Merlin: Season 1

2008 · 13 episodes · ★ 7.7

What Season 1 of Merlin

The mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history began, is a fantastical realm of legendary beasts and mysterious peoples. In this dangerous world, magic has been banned by the ruthless tyrant; Uther Pendragon. Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, arrives at the gates of Camelot, sent by his mother to start a new life. Though bright-eyed with wonder, the young sorcerer quickly makes enemies, including the heir to Uther's crown, the headstrong Prince Arthur.

13episodes

Sep 20, 2008premiered

Dec 13, 2008final episode

9.5 hrtotal runtime

Season 1 Episodes

1x01 The Dragon's Call
Sep 20, 2008 · 44 min · ★ 7.3
Merlin is told by the Great Dragon that it is his destiny to make sure that the young Prince Arthur is kept safe. Anybody caught performing magic is punished with death and Merlin is not a fan of Arthur. When Arthur's life is endangered Merlin finds himself tested.
Directing: James Hawes · Writing: Julian Jones · Starring: Eve Myles, Louise Dylan, Ed Coleman, Gary Oliver
1x02 Valiant
Sep 27, 2008 · 45 min · ★ 7.7
Camelot is hosting its annual sword tournament and knights from throughout the realm have come to compete for its coveted title. Amongst those hoping to win the crown is Knight Valiant.
Directing: James Hawes · Writing: Howard Overman · Starring: Will Mellor, Keith Thorne, Andy Linden, Nicholas Gasson
1x03 The Mark of Nimueh
Oct 4, 2008 · 44 min · ★ 7.8
A deadly plague spreads through Camelot. When it seems that sorcery can be the only possible explanation, Merlin and Gaius race to find a cure, while Gwen is arrested and sentenced to death for practising witchcraft.
Directing: James Hawes · Writing: Julian Jones · Starring: Michelle Ryan, David Durham, Rick English
1x04 The Poisoned Chalice
Oct 11, 2008 · 45 min · ★ 8.2
With her sights set firmly on Merlin, Nimueh tricks him into drinking from a poisoned chalice, and he falls dangerously ill. Arthur ventures forth deep into the forest of Balor to find the antidote, but little does he know that he's walking into a trap
Directing: Ed Fraiman · Writing: Ben Vanstone · Starring: Michelle Ryan, Clive Russell, Gary Oliver, Paul Kynman
1x05 Lancelot
Oct 18, 2008 · 44 min · ★ 7.8
Merlin is saved from a terrifying winged beast by a heroic stranger- a young man named Lancelot, who dreams of becoming a Knight of Camelot. In order to thank him, Merlin provides falsified records of Lancelot's noble birth and Lancelot is accepted. However, with the winged beast- discovered to be a Griffin- still on the loose, Merlin's decision could have far-reaching consequences not just for Lancelot but for Camelot...
Directing: Ed Fraiman · Writing: Jake Michie · Starring: Santiago Cabrera, Michael Cronin
1x06 A Remedy to Cure All Ills
Oct 25, 2008 · 44 min · ★ 7.5
When the Lady Morgana is struck down with a mysterious illness, Gaius is at a loss for a cure. Thankfully a new physician, Edwin Muirden is on hand to bring the King's ward back from the brink.
Directing: Ed Fraiman · Writing: Julian Jones · Starring: Julian Rhind-Tutt, Michael Cronin
1x07 The Gates of Avalon
Nov 1, 2008 · 44 min · ★ 7.4
Morgana has a nightmare and sees Arthur's death at the hands of a strange but beautiful girl. Meanwhile, hunting in the forest, Merlin and Arthur save the same girl, Sophia, and her father, Aulfric from attack by bandits and bring them to Camelot for refuge. Morgana realizes that Sophia is the girl from her nightmare and tries to warn Arthur, who is smitten with her. As the truth of Morgana's magical gift for seeing future events unfolds, so does a father and daughter's plan to bring down the kingdom of Camelot by sacrificing Arthur in return for eternal life.
Directing: Jeremy Webb · Writing: Ben Vanstone · Starring: Holliday Grainger, Kenneth Cranham, Ben Adams, Michael Jenn
1x08 The Beginning of the End
Nov 8, 2008 · 44 min · ★ 7.2
Merlin finds himself becoming friends with Morgana when he helps a boy stay hidden. The two of them try to get the boy back whence he came, but things turn bad when Uther announces that anyone helping the boy will be executed.
Directing: Jeremy Webb · Writing: Howard Overman · Starring: Alun Raglan, Michael Burgess, Jamie Kenna, Christian Bradley
1x09 Excalibur
Nov 15, 2008 · 44 min · ★ 8.1
Uther's past comes back to haunt him as a mysterious Black Knight interrupts Arthur's coming-of-age celebrations, throwing down his gauntlet and challenging the Knights of Camelot to combat. The Black Knight, seemingly unstoppable, makes easy work of his combatants. But who is the Black Knight, and why is Uther so uneasy?
Directing: Jeremy Webb · Writing: Julian Jones · Starring: Michelle Ryan, Kyle Redmond-Jones, Sean Francis, Rick English
1x10 The Moment of Truth
Nov 22, 2008 · 43 min · ★ 7.5
Merlin is stunned when his mother, Hunith, turns up in Camelot--bruised, battered and desperate for help from Uther. She explains to Uther that a bandit named Kanen and his men have been attacking her village demanding all of their harvest or he will kill them. When Uther refuses to help, Merlin leaves Camelot to protect his mother and friends. To Merlin's surprise, Arthur, Morgana and Gwen join forces with him to save his village--but at what cost?
Directing: David Moore · Writing: Ben Vanstone · Starring: Alexander Siddig, Joe Dempsie, Jonathan Aris, Caroline Faber
1x11 The Labyrinth of Gedref
Nov 29, 2008 · 43 min · ★ 8.2
Arthur brings a curse upon Camelot. Eager to help his people, he asks Anhora for advice. But is he brave enough to face the challenges ahead?
Directing: Stuart Orme · Writing: Howard Overman · Starring: Frank Finlay, Richard Riddell
1x12 To Kill the King
Dec 6, 2008 · 43 min · ★ 7.5
Gwen's father, Tom, helps a sorcerer named Tauren turn lead into gold using a magic stone. As Tauren escapes, Tom is caught and will await trial. Whilst looking for Gwen, Morgana finds the magic stone, and Merlin can sense it. When Tom is killed by Uther, Morgana is out for revenge on Uther.
Directing: Stuart Orme · Writing: Jake Michie · Starring: David Durham, Cal MacAninch
1x13 Le Morte d'Arthur Season Finale
Dec 13, 2008 · 44 min · ★ 7.6
On a hunting trip, Arthur comes face to face with a creature of great power from the old religion. When Gaius informs them that it can only be killed by magic, Uther refuses to listen and sends out his knights to kill it. Arthur is fatally wounded and Merlin must go to the Isle of the Blessed to save him. But will he be able to pay the price?
Directing: David Moore · Writing: Julian Jones · Starring: Michelle Ryan, Caroline Faber