REVIEW: Merlin – Goblin’s Gold

Even real gold can be used as fool’s gold to trap a wily goblin

This article may contain spoilers.

In a light-hearted episode giving everyone a chance to have some fun after the heavier adventures involving Morgause (Emilia Fox), the Dragon and dead soldiers rising from their graves in attempt to overtake Camelot, in “Goblin’s Gold” everyone’s lives were simply turned upside down by a mischievous goblin.

By setting the goblin free, Merlin (Colin Morgan) had no idea that he would paint a bulls-eye on himself and be sentenced to hang for practicing magic. Thus his lack of foresight in helping the goblin set-off a chain of events that everyone wished never happened. As like the second season episodes involving the trolls, in this episode there was an abundance of shenanigans that left everyone looking foolish and feeling ridiculous; for goblins are known as notorious pranksters and this particular goblin took delight in tormenting everyone.

The goblin also loved gold and it was his ultimate downfall as he could not help himself from licking each piece as he acquired it. It was fortunate that Merlin and Gwen’s (Angel Coulby) plan of poisoning Gaius to trap the goblin worked, and all is well and ends well.

So Merlin learned that locked boxes are kept locked for a reason and are better left that way.

What Worked

It was fun watching Richard Wilson as Gaius play the spectrum of gleeful villainy as the goblin — and Gaius’ chagrin after he was set free from the goblin’s possession. After playing the carefully composed and proper physician and counselor for so long, it was hysterical to see him having so much fun. And while the practical jokes felt a bit mean-spirited, it was true to the goblin’s nature. Plus, it was rather funny seeing Uther (Anthony Head) bald and Arthur (Bradley James) with donkey’s ears. It was a nice reminder that their royal status is only a title and without their natural features, they are may not be so majestic.

It was also interesting that Morgana (Katie McGrath) so willingly came to Gaius after her healing bracelet was stolen for a sleeping draught. Surely she would not have dared after recent events. But her implicit trust in Gaius may work to their advantage one day soon; unless she is worried that the comments the goblin made about her cold heart and her intent to see Uther dead sprang from Gaius’ knowledge. In which case, Morgana just may be preparing to take out Gaius along with Merlin before they can reveal her treachery.

Then, while not under the most tender and romantic of circumstances, it was cute that Merlin got Gwen to admit she still has feelings for Arthur and how she comforted Arthur when he was afflicted with the donkey’s ears and unable to speak without braying.

It was also noticeable that there is a certain comfort and familiarity amongst Merlin, Arthur and Gwen that foretells their future camaraderie. It is because they have grown up together, gone through these trials together and learned to trust each other no matter what the circumstances that an unbreakable bond of friendship and love.

One perfect example was when Arthur confronted the goblin stating that he knows that the Gaius he knows would never see Merlin hanged, no matter what Merlin had done. It is a sign that Arthur is learning to pay attention to who the people around him truly are and what lies in their heart — no matter what face they may wear.

What Didn’t Work

It felt a bit frivolous after the events of prior episodes to take time to joust with a silly goblin. It would have been more fun to see Uther authorize pursuit of Morgause and to plan a trap for the traitor in their midst.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

‘Goblin’s Gold’ was written by Howard Overman and directed by Jeremy Webb. Merlin stars Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Richard Wilson and Anthony Head. Merlin airs Fridays at 10 pm on Syfy.