[Andy Joannou]

It's the beginning of the end! Part one of this year's Merlin finale - 'The Sword in the Stone' - airs tonight and introduces two new legendary characters to the show. Tristan - played by Law & Order: UK's Ben Daniels - and Isolde - former Spooks star Miranda Raison - arrive in Camelot's hour of need, but have they come to help or hinder King Arthur?

Bit sad that after next week they'll be no more Saturday night fun for a while!

Related content from Digital Spy:

- 'Merlin': 'The Sword in the Stone (Part 1)' in pictures
- 'Merlin': Ten teasers about 'The Sword in the Stone (Part 1)'
- Recap: 'The Hunter's Heart'

- Vote for Merlin --> The Digital Spy 2011 end of year reader poll

[mrbernay]

I'm here Brilliant stuff so far

[CaptainSensible]

Phwoaar!

[kutox]

Originally Posted by CaptainSensible

Phwoaar!

Indeed

[CaptainSensible]

It's Jo from Spooks... heh...

[Yoshi Fan]

This is hilarious!

[Snikpoh]

Eoin Macken - yum!!

[Cadiva]

OMG! Not often I get that excited about a TV show but next week's finale looks beyond epic
Loving the twist on the Tristan and Isolde myth, just hope it's not as tragic as the original and it was nice to see Honith again and for Arthur and Gwen to reconcile. I was yelling at Merlin for him to call Killgaragh and it looks like he may do that for next week.

All that and EXCALIBUR! I know it being called The Sword in the Stone was a bit of a giveaway but how good did Arthur starting to pull it out look.

[shadowassassin]

Amazing. Unbelievable camera work for these last two episodes, loving the slow-motion. The best series by far.

I hope the same standard is kept for next series, they've got a lot to live up too.

I also don't think everybody will survive next week - we could be in for a shocker!

[Paul237]

Next week's looks like it'll be good. Excalibur and the Dragons woo hoo!

Please, please kill off Morgana.

[lukey89]

HI new here,

Been watching since the first episode though!

Tonight's episode was awesome!

Really looking forward to next week, any ideas how it will end next week?

[velvetnightsky]

Really good episode tonight, very enjoyable and over far too quickly. Looking forward to the finale next week.

[CaptainSensible]

Can't wait for what seems to be Agravating finding out who Merlin really is

[lukey89]

Double post

[franster]

Whilst I have been quite disappointed with s4 so far, I think 4x12 is hands down one of, if not the, best episodes of Merlin. It had every aspect of the show I like, it was paced well, it was balanced well, it had twists, it had light moments, it had dark moments etc.

I think its pretty much the closest thing to a perfect Merlin episode.

And the trailer for next week looks AMAZING. Morgana v Gwen sword fight, um, hello.

All I want for next week to be the perfect ep is for there to be a Morgana v Arthur show down.

[shadowassassin]

Originally Posted by lukey89

Double post

I can see there being a few upsets over some of the actors/actresses returning for the new series. Maybe a few of them have left?

Going to be very interesting.

Whilst I have been quite disappointed with s4 so far,

Compared to other series, this has been the best by a loooong shot. I could easily watch any episode again. Loving the darkness, exactly what Merlin needs

[Cadiva]

Originally Posted by shadowassassin

Amazing. Unbelievable camera work for these last two episodes, loving the slow-motion. The best series by far.

I hope the same standard is kept for next series, they've got a lot to live up too.

I also don't think everybody will survive next week - we could be in for a shocker!

Aye totally agree, the camera and slow mo work for the beginning fight in the corridor was superb. I think they've just got better and better as the show has gone on.

Originally Posted by shadowassassin

I can see there being a few upsets over some of the actors/actresses returning for the new series. Maybe a few of them have left?

As far as I am aware, all the main cast signed up for five years/series with the exception of Anthony Head and Richard Wilson, who did series by series.
If we're going to lose anyone it may be Gaius, although I really hope not as I love his character.

[Yoshi Fan]

I have one massive problem with that episode, and it was the fact it finished. Can't believe I have to wait a whole week for the finale.

I hope Morgana gets her arse kicked next week and gets a much needed comeuppance...and if she doesn't die, I hope she gets a series' break. As good as this series has been, there's been too much Morgana.

[mrbernay]

That episode showed why Merlin is the BBC primetime leading series and not Doctor Who..... It had everything IMO. DW needs to get back to basics....

[maninthequeue]

Originally Posted by Yoshi Fan

I have one massive problem with that episode, and it was the fact it finished. Can't believe I have to wait a whole week for the finale.

I hope Morgana gets her arse kicked next week and gets a much needed comeuppance...and if she doesn't die, I hope she gets a series' break. As good as this series has been, there's been too much Morgana.

Agreed, that was absolutely brilliant. This show really has well and truly taken over from Dr Who as the best UK Sci-Fi/Fantasy Drama series this year.

Ditto I agree with Morgana, her character is too panto for my liking.

[MrsGeneHunt]

Originally Posted by franster

I think 4x12 is hands down one of, if not the, best episodes of Merlin. It had every aspect of the show I like, it was paced well, it was balanced well, it had twists, it had light moments, it had dark moments etc.

I think its pretty much the closest thing to a perfect Merlin episode.

Absolutely spot on. I was glued to the screen throughout - talk about top notch entertainment! Lovely to see Ealdor again (hope I spelt that correctly). Arthur as village idiot was a hoot. Morgana made me want to put my fist through the screen - nasty cow, starving Gaius after all he did for her during her whiney nightmare phase! And I adored the reunion between Arthur and Gwen - it was so tender and beautifully understated.

And to the absolute douche (pardon my French) who rated this episode as awful...
Stop watching! If you thought THAT was awful, then clearly this is NOT the show for you! And if you're only doing it to mess up the poll - well, there's really only one thing I have to say to you...
CLOTPOLE!!

[Avi8]

Originally Posted by Cadiva

how good did Arthur starting to pull it out look.

Sorry, very childish of me but this made me laugh out loud.

Right, on to other matters:

This Episode. Apart from Ep 3 of this series (I'm a sucker for tears and Merlin sitting all night on the floor for Arthur in his hour of need) this was absolutely the Best Episode All Series. Arthur enchanted to be mild and compliant was Total Genius. I take my hat off to the scriptwriter who thought that one up, and to Bradley James for his acting of it. Loved the action, loved the pathos of Arthur, loved the new characters, loved Gwaine kicking ass, loved whatever Agravaine's game was when he was talking to Morgana. Totally, totally excellent, even with yet more little plot holes (where did Arthur get his armour from once in Ealdor?)

I can't wait until next week. Trouble is, I won't be in my own home on Christmas Eve, but I am going to move mountains to watch the finale as it is broadcast.

[L0LLY97]

I absolutely loved this episode of Merlin. There can never be too much of Morgana, in my opinion. She is my favourite character and I hope she isn't killed off, although I have a feeling that she might be. I can't believe there's only one episode of this series left! What will I do with my Saturday nights?!

[OlracUK]

My 1st thought as I waited for the episode to start was "baddy Merlin knew about but no one believes him invades castle and does pouty look on throne - oh no we've seen this before". But but..... what a great episode! Arthur under the spell, Arthur learning what his subjects think of him, Gwen, great production values etc.
But it really is time Merlin upped his game and put his magic to more use. A quick rib cage fixing spell for Arthur? Beating more baddies in the Woods or even a spell to hide there tracks.
Surely next week with the Sword and battling Morgan's it has to come out.

[cloudy]

Originally Posted by mrbernay

That episode showed why Merlin is the BBC primetime leading series and not Doctor Who..... It had everything IMO. DW needs to get back to basics....

Doctor Who needs the Merlin writers and quickly.

Best episode tonight. Loved it, fast paced, funny and brilliantly acted.

Can we get a 'better than excellent' category in the poll.