3. The depressing ending: Mordred kills Arthur, there is no Golden Age
The fandom has to prepare itself for every possible outcome, and perhaps this is why a lot of Merlin fans have begun to pessimistically view this theory as the one most likely to come true.
So far, all the signs are pointing to the fact that the end of Merlin will be pretty damn depressing. Not only has this season been a bit of a downer (sassy old lady Merlin aside), but in interviews, the actors have been gravely stating the inevitability of Arthur meeting the fate which Merlin saw in the season opener. Bradley James has even stated that if there is to be a movie, he probably won’t be in it.
Could they all be setting us up to expect one ending to throw us off the scent of what will really happen? Let’s hope so! But we can’t rule out the possibility that the “high note” which the show will apparently end on according to the cast is an emotional one, and that they’re gearing us up for some spectacular death and destruction. If Robin Hood has taught us anything it’s that yes, the BBC would.
Merlin will see Mordred cut down Arthur at Camlann, just like in the original legends. There isn’t time for a Golden Age between now and the finale, and it isn’t likely that Arthur will discover Merlin’s magic until the final episode or the one before (if he even does). Merlin has so far been unable to prevent any prophecies from coming true, and in fact the more he fights them, the more he just seems to help them along. What if this isn’t any different, and despite everything he does, Arthur still dies with his destiny left unfulfilled?
Of course, after this point there could be several final twists to tie up the story (see theories #1 and #5), but there might not be. This might just be the end of the series: Arthur dead, Guinevere ruling alone the best she can (or maybe Morgana even takes over Camelot again), Merlin sad and depressed knowing that he ultimately failed. Most likely we’d see Merlin fully embrace his Emrys side, left to wander the world alone.
But don’t worry, it’s Christmas. Santa is coming! Or… should we just tell the children the truth about him right now while we’re at it?
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