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The Worst Episodes of Merlin

Every episode of Merlin ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Merlin!

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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. #1 Worst Episode
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    Merlin Season 4 Episode 8 - Lamia
    7.2/10(824 votes)

    #1 - Lamia

    S4:E8

    A mysterious illness draws Merlin to a distant village. But it soon becomes clear that there is more at stake than just his patients' well-being as something sinister turns the air sour. Far from home and with no-one to trust, Merlin becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse. No longer sure who is the hunter and who is the hunted, can the young warlock survive long enough to uncover the truth?

    Director:Justin Molotnikov
    Writer:Jake Michie

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  2. Merlin Season 3 Episode 9 - Love in the Time of Dragons
    7.3/10(840 votes)

    #2 - Love in the Time of Dragons

    S3:E9

    An old flame of Gaius' arrives in Camelot under the influence of a Manticore.

    Director:Alice Troughton
    Writer:Jake Michie

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  3. Merlin Season 1 Episode 7 - The Gates of Avalon
    7.4/10(1185 votes)

    #3 - The Gates of Avalon

    S1:E7

    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

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  4. Merlin Season 3 Episode 6 - The Changeling
    7.4/10(861 votes)

    #4 - The Changeling

    S3:E6

    Uther pressures Arthur into an arranged marriage with a visiting princess, Elena, though Merlin soon has reservations after discovering that Elena may not exactly be who she claims to be. As he tries to uncover the princess' dark secret, he learns that Elena's nanny is a Pixie. But what are their motivations? Who do they work for? And most important of all, what benefit do they get from her marriage to Arthur, the heir to the throne of Camelot? Will Merlin be able to get to the bottom of it all and prevent Arthur from making the biggest mistake of his life?

    Director:David Moore
    Writer:Lucy Watkins

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  5. Merlin Season 1 Episode 2 - Valiant
    7.5/10(1408 votes)

    #5 - Valiant

    S1:E2

    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

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  6. Merlin Season 1 Episode 6 - A Remedy to Cure All Ills
    7.5/10(1211 votes)

    #6 - A Remedy to Cure All Ills

    S1:E6

    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

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  7. Merlin Season 2 Episode 5 - Beauty and the Beast (1)
    7.5/10(1059 votes)

    #7 - Beauty and the Beast (1)

    S2:E5

    Lady Catrina and her strange servant Jonas arrive in Camelot, where they are welcome to stay by a most delighted king Uther, who becomes captivated by his latest guest. Arthur, on the contrary, far from sharing his father's enthusiasm and in the sight of the flirting going on, is pretty appalled with the situation. Merlin and Gaius have the feeling that she is not what she seems and their suspicions are proven true when Merlin discovers that Lady Catrina is a troll and that unfortunately, her intentions are far beyond the prize of a king's heart. Horrified, he reveals the truth to Arthur, who doesn't believe him. Merlin embarks in the task of proving the real nature of the woman while at the same time saving Uther from ruin and Camelot from fall. Will the young warlock be able to overcome the powerful magic of the troll before it's too late?

    Director:David Moore
    Writer:Jake Michie

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  8. Merlin Season 1 Episode 3 - The Mark of Nimueh
    7.6/10(1301 votes)

    #8 - The Mark of Nimueh

    S1:E3

    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

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  9. Merlin Season 1 Episode 1 - The Dragon's Call
    7.7/10(1812 votes)

    #9 - The Dragon's Call

    S1:E1

    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

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  10. Merlin Season 2 Episode 1 - The Curse of Cornelius Sigan
    7.7/10(1064 votes)

    #10 - 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.

    Director:David Moore
    Writer:Julian Jones

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  11. Merlin Season 2 Episode 6 - Beauty and the Beast (2)
    7.7/10(1045 votes)

    #11 - 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.

    Director:Metin Hüseyin
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  12. Merlin Season 3 Episode 7 - The Castle of Fyrien
    7.7/10(875 votes)

    #12 - The Castle of Fyrien

    S3:E7

    Gwen faces an impossible dilemma when she is forced to choose between saving the life of Elyan, her estranged brother and only sibling or Arthur's, Camelot's prince and the love of her life. When one of them is certain to find death at the hands of Cenred, who will Gwen choose? Once again, loyalty, love and friendships are tested to the limit as Arthur, Merlin and Gwen are forced to put their minds together to try and find a way out of the cruel quandary. Morgana and Morgause, in turn, will do their best ruin their plans. Will good conquer evil or will Gwen end up losing someone she loves again?

    Director:David Moore
    Writer:Jake Michie

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  13. Merlin Season 3 Episode 11 - The Sorcerer's Shadow
    7.7/10(853 votes)

    #13 - The Sorcerer's Shadow

    S3:E11

    Camelot's legendary tournament only has one rule: there are no rules whatsoever. Terrifying warriors start to fill the mythical city, Gilli between them. Despite his small stature, Gilli is ready to join the action and committed to achieve victory with a secret weapon to help him: magic. When Gilli begins to realise the full extent of his powers, Merlin becomes torn since his new friend is putting his own life in danger as well as threatening the very heart of Camelot with his actions. Will Merlin be able to make Gilli see sense before it's too late?

    Director:Ashley Way
    Writer:Julian Jones

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  14. Merlin Season 5 Episode 6 - The Dark Tower
    7.7/10(793 votes)

    #14 - The Dark Tower

    S5:E6

    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

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  15. Merlin Season 2 Episode 3 - The Nightmare Begins
    7.8/10(993 votes)

    #15 - 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?

    Director:Jeremy Webb
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  16. Merlin Season 2 Episode 10 - Sweet Dreams
    7.8/10(954 votes)

    #16 - 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.

    Director:Alice Troughton
    Writer:Lucy Watkins

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  17. Merlin Season 4 Episode 10 - A Herald of the New Age
    7.8/10(816 votes)

    #17 - A Herald of the New Age

    S4:E10

    The Camelot Knights stumble across an eerie shrine deep in the forest, its chilling atmosphere betraying a dark history best left undisturbed, as the magical drama continues. But when Elyan ignores Merlin's warning, his actions spark a chain of events more frightening than anyone could possibly have imagined... Can a grievous wrong be put right? Or will past demons change the future forever?

    Director:Jeremy Webb
    Writer:Howard Overman

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  18. Merlin Season 5 Episode 7 - A Lesson in Vengeance
    7.8/10(783 votes)

    #18 - A Lesson in Vengeance

    S5:E7

    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

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  19. Merlin Season 1 Episode 4 - The Poisoned Chalice
    7.9/10(1318 votes)

    #19 - 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

    Director:Ed Fraiman
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  20. Merlin Season 1 Episode 5 - Lancelot
    7.9/10(1299 votes)

    #20 - Lancelot

    S1:E5

    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

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  21. Merlin Season 2 Episode 4 - Lancelot and Guinevere
    7.9/10(1034 votes)

    #21 - 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.

    Director:David Moore
    Writer:Howard Overman

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  22. Merlin Season 2 Episode 11 - The Witch's Quickening
    7.9/10(925 votes)

    #22 - 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.

    Director:Alice Troughton
    Writer:Jake Michie

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  23. Merlin Season 3 Episode 3 - Goblin's Gold
    7.9/10(1045 votes)

    #23 - Goblin's Gold

    S3:E3

    When Merlin comes across a secret chamber, he accidentally releases a goblin. The mischievous little creature possesses Gaius, making the wise and renowned court physician turn into a shadow of his former self, quickly developing a taste for gold, ale and magical jokes. To make things worse, the king suddenly becomes bald and a nasty scourge of flatulence hits the royal household. Will Merlin be able to figure out the source of all troubles, return the gobblin back to where he came from and put an end to the havoc before any real damage is done?

    Director:Jeremy Webb
    Writer:Howard Overman

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  24. Merlin Season 4 Episode 9 - Lancelot du Lac
    7.9/10(873 votes)

    #24 - Lancelot du Lac

    S4:E9

    When Sir Lancelot returns from the dead, old feelings reignite, as the drama continues. Gwen must fight temptation before she commits an unspeakable act of betrayal; one that would destroy the legacy of Camelot forever. With heads and hearts thrown into turmoil, Merlin becomes suspicious. Can a man really defy death, or is there something more sinister at play?

    Director:Justin Molotnikov
    Writer:Lucy Watkins

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  25. Merlin Season 5 Episode 4 - Another's Sorrow
    7.9/10(807 votes)

    #25 - Another's Sorrow

    S5:E4

    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

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Lamia" is the worst rated episode of "Merlin". It scored 7.2/10 based on 824 votes. Directed by Justin Molotnikov and written by Jake Michie, it aired on 11/19/2011. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Love in the Time of Dragons".