Board Thread:Series 5 Discussion/@comment-83.249.134.172-20121224234548/@comment-5995315-20130115144030

The finale is superb and unexpected. To succeed, it had to accomplish one single thing, and that was to do right by Merlin and Arthur. I'm glad they devoted as much screen time to it  as they do in episode 13 because the entire show from season 1 depends on that relationship.

Their dialog  is excellent. What viewers get is not one Reveal, but two. Merlin's declamation to Arthur of who he is is huge, and it explains much of Merlin's unusual behavior all throughout the show. Arthur's later response ("I don't want you to change ...") immortalizes their bond.

Colin Morgan and Bradley James gave flawless performances. Bradley nailed his final scene, and his voice even cracks at the right instant. It's obvious the two actors threw everything they had into those final moments.

In the end, Merlin gets the one thing he wants in life, and so does Arthur. Together they defeat the prophecies by relying on their bond. Fate pronounced its verdict on them, but they show viewers that love renders fate meaningless.