User blog comment:Broman178/Should the filler episodes be stopped?/@comment-114.73.55.41-20120123042536/@comment-4623180-20120123083240

Well, let's put it this way. Episode 1 and 2 saw Morgana's change to her new true dark self, and it introduced Agravaine, the ruthless traitor, saw Morgause die and saw Morgana's destiny and doom at the hands of Merlin. That's all big stuff that affected the whole season and will stain into season 5. It also saw the battle from the legends, where Arthur died, probably Mordred, and Morgana was at Merlin's mercy. Not to mention Lancelot dying.

Episode 3 saw Uther die, Arthur turning to magic, much like his father did, and Arthur almost bringing magic back to Camelot. That was significant, as... The whole point of this show, the whole thing it's aiming at, is bringing, magic back.

Episode 4 was a take off from the last three episodes- there were no deaths, assassins, dark evil creatures, or Morgana. There were Druids, though, recurring characters, and the birth of the white dragon Aithusa who appears again in Episode 13 and probably Series 5. Some may say it's a filler, but there is some continuity, but its shortcoming is not mentioning Uther's death.. That may have been a good thing, though. At least we saw Aithusa, again.

Episode 5 sees Arthur truly tested as a king. He risks half his kingdom. He tries to push Gwen away from him because of Agravaine and we see him trying to be like his father– which he shouldn't be doing. At the end Morgana, who tried to let Arthur die so she could claim her throne to Camelot, is told she resembles Uther by Queen Annis, which turns out to be very true.

Episode 6 sees the tense reunion between Merlin and Morgana, a discussion about past events, and Merlin's attempts to assassinate Arthur. There's also the first magical duel between Merlin and Morgana. This episode is a fan favourite.

Episode 7 sees Morgana seeking out who Emrys really is- this is certainly not a filler, as it explores the theme of Emrys being discovered, which is important to the whole story! Gaius breaks his promise to keep the secret to Merlin (reluctantly), and Merlin makes a new ally, Alator, who knows of the prophecy. Morgana also encounters Merlin again.

Episode 8 is about a Lamia that seduces men. Some villagers who were once friends with Gwen say the Lamia is attacking their village, so Gaius sends Merlin out. They figure out it's sorcery and return to Camelot, but the Lamia seduces them, almost kills the knights but Arthur saves the day. ^This would definitely be a filler. The Lamia monster has nothing to do with anything in the story and the plot does not move the whole point of the show forward. This episode was simply "let's randomly put all the characters in these situations, explore these themes and pronto!" Not saying that's bad, but fans don't favour that over the others.

Episode 9 sees the Gwen/Arthur/Lancelot love triangle seen in the legends play out, but with a twist. This episode stars Morgana, Lancelot (a shadow of him) and Gwen, who is banished, as main characters. This episode is a fan favourite as well.. and very sad. This definitely not a filler, it's what fans have wanted for a long time.

Episode 10 contains elements of continuity, as Gwen is mentioned, but not starred. Morgana isn't mentioned or seen. either. We see Elyan possessed by a ghost and out to kill Arthur. We also learn a dark secret of the past. While I did strongly enjoy this episode, and it regarded previous episodes, I could say it does resemble a filler, because the plot is not something fans would be disappointed on missing out on- but I loved the dark twist and I like it how it is.

Episode 11, The Hunter's Heart, saw Gwen and Merlin reunite, and Morgana pushing forth her plans to take over Camelot. She makes a new ally, Helios, who appears in the next three episodes. This isn't a filler, as it does push the story forward- Arthur starts to miss Gwen, Merlin convicts the series long-term traitor, Agravaine, to Arthur (finally), and Helios and Morgana amass an army.

The finale, Episode 12 and 13, are what I'd say the most exciting and intense episodes of Series 4, which wrap it up (if course), and, although resembling the formula of the Series 3 finally, and having a little too much running, they do a great job at prepping for Series 5, the possible climax of the whole Merlin Series. Gwen is coronated, Morgana meets Aithusa, Merlin finally meets the dragon again, Agravaine is killed, Helios is killed, Morgana appear grateful for once, there is a huge twist.. And that's it.

So on a scale of three, the episodes resembling a filler the strongest are: 1. Lamia 2. A Herald of the New Age 3. Aithusa ^So, a simple example of a filler for you, is an episode revolving around a plot which completely wraps up at the end and has no apparent chance of returning in the future. I don't think we will, or want to, see a Lamia again. The Druid ghosts won't haunt Arthur again as they forgive him. Julius Borden, who sought the dragon's egg, is dead for good. (And not worth resurrecting)

I hope this clears a little up!