil lady. She also loses points for harming poor Authisa. The episode loses points for having the weird alien thing.

I look forward to the reason of the season of Merlin, as this is only the beginning, and "the die as been cast". So what part will Mordred play in Camelot as a knight? What dangers lie ahead for Merlin and Arthur? Will Merlin ever reveal he has magic? The season has only begun, and I have high hopes for Merlin as always. Next week, Uther returns. Well not really, his spirit does though.

Did you like season 5's premiere? How was Morgana for you?