As Merlin comes to an end, we’re all busy worrying about how the story will be resolved. But this article looks at how far the main character has already come.
As part of Hypable’s Month of Merlin celebration, we have asked readers to submit articles about the show. This comes from Gmariam, who explores the way the title character Merlin has changed and grown over the course of the show’s five series.
Merlin came to Camelot as an innocent boy, eager to learn more about his magical abilities. He accepted his role as both Gaius’s apprentice and Arthur’s servant, yet quickly recognized his true position as the prince’s unknown and unseen – and certainly unappreciated – guardian. As the series progressed, it became clear that this was Merlin’s destiny: to protect Arthur, using his magic in secret, in order to bring about a peaceful, united Albion in which magic could be practiced freely once more.
That is what drives the show: Merlin’s unwavering faith in that destiny, to the point of sacrificing his happiness, his future, and even his life in order to see it fulfilled. It is a remarkable testament to his strength of character that even after so many years he stands steadfastly by this belief, embracing it even in the face of constant setbacks.
One might marvel that Merlin has never really faltered. While many point out the very real bond between Arthur and Merlin and the obvious fact that they care deeply for one another, even after so many years, Arthur remains blind to all that Merlin has done and continues to do for him. Even when he asks for Merlin’s advice, is amazed at his servant’s wisdom, and then accepts it with complete confidence, Arthur still throws his clothing at Merlin, still bats him on the side of the head, and still assumes the worst of him (back at the tavern again!).
How is it that Merlin has put up with such treatment for so long? How has he not snapped? How has he not demanded the respect he deserves? At the start of series five, he certainly is bolder, more assertive in his words and less clumsy in his deeds. When he plays the fool, we the viewers are starting to see his weariness even if Arthur does not. And Merlin has displayed a more ruthless edge not seen earlier, from his attitude toward Mordred to his almost vicious dealing with the Dochraid.
Yet still he remains Merlin, loyal yet bumbling manservant to the King, and too rarely Emrys, the most powerful sorcerer in Albion.
I think a large part of the success of this dual characterization is due to the strong yet subtle portrayal of its star, Colin Morgan. He can effortlessly play the innocent and inept servant in one scene and then the powerful, confident wizard in the next. More importantly, we believe completely that he is truly the latter, and only playing at the former, particularly after watching Merlin grow as a character and Morgan grow as an actor. Morgan convinces us of Merlin’s belief in his destiny, no matter how many times Bradley James curls his lip and cuffs Morgan’s head.
We have had so many glimpses of how wise and powerful Merlin can be, however, that I want more before it is over. I want to see Merlin as the man he is meant to be, not the invisible servant he is forced to be, unrecognized except by Gaius and a handful of druids. Colin Morgan’s talent as an actor has given us more and more layers each year and I long for this last aspect of his character to be finally given center stage. He would–or will–give us a masterful performance, there is no doubt.
Merlin’s destiny is moving quickly toward its conclusion. Will he hold up Arthur as king of a united Albion or see Arthur fall to Mordred’s sword? Will he bring magic back to the people or see it too fall into shadow, forever banned in fear and ignorance? I think back to the conversation Merlin and Arthur had about destiny and fate as they returned to the Disir. Are they truly one and the same? Is it one’s fate to fulfill the other’s destiny?
The one thing I hope to see more than any other is Colin Morgan as Merlin Emrys, no longer hidden from the king he has protected for so long. It is what the series has built toward, what the character’s evolution demands: the reveal. Colin Morgan is more than capable of giving this moment the depth, drama, and emotion it deserves. It is the strength of his performance as this once-innocent boy that makes us believe in his destiny and long to see it realized.
After recent comments from the cast regarding the ending, do you think we will see such a thing before it’s over? If so, will it be a deathbed revelation, or will we see Merlin as an accepted and equal participant in the Camelot’s future, standing by Arthur’s side as his friend and advisor? Will Merlin’s faith be rewarded no matter the end? And what other aspects of Merlin’s character have served him well throughout the series?
Merlin concludes on December 24 with the second part of the finale episode “The Diamond of the Day.” Don’t miss part 1, which airs this Saturday!
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