The BEST episodes of Merlin season 1

Every episode of Merlin season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Merlin season 1!

Merlin is a drama series based around the legends of the mythical wizard and his relationship with Prince Arthur. Set in the early days of their relationship, it shows the development of each in his respective field, finding his way on the path to future greatness. Humour, danger and excitement abound, accompanied by mythical creatures, magic and of course much medieval swashbuckling.

Last Updated: 2/20/2024Network: BBC OneStatus: Ended
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Le Morte d'Arthur
star
7.94
1409 votes

#1 - Le Morte d'Arthur

Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 12/13/2008

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?

Directors: Dave Moore
Writer: Julian Jones
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The Labyrinth of Gedref
star
7.72
1298 votes

#2 - The Labyrinth of Gedref

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 11/29/2008

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?

Directors: Stuart Orme
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Excalibur
star
7.68
1503 votes

#3 - Excalibur

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/15/2008

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?

Directors: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Julian Jones
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The Moment of Truth
star
7.61
1414 votes

#4 - The Moment of Truth

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/22/2008

Merlin's home village of Ealdor is attacked by raiders led by the fearsome Kanen, but Uther will not do anything to help- to cross into Ealdor, which is outside of Camelot's boundaries, would constitute an act of war. Merlin leaves Camelot to help to defend his home- and is surprised to find help from Morgana, Gwen and Arthur. However, an old friend of Merlin forces the young sorcerer into making a difficult choice: will he use magic to save the village and thus reveal his secret to Arthur?

Directors: Dave Moore
Writer: Ben Vanstone
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The Poisoned Chalice
star
7.60
1632 votes

#5 - The Poisoned Chalice

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/11/2008

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.

Directors: Ed Fraiman
Writer: Ben Vanstone
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Lancelot
star
7.60
1594 votes

#6 - Lancelot

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/18/2008

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...

Directors: Ed Fraiman
Writer: Jake Michie
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To Kill the King
star
7.52
1360 votes

#7 - To Kill the King

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/6/2008

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.

Directors: Stuart Orme
Writer: Jake Michie
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The Beginning of the End
star
7.52
1485 votes

#8 - The Beginning of the End

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/8/2008

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.

Directors: Jeremy Webb
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The Dragon's Call
star
7.48
2248 votes

#9 - The Dragon's Call

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/20/2008

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.

Directors: James Hawes
Writer: Julian Jones
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A Remedy To Cure All Ills
star
7.48
1586 votes

#10 - A Remedy To Cure All Ills

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/25/2008

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.

Directors: Ed Fraiman
Writer: Julian Jones
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Mark of Nimueh
star
7.47
1759 votes

#11 - The Mark of Nimueh

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/4/2008

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.

Directors: James Hawes
Writer: Julian Jones
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The Gates of Avalon
star
7.47
1488 votes

#12 - The Gates of Avalon

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/1/2008

Arthur's chivalry leads to danger when he comes to the rescue of Sophia, a damsel in distress, and her father, Aulfric. When Sophia uses more than just her feminine charms to take control of Arthur's heart...

Directors: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Ben Vanstone
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Valiant
star
7.40
1799 votes

#13 - Valiant

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/27/2008

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.

Directors: James Hawes
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV