Merlin: Series 5 - The Drawing Of The Dark

This episode saw Mordred join Morgana.

Mordred came to centre stage in this dramatic episode, which saw him switch his loyalties from Arthur to Morgana. I think it was done in a very good way with Mordred being seen as a very caring and loyal person, whose turn to Morgana's side was as much as a result of his friends betrayal, as it was because of Kara's influence. The use of the character of Kara, who was a fellow druid and person that Mordred loved, helped to act as Mordred motivation, especially in the event of her death after she was put on trial and sentenced to death by Arthur.

This betrayal by Arthur, especially after Mordred begged him to reconsider, does show how Mordred's loyalty is tested and allowed him to sympathise with him as I could see the difficult he faced. Kara also was an interesting character, representing Morgana's growing influence and how Arthur's continuation of the laws against magic have turned people against him and made them see him to be the same as his father. This was then contrasted by Arthur's offer to Kara to free walk if she repents for her crimes and showing that her fate was her own fault as it was Arthur's.

It is also good to see how Merlin tries to fight against the tide of fate and how all the things he does in the episodes, including betraying Mordred to Arthur, are all done for the greater good. Although I can see how Merlin's past suspicion toward Mordred has not helped the situation and comes ahead in this episodes in a big way as Mordred reveals Emrys' true identity as Merlin to Morgana. This added to the sewing of the seeds of Camelot's doom that have been growing in the last few episodes and now it will be interesting to see how the two-part finale will shape itself.

I thought Alexander Vlahos and Alexandra Dowling gave great performances as Mordred and Kara, and their chemistry works well to develop a believable relationship that I could invest in and feel sympathy for how it tragically ended. Also I think Colin Morgan gives a very strong performance as the out of depth Merlin, who realises he can no longer fight the path of destiny.