This is the second time that Mordred refers to Merlin as 'Emrys'. He did so previously in episode 1x08 The Beginning of the End.
Goof: When Merlin hides the flowers behind his back, there are white, pink and purple flowers. However, when he gives them to Gwen there are only white and pink ones. The flowers resemble a lot the ones that Gwen got for Morgana in episode 1x03 The Mark of Nimueh.
Goof: The shape and design of the glass in Morgana's window is different when looked from the outside (the proper Pierrefonds windows) and when looked from the inside (the studio sets).
Goof: Even though there's a storm and heavy rain outside, when looking out of Morgana's window from the inside of her chambers, there is no trace rain whatsoever.
Goof: When Gwen places the candle by the window, the handle of the candleholder points towards the curtains. When Morgana lits it, it is pointing towards Morgana's bed. Then it goes back to pointing to the curtains.
Goof: The fire spreads through the curtains in a random way, first going up and then down and to the side.
The Great Dragon refers to Morgana as 'The Witch'.
Merlin uses the tunnel in the burial vaults to get beyond the city walls, same as Arthur and Mordred did in episode 1x08 The Beginning of the End.
Goof: When Merlin first listens to the druids' voices, he grabs a branch from the fire and uses it as a torch. As he turns around and swings the branch trying to locate the voices, the fire in the branch is put out only to burn stronger than initially seconds after.
The Great Dragon has lived for more than a thousand years.
Goof: Camelot guards use Doberman Pinschers to follow the trace of Morgana through the woods. However, the breed was first bred in Germany by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann around 1890.
According to Uther, Morgana takes after her father in her bravery. She has become like a daughter to him.
Goof: Morgana is stung at the back of her right leg. However, later on when she limps, she places all the weight of her body on the right leg instead of on the left one.
Goof: The dogs appear and disappear as the Camelot guards progress through the forest in search of Morgana.
Morgana gets the confirmation from Aglain that she has magical powers. Both Merlin and Gaius get to know about it but she doesn't know that Gaius is aware of it.
Goof: Uther orders to take no prisoners but no druid is hurt or killed other than Aglain.
Gwen: I came back in with some extra blankets. There was a candle but I put it out. Uther: Are you sure? Gwen: I blew it out, I swear! Arthur: Gwen's been Morgana's servant for years. She said she blew it out, I believe her.
Uther: How did they reach Morgana's chambers unchallenged? Arthur: I don't know. There are too many guards. It shouldn't be possible. Uther: And yet they managed to do so. Arthur: I can't explain it. Uther: Well I can. They used magic. Arrest all those we have under suspicion. Arthur: That's gonna take time. Uther: My ward has been attacked. Time is something we do not have.
Morgana: It happened so quickly. It was terrifying. Gaius: It's all right. You're safe now. Morgana: You are the only person I've told about my dreams. I know I can trust you, Gaius. Gaius: Yes, of course you can. Morgana: It was me. I set the room alight. I started the fire. Gaius: I don't understand. Did you knock a candle over? Morgana: No, that's not what happened. I did it just... by looking at it, the flame suddenly leapt higher. Gaius: It could've been a gust of wind. Morgana: It wasn't, it was me. It was magic. Gaius: My child. Morgana: I'm not a child! Gaius: Last night was an accident. It had nothing to do with you. How could it have?
Merlin: It was magic. You know it was. More importantly so does she. Gaius: Morgana knows nothing for certain. Merlin: Which makes it even worse. She isn't sure what's happening to her and it's tearing her apart. Gaius: Well what would you have me do? Merlin: Talk to her. Tell her she'll be ok. Tell her that her powers aren't something to be afraid of. Gaius: I can't. Merlin: Maybe I can speak to her. Gaius: No, Merlin. You can't. Merlin: Why not? I understand what she's going through. Gaius: You must never reveal your secret. Not to anyone.
Merlin: You need to be honest with her. Gaius: What makes you so certain that you know better than me? Merlin: Because I went through the same thing! I know exactly how she's feeling right now. Gaius: You cannot get involved in this. No good can come of it. I mean it, Merlin. Stay out of it!
Merlin: (Hands Gwen a bouquet of flowers for Morgana) How is she? Gwen: I've never seen her like this before. I'm scared to leave her on her own. Merlin: Is there anything I can do to help? (Morgana moans in her sleep) Gwen: I better get back to her. I'll make sure she knows where they are from.
Merlin: You can trust me, Morgana. You know you can. Morgana: I'm scared, Merlin. I don't understand anything any more. I need to know what's happening. Please. Merlin: Gaius will be back soon. He'll be able to help you. Morgana: He won't. I don't want any more remedies. They won't do any good. (Pauses and whispers) It's magic, Merlin. Merlin: What? Morgana: I'm your friend, you know I wouldn't make this up. Merlin: Of course. Morgana: And you believe me? You think it's magic too? Please. I just need someone say it so I don't have to keep feeling like I'm imagining it. Merlin: I really wish there was something I could say.
Merlin: Do you know where the Druids are? The Great Dragon: First you must tell me why you seek them. Merlin: That doesn't matter. The Great Dragon: It does to me. Merlin: I need to ask them something. The Great Dragon: I've lived more than a thousand years, seeing civilizations rise and fall. Do not believe that you can lie to me. Merlin: I need their help. Someone I care about needs their help. The Great Dragon: You speak of the witch, the lady Morgana. Merlin: She's not a witch. She's my friend. The Great Dragon: She cannot be trusted. Merlin: What makes you say that? The Great Dragon: It would be better if the witch ... Merlin: Stop calling her that! The Great Dragon: It would be better if the witch never knew the true extent of her powers. Merlin: You're wrong. I know her. She has a good heart. The Great Dragon: You failed to heed my advice in the past and it brought grave consequences. Merlin: I won't abandon her! The Great Dragon: I will not give you the help you seek. If you pursue this course of action you do so alone.
Arthur: I thought I told you to do that yesterday? Merlin: I didn't have time, I was cleaning your stables. Arthur: That's strange, because a little bird told me you were somewhere else. Merlin: Mucking out the stables is strange but a talking bird isn't? Arthur: Merlin, what've we said about you trying to be funny? Merlin: I shouldn't Arthur: So where are my flowers? Merlin: Your... flowers? Arthur: I heard Morgana got some. I assumed you'd be putting them in all the rooms or she is the only one to receive a token of your affections? Merlin: Yes. Oh, no, no. What? It's not a... token of anything, affection or otherwise. Arthur: I see. So why were you trying to hide them from me yesterday? Merlin: I wasn't... I mean I was. I just... I don't want you to get a wrong impression. Arthur: What's the right impression? Merlin: That's... I was trying to cheer her up about the fire. Arthur: You picked them yourself? Merlin: Maybe. I was only trying to be nice.
Morgana: Merlin. Ignore what I said last night. I had a nightmare, I was upset. Merlin: I know. I haven't said anything to anyone. Morgana: I'm sorry. It's usually Gwen that has to deal with me when I'm like this. Merlin: I don't mind. Maybe I could help. Morgana: I doubt that. Merlin: You'll be surprised. I understand... I realize how frightening all this must be for you, especially for you. Morgana: Why especially for me? Merlin: You're the king's ward. You know of his hatred of magic better than anyone. Morgana: That's what you think that's been happening to me? The dreams, the fire, you think it was the magic! Merlin: I'm not saying that. Morgana: But it could be, couldn't it? Merlin: I really wouldn't know, but there are people who do. Morgana: Who? Merlin: What about the Druids? They help people like you. Morgana: None of their kind would dare to show their face in Camelot. Merlin: No. But I know where you can find them.
Gaius: Those warning bells are ringing because Uther thinks that Morgana has been kidnapped. And you don't seem overly concerned. Merlin: She can look after herself. Gaius: Merlin, what have you done? Merlin: What you refused to. I helped her.
Gaius: Where is she? Merlin: She's gone to the forest of Ascetir to find the Druids. Gaius: I told you not to get involved. Merlin: I had to, because you wouldn't even acknowledge she had magic. Gaius: For good reason! Merlin: No, you don't understand. You don't understand what it's like. The years before I came here were the loneliest in my life. Gaius: Morgana is the king's ward. Her situation is completely different to yours. Merlin: I know. I've got you. She hasn't. Gaius: I've always taken good care of Morgana. Merlin: This is not the same. Everything that's good and right about magic, I've learnt from you. I'll be lost without you, Gaius. Like she is now. Do you understand why I did it? Gaius: Yes. I do. But that doesn't mean I don't fear the consequences.
Aglain: Relax, Morgana. You are safe now.
Morgana: Who told you my name?
Mordred: I did.
Morgana: You.
Aglain: When the Serkets attacked last night, Mordred was able to sense your distress. In his mind.
Mordred: (Telepathically) Hello, Morgana.
Morgana: Did you hear that? How did you do that?
Aglain: We don't always need words to speak to one another.
Mordred: Now I can take care of you. Like you did to me.
Uther: Where does the trail lead? Arthur: The forest of Ascetir. Uther: I suspect the Druids have hidden there. Arthur: The trail will lead us straight to them. Uther: Take no prisoners. It's time we rid ourselves of these Druids once and for all.
Arthur: Where is Merlin? Gaius: Erm... he is erm... he is not well. Arthur: He`s still upset about Morgana, isn't he? Gaius: We all are. Arthur: Tell him to stop pining, pull himself together and get back to work.
Gaius: Why are you so certain that the she's been kidnapped? Uther: What other possibility is there? Gaius: She was very upset after the fire, she could have gone of her own accord. Uther: That's not Morgana. In all our years I've never known her run from anything. Takes after her father too much for that. Gaius: You haven't let Gorlois down. You've looked after that girl as if she were your own. Uther: That is what she's become. If she were to die, a huge part of me would die with her.
Aglain: Your king would have us killed. Morgana: You have nothing to fear from me. I don't share his hatred of magic. Aglain: No, I imagine you wouldn't. These forests are dangerous, what brings you so far from Camelot? Morgana: I'm searching for answers, I hope the druids might be able to give them to me.
Aglain: What would you like to know? Morgana: Why I can see the future in my dreams, why I am able to start fires with my mind. Aglain: People who are able to do this, are few and far between. You have a gift. Morgana: Is it magic? Aglain: Of a kind, yes. But it would be many years before you are able to understand it fully, let alone use it. So it is not something to be afraid of. Morgana: It is if you have Uther as your guardian. If he'd found out, he'd have me killed. Aglain: He won't. Morgana: What if he did? Aglain: We won't let that happen, you are safe here.
Aglain: You shouldn't be scared of Uther. You should pity him. Morgana: Pity? Why? Aglain: Because he's a broken man consumed by fear. His hatred of magic is ridding goodness from his heart. Morgana: I've always been told that magic is evil. That it corrupts your soul. Aglain: Uther told you this. Just because he decreed it doesn't make it so. In time you would learn that magic isn't the dark art that must be shrouded in secrecy. It can be a force for good.
Morgana: What are you doing here? Merlin: I came to take you back to Camelot. Morgana: I'm afraid you had to waste your journey. I'm never going back. Merlin: You have to. Morgana: Why? You were the one who said that I should seek out the Druids. Merlin: I never realised what the repercussions would be. Morgana: What repercussions? Merlin: The king thinks you've been kidnapped.
Merlin: He won't stop until you are found. He's arrested dozens of people. He is gonna execute them all. Morgana: If I return the same fate awaits me. Merlin: Uther doesn't need to know about this. I won't tell so.
Morgana: I'm sorry. I am never going back. These are my people. They are like me. I don't feel so alone here. Do you understand? Merlin: Better than anyone.
Aglain: Morgana! We must go. (Notices Merlin is with her) Who are you? Morgana: It's... it's alright. He is a friend. What's wrong? Aglain: Arthur and his men are coming. Your friend has led them straight to us.
Aglain: Keep moving! Morgana: (Stops and leans against a rock) My leg, it's too painful. Merlin: I'll try to put a diversion. Morgana: No, Merlin, you can't! Merlin: You carry on, it's my fault they're here. Go! Go! Morgana: I'll never forget this!
Merlin: I wanted to check that you're ok. Morgana: I am fine. What was said at the woods... Merlin: You can trust me Morgana, I won't tell anyone. Morgana: Thank you, Merlin. I know now who I really am. And that it isn't something to be scared of. Maybe one day people come to see magic as a force for good. Merlin: Erm... it's good to have you back. Morgana: Thank you, Merlin. Sleep well.
Arthur: This has to stop! The king would have your head if he'd find out. There's no point denying it. Merlin: Denying what? Arthur: Your affections for lady Morgana. Merlin: (Laughs) Right. Arthur: Take a little advice from someone who… knows about women. Merlin: If such a person existed I would. Arthur: Stick to girls who are more... how can I put it? On your level. Merlin: Thanks. Arthur: (With a sad look) She can't be a friend, or anything else. Merlin: Yeah, I know. Arthur: You can't hide anything from me, Merlin. Merlin: I wouldn't dream of it.
Merlin: I'm sorry, Gaius. (Gaius walks up to him and gives Merlin a hug) Merlin: I thought you would be angry with me. Gaius: I was. Right up to the moment you walked in. And I was just grateful that you're back safe and sound. Merlin: Morgana knows the truth. The Druids told her that she had magic. Sorry. Gaius: It's not your fault. You wee only doing what you thought was right. Merlin: We both were. What happens now? Gaius: You must take care of her. And hope that Uther never discovers the truth about her powers.
Also Known As:
France: Le Secret De Morgane, meaning 'Morgana's Secret'.
Germany: Der Albtraum Beginnt.
Italy: L'incubo Ha Inizio, meaning 'The Nightmare Has Begun'.
Poland: Początek Koszmaru, meaning 'Beginning Of The Nightmare'.
Portugal: O Pesadelo Começa.
Spain: Empieza la Pesadilla.
Ukraine: Кошмар починається.
The Serkets (and actually most CGI creatures) are shown in night time because it saves money (no need to work on shades and textures) and they look more scary.
Asa Butterfield, being a kid, can only work for some limited hours especially in France. While filming this episode he turned 12 so he could work an extra hour a day.
The window explosion scene was the last sequence to be filmed for the first block of season two. The glass was made of sugar and the explosion was caused by compressed air with the addition of fake lighting.
International Airdates: Australia: May 9, 2010 on Ten. France: February 28, 2010 on Canal + Family. Germany: January 5, 2011 on RTL. Italy: January 16, 2010 on Italia 1. Malaysia: December 20, 2009 on TV3. Poland: September 18, 2010 on Polsat. Spain: February 20, 2010 on Neox. Turkey: December 20, 2009 on CNBC-e. USA: April 16, 2010 on Syfy.
Colin Salmon made an exhaustive research about the Druids and explained them to the rest of the cast.
Katie McGrath does her first CGI in episode 2x03 The Nightmare Begins when she is attacked by scorpions.
Bradley James finds Colin Salmon's costume outstanding.
The scenes that take place at Puzzlewood (standing for the Forest of Ascetir) were shot during three days in April 2009.
Filming locations: Château de Pierrefonds, Pierrefonds, Oise, France (Camelot). Forest of Compiegne (Pierrefonds forest). Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean, Coleford, Gloucestershire (Forest of Ascetir). Cardiff, Wales (Studio sets).
A working title for this episode was The Friendship Companion.
Broadcasts: Sat 3 Oct 2009 at 18:15-19:00 on BBC One. Mon 5 Oct 2009 at 19:45-20:30 on BBC Three. Fri 9 Oct 2009 at 20:00-20:45 on BBC Three.
Asa Butterfield retakes the role of Mordred after he first appeared in the season 1 episode 08 The Beginning of the End.
S 4 : Ep 13
Aired 12/24/11
S 4 : Ep 12
Aired 12/17/11
S 4 : Ep 11
Aired 12/10/11
S 4 : Ep 10
Aired 12/3/11
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