8.5/101,104 votes#1 - Arthur's Bane (1)
Season 5 Episode 1 - Aired 10/6/2012
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: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.4/10884 votes#2 - Arthur's Bane (2)
Season 5 Episode 2 - Aired 10/13/2012
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: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.0/10809 votes#3 - The Death Song of Uther Pendragon
Season 5 Episode 3 - Aired 10/20/2012
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
7.9/10739 votes#4 - Another's Sorrow
Season 5 Episode 4 - Aired 10/27/2012
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
7.9/10754 votes#5 - The Disir
Season 5 Episode 5 - Aired 11/3/2012
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
7.7/10724 votes#6 - The Dark Tower
Season 5 Episode 6 - Aired 11/10/2012
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
7.7/10717 votes#7 - A Lesson in Vengeance
Season 5 Episode 7 - Aired 11/17/2012
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
7.9/10713 votes#8 - The Hollow Queen
Season 5 Episode 8 - Aired 11/24/2012
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
8.2/10750 votes#9 - With All My Heart
Season 5 Episode 9 - Aired 12/1/2012
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
8.0/10708 votes#10 - The Kindness of Strangers
Season 5 Episode 10 - Aired 12/8/2012
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
8.3/10757 votes#11 - The Drawing of the Dark
Season 5 Episode 11 - Aired 12/15/2012
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
8.8/101,001 votes#12 - The Diamond of the Day (1)
Season 5 Episode 12 - Aired 12/22/2012
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
8.1/101,518 votes#13 - The Diamond of the Day (2)
Season 5 Episode 13 - Aired 12/24/2012
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: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of Merlin Season 5
Every episode of Merlin Season 5 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Merlin Season 5!
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 5 Ratings Summary
"Arthur's Bane (1)" is the best rated episode of "Merlin" season 5. It scored 8.5/10 based on 1104 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 10/6/2012. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Arthur's Bane (2)".