Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S04/E02 The Darkest Hour Part II: Difference between revisions

== The Darkest Hour Part II ==

 

 

The episode picks up where the last left off, with Merlin badly injured by a Dorocha. Outside in the courtyard of the abandoned castle, Lancelot tries to make him more comfortable as Arthur discusses the situation with Sir Leon. Arthur is eager to take Merlin back to Camelot to seek medical aid, but Leon reminds him that more people will suffer if they don’t press on toward the Isle of the Blessed.

Meanwhile, Arthur and his knights dismount in order to traverse the tunnels through the mountains. Gwaine complains that the tunnels are filled with wilderen, though the others claim they’d rather face them than the Dorocha. Gwaine hesitates outside the tunnels, hearing the screaming of the Dorocha, and is just about attacked by one when Percival tackles him to the ground.

 

 

Arthur emerges from the tunnels to hustle them both inside. As the knights march through the tunnels, Arthur reminds them that wilderen find their victims through their sense of smell, and by smearing themselves in gaia berries, they should all go undetected. After stumbling over a skull, Gwaine hurries to the front of the line.

Gaius backs down, but Gwen speaks up and asks permission to address the court. Agravaine decides to indulge her, and Gwen tells them that Prince Arthur would not deny his people shelter for the Dorocha. She points out that since the refugees have come from the outlying farmlands, they bring their own food with them which they then barter with Camelot’s citizens in exchange for shelter. When Agravaine tells her that the farmers’ wares will eventually run out, Gwen counters that Arthur will have soon completed his quest, and the city will only have to hold out for three more days at the most.

 

'''Agravaine''': Of course not. }}

 

The following morning Lancelot wakes up to find Merlin missing. He’s not far though; he’s fishing in the river and has already caught breakfast.

 

'''Merlin''': You look like you’re going to fall over. }}

 

Lancelot playfully tries to whack him with it, but Merlin dodges out of the way and insists that they go after the others. Lancelot tries to convince him to return to Camelot, but Merlin is having none of it.

 

'''Lancelot''': Arthur’s right about you. You don’t ever do as you’re told. }}

 

Meanwhile, Agravaine gallops through the forest on his horse, and bursts through the door of Morgana’s shack. She’s sulking by her fire, and though Agravaine tells her that Camelot is falling and Arthur will soon be dead, he describes Guinevere as a “minor irritant.” Though Agravaine dismisses her as a servant, Morgana believes she’s dangerous.

 

'''Morgana''': I couldn’t agree more. We must make sure she never sees another dawn. }}

 

In Agravaine’s quarters, Gwen is being poured a drink as Agravaine asks her questions about the people’s safety. She tells him that the best way to proceed is to put up a show of courage; something that was not helped by his insistence on shutting the castle gates. Agravaine seems to take her advice seriously, and moves behind her chair.

 

 

Gwen looks a little uncomfortable as Agravaine leans over the back of her chair. He reaches out with his fingers, looking as though he’s about to touch her hair, but then stops himself and withdraws. Gwen looks thankful to leave as Agravaine walks her to the door, relieving her of her duty to the king that evening, and telling her that his guards will escort her safely home.

Out in the forest, Arthur and the knights have prepared a bonfire. Arthur is standing on guard with a torch when Elyan approaches him.

 

'''Arthur''': Thank you. }}

 

In the huntsman’s cottage, Merlin and Lancelot have discovered a bottle of wine. Already they look a little tipsy.

 

'''Lancelot''': Why? He loves her and...she’s happy. }}

 

By morning, Merlin and Lancelot are still galloping toward their destination.

 

'''Merlin''': You have to have a reason. Something you care about. Something that’s more important than anything. }}

 

Inside, the knights have gathered around a fire, but quickly move away from Gwaine when he removes his socks – and then accidentally sets fire to them. Arthur hears a noise and the knights stand with their swords at the ready, only to be confronted by Lancelot.

 

'''Lancelot''': Bad news. He’s still alive. }}

 

While the other knights sleep, Merlin and Arthur quietly discuss the situation by the fire.

 

'''Merlin''': Don’t worry. I’ll make sure. }}

 

Arthur walks forward to meet his doom, but Merlin is a step behind, and pulls him back with magic, conveniently knocking him out as he does so. He steps forward in his place, and Lancelot watches as he and the Callieach take their places either side of the plinth.

 

'''Callieach''': Perhaps. But your time among men is not yet over, Emrys. Even if you want it to be. }}

 

Back in Camelot, two scenes of mourning are intercut with each other: Arthur addresses the court, lined with the council and his knights, as well as Gwen, Agravaine and Merlin; and outside a pyre with Lancelot’s sword and cloak is burnt in the courtyard.

 

 

Merlin holds back tears as he hands Arthur a flaming torch to light the pyre. Leon, Percival, Gwaine and Elyan watch somberly, and Gwen stands to the side. As Arthur joins her and takes her hand, she begins to weep.

 

 

Arthur looks a little disturbed by these words, but touches her shoulder briefly before leaving her to grieve. Long after the courtyard has been emptied, Gwen still stands before the burning pyre, weeping.

* [[Call Back]]: This is not the first time Lancelot and Merlin have gotten drunk together.

* [[Deus Ex Machina]]: The Villia. Just what?! Even for a world with magic it was a bit of an [[Ass Pull]]. Not even ten minutes in the episode and Merlin is fine. Even well enough to do some fishing. Could the writers not have had him cough or limping a bit? They could have taken out that scene where the Great Dragon saves Lancelot and Merlin from the Dorocha and gave more time for Dying!Merlin. This troper also feels they writers miessed a golden oppertunity to have another appearence of Freya, refrencing the legend with The Lady of the Lake and Lancelot, when he was brought in sixhundred years in...

* [[Foe Yay]]: Agravaine and Gwen. Don't deny it.

** This troper thought it was mostly a one-sided deal from Agravaine to Gwen, more [[Dirty Old Man]] than [[Foe Yay]].

* [[Foregone Conclusion]]: Lancelot will be back.

* [[Guilt Complex]]: Gwen has just picked up a doozy of one, blaming herself for Lancelot's death.

* [[Heroic Sacrifice]]: Lancelot.

 

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[[Category:Recap]]