The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Amid Chaos and War, A New Leader Arose

Critic’s Rating: 3.9 / 5.0

3.9

It definitely felt like The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin Premiere spent more time world-building because things seemed faster-paced and darker now.

Merlin had returned to a chaotic world full of destruction and war during The Pendragon Circle: Rise of the Merlin Season 1 Episode 3.

While the dark scenery fit the mood, it was difficult to watch how Merlin and other outsiders were treated until Merlin proved who he was.

Many leaders doubted Merlin on “A Fatherless Child,” but he proved his prophecies and magic were as accurate as his father’s.

This installment focused more on prophecy, finding the proper king to lead the land, and how the evil were punished.

While I enjoyed it, I missed some of the romance and female characters of the series premiere. I think we’re in for a wild ride on the quest for the throne.

Proving Himself Must Get Old After Awhile

Just like his father, Taliesin, Merlin reminded me of Jesus, wondering why God had forsaken him when he reappeared.

You could feel his despair in the dark, heavy rain as he laments why he’s still there and so many others were gone.

Later, King Vortigern’s son and his men captured Merlin and his servant, not believing he had returned, taunting that his father would have fun with him.

I felt for Merlin because no one believed that he was immortal, or in his word and many of King Vorttigern’s men only made matters worse.

He believed that everything happened for a reason, so Merlin was eager to prove himself and demonstrate that dragons did not curse the war.

When Merlin dug up an earthspring, the king realized his councillors were traitors and promptly killed them.

This only showed the king had no loyalty and listened to whoever told them the best tale. Merlin wanted nothing more to do with him and was going to leave until he saw Dafyd, the old priest, chained nearby.

The Pendragon Cycle Season 1 Episode 3 wasn’t quite as preachy as the series premiere, except it spoke a lot about evil getting its just punishments, and if you repented, you could save your soul.

Merlin tried that with the king, negotiating that if he let Dafyd and the other priests go free, he could save his soul and wipe the slate clean with him.

Dafyd taught him well, and it was so heartwarming watching their reunion. Dafyd seemed so proud of the man Merlin had grown up to be.

The Battle Scenes Were Action-Packed and Heartbreaking

These were some of the best choreographed fight scenes I’ve ever seen. They were action-packed and kept me engrossed until the very end.

I loved the fast-paced action as the swords swung everywhere, and Aurelius rode up to gain that kingdom.

He was vicious and determined as he swung the king into the pit, similar to the king’s nightmare.

I despised how the king only fought for a few minutes and then barricaded himself in the tower like a coward.

The king wanted to escape the battlefield, not knowing that Aurelius planned to blow up the tower.

While King Voltigern was an evil king, I cried when he said goodbye to his youngest child and held him in his arms as a bow hit him. Young children should not have to see the violence of war.

It was a bittersweet moment, as Merlin knew that when King Voltegern died, Aurilius would hold up the burnt crown in victory.

We Can’t Wait to Learn What All of Merlin’s Visions Mean

This episode was packed with flashbacks and visions, and we can’t wait to learn more about them.

While the first flashback was heartwarming and showed that Merlin had many male influences, it didn’t provide much insight into the present.

However, we’re intrigued by what Merlin saw concerning the Excalibur sword and the knights around the table arguing.

They were so upset that they didn’t see a woman approach. I suspect that was Morgian with the sword up to her old tricks since his mother, Charis, wouldn’t have to lurk.

That could spell trouble since Aurelius now owns the sword, and that could anger Morgian.

Merlin kept seeing a beautiful young woman, often at inappropriate times, when he was addressing a king or another person.

That one intrigued me, since it could be his love interest and ally in this chaotic world. Hopefully, we’ll see her again soon.

We Loved the Blossoming Bromance Between the Pendragon Brothers, Merlin, and Pelleas

I loved BBC’s Merlin, mainly because of Merlin and Arthur’s friendship. I imagine my surprise and delight that I get to watch Merlin befriend a different Pendragon relation.

We’ve never studied much about a younger Uther or his brother, so I was eager to learn more, especially since Aurelius wanted to become king.

While he was a worthy opponent on the battlefield, he didn’t look down on Merlin. In fact, I laughed at Merlin’s conversations with Aurelius about how he insisted that they’d rather have his butt on the throne.

Most people wouldn’t address a high king that way, but Aurelius acted like he knew and trusted Merlin, even if his brother didn’t.

I also enjoyed the bond between the Pendragon brothers. It seemed like Uther wanted to guide and counsel Aurielius, and he would have done anything to protect him.

I love brothers like that, but I also respected Aurilius for not killing Pascent and starting his reign as a murderer.

There is nothing to be said for honor, and I think these men will learn a great deal from each other.

Pelleas fits in, too, since he wasn’t only Merlin’s servant but also his friend. He had traveled with him for 50 years and knew him better than anyone.

Friendships often draw viewers in, and these four were the highlight for me. I can’t wait to see how they convince King Avallach and Charis to help them.

Over to you, Fanatics. What were your thoughts on “A Fatherless Child” and The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of Merlin so far? Do you think Aurelius will make an honorable king? What do you think Merlin’s visions mean?

Let us know in the comments.

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