The Best Episodes of Merlin Season 5

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   8.5/10(1175 votes)

   #1 - Arthur's Bane (1)

   S5:E110/6/2012

   Camelot faces a new golden age, but even as the city flowers, the dark seeds of destruction are being sown. In the frozen wastelands of the north, men are disappearing without a trace. King Arthur and his knights undertake a dangerous mission into the unknown in search of answers - but once there, Merlin finds himself locked in a battle unlike any he has fought before.

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown
2. 

   8.4/10(950 votes)

   #2 - Arthur's Bane (2)

   S5:E210/13/2012

   As dawn breaks across the icy tundra, Merlin and Arthur are close to exhaustion. With each tortured step, the fortress of Ismere looms ever nearer and Merlin's fear intensifies. What game is Mordred playing? And what powerful secrets are Morgana and the druid Ruadan (Liam Cunningham) searching for amongst its twisted catacombs? It seems like this time, not even Merlin can stop Arthur from walking right into the lion's den… For in this bleak and transient wilderness, only one thing is certain: the great trial for Albion has finally begun.

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown
3. 

   8.0/10(873 votes)

   #3 - The Death Song of Uther Pendragon

   S5:E310/20/2012

   When a stranger gives Arthur the power to summon the dead, the king finds himself torn between head and heart. Unable to resist temptation, he seizes the chance to speak to the person he misses most – his father, Uther Pendragon. But the spirit world is a dark and dangerous place, for little does Arthur realize that his decision comes at a terrible price. Against all odds, Merlin must put right Arthur's mistake before Camelot, and everything they have built, is destroyed forever.

   Director:Justin Molotnikov

   Writer:Howard Overman

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Justin Molotnikov

   Writer:Howard Overman
4. 

   7.9/10(803 votes)

   #4 - Another's Sorrow

   S5:E410/27/2012

   With Princess Mithian as the perfect bait, Morgana conjures a deception so powerful that the whole of Camelot is taken in - even Merlin himself. But as the storm clouds gather, will the young warlock see through the lies? Or will Morgana at long last fulfil her dreams of revenge?

   Director:Ashley Way

   Writer:Jake Michie

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Ashley Way

   Writer:Jake Michie
5. 

   7.9/10(817 votes)

   #5 - The Disir

   S5:E511/3/2012

   In the inky depths of an ancient pool, three soothsayers cast a dark judgment upon the King of Camelot. But despite Merlin’s warnings, headstrong Arthur refuses to take the words of the Disir seriously and their fury rains down on Camelot. Only the greatest sacrifice can appease them, and with the kingdom in jeopardy, is it one that Arthur is prepared to make? Faced with the King’s uncertainty, Merlin has just one chance to save him from his destiny, but this decision comes at the highest price.

   Director:Ashley Way

   Writer:Richard McBrien

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Ashley Way

   Writer:Richard McBrien
6. 

   7.7/10(788 votes)

   #6 - The Dark Tower

   S5:E611/10/2012

   When Gwen is snatched from Camelot without warning, Merlin knows there can be only one person responsible: Morgana. Arthur is determined to rescue his Queen – but it's not going to be easy, for she is locked in the Dark Tower, a place that haunts the dreams of men. Arthur and his Knights must embark on a quest like no other, battling through a landscape riddled with hidden dangers, perilous obstacles and magical beings. As they near their goal, Merlin's sense of dread reaches breaking point. What twisted game is Morgana playing? And more importantly, just what is the final test that awaits them in the tower?

   Director:Ashley Way

   Writer:Julian Jones

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Ashley Way

   Writer:Julian Jones
TRENDING NOW
The 20 BEST Episodes of Merlin
READ
7. 

   7.8/10(778 votes)

   #7 - A Lesson in Vengeance

   S5:E711/17/2012

   Darkness steals into the very heart of Camelot, as Morgana and her puppet Queen hatch a sinister plan to murder the King. But when stable hand Tyr Seward becomes caught in the crossfire, he threatens to ruin everything… As the plot thickens and reaches its deadly climax, can a suspicious Merlin unravel the truth before it’s too late?

   Director:Alice Troughton

   Writer:Jake Michie

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Alice Troughton

   Writer:Jake Michie
8. 

   7.9/10(774 votes)

   #8 - The Hollow Queen

   S5:E811/24/2012

   When Merlin agrees to help a young Druid boy, he has no choice but to leave Camelot on a dangerous mission. And with the citadel distracted by the visit of the fearsome Sarrum of Amata, it seems that no one will notice his absence. But as the sky darkens, so do Merlin's suspicions - is there more to Daegal than meets the eye? And can a man as ruthless as the Sarrum ever really be trusted? Too late, the young warlock realises he's made a terrible mistake.

   Director:Alice Troughton

   Writer:Julian Jones

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Alice Troughton

   Writer:Julian Jones
9. 

   8.3/10(811 votes)

   #9 - With All My Heart

   S5:E912/1/2012

   Merlin knows he must act fast before Morgana’s twisted control over Gwen gets further out of hand. But only the most powerful magic can save the Queen and this will not be easy, even for Merlin. As the High Priestess tightens her grip on Camelot, one thing is clear - she will not give up her puppet without a fight.

   Director:Alice Troughton

   Writer:Richard McBrien

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Alice Troughton

   Writer:Richard McBrien
10. 

    8.0/10(769 votes)

    #10 - The Kindness of Strangers

    S5:E1012/8/2012

    Morgana leads a terrifying manhunt in pursuit of her old foe Alator of the Catha, for she knows without doubt that he can tell her exactly where to find Emrys. Merlin's life is in severe danger, so when the mysterious Finna offers to help him, is he right to trust her?

    Director:Declan O'Dwyer

    Writer:Richard McBrien

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:Declan O'Dwyer

    Writer:Richard McBrien
11. 

    8.4/10(821 votes)

    #11 - The Drawing of the Dark

    S5:E1112/15/2012

    Mordred finds himself torn between loyalty and love, but little does he realise that the path he chooses will shape Camelot's destiny. As the drums of war beat ever louder, a desperate Merlin feels trapped by the cruel circle of fate - is he powerless to stop his dreams of Albion from crumbling to dust?

    Director:Declan O'Dwyer

    Writer:Julian Jones

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:Declan O'Dwyer

    Writer:Julian Jones
12. 

    8.9/10(1083 votes)

    #12 - The Diamond of the Day (1)

    S5:E1212/22/2012

    High in the mountains, a great horde gathers; Morgana prepares for war with a vengeful Mordred at her side. Merlin feels the weight of his destiny like never before as the ancient prophecies play out with terrifying accuracy. But before he can save his beloved Camelot, he must save himself. For it is not just the kingdom Morgana wishes to destroy – it is also Emrys.

    Director:Justin Molotnikov

    Writer:Jake Michie

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:Justin Molotnikov

    Writer:Jake Michie
13. 

    8.2/10(1628 votes)

    #13 - The Diamond of the Day (2)

    S5:E1312/24/2012

    And so it seems the Prophets did not lie. As the great battle rages on Camlann's mighty plain, Merlin faces his moment of destiny. Can he find the strength to save the man he made a King; the Camelot they fought to build; and the brotherhood they shared?

    Director:Unknown

    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:Unknown

    Writer:Unknown