For the first time ever in one of his season premieres, Merlin managed to come back with a bang in
The Darkest Hour: Part One, an episode which really played on the BBC drama's strengths despite a few minor shortcomings. Taking place a year after the events of Series Three, the story showed that Morgana had had to sacrifice her sister Morgause in order to awaken the Veil Between Worlds, unleashing a series of floaty skull ghosts to terrorise the people of Camelot. I'm making that sound less effective than it was, though- there was a general vibe of tension and fear throughout the forty five minutes, and it's been a while since I've been able to properly admit that about any television shows except perhaps
Doctor Who. The acting was, as ever, on top form, with Colin Morgan and Bradley James in particular giving their best performances yet, especially as the former lead donned his aged make up once again for an omnious look at where Merlin's destiny will take him in the future. My one main gripe with
Part One was that at times, it seemed to only serve the purpose of setting up the events of the next episode, especially apparent with the cliffhanger that felt rather shoehorned in considering the 'Next Time' trailer showed Merlin alive and well next week...well at least until he bit the bullet again at the end of the preview. Some
deus ex machina is probably going to be required next week for Merlin to be revived (twice), but whatever the resurrection I'm glad to see the young boy wizard back, and look forward to spending at least another two seasons with him.
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