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The Best Episodes of Merlin

Every episode of Merlin ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Merlin!

The Best Episodes of Merlin

The unlikely friendship between Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, and Prince Arthur, heir to the crown of Camelot.

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  1. 8.9/10(1.2k votes)

    #1 - The Last Dragonlord (2)

    S2:E13

    The Great Dragon is finally free. Full of rage, he attacks Camelot with pitiless intensity. The castle is crumbling and Arthur's men cannot hold out much longer but only a Dragonlord can kill a dragon and Uther wiped them all out years ago. Or did he? Gaius admits one such man could still be alive and in hiding. The last Dragonlord is the key to Merlin's own past as well as the future of Camelot, but will Arthur and Merlin find Balinor in time to save the kingdom?

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    Director:Jeremy Webb
  2. 8.6/10(13 votes)

    #2 - The Coming of Arthur (2)

    S3:E13

    Will Arthur be able to save Camelot from the evil Morgana? Morgana, newly crowned as Queen of Camelot, begins a reign of terrible evil over the innocent citizens of the kingdom. Counting on Morgause and her immortal army at her command all hope seems lost for Uther, who is forced to witness how his kingdom crumble under the unimaginable cruelty of his own daughter. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Camelot, Arthur recovers his strength and plans a counter attack with the help of a few loyals at his side: Gwaine, Lancelot, Elyan and Percival. However, Merlin is aware that not even a skilful warrior like Arthur can defeat an immortal foe without magic. Will he be able to reclaim the great sword Excalibur from the Lake of Avalon in time to save the lives of those he cares the most about?

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    Director:Jeremy Webb
  3. 8.5/10(929 votes)

    #3 - The Fires of Idirsholas (1)

    S2:E12

    For the first time in over 300 years the fires of Idirsholas burn and Gaius is worried that a sorcerer has revived the deadly Knights of Medhir. Morgause returns and is determined to end Uther's reign at Camelot.

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    Director:Jeremy Webb
  4. 8.4/10(962 votes)

    #4 - The Sins of the Father

    S2:E8

    Arthur is challenged to a duel by a mysterious warrior. Arthur and Merlin then find themselves on a quest on Morgause's behalf. A dark secret is discovered by Arthur that could change Camelot forever.

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  5. 8.2/10(958 votes)

    #5 - The Witchfinder

    S2:E7

    In his determination to rule magic out of Camelot forever, Uther hires the services of Aredian, a terrifying witch hunter who is most feared due to the fact that he stops at nothing in the quest to uncover all and every kind of sorcery. Even though no one is under direct suspicion, several people in Camelot are afraid that the witch hunter could see straight through them: Morgana is worried that Uther might have her executed and Gaius is concerned for the fate of Merlin and his own, since caring for the young warlock is considered crime and treason. Will all three be able to escape a dreadful fate?

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    Director:Jeremy Webb
  6. 8.2/10(1.0k votes)

    #6 - The Lady of the Lake

    S2:E9

    Freya is found by Merlin trapped in a bounty hunter's cage and decides to try and help her escape. Merlin refuses to listen to Gaius' warnings not to get involved. After freeing her Merlin hides Freya in the tunnels beneath Camelot. Merlin is forced to make some hard decisions to keep Freya safe.

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Merlin

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  8. 8.2/10(13 votes)

    #7 - The Darkest Hour (2)

    S4:E2

    The kingdom is on the brink of collapse and Morgana poised to strike, in the final part of this opening episode of the fantasy drama. As Lancelot races back to Camelot with the dying Merlin, Arthur must continue on his mission to vanquish the Dorocha without them. Though the Knights know their journey to the Isle of the Blessed is fraught with danger, none could anticipate the sacrifice Arthur intends to make there. Friendship and loyalty are tested to the limit, but in the end, it's the power of love that changes all their lives for ever.

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  9. 8.2/10(13 votes)

    #8 - The Wicked Day

    S4:E3

    The mighty citadel is buzzing in anticipation of the Prince's birthday celebrations, as the fantasy drama continues. But Arthur's old adversary, Odin, promises to ensure this is one party Camelot will never forget - for among the assembling guests lurks a deadly assassin set to strike. As the dust settles, Camelot is left devastated. Just how far is Merlin prepared to go to put things right; would he really risk everything and reveal his secret?

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  10. 8.1/10(1.0k votes)

    #9 - The Once and Future Queen

    S2:E2

    Arthur is determined to win an upcoming jousting competition at Camelot. Gwen challenges Arthur to give up his spoilt ways after he goes undercover with her and Merlin. Myror shows up at Camelot determined to kill Arthur. Arthur is determined to prove himself and win the contest unaware that he is in danger.

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  11. 8.0/10(12 votes)

    #10 - The Labyrinth of Gedref

    S1:E11

    Arthur brings a curse upon Camelot. Eager to help his people, he asks Anhora for advice. But is he brave enough to face the challenges ahead?

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  12. 8.0/10(9 votes)

    #11 - The Sword in the Stone (2)

    S4:E13

    Morgana and Helios have successfully captured Camelot, and Merlin and Arthur are outlaws on the run, in the last episode in this season of Merlin. Trapped in Ealdor with a ruthless army closing in, their situation becomes desperate. Arthur must take control before Camelot is lost forever… But faced with Agravaine’s betrayal and the strength of Morgana’s force, the young King has lost his conviction. Only Merlin can restore his faith, and only an extraordinary act can prove to the King that he was born to rule. Will the young warlock convince Arthur before his dreams of Albion fall to pieces?

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  13. 7.9/10(961 votes)

    #12 - Lancelot and Guinevere

    S2:E4

    Gwen is mistaken for Morgana and kidnapped by the savage outlaw Hengist. Uther refuses to pay her ransom, so Arthur defies his father and heads out into dangerous enemy territory to fight for Gwen's freedom. Merlin suspects Arthur's devotion to Gwen is more than that of a prince to one of his subjects. How will Arthur react when he discovers Gwen is not alone in Hengist's castle? She and Lancelot have found each other again, and powerful feelings rekindle.

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  14. 7.9/10(9 votes)

    #13 - The Sword in the Stone (1)

    S4:E12

    Morgana is now the head of a vast Southron army and a deadly net is closing around Camelot. After the sorceress strikes everyone is forced to run for their lives including Arthur. It is down to Merlin to try and save Arthur from Morgana's clutches.

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  15. 7.8/10(13 votes)

    #14 - The Poisoned Chalice

    S1:E4

    With her sights set firmly on Merlin, Nimueh tricks him into drinking from a poisoned chalice, and he falls dangerously ill. Arthur ventures forth deep into the forest of Balor to find the antidote, but little does he know that he's walking into a trap

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    Director:Ed Fraiman
  16. 7.8/10(12 votes)

    #15 - Excalibur

    S1:E9

    Uther's past comes back to haunt him as a mysterious Black Knight interrupts Arthur's coming-of-age celebrations, throwing down his gauntlet and challenging the Knights of Camelot to combat. The Black Knight, seemingly unstoppable, makes easy work of his combatants. But who is the Black Knight, and why is Uther so uneasy?

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    Director:Jeremy Webb
  17. 7.8/10(12 votes)

    #16 - Le Morte d'Arthur

    S1:E13

    On a hunting trip, Arthur comes face to face with a creature of great power from the old religion. When Gaius informs them that it can only be killed by magic, Uther refuses to listen and sends out his knights to kill it. Arthur is fatally wounded and Merlin must go to the Isle of the Blessed to save him. But will he be able to pay the price?

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    Director:David Moore
  18. 7.8/10(869 votes)

    #17 - The Witch's Quickening

    S2:E11

    Alvarr is determined to allow magic to be used gain and destroy Camelot. Alvarr needs to reclaim the Crystal of Neahtid to make his plan work. Alvarr and Morgana try to get their hands on the crystal and use a druid boy to help them. Merlin is surprised when he finds out the real power of the crystal.

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  19. 7.8/10(12 votes)

    #18 - The Coming of Arthur (1)

    S3:E12

    Arthur and Merlin embark on a dangerous mission to capture the Cup of Life, a powerful magical artifact that carries the gift of immortality. However, before they are able to retrieve the Cup they fall prey to Jarl, an unscrupulous slave trader. They manage to escape when a trusted friend comes to their rescue but with Jarl's help, the Cup of Life ends up in Morgause's hands. Now that the dreadful sisters count on an immortal army at their disposal, will Morgause and Morgana overthrow Uther once and for all?

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    Director:Jeremy Webb
  20. 7.8/10(13 votes)

    #19 - The Darkest Hour (1)

    S4:E1

    Evil sorceress Morgana summons mighty gatekeeper the Cailleach, who opens a door to another world from which hellish creatures pour forth. As Arthur and his loyal knights take up arms, Merlin discovers the only thing that will stop them is an unimaginable sacrifice.

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  21. 7.7/10(994 votes)

    #20 - The Curse of Cornelius Sigan

    S2:E1

    New servant Cedric muscles in on Merlin's position as Arthur's right-hand man, and turns the prince against his loyal friend. Merlin is convinced the slippery newcomer is up to something, and he is right - Cedric is a conman and a thief who is after a magnificent jewel, recently unearthed in a tomb far beneath Camelot. Little does he know, his precious prize is more dangerous than he could possibly imagine. Camelot has never been more vulnerable, but how can Merlin make things right when, thanks to Cedric, he might have lost Arthur's friendship for good? Merlin faces the prospect of turning to the one creature he swore he would never trust again - The Great Dragon.

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    Director:David Moore
  22. 7.7/10(927 votes)

    #21 - The Nightmare Begins

    S2:E3

    When Morgana's nightmares spill into waking hours, she becomes terrified that she has the power of magic. Gaius is determined to keep her in the dark for her own good but Merlin won't stand by and watch his friend suffer. He knows exactly what she's going through and he knows she needs the truth. Is Merlin about to reveal his secret at last?

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    Director:Jeremy Webb
  23. 7.7/10(890 votes)

    #22 - Sweet Dreams

    S2:E10

    Peace talks are held at Camelot when dignitaries from rival kingdoms arrive. King Alined is determined there will be no peace though and will use magic to make sure his wishes happen.

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  24. 7.7/10(13 votes)

    #23 - The Eye of the Phoenix

    S3:E8

    Arthur embarks alone on a quest to prove himself worthy of the Camelot throne by retrieving the Golden Trident from the Fisher King. With the Prince beyond the protection of the citadel, Morgana takes the opportunity to use her dark magic. She gives him a precious bracelet that contains a Phoenix Eye, insisting that he wears it at all times for protection. However, the magical jewel takes away Arthur's life force and he is left defenceless in the Fisher King's perilous realm. With the help of Gwaine, will Merlin be able to reach Arthur in time and fulfil his own quest to protect the future king of Camelot?

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  25. 7.7/10(12 votes)

    #24 - Queen of Hearts

    S3:E10

    When Uther banishes Gwen from the kingdom, Arthur resolves to leave Camelot with her.

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    Director:Ashley Way
  26. 7.6/10(967 votes)

    #25 - Beauty and the Beast (2)

    S2:E6

    Lady Catrina has now been crowned and is now known as Queen Catrina. She accuses Merlin of stealing and he is driven into hiding, and must now find a way to expose her true form.

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Best Episodes Summary

"The Last Dragonlord (2)" is the best rated episode of "Merlin". It scored 8.9/10 based on 1176 votes. Directed by Jeremy Webb and written by Julian Jones, it aired on 12/19/2009. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Coming of Arthur (2)".