Board Thread:What If?/@comment-173.245.80.12-20140903054558/@comment-37001937-20190521170330

''Edit: Was looking at the transcripts, and Merlin actually does want to tell Arthur about Agravaine at the end of 5x07. It's Gaius who vetoes the idea because they don't have any evidence and Arthur wouldn't believe them over his uncle (a view which is supported by the fact that even Gwen believes Arthur trusts Agravaine more than anyone), and I'm guessing Merlin doesn't argue with him because he tried to tell Arthur about Agravaine earlier in the episode and was immediately shot down.''

I's concede that they were mostly going by suspicions, but Agravaine wasn't exactly subtle about manipulating Arthur and isolating him from those he loved and trusted. Gwaine had also seen him trying to kill Gaius.

By this point, Merlin's best bet was to reveal himself to the court, including Agravaine, and letting the chips fall where they may. He was a mere servant going against a noble who has the uncle and also the king's second in command. He wasn't going to accomplish change, or put an end to Morgana's threats and Agravaine's scheming.

He got angry and even threw a punch at Arthur and called him dumb in the episode with Cornelius Sigan. The way to expose everyone else was to reveal himself and force Arthur to see the contrast.