Best Merlin Episodes Ranked

February 28, 2023

Introduction – Best Merlin Episodes

You’re a wizard, Merlin. Okay, I know that’s a terrible segue and the wrong wizard series, but still, the point stays the same. Like last week’s Horrible Histories ranking, Merlin is a massively nostalgic show while it’s also held up on rewatching it recently. So what better way to celebrate this than by ranking the best Merlin episodes? Anyway, before I get into the list properly, here is some history about this TV show.

History – Best Merlin Episodes

Merlin first debuted on BBC One in 2008 and ran for 5 seasons until 2012. The show had 65 episodes and follows the iconic character from Arthurian times: the wizard Merlin. Oh, and it also follows his adventures in the kingdom of Camelot like King Arthur, his knights, Guinevere, and many more. Amongst everything else, the show sees Arthur and Merlin try and defend Camelot from the evil Morgana. And yes she used to be trained by Merlin’s mentor because would she be a villain if she wasn’t? Anyway, the show also had some huge reveals and some brilliant real-life events which I might touch on later in the list. So without further ado, let’s get into the list of the best Merlin episodes!

Best Merlin Episodes – Top Ten

10. The Tears of Uther Pendragon Part One (S3, E1)

Kicking off the list of the best Merlin episodes is the series 3 opener: The Tears of Uther Pendragon. Now for anyone who loosely followed the show’s source material, you’ll know Uther is Arthur’s father and that plays a massive role in the episode. When, to the shock of everyone, Morgana turns out to have faked her abduction and is actually poisoning the King, Merlin has to try and once again stop her. Just how does he do this? By calling on a dragon voiced by the late great John Hurt. Now that is a mad episode and there’s still another part later on to digest….

9. Excalibur (S1, E9)

I bet you can’t work out what this episode is all about, can you? Anyway, when a black knight crashes Arthur’s coming-of-age ceremony, he kills any knights who challenge him. Of course, he’s really there to finally claim a certain sword from a certain stone. Now there’s a really nice little twist involving Gaius discovering the Black Knight’s relations. Also, the twist identity reveal is horror-esque for how brutal it is. Overall, a very solid episode.

8. The Tears of Uther Pendragon Part Two (S3, E2)

Remember the first part of this episode? Well here’s how the second part plays out slightly better. So the Great Dragon returns Merlin to Camelot where he manages to convince Gaius that Morgana was poisoning Uther. So what happens next? Well, Morgana decides to bring in an army of skeletons to lay siege to Camelot to reclaim her stolen throne. So, this is a mad episode to analyse.

7. The Last Dragonlord (S2, E13)

Here’s a unique entry on our list of the best Merlin episodes. So, if not for a shocking family reveal regarding Merlin, Camelot would be in even more trouble. Now, when Merlin accidentally releases a dragon, who starts wreaking havoc and fire damage, there’s only one person who can help. And that person is the last of the Dragonlords who has been living as a hermit since Uther’s persecution of them? Also, as hinted at earlier, Merlin may have some connection to this last Dragonlord. Anyway, this is another very solid episode that continues to flesh out the show’s world.

6. The Darkest Hour Part Two (S4, E2)

Don’t worry fans of the Darkest Hour, I’m sure the first half of the Season 4 opener will appear later on. Anyway, what makes this episode so good? Well firstly, it sees Merlin and Arthur being forcibly split up. This is due to Lancelot racing the dying Merlin back to Camelot. And also the fact the kingdom is on the verge of collapse with Morgana once again poised to strike. This leaves Arthur and his knights to travel to the Isle of the Blessed alone. But nobody could ever believe the sacrifice Arthur intends to make there. Again a very solid episode and ending to this two-parter.

Best Merlin Episodes – Top Five

5. The Darkest Hour Part One (S4, E1)

So you might be asking what is on the Isle of the Blessed? Well, not much except Morgana accidentally tears the veil to the spirit world whilst trying to save her sister. So this causes invisible ghosts to start attacking the kingdom, which is already bad news. Oh, and Merlin’s magic is waning. And a weakened Uther seems to have accidentally given more power to his definitely not evil brother. So really this is near Game of Thrones for the sheer amount of nonsense going on. Oh and also it’s a really good setup for the aforementioned second part.

4. The Fires Of Idirsholas (S2, E12)

We’re getting closer to the finish line in our list of the best Merlin episodes. Now I’m sure you’re curious as to what silly over-the-top plot Morgana and Morgause have this time. So it involves using a sleeping plague to put everyone other than Morgana in Camelot to sleep. And if that’s not enough, they’ve also brought back the deadly Knights of Medhir to kill the King. So really, all you need now is to ensure Merlin and Arthur are out of the picture. Oh, and where the plan fails. This allows Merlin to talk with the Great Dragon and definitely not have to commit to releasing him in order to find a solution to stop Morgana from taking the throne.

Best Merlin Episodes – Top Three

3. The Coming of Arthur Part One (S3, E12)

Well, this is gonna be a mad episode so strap yourselves in. So, Uther hears of a cup that prevents death. And he sends Merlin, Arthur, and Gwaine for it. Unfortunately, it just so happens that Morgause is also after it so when she kills Cenrad and takes his immortal army to Camelot Uther is obviously deposed. This leads to a brilliant cliffhanger of Morgana now ruling Camelot. Oh, and the threat of her immortal army is a very good choice from a plot standpoint.

2. The Sins Of The Father (S2, E8)

And I thought the saying also involved the head of the mother. Again very bad segue aside, this a very good episode of Merlin for several reasons. Firstly, it sees Arthur challenged to a duel by a mysterious warrior. And that’s before we consider the not-shady-at-all quest that Morgause sends Arthur and Merlin on. Finally, there’s the reveal about Morgause and the possible downfall of the kingdom. So again a very solid episode of Merlin.

Top Ranking – Best Merlin Episodes

1. The Coming Of Arthur Part Two (S3, E13)

And the best episode of Merlin is….. The Coming of Arthur Part Two. Why is this episode the best? Well, it obviously sees Morgana killing innocent people, thus changing her legacy as a ruler. So, Merlin, Arthur, and the rest of the resistance set out to find Excalibur in order to free Camelot from Morgana’s rule. Oh, and there’s a very nice and heartwarming scene where they find a round table, and Arthur knights everyone bar Merlin. Get it? Because: Knights Of The Round Table? Ah, never mind. Anyway, this is a superb episode with plenty of drama and emotional moments to keep the audience invested.

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So, those are our thoughts on the best Merlin episodes of all time! But what do you think? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

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