Board Thread:Series 5 Discussion/@comment-84.84.54.179-20121017214129/@comment-5621713-20121203092616

I wonder if Merlin is Merlin's Bane in this sense. Merlin's attitude toward Mordred is entirely based upon the prophecy that he will kill Arthur. But, how many times have Giaus and Kilgharrah told Merlin that there are many different fates, that none is set in stone, and they are effected by what we do....I love Merlin, don't get me wrong, he is the most all around wonderful character...but I can't help thinking that if Merlin befriended Mordred instead of alienating him, he might have a better chance of tempering any anger or frustration that Mordred may feel toward Arthur. Mordred is trying very much to be good, to be a good sorcerer. Magic isn't evil, but evil people can use it for their own ends...and the writers have chosen to depict Mordred as being honorable, and loyal. He has acted against Morgana twice, both times to save Arthur, or Arthur, Gwen, and Merlin. Mordred not only knows that Merlin has magic, but that he is Emyrs, and he has kept both those secrets. From what I gather about the upcoming episodes, it will be Arthur's plans to execute Mordred's lov interest that turns Mordred against Arthur. He will then jump to Morgana's side of the conflict. If he and Merlin had become close friends(sharing a common secret, wanting to do what they can to bring about Albion) he would know what was going on with Mordred when he is conflicted about Arthur and his decision to execute Kara. But then again, the last time Mordred saw Merlin he told him that he would never forget or forgive Merlin for the attack on the Druid's camp in the woods, specifically when Merlin thwarted his escape by causing Mordred to trip. So, is it possible that Mordred still holds that grudge? He doesn't seem to have done so, but we can't be sure.

On a related note, I noticed a forum discussion about Giaus' age. If the time course of the show is about 5 or 6 years max in Camelot time, then it isn't that surprising that a physician, sorcerer to still be alive. But I think that the way they have aged Mordred is more questionable. When we meet Mordred, he couldn't be much older than 11 or 12. So, ~5 years later he would be at most 17...he looks to be in his 20's, the same age if not older than Merlin. I suppose the writers and casting directors have artistic license. Alexander Vlahos does a good job regardless of his age.

Has there been any reference to time travel in the series that I have missed? Or, was that post about a variation of the legend? I have watched each episode from the first to the most recent at least 3 times and didn't notice any references to a time traveling Mordred??I'd be very surprised if the writers of this show would have Arthur and Morgana, knowing that they are half siblings, have a child together.