The first half-hour or so is hopelessly predictable: Lancelot shows up and wants to be a knight. Unfortunately, he’s not of noble-blood and so Merlin talks him into taking underhanded techniques to fake his credentials. He’s inevitably going to be exposed, and obviously, he’s going to prove himself worthy by killing the griffin, right? Not quite…
Lancelot initially protests against Merlin’s plan, and when Uther points out to Arthur that Lancelot lied and therefore can’t be trusted…he has a point. Lancelot needs to prove himself, and yet when the griffin is finally slain, it is Merlin’s magic that is responsible, not Lancelot. But of course, Arthur doesn’t know that. After he demands that Uther reinstate Lancelot as a knight, Lancelot refuses. He knows he’s not worthy – and yet by declining to be a knight, proves that he is.
It’s a neat little twist on the expected formula in an episode that introduces a legendary character and establishes his relationships with the main cast, all wrapped up in a moral quandary in which nobody is wholly wrong or right.
There’s also nice insight into Arthur regarding his responsibilities. He describes himself as “the ultimate killing machine”, and though may sound like a superficial boast, there’s nothing in this episode or the ones that follow to make us believe it’s an exaggeration. Arthur isn't a spoilt prince, he's a king-in-training.
Another neat touch was the almost throwaway moment in which Merlin asks Gwen to choose: Arthur or Lancelot? She dismisses the question, little knowing that one day she will have to choose, and that the entire kingdom will hang on this choice.
As a villain the griffin was nothing more than a CGI Monster Of The Week, but in this case it's fine. It served its purpose as a one-dimensional antagonist to be fought, leaving plenty of time for the main characters to interact.
Recap Great Introduction to a Reoccurring Character
The show hasn’t quite grown its beard yet, but by “Lancelot” it is sporting a five o’clock shadow.
(Some moderate spoilers below)
The first half-hour or so is hopelessly predictable: Lancelot shows up and wants to be a knight. Unfortunately, he’s not of noble-blood and so Merlin talks him into taking underhanded techniques to fake his credentials. He’s inevitably going to be exposed, and obviously, he’s going to prove himself worthy by killing the griffin, right? Not quite…
Lancelot initially protests against Merlin’s plan, and when Uther points out to Arthur that Lancelot lied and therefore can’t be trusted…he has a point. Lancelot needs to prove himself, and yet when the griffin is finally slain, it is Merlin’s magic that is responsible, not Lancelot. But of course, Arthur doesn’t know that. After he demands that Uther reinstate Lancelot as a knight, Lancelot refuses. He knows he’s not worthy – and yet by declining to be a knight, proves that he is.
It’s a neat little twist on the expected formula in an episode that introduces a legendary character and establishes his relationships with the main cast, all wrapped up in a moral quandary in which nobody is wholly wrong or right.
There’s also nice insight into Arthur regarding his responsibilities. He describes himself as “the ultimate killing machine”, and though may sound like a superficial boast, there’s nothing in this episode or the ones that follow to make us believe it’s an exaggeration. Arthur isn't a spoilt prince, he's a king-in-training.
Another neat touch was the almost throwaway moment in which Merlin asks Gwen to choose: Arthur or Lancelot? She dismisses the question, little knowing that one day she will have to choose, and that the entire kingdom will hang on this choice.
As a villain the griffin was nothing more than a CGI Monster Of The Week, but in this case it's fine. It served its purpose as a one-dimensional antagonist to be fought, leaving plenty of time for the main characters to interact.