Part one of the series four finale, ‘Sword In The Stone’ no doubt insures an action packed episode of slow motion sword fighting, jovial merriment between Arthur and Merlin topped off with magical pyrotechnics either Dragon forged or by sorcery. ”Sword In The Stone’ part one was writing by scribe Jake Michie. Based on his previous efforts (i.e. Lancelot, The Coming Of Arthur part 1, His Fathers Son) he has proven to be one of the most consistent writers with the ability of balancing the drama, humor and adventure of ‘Merlin’. As the legend grows, it all comes down to this…bring on the final episode!

Potential spoilers ahead.

With Camelot Under Morgana’s Command,
Merlin & Arthur Seek Refuge and Allies in Unlikely Places in Friday’s
First Half of Two-Part MERLIN Season Finale

Ben Daniels and Miranda Raison star as smugglers Tristan and Isolde,
who have little love for Arthur in March 23 episode – airing only on Syfy

Morgana finally conquers her kingdom in the first half of the
thrilling, two-episode MERLIN season finale, “The Sword in the Stone,
Part 1,” premiering Friday, March 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT only on Syfy.

Aligned with the powerful Southron warlord Helios (Terence Maynard),
Morgana’s ferocious attack forces the denizens of Camelot to flee –
including Arthur and Merlin. But for the merciless Morgana (Katie
McGrath), the King’s escape is not an option as she sends her forces
after her injured step-brother and his magically-inclined servant.

Ben Daniels (Doom, Jack the Giant Killer) and Miranda Raison (MI-5, My
Week with Marilyn) guest star in the two-part season finale as Tristan
and Isolde, respectively – expert smugglers with little love for
Arthur. The pair eventually come to understand the potential and power
of the deposed king of Camelot in “The Sword in the Stone, Part 1,”
which is skillfully directed by Alice Troughton.

Arthur’s ascent to the throne has had parallels in the blossoming of
Bradley James as an acot, according to his co-star McGrath.

“Bradley has definitely grown into the role – it’s been a wonderful
experience for the two of us, evolving as actors as our characters
themselves have evolved,” McGrath says. “I couldn’t imagine another
King Arthur.”

“Bradley hadn’t done a lot of television work before MERLIN, and the
more work you do, flexing the acting muscles you get from working on
television, the more confident he has become,” says MERLIN co-creator
and executive producer Johnny Capps says. “And with that confidence,
he’s learned to trust his instincts more. He’s learning more and more
as an actor – playing the part of the king, he really is learning to
be a king. He’s really evolved with the role, and I think that’s an
interesting parallel.”

James himself observes that his four years as Arthur has been an
eye-opening experience, professionally and personally.

“As Arthur has developed positive aspects of his personality, I have
had to learn what it is that makes a person obtain those certain
traits,” James says. “It’s not only helped me develop as an actor but
also as a person as I have taken aspects of Arthur and used them in my
own life experiences. I have also learnt from his mistakes as well as
his achievements, but as he grows into the King of legend he is making
far fewer of them.”

As Arthur, James also gets to use his comedic skills – often in
unexpected situations, a signature touch of MERLIN that is on display
vividly in “The Sword in the Stone, Part 1.” Seeking to force the
ever-stubborn Arthur to flee Camelot rather than fight with the
hopelessly outnumbered knights, Merlin casts a spell that reduces the
king to a polite, obliging “simpleton” who will respond to his
servant’s every command. In addition, Merlin convinces Arthur to
abandon his royal attire for a most ridiculous-looking peasant
wardrobe, in order to better hide him from Morgana’s army. The result
is sheer silliness in the midst of an otherwise tense, dramatic
episode.

“Bradley has a phenomenal comedy instinct, and that’s always great to
write for, especially in (this episode),” Capps explains. “It’s not
always easy to fit into his character, but it’s that much funnier when
we have these comedy moments.”

“Arthur’s Simpleton was an absolute pleasure to play, if only for not
having to wear chainmail for an episode,” James says. “It was a
license to play around with a character who usually has certain
boundaries according to his status & era. It helped having Alice
(Troughton) direct the episode as she has a mischievous side and was
keen to see how far we could take it. Not to mention I looked the bomb
in that costume.”

“The Sword in the Stone, Part 1,”
the first half of the two-part season finale of MERLIN premiering
Friday, March 23 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT only on Syfy.