Recap: “Merlin” – Truth and Consequences

In the episode “Lancelot” another layer is peeled away on Merlin’s innocence and we see him trying to come to terms with the value of truth and the pain of consequences. Seeking only to aid his new friend, Lancelot, who saved him from certain death at the hands of a vicious griffin, Merlin chose to forge a document to vouch for Lancelot’s lineage, as only noble-born can serve as knights of Camelot. It is with disillusion that the magic-infused forgery is revealed to be false and Lancelot is imprisoned for merely being of lesser blood. King Uther is unforgiving towards the good-hearted imposter, Lancelot, and sentences him to death. In the face of such unwarranted punishment, both Merlin and Arthur struggle against their consciousnesses to fathom why it is so wrong to deny Lancelot the privilege of serving his kingdom. For truly Uther’s logic is not rationale or sound: to only allow those of noble blood to serve as knights. After all, commoners are allowed to prepare and serve the king’s food, is it any more risky to allow a commoner to wield a sword in battle? Does merely posing as noble-born warrant a death sentence? Does the punishment fit the crime? Both Merlin and Arthur ultimately decide it does not and resolve to stand up to Uther and his unjust law. However, while Uther admires Arthur and Merlin’s loyalty to Lancelot, he will still not yield on this issue. In the end, Uther only spares Lancelot after Lancelot saves Arthur by slaughtering the indestructible griffin which had been terrorizing the kingdom. But Uther’s pardon only extends to free Lancelot from death; it does not grant Lancelot leave to reclaim the title of Knight of Camelot. With grace and humility, Lancelot accepts the king’s decision, but vows to find another way to attain such a precious title and sets off on his elusive quest.

This does not, however, resolve Arthur and Merlin’s chaffing resentment over Uther’s absurd and tyrannical laws. As a result, this episode leaves us feeling as unsettled and displeased as they feel – it is an unresolved predicament. Should truth be sacrificed when a nobler purpose rules? Should consequences be forsaken?

Lancelot was but a red-herring in this episode. The story was not truly about him – he could have been anyone. But what really mattered was seeing Arthur and Merlin dare to defy the existing laws of Camelot and ultimately King Uther. There is a very apt saying from the infamous Alan Moore: “People should not be afraid of their governments; governments should be afraid of their people.” When laws become too restrictive and tyrannical – when they obliterate the need for which they were designed – those laws must be cast aside as obsolete.

This is what Arthur decided upon freeing Lancelot and what Merlin decided in creating the deed of lineage for Lancelot. If the law was not useful anymore, then it must then be disregarded.

It was difficult in deciding how I felt about this episode as it felt hollow and not meaningful. It was only after letting my jumbled thoughts settle that it dawned on me that this was not an episode about Lancelot at all. It was about justice. And neither Arthur, nor Merlin can live in an unjust world.

WHAT WORKED:

The introduction of Lancelot at this point in the story felt helpful to tie-in more of the mythology of the legendary Camelot. It also upped the ante on the budding romantic relationships between Arthur and Morgana, and more particularly between Merlin and Gwenevere. It also provided some nice tender moments as Lancelot was clearly taken with Gwen; and who did not feel like swooning when he kissed her hand upon just meeting her?! Adding a dash of romance never hurts.

WHAT DIDN’T WORK:

As I have commented on before, there was too much emphasis on sword-play to move the story along. It would be much more fascinating to watch if they toned down the need to toss in a sword fight whenever they want to show off Arthur’s physical prowess and give him something to do.

And, while fan of Santiago Cabrera on “Heroes,” I was not so sure he fit the role of Lancelot, who I had always envisioned as more robust and larger-than-life. But that being said, I liked his chemistry with Angel Coulby who plays Gwenevere and would enjoy seeing more of their interaction in future episodes.

GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:

“Lancelot” was written by Jake Michie and directed by Ed Fraiman. “Merlin” stars Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Santiago Cabrera, Richard Wilson and Anthony Head. “Merlin” airs Sundays on NBC.