Merlin Forums

Out of respect for Spoiler free people and in an effort to support their decision and make their navigation around the forum safe, this is the one and only thread where spoilers are allowed to be posted and commented on.

Just in case, once an episode has aired in the UK it is no longer considered a spoiler. It is generally a good idea to avoid the forums until it airs in your country if you are spoiler free.

Going by the length of the spoilers gathered during previous seasons, I have reserved the first posts to keep track of all the spoilers that are posted. I will arrange them by episode so it's easier for everyone to find all the information available without having to skim through all the posts. Bring them on!

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General Spoilers:

-Do you already know the ending for the show's last ever episode?
-Julian: "Yeah, we don't know which series that'll be in, but we've always had an idea of how we would end it, absolutely. Obviously to some extend the legend had written it for us. The story of Arthur's death is a very well told one, but our version of it isn't quite the same as everyone else's, we'll give it our twist. But yeah, strangely enough we've had an idea since the very beginning." Source.

Series 5 Spoilers

-According to Johnny Capps series 5 will open again with a two-parter written by Julian Jones and will have lots of surprising twists and turns and will go in a direction that the audience wont be expecting Source and Source.

-Merlin will open with a two-parter and will jump forward in time. All the characters will have moved on a lot, everyone will be surprised where all the characters are.
-Gwen is now the Queen of Camelot and has a very different role than she's had in previous seasons. She will play a more prominent role as Arthur's confidant but it won't change the relationship between Arthur and Merlin because Gwen and Merlin have always been close and there's been a bond there. It will make it a greater dynamic as three often shakes it up and makes it richer.
-Love won't be on the cards for Merlin, although it's not fully ruled out. There are some interesting stories about Merlin being seduced away from the path Source and Source.

-According to Julian Murphy, the series 4 finale features the return of an evil character: "There's a surprising twist at the end of this season that becomes a big part of season five." Source.

-A few more characters from the Arthurian legend are gonna be brought it in series 5 Source.

-Series 5 is gonna be darker.
-An older and wiser Merlin will struggle between making some very difficult decisions and having to tread a very careful path between what is good and what is bad Source and Source.

-Morgana won't get any less powerful, she's growing into a stronger and more committed enemy than ever before.
-Series 5 will focus on Merlin's development as well as Arthur as the king of the Round Table.
-Merlin has gone from reluctantly killing enemies to protect the king to becoming a much more focused, powerful and stronger wizard (as killing Agravaine and his attempt on Morgana's life prove) as he grows into the sorcerer of legend. Series 5 will take him on that journey with all the dangers and temptations that it brings. With Arthur being King and Albion already in the making there'll be more for Merlin to fight for and to protect. As he gets older, he's tested as a character because everything in the world becomes more serious.
-After the finale showed the white dragon Aithusa saving an injured Morgana, there's been some debate on whether the creators are drawing on the legend of the red dragon (representing Camelot) kills the white dragon (symbolising the Saxons) and the writers are clearly satisfied with the reaction: "We hoped it was a nice tease..." They'll play with the idea of the two battling dragons, the red one and the white one, with their own twist.
-Mordred has a job to do at the end of the story.
-The opening double parter will be a jump ahead in time and it'll be surprising to realize where all the characters are.
-Gwen will have a more prominent role as Arthur's confidant.
-No love interest for Merlin this season.
-"The length of Merlin is all about whether the audience are enjoying it. If they still enjoy the series we'll keep making it, but we will absolutely wrap it up properly when it does come to an end" Source and Source.

Katie on Morgana having any chance of redemption before the show's finale: "Well, if you know the legend, you know that at the end of the day Morgana is the hero! Morgana heals Arthur's wounds and takes him off to Albion where he's waiting to be the wonderful future king. So really Arthur's not actually the hero, it's Morgana! So I'm assuming she'll have to have redemption, yeah!" Source.

-Merlin seems to be wearing his same old servant clothes in eps 1 and 2 Source. Apparently, according to TPTB Merlin's distinctive clothing has become a trademark and they don't plan to change that Source.

-Morgana's new outfits are more sumptuous, less "she's living in a hovel" and more sort of "medievalcouture" Source.

-Just got back from the valleys after day2 of #Merlin. Ab-sol-ut-elly shattered. Don't know how saxons did it. #NewFoundRespect Source.
-I literally couldn't ache anymore if yesterday I spent 5 hours in the gym. Instead I had a sword fight in a forrest dressed as a saxon... Source.

-"Merlin revealing his magic is definitely going to be the ultimate test for Arthur and Merlin, and I think it might be explored in the fifth season. The levels of trust between friends is one thing, but Arthur's distrust of magic is something that runs longer than he and Merlin have been friends. It will take much more influence and much more work to break and to overcome. Certainly we're entering into that territory, but it's never going to be an easy task for Merlin. Still, it has to happen sooner or later."
-Johnny Capps also offers a tantalizing possibility of things to come: "I think," he says, "the return of Mordred would be very interesting."
Source.

-Feb 29th: Merlin day 3: 9 army arming jackets complete, now making 10 court lady's dresses.
-Feb 28th: Merlin day 2: assigned team Camelot.
-Feb 27th: Merlin day 1: 9 army arming jackets from scratch.
Source.

-While filming at Clearwell Caves Colin Morgan was spotted wearing a "red scraf thingy and tunic type thing". His hair was "sort of swept back... no fringe" Source (March 30th)

March 29th-30th filming report from an extra (Martin Fox):
-29th March 2012 and the last bookings for this tax year saw me off the Cearwell Caves, Coleford for two days as a slave/worker on 'Merlin'. Called at 9 o'clock on the first day and into make-up for a good grubbing down and into costume, which consisted of linen pants and boots. Then with other slaves and some sinister Saxon warriors it was down the mines for lots of 2nd unit shots of workers mining. To be composited to make large scenes of a big mine. Interested to see.
-30th March and 8 o'clock cal time. Back into make up and costume then back off down the mine. Not as active, but more of us to sit and chat with. Wrap at 8pm Source.

Colin Morgan on 4x13 and series 5: "After Uther died, there was an interesting transition within the characters as Arthur put family over friends. That was a difficult transition for Merlin to overcome. One of the key elements in the finale is Arthur seeing his uncle for who he is, and positively reflecting on Merlin's valued friendship. Arthur always knew Merlin was a good friend and a trusted guy, but to realize he's loyally been there the entire time is a big revelation for Arthur and certainly paves the way for where we're going in Season Five." Source.

-The knights have been filming separately. Adetomiwa mentioned not having seen Tom Hopper for about 3 weeks but he did confirm he'd been filming too Source.

-(April 4th) Stunning to be around the wolves. Now going to try and get out of 6 inches of snow back to Devon...not hopeful!
-(April 4th) Snow is playing merry hell with our fake snow.
-(April 3rd) Mmm, problem, How to get snarling wolf leaping at camera.....I know, tie a chicken leg to the end of the lens....brilliant.
-(April 2nd) Have just been howling with the wolves.
-(April 1st) Off to play with magic wolves for 'merlin' in Wales tomorrow. Very exciting.
-(March 28th) Visit a castle and find a fake winter scene for the filming of the Merlin tv show.
Source.

-(April 5th) Winter wonderland! Was very cool to work with the BBCs Merlin crew and cameraman Toby Strong! -(April 5th) Incredible couple of days in Wales with wolves and 7 inches of snow!! Source.

-Merlin filming wolves in Wales with wolves and fake snow pictures here and here.
Edit: The original source (cameraman Ryan Edwards) has removed the twitters. You can see the pictures here.

-Toby Strong filming report about shooting with wolves in North Wales here.

Colin Morgan interview here:
-It's time that Arthur learns the truth (about Merlin's secret). But it will be a real test for both of them and it's uncertain if their friendship'll survive such a revelation. Arthur is so convinced that magic is evil and killed his father and his mother that he'll struggle to remain objective. And Morgana and her scheming'll also have an influence on Arthur's opinion on the use of magic.
-The action in series 5 takes place a few years after season 4.
-Mordred returns. Anyone familiar with Arthurian legend knows that Mordred plays a central role in the fall of Camelot. His presence is no good omen for the kingdom.
-Dragons will also be at the heart of the action, because Merlin and Morgana now derive their powers of these magical creatures. Their next battle should be epic. Morgana could outmaneuver him this time.

Eoin Macken on series 5 Gwaine: "wait til series 5....the show gets really fricking cool this year and Gwaine does some wicked stuff" Source.

The knights have a slightly bigger role in series 5 Source.

Julian Murphy CultBox interview (Part 1) here:
-Series 5 will feature more Arthurian legends although they'll put a different spin on them.
-At least two of them can be found in this list (The Green Knight, Mark, King of Cornwall and Vivienne).
-Series 5 won't have as many meaty guest roles as the earlier series did due to the bigger amount of cast regulars.
-The Knights will be developed further.
-Series 5 will be darker.
-Guinevere is Queen so we'll see her in a wildly different role to before. They'll return to her family.
-There are some new female characters.
-They are going on very interesting journeys with both Morgana and Gwen, those two characters go on paths that people won't expect.
Part 2 here:
-Merlin will get to do some quests on his own as there are sore stories in this series in which Merlin acts alone proactively. Merlin's grown up, we could see the sort of character he was becoming by the end of the last series and they are following that truthfully.
-The length of the time jump will be enjoyed and discovered in ep 5x01.
-Lancelot is not likely to ever return.
-Still filming on 35mm and using a lot of green screen.
-The spin-off movie and animated series will take a long time. In the case of the animated spin-off, its life has to begin when the live action series ends. -No final decision on an eventual series 6 has been reached yet.

Janet Montgomery reveals some information about some of Princess Mithian's scenes: "so he gets stabbed with a sword and I hop over him escape the falling rubble and run to the wizard." Source. Princess Mithian remains a princess in season 5 Source. "Did I mention how lovely Katie Mcgrath is? She's also even prettier in person than on screen. She's my newest frenemy" Source.

-The wolves are magical, apparently Source.

Eoin: "acting can be so random,doing a scene behind a ditch staring at a chair."
Ade: "that's what we're paid to do,make shit things awesome!" Source.

Mordred will be looking mysterious in a hood Source and acting bad-ass Source.

May 30th filming: Sir Gwaine gets "battered a bit" Source and Source.

Old Merlin will make a return in series 5 Source.

-There's a three year gap and all the characters have grown up in every sense considerably.
-Morgana has been held captive for two years by a character we'll get to know later in the series. Her need for revenge is not solely against Arthur but against everyone, she is more determined on her aims and is now: "I don't want to say crazy, but... more determined to hate everyone".
-No love interest for Morgana.
-Arthur is dependant on Merlin in a most obvious way and listens to his advice more.
-Aithusa is back Source.

Gwen's darker side might be explored Source.

-There's a possibility for the show to get a 6th series Source.
-They may be planning 3 movies as well as a Season 6: "One idea we've been playing around with is to reboot the whole series [for the films]," says Capps. "We would go back in time and start the story again and show different parts that you didn't see in the series. The other idea is to do a continuation, but we haven't decided yet." Source.

Gwen has "been forgiven," knows that she has Arthur's trust & their relationship has survived & grown Source.

Gwen & Arthur's relationship has grown stronger since last season ‪Source.

No love interest for Merlin Source.

Morgana gets scenes with Merlin, Gwen and Arthur Source

"[Merlin and Arthur] love each other really." I don't think we interpret that the same way, Julian" Source.

Katie working more with people this year. They make angel cry a lot apparently Source.

The enchanted bracelet is gone ‪Source.

-Uther returns in a very unexpected way and returns in Arthur's life where he's missing his father and he needs some advice and in a moment of weakness, and he is able to contact Uther.
-What's great about this season, it relies more on the four of us [ARthur, Merlin, Gwen and Morgana] to carry the story, it's not so much a villain of the week Source.

-In the three year gap Morgana's worst fears have been realized. She's been persecuted for being magical, imprisoned and probably tortured by a character that will appear later on in the season. When she gets out, it's no longer just about being accepted for being magical (which is what she was in Season 4), it's about revenge now. She wants to make everybody pay for what has happened to her. It's a much darker driving force for her. She doesn't just want her throne back. She wants everyone to feel what she's felt.
-Morgana will interact with the other characters some more, including the series regulars and the Knights of the Round Table in very interesting ways.
-In season 4 she had a real issue with Guinevere becoming Queen, because for her, that's her role. She believes that that is her birthright. She does have difficulties with it. But for Morgana, she has got an overall goal, and she needs to do whatever it takes to get her end goal. Whether that means being nice to one person, forming alliances with another, doing underhanded, dirty things... all the time you have to remember with Morgana, her goal is revenge, and that's what she's thinking Source.

-Season 5 will have 2 dragons Source.

-Apparently they're going to address the Agravaine thing from last season Source.

-Merlin's temptation to use darker magic will be a theme. Telepathic connection with Mordred, who knows his secret, is important‬ Source.

-Merlin's temptation to the darker magic will be a huge theme this year."He's forced to confront [scary] parts of himself Source.

-The relationship with Merlin and Mordred will be further developed this season Source.

-Julian Murphy on how dark they'll take the legends. "Well, we won't do rape or incest...!" Source.

-Less comedy eps, but still plenty of funny moments Source.

-There's an incredible bond between Arthur and his knights Source.

-Season 5 starts 3 years after Season 4, with a mature Gwen as queen and Arthur as "the king he's always wanted to be" Source.
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-Merlin and The Dragon's relationship will now become more of a two way relationship this season Source.

-There's a huge maturing of all the characters, particularly Merlin Source.

-Aithusa, whose gender has been confirmed to be female, will become Morgana's confidant and will protect her, they have a complex and meaningful relationship Source.

-Merlin and Gwaine will have some more friendship moments and Merlin would be asking for Gwaine's help more often Source.

-Season 5 will have several Arthurian legends iconic moments.
-Morgana thinks that Arthur is behind part of the 3 years that she's spent imprisoned for her magic so it's all about revenge for her.
-About Morgana and Gwen: "You're gonna get the legend, but not how you expect it." "That's definitely a very juicy story line to look out for."
-Answering a question about Gwen being enchanted to cheat on Arthur (and whether she will ever learn the truth about what happened), Angel says the most important thing for Gwen is having Arthur's trust. She doesn't know she was enchanted. She would never do it again. She's moved passed it. In the three years between series their relationship has moved on. It's made them stronger in the end Source.

-Morgana has been kept under lock and key. Things have not only gone even worse for her but her worst fears have come true. She's been actively persecuted for having magic.
-Mordred will share a relationship with Morgana.
-Aithusa, her dragon, is also integral to Morgana's ongoing story.
-Tony Head is returning for a special guest spot, albeit in a very unexpected way. Uther will be visiting Arthur when the young king is missing his father most. Uther's presence will be felt by Merlin as well, in a very emotional scene.
-Gwen retains the justness, the kindness, and the nobility she's always had but now she believes in herself. With Arthur spending more time out of the kingdom, Gwen will be left to govern Camelot on her own, and will come into conflict with several members of the court, not to mention the growing threat Morgana always poses.
-There'll be juicy scenes between Gwen and Morgana.
-Arthur has forgiven Gwen for straying with Lancelot last season, even though neither knows she was enchanted at the time.
-Merlin is a lot more confident, but after Morgana's attack last year, is also a lot more guarded.
-Arthur will confront the laws against magic in the kingdom and Colin Morgan thinks of it as one of the most important scenes in the entire series run.
-Merlin will come into conflict with Mordred, who will be a big force for all of the characters to deal with.
-Kilgharrah (now referred to as "Merlin's dragon") will make a return, though he won't be who he once was, thanks to Aithusa.
-Merlin feels betrayed because Aithusa chose Morgana instead of him.
-Series 5 won't probably be the show's final season. TPTB are talking with the BBC about another two seasons and a trilogy of off-shoot movies. The films would chronicle adventures of Arthur and the Knights of Camelot the series hasn't had a chance to cover, so could potentially travel a bit back in time and reintroduce characters who've since left the show Source.

-Dragons will be at the heart of the action, because Merlin and Morgana now derive their powers of these magical creatures. Their next battle should be epic. Morgana could outmaneuver him this time Source and Source.

-Merlin's temptation to use darker magic will be a theme of series five.
-Merlin will have a telepathic connection with Mordred, who knows his secret Source.

-Merlin and Uther have a long overdue conversation regarding Arthur Source.

-Merlin sees a vision right at the very beginning which just changes everything. He knows things are coming to a head, and that he has to up his game and become more powerful, more mature, he has to think things through in a more complicated and dynamic way.
-Merlin's relationship with the Knights of the Round Table changes this year because Merlin is not a Knight, not a fighter and they don't know why. But their relationship changes because he gains a lot of respect, particularly in one episode, when Merlin becomes the leader.
-There are several situations where Arthur has to directly confront magic. It could be good for the kingdom, but there is something massive in the way that it isn't right. Merlin has to make sure that everything is in place, and sometimes that means denying himself, which is hard, but he has to do it.
-Mordred's back, but he's not the Mordred that we knew. There's something that Merlin doesn't respect in him: he's denying a huge part of who he is, and part of that is his magic and that's really disturbing. The telepathy between them isn't there anymore. Or maybe it is, but maybe Mordred's done something. There's a huge intrigue about that character, which Merlin can't work out, but that's the huge worry. That's the big threat, and that's the big force that he needs to fight.
-Merlin witnesses a lot of things (even though not all happen directly to him) and he has to act. He is forced to confront elements of himself that are a little bit scary. He doesn't like to do what he has to do but with the people he has to confront, in a way, it's necessary Source.

On set for Merlin - hard scene to shoot as it involves eating and drinking Source.

-Merlin is becoming more ruthless, because he is becoming more solid in his beliefs, he's seeing things in a whole new way.
-Mordred and Morgana have an "unbreakable" bond. You can't tell the story of Morgana without Mordred, they are interlinked, they are entwined, and from the very first episode you see that. Mordred is the biggest threat there's ever been to Camelot and the reign of Arthur. Anyone who knows the Arthurian legend knows what Mordred is destined to do Source.

-TPTB tip a wink to the Arthurian legend of Mordred but with lots of twists and unexpected turns. What happens with Mordred is quite unexpected, and they think the audience will enjoy the way we've played round with the expectations of his character. On the series, the Great Dragon has already hinted that Mordred will bring about Arthur's death and form an alliance with Morgana.
-Merlin sees something in particular that puts him on absolute drive, on a ruthless mode, and he fears that side of himself, in a way. When he killed Agravaine, he wanted to do it, but he didn't want to do it, but he had to do it... that's Merlin's dilemma: his power is also his curse.
-The return of Mordred will be the Merlin's biggest test yet.
-Gwen is a lot more assertive; having in the past been a little bit unsure of herself, and never quite believing her worth, she now has accepted that she's good for the job, basically. She's fulfilling the role very well. She's a good queen, very fair and just, and very caring still, but has much more of a sense of duty Source and Source.

According to Johnny Capps pre-production on the trilogy movies is expected to begin in 2013: "We've been very distracted doing season five of Merlin... but the idea is that we will hopefully do it as a trilogy - so it'll be three movies," he confirmed. "We're going to focus more on that once we've finished scripting season five... but we're hoping that we can get scripts together next year." Source.

-Arthur is forced to confront magic a lot in this series, and that could change everything, for Merlin and for everyone Source.

-Arthur and Merlin’s relationship becomes a lot more strained because Arthur is the King now and Guinevere is the Queen. Gwen is a real source of influence on Arthur and both become a real rock-steady duo.
-Gwen will be reminding Arthur that he shouldn’t be galloping off on his horse at the first sign of a mission anymore; he must rule Camelot. That won’t stop Merlin from leading him astray, though.
-Merlin is an influence on Arthur in a completely different way, in the way that he is so much in the know about how things should be but magic is a huge blockade. Their relationship is kind of what it’s always been, but something’s changed. They have put us in situations that are the toughest we’ve ever faced, but there is still room for a bit of banter Source.

-Apart from telling the story from Merlin’s point of view and seeing Merlin’s dilemma through it, there’ll be multi-stranded episodes which might lead to more mature and dark storytelling.
-As Merlin gets older and becomes the man, his dilemmas become darker, more interesting and more difficult, but it’s countered out with humour.
-S5 still has comedy in it, and it’s still action-adventure, but it’s got a little bit more of an edge.
-Arthur is a King and climbing into those shoes really well.
-There are a few interesting things that will happen to Merlin, romantically, but he’s got a lot on his plate. As he’s got to keep Arthur safe Source.

-Eps 5x01 and 5x02 feature The Northern Plains and snow.
-Stories become multi-stranded, a bit more adult and take the characters to new places.
-3 years have passed, characters are older. Gwen has to be a mature queen of Camelot now and we’ll see stories where she plays the politics of that role in a very sophisticated way Source.

-Eira, covered in mud Source.
-Eira and Morgana filmed a scene together on August 21st Source. She's also filmed scenes with Merlin and Gwaine Source.
-Eira appears in (at least) one ep directed by Justin Molotnikov (Source) who is directing 3 eps in block 3 and apparently the series double parter finale.
-Eira appears in eps 5x12 and 5x13 Source.

-Picture here.

-A brief report from an extra and some not too spoilery pics here.

-Uther was going to be brought back towards the end of last season, but the way the story arcs went, it felt more appropriate to bring him back in Season 5.
-He returns at a point in Arthur’s life where he is absolutely missing his father, and at a moment where he is having a bit of a wobble as king and needs some advice.
-He will get to interact with Merlin. Uther gets to play some key emotional scenes and he has as this amazing scene with Merlin in which they have a good conversation, a conversation that they should have had a long time ago about Arthur.
-The appearance will only be for one episode, but it will resolve some unfinished business for the former King of Camelot. He is able to have those emotional scenes that he probably didn’t have due to his early death Source.

-Arthur is gambling at a tavern but repeatedly losing to Merlin and his magic.
-In the three year gap they’ve gotten a lot closer to the Camelot that Arthur has wanted to achieve, but it’s now under threat.
-There’s stuff happening up North in the frozen lands.
-Merlin has a place in the new Camelot and the banter between him and Arthur is still present being very much part of who they are.
-Merlin is more independent of Gaius and in general.
-In episodes 1 and 2 Mordred has a lot of scenes with Arthur and Merlin and then some with the knights as well.
-Mordred’s identity is revealed from minute 1 in a very surprising way. His role is more complicated than being in cahoots with Morgana. He is ambiguous and we won’t know where his real allegiances lie.
-Mordred will talk in spells and have a telepathic connection with Merlin.
-Morgana has been held captive by a bandit king as a consequence of her having magic. It’s a fulfillment of the fears she’s always had about being a magical being so she will become ever more committed to fight back.
-At the beginning and at the end of the series there are a lot of knight related storylines. The knights are a bit more heroic as the stakes are higher: they are fighting a war not just a battle Source.

***Article has been removed***
-5x01 title: “Arthur’s Bane Part 1” premieres on BBC One on Saturday 6 October 2012.
-The fifth series will be broadcast at a later time slot, allowing the show to build on the dark themes explored last time out. -It feels like the budget has been increased too, as if the producers of the show were given carte blanche to film in the most scenic locations known to Wales, with plenty of forests, gorges and snowy hills on show complete with slick cinematography that wouldn’t look out of place in a Hollywood film production.
-Within minutes it’s as if the show has never been away: Merlin and Arthur continue their bromance, Gwen holds fort back in Camelot in her new role as Queen; John Hurt’s sage CGI dragon pops up every now and then to explain the plot.
-New additions include a disproportionate number of male torsos and the casting of George Galloway’s doppelganger as a mystical villain who aides Morgana while riding around on horseback.
-The homo-eroticism is very unsubtle.
-The sexual tension between Merlin and Arthur frequently simmers towards breaking point.Source.

-Immediately you see Camelot in a different state, one that [Arthur's] wanting it to be, and Merlin finds his place in that as well. We've got a lot closer to the Camelot Arthur's been trying to achieve and having got there it's now under threat.
-There's a maturing in general but the banter's still there between the two characters because that's who they'll always be, even though their situations are a lot more serious Source.

Q&A roundtable interview session with Angel and producers Julian Murphy here.

Reactions:
-TPTB know how the series will end almost since the beginning. “It’s always been about the end”."We were talking about Arthur's death in episode eight, series one. There's something about this legend that works because it failed - they did create this Camelot... and it failed. You can't really run away from that, but [it remains to be seen] how we get there and how long it takes." Source and Source.
-Merlin will air in a later slot scheduled to start at 8.15pm.
-Series five will have to compete for viewers with ITV1's X Factor.
-Gawain and the Green Knight is something we've talked about, but never done. Because deep, deep down it's about sexuality.
-The new series, which introduces multi-stranded stories for the first time, focuses on the four key characters, taking each on a journey.
-Gwen gets to prove herself as a worthy Queen, while Arthur matures as King. Morgana is a much more damaged character (she has been taken to a more extreme place) and Merlin is not as innocent or naïve as he once was.
-Neither exec is considering a sixth series just yet, and they don't know when they'll have to draw the legend to a close Source.
-The show is going out in a later time slot this autumn as there will be more flesh on show. Queen Gwen will be showing off extra cleavage in her regal gowns and baddie Morgana will be flashing her best assets. Instead of just hunky King Arthur getting his top off, his band of noble knights will be flashing their guns and six-packs.
-There is one saucy storyline from Arthurian legend that the Merlin team won’t be touching on (knight Sir Gwaine having the hots for Merlin).
-The show returns to BBC1 on Saturday October 6 Source, Source and Source.

-I saw Merlin s5e1 this morning and it was excellent. *fanboy squeal* Basically 45mins of swords and toplessness Source.
-Is it good? Does Arthur get his top off? -No, but pretty much everyone else does Source.

Prepare yourself for a spirited action adventure with heaving bosoms together with knights of the round table who appear to have lost their shirts.
-In between this series and the last there’s been a three-year gap and the ever-present Morgana has reared her head. Gwen is now queen and I guess she’s been building her confidence in that role over the past three years and handles it very well.
-With this character I always felt she would be a good queen because she has that sort of humble quality but she also has a very noble nature. Looking from the outside I would want her to be my queen!
-Gwen has always been a bit of a moral compass in the show. She has always done the right thing. I think the character has been quite a good role model in that sense and she has maintained that throughout.
-The audiences have grown up with the show and you need to expand the sophistication a bit, and it’s more interesting in terms of character development to see that we have moved on while dealing with life or death situations. It would be weird to sugar coat it in a way. It’s serious stuff. There are moments of levity though.
-We never know until we finish what the BBC will want. I guess if people want the show to continue we will keep doing it.
-Gwen proves herself as a very worthy queen. She’s very much in command, when she’s left to her own devices, she copes pretty well.
-Gwen is given especially in the first two-parter, a very very difficult decision to make, marking a change of how Gwen has become queen and stepped into that role very well Source , Source and Source.

-This year we don’t necessarily have a big comedy episode but there’s always enough comic fun to make sure that the audience has a good laugh as well as jump out of their seat Source.

-Final shot of the series here.

Cast Spoilers:

-Series 5 might the last for Katie McGrath Source. Edit: the wording there "She is currently filming her final series of MERLIN for the BBC" has been changed to "She is currently filming her fifth series of MERLIN for the BBC".

-Stephen McCole to play a role in series 5 Source. Apparently he is done with his participation in Merlin by March 28th so he might just being featured in the opening two parter / the first block Source. His character is called Ragnor Source.

-Matthew Prowse will play a saxon Source.

-Alexander Vlahos, a 23 years old Welsh actor has been cast to play Mordred in series 5 Source and Source and Source.

-Joseph Mawle to return as Alvarr in eps 5x01 and 5x02: "Yes! It's exciting I know! Last time I was in it my character just disappeared and I wondered if we'd see him again, and here we are! Only the first two episodes of the series but I'm still stoked!" Source and Source ---> This information was apparently a hoax due to April Fools Source.

-Ross Machin seems to have been cast for series 5 Source and Source (also Source).

-Liam Cunningham filming for Merlin series 5. His character is called Ruadan Source and is a "freedom fighter" Source.:
-Been filming with the wonderful Richard Wilson. Can you believe it?
-Flew from Dublin to Cardiff yesterday to be a corpse today. I rehearsed the scene after a few pints last night.
-That a Game of Thrones spoiler?? Definitely not! A different job.
Apri 12th twitters Source (and Source).
-so ur gonna be on Merlin?
-it's not beyond the realms of speculation.
April 15th twitters Source.
---->Confirmation here and here.

-Lindsay Duncan (Queen Annis) and Janet Montgomery (Princess Mithian) confirmed as returning guest stars in series 5 Source and Source. Janet Montomery to reprise her role as Princess Mithian during block 2 Source.

-Clive Russell (Lord Bayard of Mercia) will be back in series 5 Source.

-John Bradley West to guest star in series 5 Source. His character is called Tyr Seward Source.

-Anthony Head returns in Season 5 in a guest role as Uther Source.

-Julian Glover to guest star in series 5 Source.

-Alfie Stewart will play Daegal in an episode directed by Alice Troughton Source. He seems to be the young man in brown clothes that Merlin protects and who can be seen sneaking into the castle.

-James Fox (Emilia Fox’s uncle) will play King Rodor in an episode directed by Ashley Way Troughton Source and Source.

-Erin Richards has been cast as Eira in an episode directed by Justin Molotnikov Source.

-Tony Guilfoyle will play Sindri in an episode directed by Alice Troughton Source and Source.

-Peter Guinness will play Ari Source.

-Kelly Wenham will play Queen Mab Source.

-Jane Thorne to play Valdis in 4x03, directed by Justin Molotnikov Source.

-Sophie Rundle to play Sefa in 5x01 Source.

-Gary Lewis, who plays Alator, is coming back Source.

-Barry Aird to play Beroun in two s5 episodes directed by Justin Molotnikov and Declan O'Dwyer (eps 10 and 11) Source.

-Sorcha Cusack to play Finna in episode 10.

-Frances Tomelty to play Disir Source.

-Sara Lois (11) to play a girl who turns into a dragon Source.

-John Shrapnel to play Sarrus in episode 8 Source.

-Alexandra Dowling play Kara in an episode directed by Declan O'Dwyer Source.

Crew Spoilers:

-Block 1 (eps 1-3) will be directed by Justin Molotnikov Source and shot by Dale McCready Source. It looks like block 1 might be the only one that Dale McCready works on Source. Dale McCready is done working on block 1 (eps 5x01, 5x02 and 5x03). No word on his eventual return later during the season Source. Dale joining the cast and crew at Pierrefonds in June Source.

-Alice Troughton to direct block 2 Source.

-Jeremy Webb won't be directing any series 5 episode Source.

-Ashley Way will direct 3 episodes of series 5 Source and Source.

-July 23rd: Dale McCready has completed his episodes. Ashley Rowe and Sam McCurdy BSC are filming now Source.

-August 8th, Alice Troughton is done filming her episodes (block 2 ) Source.

-Justin Molotnikov is the director of the double parter series finale Source. He is directing 3 episodes in block 3 and did film another 3 episodes in block 1 Source.

-Alice Troughton is working on block 3 as well Source.

-Declan O´Dwyer is the director of episode 11 Source.

Rumours & Unconfirmed Sources:

Some rumours coming from someone associated to the show (user lil_miss_blonde at the DS forums) that last year proved reliable:
-Aithusa (a girl now) is helping an even more evil and with no redeeming qualities Morgana.
-Gwaine will have a much bigger role in s5.
-Mordred is good and will help Arthur and Camelot because he owes Arthur his life. However, he also owes his life to Morgana so he will be torn. Later she turns against Arthur when he does something bad against someone with magic.
-Mordred hasn't forgotten his threat to Merlin. He knows his secret and holds it over him Source.
-Morgana's captor is not King Lot, Alvarr or the Saxons.
-Arthur and Gwen are sharing a bed. There are plenty of sweet Arwen moments.
-Morgana will enchant Gwen again and the queen will be up to some mischief. This plot is carried through 4 episodes.

-There might be a chance that James Robinson (who was part of Merlin's Soccer Six team might be on the show (playing a random knight or Tom is just being nice and complementing him?).
-Bradley's tweet where he lists the players of Soccer Six team Merlin and the roles they play seems to support the possibility that James Robinson (playing Sir Ranulf) could be a character spoiler for series 6 Source and Source.

-Audition tapes for Eira (Gwaine's evil love interest) by actress Poppy Drayton here and transcripts here.

Scene 14:
Eira: [injured her arm and pulls a face when Merlin tends to the wound]
Merlin: Sorry, almost done.
Gaius or Gwaine (?): Don't worry, Merlin knows what he's doing.
Eira: Have you news from [inaudible]? Have you heard from my family?
Gaius or Gwaine (?): Eira, your family, the people of your town. You alone survived the attack.
Eira [about to cry]: Alone?
Gaius or Gwaine (?): I'm sorry. Eira, whatever happens, you'll be safe here in Camelot. I give you my word.
Eira [nods]
Gaius or Merlin (?): Take two drops of water, it'll help with the pain. If you need anything at all, Gwaine knows where to find me.
Gaius or Gwaine (?): Thank you, Merlin.

Scene 22:
Eira: You said you weren't leaving until sundown.
Gwaine: I owe my friend Merlin a favour.
Eira: Where are you going?
Gwaine: The Valley of the Fallen Kings.
Eira: But why?
Gwaine: Don't worry, I won't be long.
Eira: [nods]
Gwaine: Eira, I'll be back before you know it.
Eira: You promise?
Gwaine: I promise.

Scene 25:
Morgana: Careful, Mordred. She can hardly speak with her throat cut now, can she.
Mordred: [releases Eira]
Morgana: Well, Eira. I hope Sir Gwaine has found your company to his satisfaction?
Eira: I like to think so.
Morgana: Has he been forthcoming about Arthur's plans?
Eira: He has kept no secrets from his beloved.
Morgana: Well, does the king intend to ride out and meet us?
Eira: [nods]
Morgana: Then all is as we anticipated. Thank you, Eira. You've been most informative.
Eira: There's something else. The knight said he was taking Merlin somewhere. To the Valley of the Fallen Kings, I think.

Scene 30:
Eira: Gwaine, what is it? Tell me!
Gwaine: I can't.
Eira: Why not? Is it the king? What's happened to him? Gwaine!? Is he dead?
Gwaine: No.
Eira: How do you know? Where is he? Gwaine!? You don't trust me?
Gwaine: I do.
Eira: Then tell me.

Scene 34:
Eira [releasing a messenger piegeon]
Gwen: Eira!?
Eira: I was...
Gwen: Sending word to Morgana?
Eira: No! Please, Mylady. I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't betray you or the king. Gwen: And you didn't. You can go to your death safe in that knowledge for your note was sent to your mistress riding for [inaudible] and all the while the king was heading in the opposite direction. Guards! Eira: Gwaine! Gwaine, please!

Agravaine might return in series 5 Source.

Others:

-SDCC 2012 Merlin panel part 1, part 2, part 3 and part 4.

Also here and here.

Trailers / Previews:

Here.
SDCC trailer here.
Trailer #1 (short version) here.
Trailer #2 (long version) here (the song is Knights of Cydonia, Source.)
Trailer #3 here.
Trailer #4 (Australian version) here.
Previews #1 and #2 here.
Preview #3 here.
Preview #4 here.

5x02 preview here, trailer here and clip here.

5x03 trailers here and here and preview here.

5x04 trailer here and preview here.

5x05 trailer here and preview here.

5x06 trailer here and preview here.

5x07 trailer here and preview here.

5x08 trailer here and preview here.

5x09 trailer here and preview here.

5x10 trailer here and preview here.

5x11 trailer here and preview here.

5x12 trailer here and preview here.

5x13 trailer here and preview here

Series 5 finale trailer trailer here.

Blooper reel: (Including Bradley's message) here, here and a short, low quality version here.

-Eoin falling over in the snow a lot. Bradley holding his sword out to Merlin then ramming it in his stomach ‪Source.
-Arthur pulling on leather glove then clenching fist saying [to Merlin] "Shall I show you!" ‪Source.
-Bradley messing up a lot, Ade & Eoin leaning in to say the line he fluffed 3 times ‪Source.
-B/C blooper in snow peeking over a hill. B comes up and has camera in his hand! Source.

Promotional Pictures:

(Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended when posting these pictures. Merlin is property of BBC and Shine Ltd. )

-Merlin picture here.
-Main cast pictures here, here and here.
-Season 5 poster here. Tagline: "The die is cast".
-Morgana picture here and here.
-Arthur / Gwen picture here.
-Gallery here.
-Episode 5x01 "Arthur’s Bane Part 1" poster here.
-Sept 26th, Richard and Colin filming on set picture here.
-S5 pic here.

-Series 5 promo pictures Source.
-5x01 promo pics here and here.
-5x02 promo pics here.
-5x04 promo pics here.
-5x05 promo pics here, here and here.
-5x06 promo pics here and here and high res here.
-5x07 promo pics here, here and here.
-5x08 promo pics here, here, here and here.
-5x09 promo pics here and here and here.
-5x10 promo pics here.
-5x11 promo pics here and here.
-5x12 promo pics here, here and here.
-5x13 promo pics here, here, here, here and here.

Other Pictures:

-A bruised Gwaine here.
-On location in Wales here.
-Eoin twittered a pic from the set here. Arthur is wearing a new costume. Edit: It appears to have been removed. You can see it here.
-Eoin and Alex picture here.
-Colin, Tom and Eoin with some kids from the filming on June 12th here, here and here.
-Tom and Rupert on the set with a young fan here.
-July 27th, Colin filming at Puzzlewood here.
-Rupert, Tom and Alex during a break here.
-Pics of Merlin and Arthur on horseback here and here.
-Merlin Official twitter wallpaper depicting some s5 CGI here.
-Dale McCready working on colouring Merlin here.
-SciFiNow magazine s5 pictures here, here, here and here thanks to emrysandpedragon.
-Eoin on set here.
-Last shot of the series here and here.

Reports, Pictures and Videos from shooting on location:

-At the lip of the quarry so that we got a brilliant view of the action. Will be back tomorrow lunchtime to see the horses! Source And previous twits from the same day:
-"Spent several hours watching Bradley and Colin filming a couple of scenes".
-"Today I will be mostly hanging about in a quarry watching men in fur and leather beat the crap out of each other".

-Several hours spent watching a scene being filmed (...) However not allowed to share any pictures as they are desperate not to have any spoilers leaked Source.

April 27th, filming reports at Cosmeton Medieval village Source and Source.
-"They're going to burn someone medieval style" Source.
-Arthur / Merlin scenes are being filmed Source.
-The scene involved Merlin, Arthur and some other people new to the show (no Hunith, no Gaius). It was an execution, someone was supposed to burn on the stake, but Arthur and Merlin interrupted at sword-point. Colin and Bradley were in their usual costumes Source.
-They also filmed a campfire type scene in the woods nearby Source.

April 27th filming report at Cosmeton Medieval village here:
-There was villagers and Merlin and Arthur. The villagers walked a woman up to the pyre while drums were being played. -Arthur and Merlin arrive in some kind of threatening walk. Arthur says something along the lines of "let the woman go" and points his sword at some people.
-A campfire scene in the woods involved Arthur and Merlin and also the woman they saved from being burnt at the stake.

May 1st: Filming is going on in the forest and prosthetics are being used Source.

May 11th filming report Source (May 11th twitters):
-Filming took place at a private estate.
-Merlin, Gaius and Percival were part of the cast involved. There was also a "black knight" dressed in armour.
-The knights were going into a ruined castle, Percival was giving Merlin (who was apparently injured) a fireman's lift.

May 28th, Gwen and Morgana filmed at Raglan Castle.

May 30th, filming at Clearwell Caves Source, Source and Source.
-Filming involved Arthur, Merlin, and all the knights.
-Mordred is a knight.
-At one point Arthur carries Mordred fireman-style up a hill with Percival and Merlin running after him.
-Arthur bargains with some mysterious old ladies in the cave for Mordred's life but apparently doesn't like their terms?
-Gwaine and Merlin are still pals because at one point Merlin gets told off by Arthur and Gwaine pats his shoulder after all the other knights walk by him.
Arthur and old ladies.
-Gwaine did some stunts.
-Percival and Leon filmed a scene with somebody else.

May 31st, filming at Puzzlewood Source, Source, Source and Source:
-All the knights and Merlin were around.
-Apparently Percival had some sort of wound on one arm.

June 1st, filming at the Forest of Dean Source and Source.
-The filming involved Arthur, Merlin and the knights.

June 12th, filming in a Welsh forest near Castle Coch Source. Pics here, here and here.

July 4th filming at Puzzlewood:
-Merlin was there with the druid boy and there were several men there dressed as bandits or something like that - generic tunics, nothing Druid-like but in greens and browns. They had swords, one guy had chainmail but not Pendragon colors, and Merlin used magic on one of them and they started running away. It was very clear that Merlin was protecting the kid Source.

July 5th report from an extra filming at Clearwell Caves here.

July 10th, filming at Fforest Fawr Source.

July 20th, filming somewhere between Pontypridd and Nelson Source.

July 24th, filming at Cannop Ponds:
-Colin was filming a scene with the knights Source.

July 26th, filming at the Forest of Dean Source.

July 27th, filming at Puzzlewood Source and Source.

August 3rd, Merlin signs on A449 roundabout at Monmouth Source.

August 22nd filming in Fforest Fawr Source. Picture of the forest here. A lot of horses around a camp in this scene Source.

August 26th, Dolbadarn Horses at Green Field Valley Park in North Wales Source.

August 29th filming at Clearwell Caves Source.

August 30th filming at Puzzlewood Source and Source.

Sept 7th, filming at Speech House Lake in the Forest of Dean Source.

Sept 18th filming at Caerphilly Castle Source.

Sept 18th: Merlin Day 2 and we r on location. I'm with @ianchilditch @Allanmgill and friends. More swords more knights more fun. Have a grt day Source.

Sept 18th: Today we colour grade Merlin Ep2 to the sounds of Grizzly Bear's record "Shields" #everything'sbetterwithwithmusic Source.

Sept 20th: On set today shooting some fight scenes for Merlin Source.

Sept 20th: Another day on Merlin in the Welsh hills. Hope the rain stops! Good day in store with the lads! Source.

Sept 20th filming at Margam Park Source.

Oct 10th, filming at Margam Park here, here and here.

Basic information and plotlines gathered from the Reports, Pictures, Videos from shooting on location:

-An action scene involving a fight was filmed in a quarry.
-Someone is going to get burnt on the stake but Arthur and Merlin interrupt the execution at sword point.

July 27th, filming at Puzzlewood:
-Colin and his stunt double seemed to be filming a scene down in a ditch Source.

Apparently and according to Chateau de Pierrefonds Merlin won't film there their usual April/May block 1 but they'll be around for two other blocks later this year Source and Source.

Some dates (subject to variation) have been released:

-14/06/2012 to 27/06/2012
and
-06/09/2012 to 14/09/2012
Source.

__________________

Merlin block 2 to be filmed on location in Pierrefonds in June Source.

__________________

The cast and crew will arrive in France on June 13th Source.

Reports, Pictures and Videos from the filming of Block 2 at Pierrefonds:

-June 14th report and pics here and here thanks to lornaenseries.
-June 15th report here thanks to merlinlocations.
-June 15th pics here thanks to yavannauk.
-June 15th pics here (and subsequent 4) thanks to Elodie.
-June 15th pic here thanks to Solene Dillot.
-June 15th pics here and here thanks to Claude Pomel.
-June 16th report and pics here and here thanks to sir-toast-a-lot and myon_chocolat.
-June 18th report here pics here and vid here thanks to caelins.
-June 18th pics here thanks to iamacolinmorganist.
-June 18th pics here thanks to yavannauk.
-June 18th report here and pics here thanks to merlinlocations.
-June 18th report here (translated here) and pics here thanks to lornaenseries.
-June 19th pics here thanks to leeloo2902.
-June 19th report here, pics here and here thanks to yavannauk.
-June 19th pics here thanks to alie87.
-June 19th report here and pics here thanks to merlinlocations.
-June 19th report here and pics here thanks to caelins.
-June 19th pics here thanks to Marine_.
-June 19th pics here thanks to iamacolinmorganist.
-June 19th pics here and vids here and here thanks to drown-in-colins-eyes.
-June 19th pics here and vids here thanks to sjebal.
-June 19th pic here thanks to shakira20.
-June 19th pic here thanks to Friends93.
-June 19th report and pics here thanks to lucerne28.
-June 19th pics here thanks to Shammalo.
-June 19th pics here thanks to ma_meghann.
-June 19th pics here thanks to sookie_013.
-June 19th vids here thanks to poetjenoetie.
-June 19th pics here thanks to Shiori Katya Michaelis-Lefevre.
-June 19th vid here thanks to drunkonlifeTTT.
-June 19th vid here thanks to heavenlyjo.
-June 19th report and pics here thanks to leelooovertherainbow.
-June 19th pics here thanks to Shammalo.
-June 18th-19th pics here and here thanks to brolinmerthurendlesslove.
-June 20th pics here and vid here thanks to alie87.
-June 20th pics here thanks to leeloo2902.
-June 20th pic here thanks to Friends93.
-June 20th pics here thanks to sookie_013.
-June 20th pic here thanks to JulieCGaillot.
-June 20th report and pics here thanks to lucerne28.
-June 20th report here and pics here thanks to merlinlocations.
-June 20th pic here thanks to Rymk Lak.
-June 20th report here, pics here and vids here and here thanks to caelins.
-June 20th pics here thanks to iamacolinmorganist.
-June 20th pics here (and previous 5 entries) thanks to plumedefee.
-June 20th pics here thanks to Jo_Mustard.
-June 20th pics here thanks to athos1.
-June 20th pics here thanks to Hecate.
-June 20th vid here thanks to heavenlyjo-
-June 20th vid here thanks to alle87.
-June 20th vid here thanks to carole b.
-June 20th vid here thanks to merlinitaliano.
-June 19th-20th pics here thanks to French Merlin Fansite.
-June 21st pics here thanks to marionfaugoin.
-June 21st pics here thanks to 3xcusemyfrench.
-June 21st pic here thanks to sunnydale.
-June 21st pics here (old Morgana's are under a cut) thanks to caelins.
-June 21st report here and pics here thanks to merlinlocations.
-June 21st pics here thanks to iamacolinmorganist.
-June 21st pics here and vid here thanks to sunnydale/LonerCheerleader.
-June 21st pics here thanks to melodings.
-June 21st reports here and here thanks to yadabing.
-June 21st vid here thanks to LonerCheerleader.
-June 21st pic here thanks to deborzine.
-June 21st pics here thanks to TakeYourShot882.
-June 21st pic here thanks to Chayiana.
-June 21st pic here thanks to starry-eyed.
-June 21st pic here thanks to Craig Hurle.
-June 21st pics here thanks to -hahazombie.
-June 21st report and pics here (translated here) thanks to blogsorciere.
-June 21st report here (translated here) and pics here thanks to lornaenseries.
-June 21st vid here thanks to brolinskeep.
-June 20th-21st pics here thanks to lucerne28.

-June 22nd pics here thanks to caelins.
-June 22nd report here and pics here thanks to merlinlocations.
-June 22nd pics here thanks to iamacolinmorganist.
-June 22nd pic here thanks to Olivier Francois.
-June 22nd pics here thanks to sookie_013.
-June 22nd pics here thanks to Chayiana.
-June 22nd report here and pics here thanks to shutupmerlin.
-June 22nd pic here thanks to Caroline Lef�vre.
-June 20th-22nd pics here thanks to chaosmaka.
-June 19th-22nd pics here thanks to Merlin Italiano.
-June 19th-22nd pics here thanks to yavannauk.
-June 19th-22nd pics here thanks to Chayiana.
-June 19th-22nd pics here thanks to elyxyz.
-June 25th pics here thanks to alie87.
-June 25th pics here and here thanks to leeloo2902.
-June 25th pics here thanks to sunnydale.
-June 25th report here thanks to archaeologist-d.
-June 25th vids here, here and here thanks to LonerCheerleader.
-June 25th pics here thanks to bleucitron.
-June 25th report and pics here and here thanks to riverssong.
-June 25th report here and pics here thanks to merlinlocations.
-June 25th pics here thanks to Arnaud Dumas.
-June 25th report here thanks to leelooovertherainbow.
-June 25th pics here thanks to ysas.
-June 25th pics here thanks to TakeYourShot882.
-June 25th pics here thanks to xmade-in-hell.
-June 25th vids here and here thanks to Allie James.
-June 25th pics here thanks to haikubleu.
-June 25th pics here thanks to ForCamelot.
-June 25th pics here thanks to Joyce_Lee.
-June 25th vid here thanks to geekygay.
-June 25th report here and pics here thanks to shutupmerlin.
-June 25th report here (translated here) and pics here thanks to Lornaenseries.
-June 25th report here (translated here) thanks to nephtysseries.
-June 25th pics here thanks to yavannauk.
-June 25th vids here thanks to latb1990.
-June 26th pics here thanks to MaatLike.
-June 26th pics here thanks to Evaninou.
-June 26th pic here thanks to dormeurt_bu.
-June 26th report here thanks to archaeologist-d.
-June 26th pics here and here thanks to Shammalo.
-June 26th pics here thanks to JULIEHopes.
-June 26th report here and pics here thanks to Fo16.
-June 27th report here thanks to archaeologist-d.
-June 27th pics here thanks to AkaPrincessD.
-June 27th pics here and here thanks to AkaPrincessD.
-June 27th report here thanks to baby-in-trenchcoat.
-June 26th-27th pics here thanks to yavannauk.
-June pics here and here thanks to carlospyrrhus.
-June albums here thanks to 3xcusemyfench.
-June albums here and here thanks to archaeologist_d.
-June video here thanks to kiraaliasnecril.
-June picture here thanks to S�bastien Qu�rit�.
-June pictures here thanks to DeLessepsViola.
-June pictures here thanks to cranberrymerlin.
-June pictures here and vids here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, videos here and here thanks to carlospyrrhus.
-June pictures here thanks to yavannauk.
-June pictures here thanks to minuialeth75.
-June pictures (Angel) here, (Colin) here and (Bradley) here thanks to Scop.
-June pictures here and here thanks to archaeologist-d.
-June videos here and here thanks to JessDeVlog.
-June video here thanks to Merlinitaliano.
-June videos here , here, here, here and here thanks to dianethx (archaeologist_d).

Basic information and plotlines gathered from the Reports, Pictures, Videos from the filming of Block 2 at Pierrefonds:

June 14th:
-Two thrones were set up in the Great Hall.
-The Round Table was to be brought in as well.

June 15th:
-The king and knights were dressed in their usual chainmail, while Gwen was in a new dark red velvet dress. She was accompanied by a young woman, probably a maid. Richard was also around.
-Merlin and Mordred filmed a scene in the Great Hall Source (yavannauk's protected twitter account).
-Mordred was wearing chainmail Source.
-Some filming occurred at the drawbridge and courtyard Source.

June 16th:
-Arthur's round table is quite big and has the Pedragon wyvern engraved in its center.

June 18th:
-They seemed to be filming the same scene(s) as on Friday in the great hall, with Merlin, Arthur, Gwen, Gaius, Sir Leon and Sir Elyan but no Mordred. Filming involved director Justin Molotnikov and DoP Dale McCready, so can be assumed to be related to the Block One episodes.
-Once again there were a lot of knightly extras.

June 19th:
-Arthur, flanked by Mordred (in Camelot knight attire), Gaius and a lot of random Camelot knights welcomes a visitor and his entourage of warriors (wearing turbants, bows and arrows) to Camelot. He has Excalibur as his sword now. Arthur greets him politely and the man replies that the last time he saw Arthur the king was only 10 years old. He asks who would be fighting in the tournament in Arthur's name. Arthur repliers that he fights his own tournaments now. After that, the man suggests to put that to test and says that one of his warriors is gonna fight Arthur. The scene was directed by Alice Troughton.
-The round table has been set up in the throne room (and apparently used when filming the previous days). It has been "antiqued" a bit showing lots of dings and gouges purpously put in. It had 12 chairs around it.
-Leon, Gwaine, Percival and Elyan were training on the tournament field Source. They were presumably preparing for a fight scene.
-Gwaine and Percival filmed a scene in the nearby forest.
-Morgana is around Source. Her dress is stunning and her hair is different Source. She filmed a scene in the nearby woods.

June 20th:
-Gwen filmed a short scene running down the steps that lead up to the emperor's apartments, and heading out of the castle. She was dressed in a new black velvet dress with dark purple lining to the long sleeves and a mid-length black cape with a hood over the top. She looked furtive, as if she was sneaking out on a secret mission.
-Gwen also filmed a scene with Merlin in the courtyard.
-They filmed the set up of gallows in the courtyard for an execution but apparently Merlin will save whoever is supposed to be hanged. Villagers and unknown knights are around for the scene. It was filmed from a low angle, through a grill, from the point of view of someone looking up through a dungeon window. Both these scenes were filmed by Dale McCready (block 1 episode(s)).
-Elyan filmed briefly inside the castle in his knight attire.
-Colin filmed a scene coming out of the door in the far left corner of the courtyard and a short scene running along the narrow (outside) path from behind the winged lion statue towards the balcony where Uther used to stand.
-Colin also filmed inside the castle.
-Other filming took place inside, seemingly in the great hall. It involved the whole regular cast including the knights.
-Alice Troughton was filming in the guard's room (also used as the banqueting hall).
-Some chairs had been added to the 12 that were set around the round table yesterday.
-The knights were filmed running into the stairwell that leads to the physician's chambers.
-Colin filmed in the woods screaming in dragonlord. Audio here thanks to Chayiana.
-The Great Hall was decorated with banners belonging to different kingdoms, so the round table probably sat a meeting of kings/representatives.

June 21st:
-Sir Percival has long sleeved chainmail and Merlin's jacket is proper leather.
-Gwen filmed one scene on the balcony. There was no dialogue, she was walking up and down and looking distressed. It was directed by Alice Troughton.
-Arthur, Merlin, Gaius, Leon, Gwaine, Elyan, Princess Mithian (in travelling clothes) and Old Morgana (Morgana was disguised/transformed into an old woman and was dressed in a black outfit with a black shawl and a white hair wig) filmed a scene in the courtyard Source in which they all ride out of Camelot. Merlin and Gaius are wearing a leather type of stripe tied around their necks. When Merlin is preparing Arthur's horse he gives a death glare behind him, to where old Morgana stands (to where she stands later when the did the scene from her point of view). The scene was directed by Ashley Way.
-Gwen and Percival filmed a scene down in the dungeons with Alice Troughton.
-Merlin filmed a scene (his double actually) where he gets hurt in the leg.
-Merlin's double filmed a brief scene on the drawbridge running into Camelot along with a young man.
-Morgana was wearing a very dark midnight blue dress in a scene that she filmed along the boundaries. The dress wasn't poofy but practical. It had low cleavage, a laced-up corset piece at the front and it had a hood connected to it. She was wearing dark gloves. Her hair was a sort of messy curls look, swept over her shoulder with some small plaits in it.
-A sword fight scene was filmed.
-Merlin filmed a scene near the woods.
-There was a red hair woman dressed in warrior type costume (probably wearing a bow and arrows) who seemed to be talking to the knights.
-Gwen was wearing a white dress (nightgown?) and her hair in a plait. She comes out of the castle together with Old Morgana.
-Princess Mithian was wearing a light pink dress.

June 22nd:
-Gwen was wearing a new purple dress and a new blue dress.
-There was some filming in the balcony against the stained glass above the Chateau's chapel involving the guest star seen on Tuesday and one of his warriors.
-Stand-ins of Merlin, Morgana, Mithian and the knights filmed in the woods area.
-Princess Mithian was wearing a white dress Source.
-Arthur and Gwen filmed a scene inside the castle.

_____________

-Gwen was wearing a burgundy/maroon dress.
-A young man in brown clothes and a brown cloak filmed a lot of scenes with Merlin, and at some point Merlin was even protecting him from a man dressed as a warrior. He can be seen climbing the battlements and sneaking into the castle.
-A blonde girl was wearing Gwen's dark red velvet dress.
-There'll be a scene (to be filmed in Cardiff) where Arthur brings Gwen some flowers as a "small token of his affection".

____________

June 25th:
-Merlin and Arthur arrive to Camelot on horseback and Mordred welcomes them. Arthur and Mordred join in a hug. Then they filmed a close-up on Merlin while Arthur is with Mordred, Merlin looking suspiciously towards them (directed by Ashley Way).
-Apparently, Mordred is a knight in training is Arthur is quite protective of him. However, Merlin looks quite suspicious of Mordred (Given how quiet some scenes were, Mordred and Merlin might have been using telepathy with one another?). Mordred wants to join Arthur and the other knights but Arthur wouldn't let him (he said it was not one of their usual quests as it was not some mere sorcerer they were after). Mordred argues that he's served him well so far and would be honoured to keep doing so and begs to go with them. Arthur orders Merlin to make sure that Mordred has all that he needs. Merlin is not happy about it. Mordred addresses Merlin a mean smile (directed by Ashley Way).
-Arthur comes out of the castle and down the steps, Gwen (in her purple dress) close behind him. She watches from the stairs as Arthur joins Merlin and the knights and they depart, she isn't pleased. (directed by Ashley Way).
-Arthur addresses Mordred as "Mordred".
-Percival, Elyan, Gwaine and Leon filmed at the courtyard on horseback, leaving with Arthur, Merlin and Mordred (directed by Ashley Way).
-Katie, Rupert and Eoin filming together in the woods.
-Some tents were set up in the lawn in front of the castle.

June 26th:
-Elyan and Gwaine filmed in the woods on horseback.
-There were a couple of scenes with Merlin alone (riding into Camelot, climbing up a wall and an interior shot running down the Griffin Hall stairs).
-A group of men dressed in black (Odin's men) were around.
-The knights and Gwen filmed a scene in the woods.

June 27th:
-There was some sword-fighting/training with all the knights, Mordred and Arthur.
-Lots of action in the grassy area in front of the castle.
-Arthur and Sir Leon are wearing the same leather strap thingy that we've seen on Gaius and Merlin's neck.
-Colin and a guest star filmed inside for a while.
-Angel was in her black dress for a short time.

June 28th:
-The Knights/Arthur/Merlin filmed in the cellars and then in the forest, Angel filmed on the hill Source.

Some dates (subject to variation) have been released:

-14/06/2012 to 27/06/2012
and
-06/09/2012 to 14/09/2012
Source.

-September filming at Pierrefonds will be a very short stint Source.

-Original dates may now be reduced to Sept 11th to Sept 13th Source.

Reports, Pictures and Videos from the filming of Block 3 at Pierrefonds:

-Sept 11th report here and pics here thanks to merlinlocations.
-Sept 11th report here thanks to yavannauk.
-Sept 11th report here thanks to archaeologist-d.
-Sept 11th report here thanks to ishbethdiary.
-Sept 11th pic here thanks to shalyssa007.
-Sept 11th pics here and here thanks to dexash_.
-Sept 11th pics here thanks to leeloo2902 and here and here thanks to leelooovertherainbow.
-Sept 11th pics here thanks to aliee87.
-Sept 11th pics here thanks to tyduz01.
-Sept 11th pics here thanks to perineboyenval (and here thanks to bleucitron).
-Sept 11th pics here and here thanks to NeytiriA.
-Sept 11th pics here thanks to LaBelladone.
-Sept 11th pics here thanks to gepardikinonkissa .
-Sept 11th pics here thanks to ladamedepiquerouge.
-Sept 11th pics here thanks to cranberrymerlin.
-Sept 11th pics here thanks to Merlin Italiano.
-Sept 11th report and pics here thanks to alie.
-Sept 11th report and pics here thanks to leeloo.
-Sept 11th vid here thanks to merlinisnotaburglar .
-Sept 11th vid here thanks to alie87.
-Sept 12th report here and pics here thanks to merlinlocations.
-Sept 12th report here thanks to archaeologist-d.
-Sept 12th report here thanks to larousse1.
-Sept 12th report, pics and vid here thanks to plumedefee.
-Sept 12th pic here thanks to neda16.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to leeloo2902.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to alie87.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to tyduz01.
-Sept 12th pic here thanks to AmelieCherry.
-Sept 12th pic here thanks to AdamYasmine.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to dexash_.
-Sept 12th pic here thanks to ChuckNorrish.
-Sept 12th pic here thanks to Alex Vlahos.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to NeytiriA.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to cranberrymerlin.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to sunnydale.
-Sept 12th pic here thanks to hauntedreese.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to land-of-myths.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to Amelie_Cherry.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to Maniac_Jules.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to juanmatadu95.
-Sept 12th pics here thanks to ishbethdiary.
-Sept 12th report and pics here thanks to alie.
-September 12th report and pics here thanks to leeloo.
-Sept 12th vid here thanks to sunnydale/LonerCheerleader.
-Sept 12th vid here thanks to Carlossphyrrus.
-Sept 11th-12th pics here thanks to gepardikinonkissa.
-Sept 13th report here and pics here thanks to merlinlocations.
-Sept 13th report here and pics and pics here thanks to archaeologist-d.
-Sept 13th report here and pics here thanks to neda16.
-Sept 13th report here and pics here thanks to yavannauk.
-Sept 13th report and pics here (translated here) thanks to lornaenseries.
-Sept 13th report and pics here (translated here) thanks to blogsorciere.
-Sept 13th pics here thanks to tyduz01.
-Sept 13th pics here thanks to leeloo2902.
-Sept 13th pics here thanks to alie87.
-Sept 13th pics here and and here thanks to NeytiriA.
-Sept 13th pics here, here, here, here, here and here.
-Sept 13th pics here thanks to yavannauk.
-Sept 13th pics here thanks to gwy.
-Sept 13th pic here thanks to ultimatefandomgirl.
-Sept 13th vids here and here thanks to drunkonlifeTTT.
-Sept 13th vids here, here, here, here, here and here thanks to Merlinisnotaburglar.
-Sept 13th vids here and here thanks to gepardikinonkissa.
-Sept 13th vids here , here, here and here thanks to DrunkonlifeTTT.
-Sept 13th vids here, here and here thanks to JulesVids/Chayiana.
-Sept 13th vid here thanks to neytirti2630.
-Sept 13th vid here thanks to riverssong.
-Sept 13th vid here thanks to ptitemarie4000.

-September report and pics here thanks to lonelymusic.
-September report here and pictures here thanks to morgainependragon.
-September pics here thanks to MerlinFamFlag.
-September pics here, here and here thanks to bruisingknees.
-September pics here thanks to lutytegoshi.
-September pics here thanks to MerlinItaliano.
-September pics here thanks to chaosmaka.
-September pics here and here and vid here thanks to colinmerlinmuse.
-September pics here, here and here and vid here thanks to carlospyrrhus.
-September pics here thanks to juliebozza.
-September pics here thanks to leelooovertherainbow.
-September pics here thanks to wishfulfeather.
-September pics here thanks to merlinians.
-September pics here and vids here and here thanks to bookwormmoona.
-September pics here thanks to wehappyfeww.
-September pics here thanks to candyryet.
-September pics here thanks to walking-on-sunshine.
-September pic here thanks to KrisKerstin.
-September vid here thanks to shalyssa07/myrtille malleval.
-September vids here, here, here and here thanks to ayearagoDarkness.

Basic information and plotlines gathered from the Reports, Pictures, Videos from the filming of Block 3 at Pierrefonds:

September 11th
-Angel, Bradley, Colin, Eoin, Rupert, Tom and Colin could be seen.
-Wolves cries could be heard all over the castle Source.
-A big scene was filmed in the courtyard with director Justin Molotnikov. Horses, lots of extra knights, as well as Bradley, Angel, Rupert and Tom. It seemed that the King and Knight Leon and Knight Percival were riding out on a mission. Gwen seemed to be needing to tell Arthur something rather urgently (she wanted to come with them but apparently she doesn't manage to convince him) which implies her usual role of farewelling them. There was a nice bit at the end where Gwen and Arthur join hands, for which Justin filmed a close-up.
-Gwen was wearing a blue cloak, a purple costume and purple gloves. She could be seen wearing that dress in June already.
-Then they moved to the throne room where the Round Table is set. Colin joined them.
-Rachel Knight, and a man who seemed to be the director were around for another courtyard scene. A double for Gaius rode into the courtyard at a cracking pace, where he was met by Gwaine.

Sept 12th:
-Alex, Bradley, Angel, Colin, Katie, Richard, Rupert, Tom and Eoin were around.
-Mordred filmed a scene in the courtyard. It included several knights or guards, with lit braziers and torches, and was based around the drawbridge and entrance to the castle. He was wearing a brown cloak, and appeared to have been travelling. He seemed to be sneaking around.
-Another team was working in throne room, the scene apparently involved Gwen, Gaius and Gwaine.
-There was also filming going on in the woods.
-Gwaine filmed a scene in the Griffin Hall, apparently with Gaius.
-A courtyard scene included a stand-in for Merlin riding out of Camelot.
-They also filmed a short scene with Merlin sneaking around the guards shot, where he quickly ran out of an archway. A little girl seemed to also be involved in the scene.
-A structure was built in the courtyard, for a hanging. A blonde woman who looked defiant and a brunette one who walked with a limp and looked innocent were forced up onto the scaffolding to be hung. These scenes were apparently being filmed for two different episodes.

September 13th:
-Merlin, Arthur, Gwen and Sir Leon were around.
-For the first scene of the day some fake flowers were dressing a hill directly opposite the chateau.
-Merlin filmed a scene reacting to the hanging of one of the young women (the brunette one). He was hiding behind a column and going by his body language it seemed that he was very upset to see the woman die.
-Another scene in the courtyard which involved stand-ins for Merlin and Gwaine galloping out on horses (the director wanted as much speed and urgency from them as possible).
-Another scene involved a crowd watching the hanging of the brunette woman.
-Gwen up on the balcony, witnessing the execution of the blonde woman.
-Then they filmed Arthur and Gwen's part in the other execution (the one of the brunette woman, the same that Merlin witnessed earlier but from their own point of view).
-Then they filmed a very short and strange scene with only Bradley on the courtyard. He was standing on one side of the courtyard, near the gallery and they filmed some close ups.
-Another scene had Arthur, Gwen and Merlin riding in from a picnic to find Leon tending (distributing food) to some distressed villagers on the floor who seemed to be ill, or hungry and very, very dirty. Arthur asks then to Leon what happened (it seems that the illness/famine was something sudden) Sir Leon comes to Arthur and shows him food on a table.
-Merlin can be seen holding some flowers in his hand and it seems as if he is offering them to someone.
-Gwaine was filming in the woods.

Block 1 (eps 1-3) will be directed by Justin Molotnikov Source.

__________________

Queen Annis will return Source.

Yeah but she only appears in one episode in season 4. If she is to return to the show, that means it must be season 5 or subsequent ones, right?

Yes, that sounds about right.

Hardly a spoiler but hey:

-A few more characters from the Arthurian legend are gonna be brought it in series 5 Source.

Spoilers only here, please. That information has already been posted at the UFOM (United Fans Of Merlin) thread for the benefit of spoiler free fans too

__________________

It looks like block 1 might be the only one that Dale McCready works on during Merlin series 5 Source.

__________________

-Series 5 is gonna be darker and will open again with a two-parter written by Julian Jones.
-An older and wiser Merlin will struggle between making some very difficult decisions and having to tread a very careful path between what is good and what is bad.
Source and Source.