Merlin (series 4)

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Merlin series 4
Country of origin United Kingdom
No. of episodes 13
Broadcast
Original channel BBC
Original run 1 October 2011 –
24 December 2011
Home video release
DVD release
Region 2 23 January 2012
Series chronology
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Series 3
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Series 5
List of Merlin episodes

The fourth series of the British drama series Merlin began on 1 October 2011 with the episode "The Darkest Hour - Part 1". It consists of 13 episodes originally shown on Saturday evenings on BBC One and BBC One HD (repeats shown on BBC Three). Series producer is Sara Hamill and executive producers are Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy. Directors include Alice Troughton, Alex Pillai, Justin Molotnikov and Jeremy Webb.[1] Writers include Julian Jones (head writer), Howard Overman, Jake Michie, Lucy Watkins, and Richard McBrien.

Series four stars the regular cast from the previous series including Colin Morgan, Angel Coulby, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, and Richard Wilson. Credited as a regular, Anthony Head left the series after his character was killed off in "The Wicked Day". Nathaniel Parker joined the regular cast in this series (credited as such for the first time in "Aithusa") and John Hurt returned as the voice of the Dragon. Supporting cast members include Adetomiwa Edun, Eoin Macken, Tom Hopper, and Rupert Young.

Notable guest actors include Santiago Cabrera, Emilia Fox, Gemma Jones, Phil Davis, James Callis, Lindsay Duncan, Gary Lewis,[1] Charlene McKenna,[2] Janet Montgomery,[3] Terence Maynard,[3] Ben Daniels,[4] Miranda Raison[4] and Caroline Faber.[4]

Plot

It's been a year since Morgana turned against Camelot and went on the run with a dying Morgause, and things have changed in the kingdom. Arthur is now acting as king, assisted by his uncle Agravaine, whilst King Uther is a lost soul, broken by his daughter's betrayal.

Merlin, Guinevere and Gaius continue to act as Arthur's ever faithful servants. But with a traitor now living in the heart of the castle, it seems each of them must prove their loyalty like never before... For a dark cloud has been cast over Camelot and as Uther Pendragon breathes his last breath, tight nets close around Arthur... the kingdom's darkest hour has arrived, and to survive, Arthur and Merlin must put their trust in each other, completely, as the line between allies and adversaries is tested to the limit...

Cast

The full list of cast members is as follows:[5][6]

Main Cast

Recurring

Guest star

Production

The production of a fourth series of Merlin was confirmed on 25 October 2010.[12] Anthony Head confirmed that the show will air in September 2011. Series 4 will consist of 13 episodes.[13] Colin Morgan said episodes would no longer be as stand-alone, "Each episode takes a progression as a piece of a jigsaw that has to be completed. There's no reverse going on."[14] Due to the popularity of the show, Merlin has been renewed for a fifth series.

Casting

Three days before the series finale Julian Jones the series creator stated that Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Anthony Head, and Richard Wilson are all contracted for multiple season and they would return as series regulars. John Hurt who narrated the show and plays the voice of the great dragon would also be upgraded back into a series regular after having a recurring role in season two. On 19 August 2011 Phil Davis was cast as the Gleeman. Nathaniel Parker[15] and Charlene McKenna [16] would also join the casting playing Agravaine and Lamia. James Callis joined that casting for the fourth episode as Julius Borden.[8] Gemma Jones will play Cailleach the gatekeeper to the spirit world.[15] Lindsay Duncan will appear in one episode playing the Queen of Annis. Steven Hartley also joined the casting as King Caerleon.[10][17] Rupert Young will also return.[citation needed] Tom Hopper and Adetomiwa Edun confirmed that they will also return on their roles.[citation needed]

Episodes

No.
overall		 No.
for series		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers
(million)[18]
401 "The Darkest Hour (Part 1)" Alice TroughtonJulian Jones1 October 2011 (2011-10-01)6.40
Merlin faces his toughest challenge yet when Morgana's blinkered determination threatens not only Arthur's future, but the very balance of the world. With her magic stronger than ever, the sorceress summons the mighty Callieach to tear open the veil between the worlds. Hellish creatures pour forth, killing any who succumb to their touch. It falls to Arthur and his loyal knights to protect the kingdom. But it will take more than just swords to vanquish their enemy and Merlin is shocked to the core when he discovers the only way to restore the equilibrium requires a sacrifice of unimaginable proportions. 
412 "The Darkest Hour (Part 2)" Alice TroughtonJulian Jones8 October 2011 (2011-10-08)6.80
The kingdom is on the brink of collapse, with Morgana poised to strike. As Lancelot races back to Camelot with the dying Merlin, Arthur must continue on his mission to vanquish the Dorocha without them. Though the Knights know their journey to the Isle of the Blessed is fraught with danger, none could anticipate the sacrifice Arthur intends to make there. Friendship and loyalty are tested to the limit, but in the end, it is the power of love that changes all their lives forever... 
423 "The Wicked Day" Alice TroughtonHoward Overman15 October 2011 (2011-10-15)7.04
The mighty citadel is buzzing in anticipation of the prince's birthday celebrations. But Arthur's old adversary, Odin, promises to ensure this is one party Camelot will never forget. For amongst the assembling guests lurks a deadly assassin, set to strike. As the dust settles, Camelot is left devastated. But just how far is Merlin prepared to go to put things right? Would he really risk everything and reveal his secret? 
434 "Aithusa" Alex PillaiJulian Jones22 October 2011 (2011-10-22)6.96
The mysterious Julius Borden arrives in Camelot with news of a magical secret that threatens to change the landscape of the kingdom forever. He has located the final part of the key to the tomb of Ashkanar, an ancient mausoleum which holds a very special treasure: the last remaining dragon's egg. Merlin is understandably drawn in by Borden's news, and promises to help him. But just who is the enigmatic stranger and, more importantly, why does he really want the egg? 
445 "His Father's Son" Alex PillaiJake Michie29 October 2011 (2011-10-29)7.40
For the first time since his coronation, Arthur finds out what it's really like to be King. Arthur faces his first true test as King when he incurs the wrath of the formidable Queen Annis. With the lives of thousands hanging in the balance, Arthur must find the strength to be his own man and become the leader Camelot so desperately needs. 
456 "A Servant of Two Masters" Alex PillaiLucy Watkins5 November 2011 (2011-11-05)6.94
When Merlin falls into Morgana's hands, he becomes a deadly weapon in her fight for supremacy. Using ancient magic, she pits friend against friend and creates the perfect assassin. An oblivious Arthur is in great danger. Will anyone notice Merlin's unusual behaviour before its to late? 
467 "The Secret Sharer" Justin MolotnikovJulian Jones12 November 2011 (2011-11-12)6.72
Morgana joins forces with enigmatic wizard named Alator to uncover a secret that could change the course of destiny, the identity of Emrys. With allies on both sides of the walls of Camelot, can anyone stop her before Merlin's secret is revealed? 
478 "Lamia" Justin MolotnikovJake Michie19 November 2011 (2011-11-19)7.00
When the menfolk of Guinevere's home village fall victim to a mysterious illness, Gaius sends Merlin, along with Guinevere and the knights, to cure them but they are side-tracked by a waif-like girl, Lamia. Only Merlin and Guinevere suspect, rightly, that she is responsible and soon the knights fall under her spell, succumbing to the same sickness. Arthur rides out with Gaius,who has realised the girl's secret, but will they rescue Merlin and Guinevere or can Merlin defeat Lamia without revealing his magic powers? 
489 "Lancelot du Lac" Justin MolotnikovLucy Watkins26 November 2011 (2011-11-26)7.32
When Sir Lancelot returns, old feelings reignite. 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? 
4910 "A Herald of the New Age" Jeremy WebbHoward Overman3 December 2011 (2011-12-03)6.90
The Camelot Knights stumble across an eerie shrine deep in the forest, its chilling atmosphere betraying a dark history best left undisturbed. But when Elyan ignores Merlin's warning, his actions spark a chain of events more frightening than anyone could possibly have imagined. 
5011 "The Hunter's Heart" Jeremy WebbRichard McBrien10 December 2011 (2011-12-10)7.12
Morgana finds a powerful ally in the Southron warlord Helios. Together they hatch the perfect plan to force Camelot to its knees... With the Kingdom - and Arthur - preoccupied by the arrival of the beautiful Princess Mithian, it falls to an absent friend to raise the alarm. But with past wounds still raw, can love really conquer all when Guinevere returns? Or is a deadly arrow destined to fly straight into the heart of Camelot? 
5112 "The Sword in the Stone (Part 1)" Alice TroughtonJake Michie17 December 2011 (2011-12-17)8.39
With Morgana at the head of a vast Southron army, a deadly net is closing in around Camelot. When the sorceress strikes, the ferocity of her attack forces everyone to run for their lives - even Arthur. But Morgana won't let him escape that easily. And so begins a chilling hunt. Can Merlin save the King from Morgana's clutches? Or has Arthur's luck finally run out? 
5213 "The Sword in the Stone (Part 2)" Alice TroughtonJulian Jones24 December 2011 (2011-12-24)8.18
Helios and Morgana have successfully captured Camelot, while Merlin, Arthur, Gwen, Tristan, Isolde are on outlawed runs. To prove that Arthur is the rightful heir to the throne, Merlin makes Arthur take an ancient sword out of a stone. Having his courage back, Arthur strikes Camelot and overthrows Morgana. Arthur takes his crown back and marries Gwen, who finally becomes Queen of Camelot. Wounded and banished, Morgana almost dies, but at the very end, the little dragon Aithusa heals Morgana before flying away. 

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "BBC, Merlin, Series 4, The Secret Sharer". BBC. Retrieved 2011-12-09. 
  2. ↑ "BBC, Merlin, Series 4, Lamia". BBC. Retrieved 2011-12-09. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "BBC, Merlin, Series 4, The Hunter's Heart". BBC. Retrieved 2011-12-17. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "BBC, Merlin, Series 4, The Sword in the Stone: Part One". BBC. Retrieved 2011-12-17. 
  5. ↑ "Merlin - Heroes". BBC. Retrieved 2011-12-09. 
  6. ↑ "Merlin - Villains: Series 4". BBC. Retrieved 2011-12-09. 
  7. ↑ "BBC, Merlin, Series 4, The Darkest Hour - Part 1". BBC. Retrieved 2011-10-17. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Network TV BBC Week 43: Saturday 22 October 2011". BBC. Retrieved 2011-10-06. 
  9. ↑ BBC - Merlin - Princess Mithian played by Janet Montgomery
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "radiotimes.com – Merlin Series 4 - 5. His Father's Son". BBC Magazines Ltd. Retrieved 2011-10-21. 
  11. ↑ "BBC, Merlin, Series 4, The Sword in the Stone: Part Two". BBC. Retrieved 2011-12-17. 
  12. ↑ Published Monday, 25 October 2010, 01:17 BST (2010-10-25). "'Merlin' renewed for fourth series - Merlin News - TV". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2011-10-18. 
  13. ↑ "MERLIN Season 4 Announced | Daemon's TV". Daemonstv.com. 2010-10-26. Retrieved 2011-10-18. 
  14. ↑ Byrne, Craig (28 July 2011). "Interview: Merlin’s Colin Morgan Reveals Season 4 Magic". ksitetv.com. Retrieved 29 July 2011. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 TV and Radio (2011-09-30). "Merlin, BBC One: behind the scenes". London: Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-10-18. 
  16. ↑ "My new slippery role in Merlin - Charlene". Herald.ie. 2011-10-18. Retrieved 2011-11-01. 
  17. ↑ "stevenhartley.net". stevenhartley.net. Retrieved 2011-10-18. 
  18. ↑ "Weekly Viewing Summary (see relevant week)". BARB. 
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