Thanks Springs, I knew that A level in Arthurian wotnot would come in useful one day.
Straight up the was the feeling that the episode just flew by, always a good sign. My feeling was that Merlin had to achieve his potential, had to learn who he was and what his potential was, the only way to do that was to go to the cave. That Morgana was the driving force to get him to that cave is a great irony.
Just like the fact that Camlann is going to have to happen, Merlin had to go to the cave and fate made sure it did, just one way or another.
A few niggles - Gwaine only the knew the girl a few hours and yet he spilled everything to her? Naughty knight!
The slow motion battle sequences - were they really needed?
And the ongoing biggy, it really looks as if they are going to close the legend in the traditional manner, unless there is going to be a second battle of Camlann, in which case it just does not seem as though Arthur's four year reign is fittingly glorious enough to warrant the term legendary, it still seems as though he is finding his feet as far as the series goes/ Part of the glory of Arthur's reign is the long period of peace and prosperity he brings to a fractured land.
That being said the episode stormed along, was fun and played to all of it's strengths, some fine interaction, Arthur's comment on Merlin's cowardliness was perfect, lashing out because he has been hurt by his most trusted friend.
The tangly haired one just deserves to b e defeated and to know she has been defeated.
An excellent first part, that really sets up the finale.
And we don't even have to wait a week...