Board Thread:Series 5 Discussion/@comment-6905051-20130327100352/@comment-6905051-20130331193503

^^ But Merlin never really used magic to subdue Arthur, it would go against his principle and he would become bad magician then, he only did it once, in the finale episode of season4 and even then Arthur recovered by  next morning.

That is exactly why this issue baffles me. Poor writing, character buildup maybe, but how can Arthur trust Merlin to take him away with him all the time, in missions where servant is really not needed and listen to him once and the flop over and  call him useless idiot other times. I doubt trained warriors like him and his elite knights would make   good tasty food priorities on missions far more important.

FImber btw, loads of young kindgs actually took part in some adventures. I guess its coz of hot blood and youth. Its only when they become wise and old do they stay back. I think even Uther commanded his army and headed missions in his time. Maybe not the stupid missions Arthur always does, like retrieving a dragon egg, but more important ones.