Merlin: Series 5 - The Diamond Of The Day (Part 1)

This episode saw the start of the end.

This was a great first part to the last ever series finale, filled with drama, humour and tension. From the off the episode kept building up to the fateful battle at Camlann between Arthur's and Morgana's forces that would determine Arthur and Camelot's destiny. Within this context every character was able to give their bit towards the narrative. For instance, Sir Gwaine's softer side was seen with his handling of the only survivor, Eira, of the first of Morgana's attacks, although she later turned out to be a spy.

The episode also worked well to bring in a little bit of humour at the start, through banter between Arthur and Merlin. However, it was good to see a tender and serious scene take place between the two and how they go off to meet destiny on separate paths. Also, Merlin later warning to Arthur through a dream and Arthur's belief in it shows the strength of their friendship. In contrast, a vengeful Mordred emerged, adding more gravitas to the growing tension and his alliance with Morgana works well to show their determinate to kill Arthur and Merlin.

The exploration of Merlin in this episode was really good as he had to deal with his magic being drained by a creature sent by Morgana. It was good how Merlin became vulnerable at the start of the episode and throughout tried to fight against fate and regain his magic until he was trapped by Morgana in the crystal cave, and he gave up. Then, through the use of the ghost of Merlin's father, Balindor, Merlin finds the belief in himself he needs to emerge out of the light as the stronger older Merlin, whose use as comical figure appears to be at an end.

All the central cast, Colin Morgan, Bradley Jame, Angel Coulby and Katie McGrath all give great performances, along with Richard Wilson, Alexander Vlahos, Rupert Young, Eoin Macken and Tom Hopper's portrayals also add a lot to the episode.