Merlin (series 3)

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Merlin series 3

Complete DVD set box art
Country of origin United Kingdom
No. of episodes 13
Broadcast
Original channel BBC
Original run 11 September 2010 (2010-09-11) – 4 December 2010 (2010-12-04)
Home video release
DVD release
Region 1 17 January 2012 (2012-01-17)
Region 2 24 January 2011 (2011-01-24)
Series chronology
← Previous
Series 2
Next →
Series 4
List of Merlin episodes

Series three of Merlin began on 11 September 2010. Series three regular cast members include Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Anthony Head, and Richard Wilson, as well as Emilia Fox joining the regular cast. John Hurt took his previous role as the voice of the Great Dragon but was no longer one of the regular cast (though he continued to provide the opening narration for the series). Series three consists of 13 episodes. The series three premiere was watched by 6.49 million viewers.

The season was notable for the change in character of Morgana from the sympathetic heroine in the first two series to the villain in series 3, keeping with the historical concept of Morgana as Merlin's nemesis in the legends of King Arthur.

BBC officially renewed the show for series 4 on 10 October 2010.[1]

Cast

Starring

Recurring

Guest stars

Episodes

No.
overall		 No.
for series		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers
(million)[2]
271 "The Tears of Uther Pendragon (Part 1)" Jeremy WebbJulian Jones11 September 2010 (2010-09-11)6.49
Merlin and Arthur have been on many quests in search of the missing Lady Morgana. The despondent Prince is all but ready to give up. But as they recover from their latest skirmish, a bruised, bloodied figure emerges from the mist, it is the Lady Morgana. King Uther is overjoyed, but then starts to lose his mind. Merlin thinks that magic is the cause; could this be the work of his dutiful ward? The young warlock puts himself in grave danger trying to find out whose side Morgana is really on. 
282 "The Tears of Uther Pendragon (Part 2)" Jeremy WebbJulian Jones18 September 2010 (2010-09-18)6.06
With Merlin gravely ill from the Serket's poison, Morgana and Morgause continue with their evil plan. They have mentally incapacitated Uther and convinced his enemy, Cenred, to invade Camelot. The fate of the kingdom now rests on Arthur's shoulders. The Prince and his Knights resist the invaders, but Cenred's soldiers are not the only threat they face. Can Merlin stop Morgana in time to save Arthur from the enemy within? 
293 "Goblin's Gold" Jeremy WebbHoward Overman25 September 2010 (2010-09-25)6.22
After stumbling through a secret chamber, Merlin discovers a mysterious goblin who searches for gold. He unwittingly releases it and it takes control of Gaius. It causes all sorts of mischief and Merlin is desperate to find a way to free Gaius. 
304 "Gwaine" David MooreJulian Jones2 October 2010 (2010-10-02)6.42
Merlin and Arthur find themselves outnumbered in a bar fight but an enigmatic young man helps them win. The man’s name is Gwaine and he risks his own life to protect Arthur but during his act of bravery he is seriously wounded. The Prince decides to take him back to Camelot where he could make a recovery with Gaius' help. However, two unscrupulous knights plot to murder the Prince. 
315 "The Crystal Cave" Alice TroughtonJulian Jones9 October 2010 (2010-10-09)6.36
When Merlin enters the Crystal Cave, an old sorcerer shows Merlin a vision of the near future in which Morgana appears to kill Uther. Events begin unfolding as they did in the vision and Merlin misinterprets Morgana's nighttime visit to Morgause as sneaking off to kill Uther. Merlin tries to stop her, accidentally fracturing Morgana's skull. Merlin notices Arthur and Uther's extreme anguish over Morgana's impending death and forces the Great Dragon to help save her. Unfortunately, a shocking revelation by Uther means that Morgana is now more bitter than ever and Merlin now has to foil a real assassination attempt. 
326 "The Changeling" David MooreLucy Watkins16 October 2010 (2010-10-16)6.40
Uther has Arthur get engaged to Princess Elena, who arrives in Camelot. Elena is not dainty or lady-like and Arthur does not like her. Furthermore, her nanny Grunhilda is working for the Sidhe Elder to use Arthur's marriage to take over Camelot. Merlin finds out that Elena is possessed by a Sidhe (pronounced "Shee"), and then Merlin and Gaius must battle Grunhilda to free Elena from the Sidhe. However, as they are about to marry, Arthur calls off the wedding, saying that neither of the two love each other. 
337 "The Castle of Fyrien" David MooreJake Michie23 October 2010 (2010-10-23)6.82
Gwen is kidnapped one night as she returns home as part of a plot by Morgana, Morgause and Cenred. Cenred has Gwen's estranged brother Elyan captive at Castle Fyrien and, after a quick reunion, releases Gwen with a choice: bring Arthur to Cenred or Elyan will die. Arthur, Merlin and Gwen plan to save Elyan by using a secret entrance to Castle Fyrien, but things get complicated when Morgana decides to come with them. 
348 "The Eye of the Phoenix" Alice TroughtonJulian Jones30 October 2010 (2010-10-30)6.92
Arthur sets out on a quest to retrieve the Golden Trident from the Fisher King's Realm. But unbeknownst to Arthur, Morgana and Morgause have devised a clever plan to stop him from ever returning to Camelot. Once again, Merlin (this time with the help of Gwaine) must foil the plans of the ill-wishing sisters, and save Arthur. 
359 "Love in the Time of Dragons" Alice TroughtonJake Michie6 November 2010 (2010-11-06)6.90
When Alice, a physician and Gaius' old love, returns to Camelot, he is smitten again. However, she brings a Manticore with a plan to kill Uther with poison from its scorpion tail. Merlin tries to tell Gaius, but he won't listen. 
3610 "Queen of Hearts" Ashley WayHoward Overman13 November 2010 (2010-11-13)7.37
Morgana has visions about Gwen being crowned as Queen of Camelot. Morgause tells her that to prevent this she must find a way to split Gwen and Arthur up. Morgana first leads Uther to Arthur and Gwen's "date", causing the king to banish Gwen from Camelot. She's then accused of being a sorcerer thanks to evidence that Morgana planted in Arthur's room. Merlin uses an ageing spell to disguise himself as the real culprit and save Gwen. 
3711 "The Sorcerer's Shadow" Ashley WayJulian Jones20 November 2010 (2010-11-20)7.42
As another tournament descends on Camelot, a young man known as Gilli sets his sights on victory. Gilli uses magic in the tournament to increase his chances of victory, and by doing so he begins to realize the true strength of his powers, and what he could possibly use them for. Meanwhile, Morgana manipulates Uther and Arthur into competing against each other. 
3812 "The Coming of Arthur (Part 1)" Jeremy WebbJake Michie27 November 2010 (2010-11-27)7.12
Merlin and Arthur must save the Cup of Life before it ends up in the wrong hands. They manage to get it, but quickly lose it to Morgause. With an immortal army on side, Morgause quickly takes over Camelot. Merlin and Arthur secretly watch in horror as Morgana reveals her true allegiance (as well as her parentage) and is crowned Queen of Camelot. 
3913 "The Coming of Arthur (Part 2)" Jeremy WebbJulian Jones4 December 2010 (2010-12-04)7.67
Queen Morgana has taken Uther's place on the throne, while Uther sits defenseless and alone in the castle dungeons. Gwen and Sir Leon escape from Camelot to join up with Arthur and his friends in exile. Despite the impossibility of facing an immortal army, they plan a counter attack to rescue Uther. 

References

  1. ↑ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/s53/merlin/news/a283945/merlin-renewed-for-fourth-series.html
  2. ↑ "Weekly Viewing Summary (see relevant week)". BARB. 
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