The worst episodes of Merlin
Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
When an old flame of Gaius's arrives in Camelot, Merlin is pleased to see a different side to his curmudgeonly mentor. But after discovering she is under the influence of a Manticore, a creature from the Old Religion, Merlin has no choice but to tell his old friend of Alice's evil intentions.
- 02
Darkness steals into the very heart of Camelot, as Morgana and her puppet Queen hatch a sinister plan to murder the King. But when stable hand Tyr Seward becomes caught in the crossfire, he threatens to ruin everything… As the plot thickens and reaches its deadly climax, can a suspicious Merlin unravel the truth before it's too late?
- 03
Morgana leads a terrifying manhunt in pursuit of her old foe Alator of the Catha, for she knows without doubt that he can tell her exactly where to find Emrys. Merlin's life is in severe danger, so when the mysterious Finna offers to help him, is he right to trust her?
- 04
With Princess Mithian as the perfect bait, Morgana conjures a deception so powerful that the whole of Camelot is taken in - even Merlin himself. But as the storm clouds gather, will the young warlock see through the lies? Or will Morgana at long last fulfil her dreams of revenge?
- 05
When Merlin agrees to help a young Druid boy, he has no choice but to leave Camelot on a dangerous mission. And with the citadel distracted by the visit of the fearsome Sarrum of Amata, it seems that no one will notice his absence. But as the sky darkens, so do Merlin's suspicions - is there more to Daegal than meets the eye? And can a man as ruthless as the Sarrum ever really be trusted? Too late, the young warlock realises he's made a terrible mistake.
- 06
A mysterious illness draws Merlin to a distant village. But it soon becomes clear that there is more at stake than just his patients' well-being as something sinister turns the air sour. Far from home and with no-one to trust, Merlin becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse. No longer sure who is the hunter and who is the hunted, can the young warlock survive long enough to uncover the truth?
- 07
When Gwen is snatched from Camelot without warning, Merlin knows there can be only one person responsible: Morgana. Arthur is determined to rescue his queen, but it will not be easy; she is locked in the Dark Tower, a place that haunts the dreams of men...
- 08
The Camelot Knights stumble across an eerie shrine deep in the forest, its chilling atmosphere betraying a dark history best left undisturbed, as the magical drama continues. But when Elyan ignores Merlin's warning, his actions spark a chain of events more frightening than anyone could possibly have imagined... Can a grievous wrong be put right? Or will past demons change the future forever?
- 09
In the inky depths of an ancient pool, three soothsayers cast a dark judgment upon the King of Camelot. But despite Merlin's warnings, headstrong Arthur refuses to take the words of the Disir seriously and their fury rains down on Camelot. Only the greatest sacrifice can appease them, and with the kingdom in jeopardy, is it one that Arthur is prepared to make? Faced with the King's uncertainty, Merlin has just one chance to save him from his destiny, but this decision comes at the highest price.
- 10
Merlin knows he must act fast before Morgana's twisted control over Gwen gets further out of hand. But only the most powerful magic can save the Queen and this will not be easy, even for Merlin. As the High Priestess tightens her grip on Camelot, one thing is clear - she will not give up her puppet without a fight.
- 11
On a trip to the forest, Merlin is attacked by a terrifying winged monster. Help comes from an unexpected quarter when a heroic stranger fights off the beast. His name? Lancelot.Keen to repay this debt, Merlin resolves to help his new friend become a Knight of Camelot. But at what cost? For Lancelot is not of noble blood, and to change the pages of destiny is a dangerous game. With the mysterious creature still on the loose, Merlin's actions could have disastrous consequences for Camelot - and for Arthur.
- 12
The fantasy adventure romp based on the legend of King Arthur continues. 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.As the stranger charms his way further into Camelot's court, winning over everyone from Uther to Merlin, Gaius begins to doubt his credentials. Just who is the mysterious newcomer and what does he want with the royal family? Gaius' loyalty and bravery are going to be tested to the limit if he is to find out.
- 13
Beauty and the Beast: Part One
Uther is captivated by his latest guest, the beautiful Lady Catrina. Arthur is appalled by his father's flirting, but Merlin is wary for a different reason - he suspects she is really a troll!Catrina and her strange servant are welcomed into the heart of Camelot, and it is up to Merlin to prove she is a monster and save Uther from ruin. Unfortunately, Catrina has her sights set on a far greater prize than the king's heart - can Merlin overcome her powerful troll magic before it is too late?
- 14
Uther has a precious magical relic of the Old Religion locked up tight in the Camelot vaults. Many have lost their lives trying to reclaim the Crystal of Neahtid, but the ruthless warlock Alvarr could succeed where they failed. For Alvarr has a secret weapon - Mordred.Morgana has always shared a powerful bond with the druid boy, but will she go as far as turning thief and traitor for him? Merlin is shocked by her choice, and by the true purpose of the mysterious crystal.
- 15
Morgana joins forces with enigmatic wizard Alator to uncover a secret that could change the course of destiny, as the magical drama continues. With allies on both sides of the castle walls, can anyone stop her before Merlin's greatest secret is revealed?
- 16
The evil sorceress Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) is back to wreak havoc on Camelot. This time Merlin is her target, and she tricks the young warlock into drinking from a poisoned chalice, causing him to fall dangerously ill.Arthur must venture to the caves deep beneath the forest of Balor to obtain the antidote, but he does not realise he is walking into a trap. Determined to thwart his quest, Nimueh does everything she can to stop him.Can Arthur overcome these magical hurdles and make it back in time to save his friend?
- 17
When Sir Lancelot returns from the dead, old feelings reignite, as the drama continues. Gwen must fight temptation before she commits an unspeakable act of betrayal; one that would destroy the legacy of Camelot forever. With heads and hearts thrown into turmoil, Merlin becomes suspicious. Can a man really defy death, or is there something more sinister at play?
- 18
The fantasy-drama based on the King Arthur legend continues, as 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.Venturing deep beneath Camelot to unmask the true culprit, Merlin, Morgana and Arthur are faced with a terrifying beast, conjured by the evil sorceress Nimueh. Can they expose the truth before Gwen is executed?
- 19
Beauty and the Beast: Part Two
Newly crowned Queen Catrina settles in as Camelot's first lady. As her true troll nature surfaces, her influence over Uther increases, and the repercussions are felt throughout the kingdom.When Catrina accuses Merlin of stealing, he is forced into hiding. Forced to sneak around the castle, Merlin must find a way to expose Catrina's true form without getting caught and beheaded. Even if he succeeds, is it enough to break her powerful magic? Or will Camelot be stuck with a troll queen forever?
- 20
Merlin stumbles across a secret chamber and accidentally releases a Goblin. The mischievous creature possesses Gaius, leading the once-wise physician to develop a taste for gold, ale and magical jokes.With a suddenly-bald King and a scourge of flatulence sweeping the royal household, can Merlin work out what is going on and banish the Goblin back to where he came from before any real damage is done?
- 21
The mysterious Julius Borden arrives in Camelot with news of a magical secret that threatens to change the landscape of the kingdom forever. He has located the final part of the key to the tomb of Ashkanar, an ancient mausoleum which holds a very special treasure: the last remaining dragon's egg. Merlin is understandably drawn in by Borden's news, and promises to help him. But just who is the enigmatic stranger and, more importantly, what does he really want with the egg?
- 22
As dawn breaks across the icy tundra, Merlin and Arthur are close to exhaustion. With each tortured step, the fortress of Ismere looms ever nearer, and Merlin's fear intensifies. What game is Mordred playing? And what powerful secrets are Morgana and the druid Ruadan searching for amongst its twisted catacombs? It seems like this time, not even Merlin can stop Arthur from walking right into the lion's den... For in this bleak and transient wilderness, only one thing is certain: the great trial for Albion has finally begun.
- 23
Mordred finds himself torn between loyalty and love, but little does he realise that the path he chooses will shape Camelot's destiny. As the drums of war beat ever louder, a desperate Merlin feels trapped by the cruel circle of fate - is he powerless to stop his dreams of Albion from crumbling to dust?
- 24
Merlin, a wizard on the cusp of adulthood, arrives in Camelot hoping to find a use for his burgeoning talent for magic. He is welcomed by Gaius, the court physician, but Merlin soon learns magic has been outlawed by King Uther, the tyrannical leader of the realm, its practice made punishable by death.When the Great Dragon summons Merlin to his cave, he tells the young wizard that he has a great destiny - to use his skills to keep the young Prince Arthur safe. But Merlin hates the flashy, arrogant Prince, and Arthur despises the wizard with equal fervour. So when an evil witch threatens Prince Arthur's life, Merlin finds himself tested - will he face up to his destiny to keep Arthur safe? And can he do so without getting caught?
- 25
Camelot is hosting its annual sword tournament and knights from throughout the realm have come to compete for its coveted title. Among those hoping to win the crown is Knight Valiant. Armed with a magical shield, Valiant will stop at nothing to win his prize. Merlin tries to expose Valiant as a cheat, but even those closest to him do not believe his claims.Battling with his faith, friendships and destiny, Merlin attempts to stop Valiant's evil scheme before Arthur becomes the next knight to die by his shield.
Shows like Merlin
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Adventure·Fantasy·Science-FictionThe worst episodes of Sliders1995–2000·Syfy
Brilliant grad student Quinn has created a device that opens a wormhole to an infinite number of parallel universes where history has taken different paths. - 02Adventure·Science-Fiction·RomanceThe worst episodes of Outlander2014–2026·STARZ
Outlander follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. - 03Adventure·Fantasy·DramaThe worst episodes of Game of Thrones2011–2019
Based on the bestselling book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. - 04Adventure·Science-Fiction·ActionThe worst episodes of Stargate SG·11997–2008·SyfyStargate SG-1 is a science fiction series based on the original film Stargate.
- 05Adventure·Science-Fiction·DramaThe worst episodes of Doctor Who2005–2022Same network — BBC One·
- 06Adventure·Science-Fiction·ComedyThe worst episodes of Rick and Morty2013–present·Adult Swim
Rick is a mentally gifted, but sociopathic and alcoholic scientist and a grandfather to Morty; an awkward, impressionable, and somewhat spineless teenage boy.
