Excalibur

Season 1, Episode 9, Aired
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Episode Summary

Uther's past comes back to haunt him as a mysterious black knight interrupts Arthur's coming-of-age celebrations, throwing down his gauntlet and challenging the Knights of Camelot to combat. The Black Knight, seemingly unstoppable, makes easy work of his combatants. But who is the Black Knight, and why is Uther so uneasy?moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (4)

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  • Nimueh comes back again to pay back Uther for his treachery. She has raised the Black Knight and sent him to Camelot to eventually kill Uther. Also we see a very poorly invented version of how Excalibur came into being.moreless

    8.5
    "Great"
    By jyarter, Dec 01, 2010 Report Abuse
    Enjoyable episode about Knights and sorcery but I am not sure what this has to do with Arthurian Legend anymore.

    This was an enjoyable tale of a risen Knight who felt betrayed and Nimueh who used her sorcery to give it life. As a Wraith only something magical could kill it. Similar to the Nazgul characters of The Lord of the Rings. In that case no "man" literally could kill the Nazgul only a women. Again I really enjoy this series a lot but do they have to butcher the actually mythology as much as they have? It is true that Excalibur may have been forged by Dragon's Breath but the one of the major stories in Arthurian Legend is based on The Lady of the Lake and how Excalibur came to be. It was not chosen by Arthur out of a pile of swords and breathed on by a dragon to become the ultimate weapon. It was originally Uther's sword.

    Also the Black Knight was a character that the Knight Perceval defeated in combat over a misunderstanding. That's it, nothing so extraordinary as a Wraith Knight.

    Even so a very interesting story and the action and twists were interesting. I wonder what the evil result the dragon was speaking of would come from Uther using the sword? They really didn't clarify that and Merlin threw the sword in a lake. How appropriate considering that is where it comes from originally. Uther is said to have driven the sword into a rock at his death to avoid anyone else wielding it except the rightful heir to the throne. That of course is when Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone and becomes king.

    It will be interesting to see where they take all of this going forward. Thanks for reading...moreless

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    2 2

  • The relationship between Arthur, Gaius, Nimueh and Uther.

    7.0
    "Good"
    By goa103, Nov 22, 2008 Report Abuse
    Nimueh was back in this episode and Michelle Ryan's beauty was mesmerizing, as always. However I think her acting could be better. She doesn't feel like an evil sorceress but more like a beautiful princess that read a book on black magic. The problem is that the episodes with her always follow the same pattern. First we see her casting some spell and saying Uther Pendragon, then a creature rises. I think they should come up with more creative ways to introduce the story. It's not because Merlin is clearly for teenagers that it has to be predictible. However summoning a Black Knight was definitely an interesting thing. However when it broke the window during Arthur's Camelot prince ceremony I was quite disappointed to see that most of the characters weren't afraid. They were just standing there waiting for the Black Knight to slash them one by one. Arthur drew his sword but it felt like he wasn't on his guard, when he should have been. I wish his appearance would have been more terrifying like when the sorceress enchanted everyone in the pilot episode, The Dragon's Call. There was too light in the room. Its entrance should have stormed the place or something to scare us should have happened. But of course producing such impressive visuals would require a far higher budget, it's clearly not Smallville. Instead the Black Knight looked more like a scarecrow on a horse. In fact I couldn't help myself comparing it to the one from the Monty Python and the Holy Grail film, specially when he was standing still in the courtyard.

    However it got better once the first fight started, even if the sky was blue and the birds were singing peaceful. I wished the scene had been filmed during a rainy day for example, like in Jurassic Park when the T-Rex begins its rampage. After all the fight endings were quite dramatic. About the fights, I found them quite dynamic and brutal but the close shots reminded of how Christopher Nolan filmed the fighting scenes in Batman Begins. Worst choregraphy ever in my opinion because you don't see anything. Only a crazy camera and body parts moving quickly. I prefer when a fight scene is filmed like in a Jackie Chan movie for example. You see everything and how good the actors are. So again I think I'm asking too much but I think it can be better.

    I was also quite disappointed how Merlin managed to forge Excalibur. He spent like two minutes in the library searching for a weapon books. The weird man, Gaius old friend with the crappy make-up, helped me and he ran for Gwen and asked her to give him the best sword her father had even made. I don't mean to be rude but Gwen jokes are annoying. She's always saying she would do anything for Merlin and the next second she says the contrary. I find her very annoying and useless. She's just too nice. I also can't help myself thinking the producers were forced to pick that actress because of the color of her skin. I think it's disrespectful. Actors should be chosen because of their talent, not for so called ethnic reasons. I wish Merlin was black and Morgana a Korean princess, seriously. However it got better when Merlin met the Great Dragon, asking him to forge the sword to help Arthur defeat the Black Knight. His warning was quite interesting because it meant the sword would probably be used by someone else. It was clear Uther would take Arthur's place but finding how it would happened was gripping. About the Great Dragon I still like how it's rendered, it's a good computer graphics (CG) creature. In fact it reminds me of Draco from Dragonheart, one of the greatest fantasy film of all time. Moreover the scenes between him and Merlin are always refreshing as they happen in a dark cave and the dialogs are quite interesting. I like the way the Great Dragon talks, always hinting and never clearly explaining him things. It's up for Merlin to understand things. The Great Dragon is only supervising his destiny in some way, like a teacher. I like the bond between them.

    So there were great moments but some others were bad. For example the scene where Merlin casts a fire spell on the Black Knight is just useless. I know there're some heavy Harry Potter fans around but come one, we're not that addicted to magic. I don't need my weekly doze of magic. I want it to be used only when it's useful. It was clear the scene was only here to entertain and didn't really serve any purpose. Moreover it didn't feel like the fire was burning him, the separation between them was clear so the pirotechnique effect was disappointing. An other con was the characters begging Arthur not to fight the Black Knight. First Uther, then Merlin and finally Morgana. They should have chosen one character and filmed a great scene instead of filming three average ones. Moreover I didn't understand why Arthur menaced Merlin with his sword, it didn't make sense. I mean Arthur is clearly not the bad guy, it's Uther's role. However I'm not saying Arthur is all good in heart, because like Merlin he has to learn the different between good and evil. About Morgana, she's getting better every episode. At first I hated her but now I think that character is interesting even if I'm not really fond of the actress. She's just too skinny to portray her. I mean in Marion Zimmer Bradley's books the women of Camelot are described as beautiful and gorgeous creatures. The beauty I'm talking about is the one like the girl in the The Gates Of Avalon episode for example. As cute as a child but with all the female attributes. She was just charming. I think Merlin misses a real woman. There're mature men but not women. We need a wife for Gaius or Uther. Moreover you can't just grow up being taught only by a Great Dragon and physicist. It's one of the bad thing in the Arthurian Legends and that's probably why Bradley wrote books with female protagonists.

    I think the best scene in this episode was Nimueh talking with Uther about the good and evil old days. We learnt about her relationship with Uther and how Arthur is involved with it. It explained us why Uther is so against magic and will do anything to forbid everyone from using it. So his attitude in the past episodes finally made sense. Nimueh also explains a few things about magic, how it's balanced with life. It reminds me of the alchismist because if you want to create an object you have to destroy something else, it's all about transforming things. A birth, a death. A heaven, a hell. What about the characters ? Who is Merlin true Nemesis ? Last but not least I was also glad to see a new side of Uther, learning about how he felt about his wife. After all no one is born evil, but every one can become one. You just have to choose your side, even if it's easier to say than to do. The scenes with Uther and Gaius were also good as we learnt more about their friendship and how the first trusts the other about his secret.

    The part where Uther managed to exchange role with Arthur to fight the Black Knight had a few cons but overall it was quite good. The scene where Gaius drugged Arthur was quite bad, specially the acting. Usually I'm pleased with Gaius but here they both did things that didn't really make sense. Why did Arthur trust him so easily when he nearly killed Merlin ? And how come he didn't understand what was happening to him when Gaius asked him to lay down ? If it was me I would at least put up a fight. I don't think you can't just drug someone so easily. Can you ? However I quickly forgot it once Uther, brilliantly played by Anthony Head, entered the arena. I couldn't wait for him to fight against the Black Knight and watching him play with Excalibur while Merlin was helping get ready for the battle was great. I also noticed how he was quite surprised about Merlin's decision to forge the sword for Arthur. It was a nice character development and the information will probably be used in an upcoming episode. Is it a good or bad news for Merlin ? In my opinion I think he shouldn't have told about it. It's what Gaius warned him about, he should be more careful. Because everything he does and says have consequences. Let's hope he'll learn from his mistakes, it's the only way to age stronger and wiser.

    When Uther began to fight the Black Knight with Excalibur I was really expecting something terrible to happen, because of the Great Dragon warning. In fact I thought Arthur would managed to wake up sooner and fight him, but it didn't happen. So when the Black Knight was killed I was quite surprised and couldn't understand what just happened. It's only when Merlin returned to the cave that the Great Dragon told him he betrayed him and that he had to waste the sword where no one could even find it. I think the writer should have come up with something more original. For example they could have prevented Uther from using the sword. Killing the Black Knight could also have backdrafted on him, it's all about balance after all. Excalibur could have turned into a Vorpal sword, like in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. They were dozens of better ways to do it in my opinion. Last but not least the last scene where Merlin runs for the lake and throws the sword in it was just painful to watch. I mean, what the hell ? Is he dumb or something ? It's such a clich. Everyone knows what will happen. Someone will find it someday and use it to do evil. When he ran for the forest I was expecting him to find a stone and use his magic to put the sword in it but it didn't happen. They did it in The Legend of Zelda : A Link to the Past so why not in this episode ? You might think I'm just trying too hard to follow the Arthurian Legends but I think there're events you just can't tell differently. I could compare it with what happens in Smallville this season for example. It's awesome because they're many references to Lois & Clark. I think that's what misses in Merlin, the cultural references. It's really hard to relate to the Arthurian mythology. I'm sure they're trying their best but I think they should try harder.moreless

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    2 1

  • well the trend continues with this show:)

    10
    "Perfect"
    By uk_stevie, Nov 21, 2008 Report Abuse
    I love this show and this episode i think the whole black knight was a well writing and big part of the story of Merlin. I really think Merlin is starting to take shape to be a great show and have opened more doors now that they have brought the sword in to the show it will give them alot to work with in future episodes. when i do think back i think they killed the black knight a tad to easy but thats just really picking. i think this episode had a lot going on but yet it was easy to watch! which i think is why i like the show. apart from the fantasy side
    great show top marks here of ***** 5 starsmoreless

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    5 0

  • 'That is the law of magic. To create a life, there had to be a death. The balance of the world had to be repaid... If I had foreseen her death and the terrible retribution you would seek, I would never have granted your wish.' (SPOILERS)moreless

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By queerlybeloved, Nov 20, 2008 Report Abuse
    For me, the strongest and best episode of the series to date, Excalibur is excellent. Uther's past comes back to haunt him- literally- when a mysterious Black Knight crashes into Arthur's coming-of-age celebration and throws down his gauntlet, challenging the Knights of Camelot to mortal combat. A young knight, Sir Owain, gamely takes the challenge but finds himself at the wrong end of the sword at the battle the following day. Gaius discovers that the Black Knight carries the crest of Tristan De Bois- and that Tristan's tomb is empty. The conclusion is that Tristan has been summoned back as a wraith, determined to wreak revenge on Uther for the death of his sister Ygraine (Uther's late wife and Arthur's mother, who died giving birth to her son). However, a few family secrets involving Arthur's birth are threatened to be revealed as the true culprit behind Tristan's resurrection reveals herself. Moreover, the hunt is on to find a weapon that will defeat the wraith. A sword forged in the breath of a dragon should do it... Visually stylish, a great script and good performances all round highlight the strengths of the series.

    Considering the story deals with Uther's past, it's unsurprising that Anthony Head takes centre stage this week- and he does it with aplomb. Struggling to hide the truth of Arthur's birth against mounting odds, he is willing to sacrifice himself to save his son. The truth behind Uther's rather ruthless vendetta against magic is explained and you can kind of understand- his beloved wife so desperate to produce an heir dies at the hand of magic which granted her wish. The showdown between Uther and Nimueh where this backstory is told is an excellent two-hander between Head and Michelle Ryan (whom it is good to see back). There are also several good scenes between Uther and Gaius as they discuss the past and the final scene where Uther expresses how much Arthur means to him is moving without being mawkish. Uther really does care for him: to the extent that he'll drug him so he can't fight an unstoppable killing machine. That's fatherly love if ever I saw it.

    Richard Wilson is as dependable as ever as Gaius: his scenes with Head are a delight. Bradley James has a few very good scenes where the sparks really fly. Ignorant as to the Black Knight's true reason, Arthur bravely challenges the knight to combat- proving his bravery as Crown Prince. The ladies don't get much of a look-in this week, although Angel Coulby gets a few good scenes with Colin Morgan, building on the Merlin-Gwen flirtation. Although, it has to be said, her awkwardness around him is starting to wear a little thin. Morgan is as strong as he's ever been in this episode, proving what a mature and capable actor he is. From witty and biting to full on investigative mode, as well as his encounters with the Great Dragon (more on that soon), it's a strong turn indeed.

    Michelle Ryan is a joy in Nimueh's confrontation with Uther and you do feel sorry for her. Having done what Uther asked, Nimueh finds herself banished and persecuted when the law of magic decrees a death for the gift of life. It's also good to get the backstory rather than just having her as a thorn in Uther's side. There's another good turn by Michael Cronin as court record-keeper Geoffrey of Monmouth and John Hurt is on top form- and more importantly, given scenes that last longer than 20 seconds- as the Dragon who is responsible for Excalibur's creation but who warns Merlin that it should only be used by Arthur. The Dragon's anger at the end when he finds out Uther has used it is justified- the blade was forged for Arthur and nobody else. Overall, it's a pacy affair- the fight scenes choreographed and directed nicely, with some very striking visuals (Morgana's token for Sir Owain lying in the dirt as he is slain; the Black Knight waiting impassively by moonlight; the creation of Excalibur) and a decent, meaty script by Julian Jones. Plus it's a bonus that the wraith was prosthetic rather than CGI (although the Black Knight's death scene looked a bit odd- I was thinking of the exploding Slitheen from Doctor Who). A very strong episode indeed.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • Trivia

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    • Goof: Sir Owain's shield is more scratched at the beginning of the fight than at the last stages of it. Edit
    • Goof: The Black Knight's sword has no trace of blood whatsoever after he kills Sir Owain and Sir Pellinor. Edit
    • Goof: It is mentioned that Tristan de Bois has been dead for 20 years and that he blamed Uther after Ygraine, Tristan's sister and Arthur's mum, died in childbirth. They fought and Uther killed him. That would make Arthur some 20 years old, which is consistent with his coming of age celebrations that mean he has just turned 21. However, in episode 1x06 A Remedy to Cure All Ills, we learnt that Gaius has served Uther for 25 years, since Arthur's birth. That would make Arthur 25 years old. Edit

  • Notes

    ADD NOTES
    • Also Known As: Ukraine: Екскалібур. Edit
    • One of Colin Morgan's favourite magic tricks has been creating the fire that goes across the ground and burns the Black Knight because he was able to see it happening, whereas most of the time he has to way until CGI is added to the episode to see the result of his magic. Edit
    • There are differences in several scenes between the original script for this episode as shown on the BBC website and the final product. The most important one is the following: The Great Dragon: The sword is in the world. It cannot be unmade. But now a curse will forever lie upon it. Merlin: What do you mean? The Great Dragon: The sword forged by Arthur is now destined to be used against him. It will bring about his doom. Merlin: What do you mean? Is Arthur going to die? The Great Dragon: Everything dies, warlock, it is only the manner of death that is in question. Your actions have made that choice for Arthur. What's done cannot be undone. (The Great Dragon turns and is gone. A worried Merlin stands there a moment, taking in what he's heard). The implication here is that Arthur would be killed with Excalibur, whereas in the episode the implication is that Uther wielding the sword would bring great evil. Edit

  • Quotes

    ADD QUOTES
    • The Great Dragon: So, does Arthur live? Merlin: Yes. The sword worked. It was incredible, amazing. The Great Dragon: As I promised. Merlin: But... The Great Dragon: Yes? Merlin: Things didn't go quite according to plan. I mean, they did. Except... It wasn't Arthur who wielded the sword. It was Uther. The Great Dragon: (yelling) NO! Merlin: I tried but he just took it! The Great Dragon: (yelling) NO! Merlin: He's the king! I couldn't stop him! The Great Dragon: The sword was born of the old magic. You have no idea of its power. In the hands of Uther, it will bring only evil. Merlin: I'll get it back. The Great Dragon: You have betrayed me. You are not ready to be trusted. Merlin: I'll bring it to you. You can destroy it. The Great Dragon: What is made cannot be unmade. Merlin: So what do you want me to do? The Great Dragon: Take the sword far from here and place it where no mortal man can ever find it. Edit
    • Gaius: You know why I'm looking at you. Uther told me you provided him with his sword today. Must have been a very powerful blade to slay the dead. Did you enchant it? Merlin: No. I didn't. Gaius: Who did then? Merlin: It wasn't me. Gaius: Shame. It saved the king's life. I'd have been very proud of you. Edit
    • Arthur: You had Gaius drug me! I was meant to fight him! Uther: No, you weren't. Arthur: But the knight's code... Uther: Be damned. I believed you would die, that was a risk I could not take. You are too precious to me. You mean more to me than anything I know. More than this entire kingdom and certainly more than my own life. Arthur: I always thought that... Uther: What? Arthur: Well, that, I was a big disappointment to you. Uther: Well, that is my fault and not yours. Edit

  • Allusions

    ADD ALLUSIONS
    • Gaius: Tristan De Bois was the brother of Ygraine, Uther's wife. In Arthurian legend, Ygraine (sometimes spelt Igraine) is Uther's wife and Arthur's mother. Ygraine was previously married to Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall, before her marriage to Uther. In Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae, Uther is in love with Ygraine and Merlin aids him in his seduction of her by disguising Uther as Gorlois- thus tricking Ygraine into sleeping with Uther. Gorlois dies in battle later that evening and Uther and Ygraine marry. There is nothing in the legends to say that Ygraine died in childbirth or needed magic to conceive Arthur, although one source- Robert de Boron's Merlin- does say that Ygraine dies before Uther. Edit
    • Excalibur Excalibur is the famous sword associated with King Arthur, often associated with the rightful sovereignty of the land. It is another element that is associated with the Arthurian legend very early on. There are some variations within the tale as to how Arthur acquires the sword- some tellings of the legend associate Excalibur with the Sword in the Stone (which Arthur pulls from the stone to prove himself the true king), but most have Excalibur being given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake. As in this episode, Excalibur is engraved with 'take me up' on one side and 'cast me away' on the other. Geoffrey of Monmouth claims that the sword was forged in Avalon and many legends end with Excalibur being thrown back into the lake after Arthur has departed for Avalon. Edit

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