7.7/101,646 votes#1 - The Dragon's Call
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 9/20/2008
Merlin is told by the Great Dragon that it is his destiny to make sure that the young Prince Arthur is kept safe. Anybody caught performing magic is punished with death and Merlin is not a fan of Arthur. When Arthur's life is endangered Merlin finds himself tested.
Director: James Hawes
Writer: Julian Jones
7.5/101,283 votes#2 - Valiant
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 9/27/2008
Camelot is hosting its annual sword tournament and knights from throughout the realm have come to compete for its coveted title. Amongst those hoping to win the crown is Knight Valiant.
Director: James Hawes
Writer: Howard Overman
7.6/101,187 votes#3 - The Mark of Nimueh
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 10/4/2008
A deadly plague spreads through Camelot. When it seems that sorcery can be the only possible explanation, Merlin and Gaius race to find a cure, while Gwen is arrested and sentenced to death for practising witchcraft.
Director: James Hawes
Writer: Julian Jones
7.9/101,208 votes#4 - The Poisoned Chalice
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 10/11/2008
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
Director: Ed Fraiman
Writer: Ben Vanstone
7.9/101,185 votes#5 - Lancelot
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 10/18/2008
Merlin is saved from a terrifying winged beast by a heroic stranger- a young man named Lancelot, who dreams of becoming a Knight of Camelot. In order to thank him, Merlin provides falsified records of Lancelot's noble birth and Lancelot is accepted. However, with the winged beast- discovered to be a Griffin- still on the loose, Merlin's decision could have far-reaching consequences not just for Lancelot but for Camelot...
Director: Ed Fraiman
Writer: Jake Michie
7.5/101,110 votes#6 - A Remedy to Cure All Ills
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 10/25/2008
When the Lady Morgana is struck down with a mysterious illness, Gaius is at a loss for a cure. Thankfully a new physician, Edwin Muirden is on hand to bring the King's ward back from the brink.
Director: Ed Fraiman
Writer: Julian Jones
7.4/101,080 votes#7 - The Gates of Avalon
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 11/1/2008
Morgana has a nightmare and sees Arthur's death at the hands of a strange but beautiful girl. Meanwhile, hunting in the forest, Merlin and Arthur save the same girl, Sophia, and her father, Aulfric from attack by bandits and bring them to Camelot for refuge. Morgana realizes that Sophia is the girl from her nightmare and tries to warn Arthur, who is smitten with her. As the truth of Morgana's magical gift for seeing future events unfolds, so does a father and daughter's plan to bring down the kingdom of Camelot by sacrificing Arthur in return for eternal life.
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Ben Vanstone
8.0/101,091 votes#8 - The Beginning of the End
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 11/8/2008
Merlin finds himself becoming friends with Morgana when he helps a boy stay hidden. The two of them try to get the boy back whence he came, but things turn bad when Uther announces that anyone helping the boy will be executed.
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Howard Overman
8.2/101,082 votes#9 - Excalibur
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 11/15/2008
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?
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Julian Jones
8.1/101,084 votes#10 - The Moment of Truth
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 11/22/2008
Merlin is stunned when his mother, Hunith, turns up in Camelot--bruised, battered and desperate for help from Uther. She explains to Uther that a bandit named Kanen and his men have been attacking her village demanding all of their harvest or he will kill them. When Uther refuses to help, Merlin leaves Camelot to protect his mother and friends. To Merlin's surprise, Arthur, Morgana and Gwen join forces with him to save his village--but at what cost?
Director: David Moore
Writer: Ben Vanstone
8.2/101,070 votes#11 - The Labyrinth of Gedref
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 11/29/2008
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?
Director: Stuart Orme
Writer: Howard Overman
7.9/10979 votes#12 - To Kill the King
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 12/6/2008
Gwen's father, Tom, helps a sorcerer named Tauren turn lead into gold using a magic stone. As Tauren escapes, Tom is caught and will await trial. Whilst looking for Gwen, Morgana finds the magic stone, and Merlin can sense it. When Tom is killed by Uther, Morgana is out for revenge on Uther.
Director: Stuart Orme
Writer: Jake Michie
8.3/101,087 votes#13 - Le Morte d'Arthur
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 12/13/2008
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?
Director: David Moore
Writer: Julian Jones
The Best Episodes of Merlin Season 1
Every episode of Merlin Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Merlin Season 1!
The unlikely friendship between Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, and Prince Arthur, heir to the crown of Camelot.
Genres:Action & AdventureDramaSci-Fi & Fantasy
Network:BBC One
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"The Dragon's Call" is the best rated episode of "Merlin" season 1. It scored 7.7/10 based on 1646 votes. Directed by James Hawes and written by Julian Jones, it aired on 9/20/2008. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Valiant".