Bradley James (II) |
Arthur Pendragon |
Colin Morgan |
Merlin |
Angel Coulby |
Gwen (Guinevere) |
Katie McGrath |
Morgana |
Anthony Stewart Head |
King Uther Pendragon |
Richard Wilson (III) |
Gaius |
Philip Brodie |
Sir Ethan |
Guest Star |
John Hopkins |
Sir Oswald |
Guest Star |
Andrew Vincent |
Dagr |
Guest Star |
John Hurt |
Voice of the Great Dragon |
Recurring Role |
Eoin Macken |
Gwaine |
Recurring Role |
Rupert Young |
Sir Leon |
Recurring Role |
Goof: Tomatoes can be seen on the breakfast tray that Merlin brings Gwaine. However, tomatoes were only known in Europe after Columbus brought them from America around 1498.
Goof: The soup that Gaius cleans up from his face is thicker than the one Merlin is eating from the bowl.
The initial scene where Arthur and Merlin ride through the forest is exactly the same take used in episode 2x13 The Last Dragonlord when they ride out to find the dragonlord, only that mirrored (they are shown riding in opposite directions).
The Inn where the bar brawl occurs is called 'Hogs Herd tavern'.
Goof: During the bar brawl a man is thrown out of the tavern and he lands on a trough that is placed in front of the entrance door. That same trough is located further and to left of the entrance door when Dagr is put on the stocks.
Goof: The objects on the tavern counter are located in different places during the brawl.
Goof: Even though Dagr has Arthur pinned down against a table, Arthur has some ten seconds to look around, warn Merlin about another attacker and make sure he is alright before Dagr actually tries to kill him.
Goof: When Arthur heads back towards Camelot, he just carries Gwaine on his horse. However, once in Camelot and penniless, Gwaine has a bag with a few belongings.
Merlin advices Arthur twice in this episode about 'those moments when I tell you something isn't a good idea and you ignore me and then I'm proved right'; Arthur indeed ignores Merlin and the warlock is proved right both times.
In his training fight against Arthur, Dagr/Sir Oswald says to use his right-hand fighting as an excuse to test the adversary before switching to his left hand (the real Sir Oswald was left-handed). However, he switches back to his right hand seconds afterwards and he fights in the melee using his right hand as well.
Gwaine's father was a knight in Caerleon's army. He died in battle leaving his wife penniless and when she went to the King for help, he turned her away. That's the reason why is Gwaine is resentful towards nobility and kings.
The Stalorne blades are forged using sorcery. They appear blunt to the eye but they pierce just like sharp ones.
The wearer of a magical crystal will be able to take on the form of whoever's blood the crystal touches.
Gwaine saves Arthur's life twice in this episode.
There are several similarities between this episode and episode 1x05 Lancelot. In both of them, someone brave (Lancelot / Gwaine) who has saved the life of a resident of Camelot and got hurt in the process is brought to the castle to be healed by Gaius. In both occasions that person occupies Merlin's chamber, recovers and leans out of the window to watch Camelot. Both men flirt with Gwen. Again, in both times that person performs another heroic act but ends up being banned from Camelot for breaking the Knights Code. Arthur admires both and helps both out, interceding for them with Uther. Merlin becomes close with both. The door is left open for both character to come back.
Also, the scene when Arthur defends Gwaine on basis of Gwaine saving his life is reminiscent of episode 1x04 The Poisoned Chalice, when he did the same for Merlin.
Goof: When Arthur hits Merlin's head with a cup, Colin Morgan is actually hit with a different (and less heavy) object.
Goof: In the initial long shot Merlin carries a rolled up white blanket right behind his saddle. In the close ups, the blanket is nowhere to be seen.
Dagr wears a piece of jewellery in the shape of jaw. Bradley James found it in Chislehurst Caves when filming episode 1x03 The Mark of Nimueh, and costume team got hold of it. It is the same piece of jewellery that Kanen wears in episode 1x10 The Moment of Truth and Kendrick wears in episode 2x04 Lancelot and Guinevere.
Same as it occurred in episode 2x02 The Once and Future Queen, Katie McGrath (Morgana) has some scenes but no lines in this episode.
This episode features the third tournament held in Camelot. The first tournament was a sword fighting one as seen in episode 1x02 Valiant and the second tournament was a jousting one as seen in episode 2x02 The Once and Future Queen.
There is another similarity with episode 1x02 Valiant. In both, the villain obtains a weapon forged by magic to kill Arthur during the tourney, and in both the maker of such a weapon is killed shortly afterwards by the villain.
Scenes from episode 2x02 The Once and Future Queen tournament are used during the melee in this episode.
Also, a scene from episode 1x01 The Dragon's Call depicting Merlin's chamber windows is used in this episode right before Gwaine opens one of them to lean out and watch Camelot. The same scene was used as well in episode 1x05 Lancelot.
Goof: Gaius wears glasses, even though they weren't commonly used until the 13th century.
Arthur: You know what you need after a hard day's hunt?
Merlin: Sleep?
Arthur: A nice cold tankard of mead.
Merlin: Mead...
Arthur: No better place to measure the mood of your people than the local tavern.
Merlin: This is one of those moments where I tell you something isn't a good idea and you ignore me, isn't it?
Arthur: You're learning, Merlin. Slowly. But you're learning. Now remember, in here you're not my servant. I'm just a simple peasant like everyone else.
Merlin: The simple part's right.
Arthur: What?
Merlin: I said 'the sun is very bright'.
Arthur: Yeah, yeah it is.
Mary: Afternoon. What'll it be? Oh, you're a handsome fellow!
Arthur: (Smiling) Well, you wouldn't be the first to say it.
Mary: Oh, no, sorry, I was talking about your friend here.
Arthur: (Stunned) Him?
Merlin: Thank you.
Arthur: Two tankards of mead, please.
Merlin: (Smiling) I was wrong. Coming here was a great idea.
Arthur: (Standing up to Dagr to defend Mary, the barmaid) Take your hands off her.
(Dagr tries to hit Arthur but he dodges him and hits Dagr back)
Dagr: I'm going to make you pay for that.
Merlin: I'd like to see you try.
Arthur: You had to open your big mouth, didn't you, Merlin?
Gwaine: You two have got yourselves in a bit of a pickle, haven't you?
Arthur: You should get out of here while you have the chance.
Gwaine: You're probably right (Hits Dagr and a bar brawl gets started)
Arthur: If this man ever troubles you again, word is to be sent to Camelot. Soldiers will be here within a day.
Mary: How can you make a promise like that?
Arthur: Because I'm the King's son. Prince Arthur.
Mary: Prince Arthur. Prince Arthur in my tavern!
Gaius: Merlin, fetch me some fresh water. Towels, needle and silk thread.
Merlin: And honey?
Gaius: You're learning (To Arthur) It helps fight the infection.
Arthur: But he'll be all right?
Gaius: Providing he's strong.
Arthur: He's that all right? The man saved my life, Gaius. He's to be given anything he needs.
(Gwaine wakes up in Merlin's bed)
Gwaine: What am I doing in this bed?
Merlin: You were wounded. Arthur wanted to make sure you were treated by his physician.
Gwaine: Arthur?
Merlin: Prince Arthur. You saved his life.
Gwaine: If I'd known who he was...I probably wouldn't have. He's a noble.
Merlin: Yeah, but he's a good man.
Gwaine: If you say so.
Merlin: Well, you're a hero. The King wants to thank you in person.
Gwaine: Please, no. I've met a few Kings... once you've met one, you've met them all.
Merlin: He'll probably give you a reward.
Gwaine: I'm not interested.
Merlin: Why did you help us?
Gwaine: Your chances looked between slim and none. I guess I just kind of liked the look of those odds.
Merlin: (About the melee) Oh, yeah, the tournament where the Knights ride around hitting each other with blunt weapons for no good reason.
Arthur: A little more to it than that...
Merlin: Really? All I've ever seen is people getting the seven bells knocked out of them, so that the last man standing can be called the winner.
Arthur: The melee is the ultimate test of strength and courage.
Merlin: Are you sure we're talking about the same thing?
Arthur: Well, I wouldn't expect you to understand. You're not a knight.
Merlin: Well, if it means I don't get clobbered round the head, I'm glad of it.
Arthur: Well, I'm afraid it doesn't (He throws a tankard and hits the back of Merlin's head with it)
Merlin: Ouch!
Gwaine: (Offering her a daisy) I believe this belongs to you.
Gwen: I don't think so. It's not my colour.
Gwaine: Well, let us see (Puts the flower in her hair)
Gwen: I bet you've got a whole bunch of those to hand out.
Gwaine: (Shows his empty hands) Yours is the only one (Gwen tries to follow her way but he doesn't let her) I'm Gwaine (Gwen shakes his hand and he doesn't let go) You haven't told me your name. You look like a princess to me, so it's probably something like Sophia or Esmeralda! That's it. Princess Esmeralda!
Gwen: Stop it, people are staring.
Gwaine: Not until you tell me your name.
Gwen: It's Gwen.
Gwaine: There, that wasn't so hard, now was it? Let me carry that, a princess shouldn't have to lump her washing around.
Gwen: Unfortunately, I'm not a princess.
Gwaine: Ah, but you see you are to me. This isn't working, is it?
Gwen: No. Not really. But I like that you tried and that you know when to give up (Gives him the flower back) You'd better take this. In case someone else takes your fancy.
Gwaine: I've eyes only for you.
Gwen: I'm sure.
Arthur: Sir Oswald! I didn't think you'd be brave enough to show up.
Dagr/Sir Oswald: And miss the chance of putting you on your backside?
(They hug)
Arthur: You've never managed it before.
Dagr/Sir Oswald: That was then. This is now.
(Arthur punches him playfully)
Ebor/Sir Ethan: (Introducing himself) Sir Ethan.
(They shake hands)
Arthur: This is my servant, Merlin. He loves hard work so anything you need, just give him a call.
Dagr/Sir Oswald: Believe me, I will.
(Merlin smiles but when the men can't see him, he puts a annoyed face)
Gaius: It's very hard to work out whether you're eating or inhaling that soup.
Merlin: I haven't had anything all day. Sir Oswald had me at his beck and call.
Gaius: How is he?
Merlin: Awful. He treats me like dirt.
Gaius: That doesn't sound like the young man I knew. He always struck me as a rather kind and thoughtful soul.
Merlin: Then he must've changed.
Gaius: You must remember that not all masters are as good to their servants as Arthur.
(Merlin spits his soup on Gaius' face)
Gaius: Thank you, Merlin.
Merlin: Sorry.
Merlin: What is it with you and nobles?
Gwaine: Nothing. My father was a Knight in Caerleon's army. He died in battle leaving my mother penniless. When she went to the King for help, he turned her away.
Merlin: You didn't know him?
Gwaine: Just some stories I've been told.
Merlin: I know how that feels. I met my father just briefly before he died.
Gwaine: Why?
Merlin: He was banished.
Gwaine: What had he done?
Merlin: Nothing. He served the king.
Gwaine: But the King turned against him. That doesn't surprise me.
Merlin: Arthur's not like that.
Gwaine: Maybe, but none of them are worth dying for, huh?
Arthur: Are you sure you're all right? You're not sick? Unsteady? About to burst into song?
Merlin: No. Why?
Arthur: (Reads bill) 14 quarts of mead. Three flagons of wine. Five quarts of cider.
Merlin: I can explain.
Arthur: Four dozen pickled eggs.
Merlin: That was Gwaine, he went to the tavern and... he couldn't pay for it.
Arthur: So you said I would?
Merlin: (Nods) If I hadn't, that inn keeper, he would've strung us both up.
Arthur: I fail to see the downside.
Merlin: You said he should be given anything he needs...
Arthur: Four dozen pickled eggs!
Merlin: I'm sorry. I'll pay for it.
Arthur: You most certainly will.
(Merlin and Gwaine are cleaning a huge line of boots)
Gwaine: Arthur's a thoroughbred little braggart.
Merlin: Why?
Gwaine: Making us do this.
Merlin: I think it's fair.
Gwaine: For the entire army!
Merlin: If you admitted your father was a Knight you wouldn't have to...
Gwaine: Maybe, but I'm not making the same mistakes he did. Anyway, my father always treated his servants well.
Merlin: You didn't know him.
Gwaine: Well, I like to think that he did. What about yours?
Merlin: No. He didn't have any servants. He didn't have anyone...
Gwaine: When did he die?
Merlin: About a year ago. I just wish I'd had the chance to know him better. There's so much he could've taught me.
Gwaine: But you did get to meet him.
Merlin: Yeah.
Gwaine: If there's one thing that I learnt from my father's life, it's that titles don't mean anything. It's what's inside that counts.
(Arthur and Dagr/Sir Oswald are practicing sword fight)
Dagr/Sir Oswald: How about we make this more interesting? 50 gold coins. First clean hit.
Arthur: Make it 100.
(Arthur defeats Dagr/Sir Oswald)
You can keep your money.
Ebor/Sir Ethan: Don't worry. In the melee there'll be two of us.
Dagr/Sir Oswald: With the Stalorne blade, I'll fillet the little brat (Spits)
Merlin: (About the Stalorne blades) To the eye the sword appeared blunt, but when I touched it...
Gwaine: You were lucky. I've seen those blades in action. They are forged using sorcery.
Gaius: But what would they want with such a blade?
Merlin: I think they mean to kill Arthur in the melee.
Gaius: But in front of all those people?
Gwaine: It's the perfect cover. If they succeed, nobody will suspect it was intentional.
Merlin: I need to warn Arthur.
Gaius: Merlin! Sir Oswald is a Knight, he comes from a well respected family. You can't accuse him without proof.
Merlin: Then we need that blade.
Gwaine: I'll get it.
Merlin: What if they catch you? What reason would you have to be in Sir Oswald's chambers? No, it's safer if I do it.
Dagr/Sir Oswald: Sire, this man attacked me with a sword. He tried to kill me.
Uther: Is this true?
Gwaine: I stepped in to protect Merlin.
Dagr/Sir Oswald: I tried to talk to him. He was like a man possessed. I'm sure that Sir Ethan will back me up.
Ebor/Sir Ethan: Indeed. I can vouch for his every word.
Gwaine: He's a liar!
Uther: I will have your tongue! How dare you speak to a Knight in that way!
Gwaine: Nobility is defined by what you do, not by who you are. These men are anything but... they are arrogant thugs!
Uther: For a commoner to attack a nobleman is in violation of the Knight's code.
Dagr/Sir Oswald: I couldn't agree with you more, Sire. He must be made an example of.
Arthur: Sir Oswald, please...
Dagr/Sir Oswald: Nothing less than his execution will give me satisfaction.
Arthur: Father, I understand how this must look. It's an embarrassing situation. Sir Oswald is a dear friend and our guest here in Camelot. But Gwaine is my guest here too. He may not be of noble birth, but I can vouch that he has a noble heart.
Uther: How can you say that when you see the way he behaves?
Arthur: Gwaine risked his life to save mine. I beg you, please. If a Knight's word is his bond then I give you my word. Gwaine is a good man. He deserves clemency.
Uther: You are banished from Camelot. If you ever return, you will pay for it with your life.
Merlin: I'm sorry.
Gwaine: Don't be. I never stay in one place for very long. People get sick of me too quickly.
Merlin: I didn't...
Gwaine: After the trouble I caused?
Merlin: You livened the place up.
Gwaine: Make sure you look after Arthur. He's in danger.
Merlin: I thought you hated nobles?
Gwaine: Yeah, well, maybe that one's worth dying for, eh?
Gwen: I heard what happened.
Gwaine: Yeah...Well, there you go.
Gwen: You did a brave thing.
Gwaine: Hell of a lot of good that did me.
Gwen: I know Arthur. He's not like Uther. You saved his life. I'm sure one day he'll repay you.
Gwaine: He tried to speak up for me.
Gwen: Arthur's fair. He's loyal. He will be a great King. I know he will.
Gwaine: Clearly... if he makes everyone feel the way you do. At least now I know why you turned me down.
Gwen: It's not just me that says that.
Gwaine: No. I'm sure it isn't. Let's hope he lives that long.
Merlin: I don't know what we do.
Gaius: I could try and persuade Arthur to withdraw from the contest...
Merlin: He won't. I know Arthur. I'll have to somehow... use my powers to defend him.
Gaius: With the King and half of Camelot watching?
Merlin: I don't have a choice.
Uther: I trust you're ready for the challenge.
Arthur: Yes, father.
Uther: I came to bring you this. I won my first melee with this blade. The edge has been dulled. It's perfectly safe. All of Camelot is eager for a victory today, Arthur. I know you won't let me down.
Ebor/Sir Ethan: Prince Arthur isn't going to know what's hit him.
Dagr/Sir Oswald: Oh, I hope he does. If it's over too quickly, that'll be no fun at all.
Merlin: You know those moments when I tell you something isn't a good idea...
Arthur:... and then I ignore you, yeah.
Merlin: And then I'm proved right.
Arthur: Merlin, your concern for my wellbeing is touching.
Merlin: I'm serious. I think you should withdraw.
Arthur: Look, I know you think the melee is some kind of stupid game. But it's more than that. It's about proving to the people that I am fit to lead them.
Merlin: I know. Just be careful.
Merlin: Who is that helping Arthur?
Gaius: I don't know, but we should be thankful he is.
Merlin: (Smiling) There's only one person I know who can do that...
Arthur: You know they expect us to fight to the end now? (He takes off his helmet and the crowd cheers) You fought bravely. The field is yours.
(Gwaine removes his helmet)
Arthur: (Smiles) I should have known. Nobody fights like you do.
Uther: Is there nothing you can do for them?
Gaius: I'm sorry. It is too late for that.
Uther: The prisoner is responsible for their deaths. I want him executed immediately.
Gaius: You might want to wait before you pass judgement. I fear that... (Removing the magical crystals from their necks) ...Sir Ethan and Sir Oswald are not all that they seem (Gaius removes their helmets to show Dagr and Ebor's faces)
Uther: Sorcery!
Arthur: Then, once again I owe Gwaine my life.
Arthur: The King is prepared to overlook the fact that you fought in the melee.
Merlin: That's fantastic!
Gwaine: Thank you Arthur...
Arthur: But... he's a stubborn man. He will not rescind his judgement. You must leave Camelot.
Merlin: You've got to speak to him, Arthur. Make him change his mind.
Gwaine: Merlin...
Arthur: I'm sorry, Gwaine. My father's wrong. If it were up to me...
Gwaine: I know, you don't need to explain yourself.
Merlin: Where will you go?
Gwaine: I was thinking Mercia.
Merlin: It's dangerous.
Gwaine: Yeah, and you get a lot more ale for your money. I'm joking.
Merlin: Why don't you tell the King who you really are? He'd grant you a pardon. You could stay in Camelot...
Gwaine: I could never serve under a man like Uther.
Merlin: And yet you helped Arthur.
Gwaine: He stood up for me.
Merlin: I knew he would.
Gwaine: That showed he is indeed a noble man.
Merlin: Then why don't you stay? You could be a Knight, like your father. You and Arthur, you fought well together.
Gwaine: And maybe one day we will again.
(Arthur and Merlin watch Gwaine as he leaves Camelot)
Arthur: It's a shame. He would've been a great Knight.
Merlin: Maybe one day he still will.
Arthur: The rules won't allow it. Knights are noblemen, always have been, always will be. It's a tradition... (Gwaine and Gwen meet and share some words and a few smiles) They seem very friendly.
Merlin: Why should you care?
Arthur: I don't. She can do better than that!
Merlin: She should be setting her sights higher? Oh, but I forget! She can't! A girl of Gwen's standing, she could never consort with a nobleman. That's the rules.
Arthur: Merlin...
Merlin: Shut up?
Arthur: You guessed it.
Also Known As:
France: Le Cristal Magique, meaning 'The Magical Crystal'.
Italy: Galvano.
International Airdates:
Canada: February 5, 2011 on Space.
France: March 13, 2011 on Canal + Family.
Germany: October 19, 2011 on RTL.
Italy: April 1, 2011 on Italia 1.
Poland: March 26, 2011 on Polsat.
Spain: January 15, 2011 on Antena 3 Neox.
Turkey: January 30, 2011 on CNBC-e.
USA: January 28, 2011 on Syfy.
Bradley James thinks that Eoin Macken's topless scene puts his many topless ones to shame.
This episode was commented on in the October 10th, 2010 episode of Points of View, along with some behind the scenes footage and a brief chat with Angel Coulby and Katie McGrath.
Arthur's chamber set was redressed into the Hogs Herd tavern for this episode.
The bar brawl scene was filmed at the studio sets in Cardiff on May 13th. The exterior takes were filmed in at Pierrefonds castle in France on June 16th.
The Great Dragon does not appear in this episode, but John Hurt is credited (for the voice-over which begins the episode).
Filming locations:
Château de Pierrefonds, Pierrefonds, Oise, France (Camelot).
Cardiff, Wales, UK (Studio sets).
Cosmeston Medieval Village, Wales, UK (Cylferth village - Exterior).
Small Tower and ruined walls standing below Pierrefonds Castle, Pierrefonds, Oise, France (Hog's Head Tavern – Exterior).
Broadcasts:
Sat 2 Oct 2010 at 19:05-19:50 on BBC One.
Mon 4 Oct 2010 at 19:00-19:45 on BBC Three.
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S 5 : Ep 12
Aired 12/22/12 (43:01)
S 5 : Ep 11
Aired 5/17/13 (43:16)
S 5 : Ep 11
Aired 12/15/12
S 5 : Ep 10
Aired 12/8/12
User Score: 7720
User Score: 573
User Score: 66
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User Score: 48
User Score: 32
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User Score: 18