Merlin Series 5 Episode 9 Review: "With All My Heart"

I only have a few things to say about this Episode. There will be spoilers. 

This episode wasn't bad. I rather enjoyed it, because it had many things that make Merlin a great show. The main reason I liked it was that it started off strong with the scene where Gwen and Morgana's meeting was being watched by Merlin and Arthur. It felt like Merlin was finally doing something and that the story wasn't just being dragged on for the sake of being dragged on. This was excellent.

However, I am worried by the way they're handling the reveal given the fact that this season will be the last. They've started setting the stage for the reveal in a way that, quite frankly, is going to suck all the remaining power out of the moment when it does come. Throughout this episode we were treated to excessive comments from Arthur about his "funny feelings," which is laying the foundations for Arthur beginning to suspect. HELLO, this should have happened in season 1! Right now, it's too little, too late and it's going to make the reveal less of a shock and more of a "oh, I kind of felt this in the past 3 weeks, Merlin, it's ok."

I also don't like what this is doing to Arthur's character. I mean, he's always been an idiot, but him not knowing Merlin has magic after this episode just makes him a complete fool. As always, Merlin's interaction with Mordred is frustrating, because of Merlin's distrust. However, I do like the way Mordred was portrayed in this episode and how HE responded in his interactions with both Merlin and Morgana.

Merlin as an old lady was hilarious.

I've learned not to expect more from the magic on this show beyond people being thrown back and knocked unconscious, so...

Also, forgive me, but I'm getting really sick of this and I have to be direct and clear on this: Gwen's popping out boobs were extremely revolting in this episode. Why can't she be a Queen and wear some clothes at the same time?

The last thing I want to say is that now we know when the show's ending I've come up with deadlines/a timeline for the Great Merlin Fan Challenge and I will post this in a separate post in a few minutes.