User blog comment:GWAINE/Merlin - Episode 5.11 - 5.13 - Titles Revealed/@comment-3131129-20121129190140/@comment-5621713-20121203135541

I think the issue is a little more complex than love and revenge, it has to do with loyalty and duty to others versus individual gratification(Mordred's love for Kara, grief at loosing her). Choosing love over loyalty shifts his priority and alligence.

Mordred felt he owed Arthur a debt, for his releasing him from the dungeons, and bringing him to the Druids. But, later, when he is with Alvar, Mordred tells Merlin that he will never forgive or forget that Merlin used magic to make Mordred trip when he is running to escape the kings men. With a suspicious Merlin, there is no one else for Mordred to turn to when he is enraged at Arthur...no one except Morgana. If Merlin had taken Mordred under his wing and befriended him instead of him treating Mordred as though he already betrayed them, Merlin could have helped him deal with his anger and frustration with Arthur re: executing Kara. Who knows, Merlin might have helped Mordred free Kara. Not all prophecies are set in stone. Giaus and Kilgharrah have told Merlin that a few times. Merlin's mistrust and alienation serves to push Mordred toward Morgana. Can you imagine what it would have been like if Merlin befriended Mordred. It would have been nice for both of them to have an ally at court who knew his secret, and was also looking forward to the founding of Albion, and shared that dream while looking out for one another. I think that maybe Merlin's Bane, Merlin? Don't get me wrong, I love Merlin, and think he is a wonderful character in every way. I just wonder that in his vigilance and dedication to Arthur may cause him to behave in a way that might actually not be as helpful in the end as if he had acted differently. Does anyone think that Mordred would know about the prophecy about him killing Arthur?