#3. The Madness of Merlin

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MERLIN: KINGDOM COME

Season 6 Episode III
“THE MADNESS OF MERLIN”
FADE IN:
INTRO
KILGHARRAH (V.O.)
In a land where magic is all but
myth, the destiny of a great kingdom
rests on the shoulders of the most
powerful sorcerer ever to walk the
earth. His name? Merlin.
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT 1.
[1] CLOSE-UP of ARTHUR’s face. He sleeps on MERLIN’s sofa. We hear

shuffling, rustling, footsteps. Frowning, ARTHUR opens one eye.
Wearing his coat, MERLIN slings his satchel over his shoulder, then
makes his way over to the sofa. He is surprised to find ARTHUR
already awake.
MERLIN
(perky)
Good morning.
ARTHUR
(heeding the darkness of the
room)
Morning, you say?
MERLIN
Give or take a few hours. I was
thinking we should head back to the
castle.
ARTHUR
(confused)
The castle. Why?
MERLIN
I have to clean it.
ARTHUR
Why does it have to be done now?
MERLIN
I just — I need to.
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ARTHUR
Can’t it at least wait ‘till morning?
MERLIN
No, we have to go now.
ARTHUR
Now?
MERLIN
Yeah. Now.
(extending a coat to
ARTHUR)
Here. You’ll need this.
ARTHUR
(accepting coat)
Very well. If it means that much to
you.
CUT TO:
INT. CAB – NIGHT 1.
MERLIN and ARTHUR sit in the back of a CAB on their way to the
castle. MERLIN gazes anxiously out the window, as though searching
for something. He’s rather twitchy and nervous. Though ARTHUR does
not say anything, he watches MERLIN with a concerned frown.
CUT TO:
EXT. FOREST – NIGHT 1.
Side by side, MERLIN and ARTHUR trek through the forest with the
moon as their solitary source of illumination. The sounds of
CRICKETS and OWLS fill the night, adding to the eerie mood that
hangs in the air.
MERLIN’s strides are rapid and determined.
ARTHUR
Merlin, what’s wrong?
MERLIN
(head snapping to ARTHUR,
twitching into a smile)
Nothing’s wrong. I just really want
to clean.
ARTHUR’s frown deepens as MERLIN quickens his pace even more. His
behavior is quite off...
CUT TO:
Page 2 of 45
EXT. CAMELOT RUINS (MAIN SQUARE) – NIGHT 1.
Entering into the main square, they both slow when they see what
lies ahead: the two POLICE CARS and the lifeless bodies of the six
POLICE OFFICERS and the two SECURITY GUARDS – SECURITY GUARD #1
(ED) and SECURITY GUARD #2 (HARRY) from EP2.
MERLIN
(frowning)
They still haven’t moved? Honestly.
My spell wasn’t even that powerful.
Approaching, MERLIN nudges one with his foot.
ARTHUR
I don’t think it’s your spell that’s
caused this.
MERLIN looks to see ARTHUR crouched beside one of the POLICE
OFFICERS, lifting his hand from a wound on the OFFICER’s chest to
see that it is glistening with blood.
MERLIN
(realization, confused)
They’re all dead.
MERLIN and ARTHUR stand amid the dead men in the main square.
TITLES
EXT. CAMELOT RUINS (MAIN SQUARE) — NIGHT 1.
MERLIN is bent over OFFICER BECKHAM’s body, examining his wound

through the hole in the man’s shirt.
MERLIN
They’ve been shot.
Noticing the gun in OFFICER BECKHAM’s hand, MERLIN pries it away.
ARTHUR
(uncomprehending)
Shot?
MERLIN
(raising the gun to show
ARTHUR)
This is what caused the wounds on
their chests — it’s a gun – modern
weapon. Someone must have come here,
shot them all, and then planted the
gun to avoid getting caught. But why?
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ARTHUR examines the body of OFFICER ALLISTAIR — the one that

ACCOLON used magic to choke to death.
ARTHUR
This one bears no wounds.
MERLIN joins ARTHUR beside the body. He searches it for wounds but
can find none. Suddenly, he pauses.
MERLIN
(slow realization)
This one was killed by magic.
ARTHUR
How can you tell? There are no signs
of any —
MERLIN
(cutting him off)
I don’t need signs. I can sense it.
Powerful, dark magic took place here
only a few hours ago.
(rising, suddenly fearful)
Someone knows you’ve returned. They
came here to look for you. Someone
wants you dead.
ARTHUR
You don’t know that. Let’s just
summon the authorities and —
MERLIN
(cutting him off, incredulous)
What? No. They’ll flag it as a crime
scene, force us to leave, get trash
everywhere, and then not let me clean
it!
ARTHUR
Merlin, there are eight men lying
dead! We have to tell someone!
A distorted crackling sound – electric. MERLIN heads over to one of

the CARS and grabs the police radio from the dashboard. ARTHUR
observes MERLIN as he listens to the OFFICER on the radio.
OFFICER (O.S.)
Officer Beckham?
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MERLIN presses a button on the police radio and speaks into it.
MERLIN
Two security guards and six officers
have been murdered at Darlene
Plunkett’s old castle — the one
beyond the hill. You might want to
investigate it.
OFFICER (O.S.)
Who is this? Who’s speaking?
MERLIN shuts off the radio and turns to ARTHUR.
MERLIN
It won’t be long before they show up.
Just let me finish here first and
then we can go.
ARTHUR
Finish what?
MERLIN
(starting towards the
castle)
Tidying up. Your chambers are
probably collecting dust by now.
ARTHUR seizes MERLIN’s arm and begins to drag him from the main
square.
ARTHUR
If what you said is true and someone
is out to kill us, then I doubt it is
wise to linger here.
MERLIN
(in sudden agreement)
You’re right. We shouldn’t be here.
Let’s go.
MERLIN grabs ARTHUR’s arm and suddenly starts to drag him instead.
There is definitely something a little off about him.
INT. GAIUS’ CHAMBERS – NIGHT 1. FLASHBACK.
[2] MERLIN reaches for the empty dinner dishes before GAIUS swoops
in.
GAIUS
No, Merlin. This time I’ve got them.
I know how tired you must be.
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GAIUS sets the dishes aside.
MERLIN
I haven’t done anything.
GAIUS
You underestimate yourself. You have
had your hands full teaching magic,
and to add to that, you have a new
apprentice.
MERLIN wears a secret smile at GAIUS’ praise.
MERLIN
I’ll admit I am a bit tired. I think
I’ll retire early. Got to be up with
the sun.
GAIUS (O.C.)
And miss dessert?
GAIUS sets a bowl of pudding on the table and takes his seat.
MERLIN
(delighted)
Pudding?
GAIUS
Your favorite.
MERLIN tucks in. GAIUS watches MERLIN eat with a solemn smile.
GAIUS
I’m very proud of you, Merlin.
MERLIN
(playful)
For what? Chewing with my mouth
closed?
GAIUS
(serious)
No. For the man you have become.
Caring for you over the years has
been a privilege. I want you never to
forget that.
MERLIN
Gaius, why are you saying this? Is
something wrong?
GAIUS
No, nothing.
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(coughs into his fist)

All is well, Merlin.
(rising)
You should get some sleep. You’ve a
busy day ahead of you.
GAIUS walks away, stifling another cough. MERLIN stays at the

table, confused and a little worried.
EXT. FOREST – NIGHT 1.
MERLIN and ARTHUR retrace their steps through the forest on their
way back to the city. An OWL hoots. MERLIN jerks around, startled.
ARTHUR
It’s just an owl, Merlin.
MERLIN’s head twists upward as a bat flies overhead.
ARTHUR
And that’s a bat. Are you all right?
You’ve been on edge ever since you
woke me.
MERLIN
I’m fine. Let’s just get back to my
flat where it’s safe and sound.
CUT TO:
INT. CRYSTÁLLUM CASTLE (LIBRARY) – DAY 1.
Sunrise. Lounging in a leather chair, ACCOLON holds a book in his

hands — a copy of Shakespeare’s MACBETH — as though he is reading,
but his eyes are trained on ELAINE as she reprimands an irritated
MORDRED.
ELAINE
You cannot simply kill several
security guards and police officers
and expect it not to be publicized.
MORDRED
I didn’t kill them: Accolon did.
Besides, they knew of Arthur’s
return. What if they publicized that
instead?
ELAINE
You are not to leave this palace
again without my permission. Is that
understood?
Page 7 of 45
MORDRED
(annoyed)
Why not?
ELAINE
(talking over him)
Is that understood, Mordred?
MORDRED
(beat, bitter)
It is... My Lady Elaine.
ELAINE is satisfied. She exits. MORDRED looks to ACCOLON, who

quickly resumes reading as though he has not been watching them.
MORDRED
Why does she never reprimand you?
ACCOLON
Because I am devilishly good-looking
and she just can’t bring herself to
be upset with me. I don’t blame her.
ACCOLON meets MORDRED’s eyes. Beat. MORDRED’s stiffness gives way

to a mild laugh. Pleased, ACCOLON shares in MORDRED’s smile before
returning his gaze to the book in his hands.
CUT TO:
INT. CAB – DAY 1.
ARTHUR and MERLIN are taking a CAB back to MERLIN’s flat. As they
sit, MERLIN is massaging his head as with a headache. He looks
exhausted.
ARTHUR
Did you sleep last night?
MERLIN
On and off.
MERLIN lowers his hands. Shakes his head like he’s trying to give
it some clarity.
ARTHUR watches him. What is up with MERLIN? After a beat, ARTHUR

speaks up, hoping to lure MERLIN into conversation.
ARTHUR
I noticed you’ve got a lute back at
your flat. Do you play?
MERLIN
It’s called a guitar. Yeah, I play.
Page 8 of 45
ARTHUR
Are you good?
MERLIN gives a modest shrug.
ARTHUR
Come on. You’ve proven to be an
excellent painter. What other talents
have you picked up?
MERLIN
I don’t know. I just dabbled in a few
things — music, art, literature,
science, mathematics, astronomy — not
much that’s worth the telling.
ARTHUR
Rubbish. Sounds like it’s worth a lot
of telling. Come on. You must have
seen things, met people... Met girls.
MERLIN smirks.
ARTHUR
Come on, you’ve been around this
long. I refuse to believe there
weren’t dozens of women who caught
your eye.
MERLIN
I didn’t say no one ever did.
ARTHUR
So...?
MERLIN
Well, like I said, there’s not much
to tell. I’ve been in love as many
times as there are stars, but there
could never be anything permanent,
because women aren’t permanent,
whereas I am.
ARTHUR’s playful smile fades.
MERLIN
(trying to be positive)
But... that’s all right. Some things
just aren’t meant to be.
Page 9 of 45
ARTHUR gives a quiet nod and casts his stare out the window. That
went well.
INT. KING’S PALACE (ARMOURY) – DAY 1. FLASHBACK.
[3] MERLIN sits on a bench in the armoury, shining a pair of

ARTHUR’s boots. He tugs at the collar of his fancy, ceremonial
robes.
MERLIN
(muttering)
These confounded robes. How can Gwen
and Leon expect me to go about my
duties dressed like a cleric?
(looking up)
I know what you’re saying, Arthur: I
could just use magic to get my chores
done, but —
SIR MALLOY (O.C.)

(cutting him off; mocking)
That’s true. Why not just chant some
spell, and then all your troubles
would be over?
MERLIN looks up to see SIR MALLOY entering the armory back from
training, unfastening one of his vambraces.
SIR MALLOY
Instead, you go about slaving away to
a dead man, while your powers waste.
MERLIN
(resumes cleaning)
They are not wasted, Sir Malloy.
SIR MALLOY
Ah, how remiss of me. I forgot that
the King will be returning.
MERLIN
(coolly)
Don’t worry. The King will pardon
your lapse in memory.
(murmurs)
Your lapse in intellect, however, may
not be so easily overlooked.
Page 10 of 45
SIR MALLOY
Proper friend you were —deceiving him
all those years. Was that your plan
all along? Come to Camelot, save the
Prince’s life, and befriend him, all
the while planting doubt in his mind
about the ban on magic?
SIR MALLOY comes and towers over MERLIN, who tries not to react.
SIR MALLOY
I heard that Sir Mordred — he was a
sorcerer, too. Was he in league with
you? Did you two plot to kill the
King together as a means of restoring
magic to the kingdom?
MERLIN heaves a deep, silent breath, resisting the urge to set SIR
MALLOY on fire.
MERLIN
(through clenched teeth)
Watch your tongue.
SIR MALLOY
(in MERLIN’s ear)
You’re a liar, and a murderer, and
I’ll be hanged if you don’t end up on
that pyre where you and all your
filthy kind belong.
Setting aside the boots and cloth, MERLIN rises up to his full
height, now level with SIR MALLOY. SIR MALLOY tenses up, readying
himself to shield a blow — but it’s unnecessary. MERLIN doesn’t so
much as clench his fists. He just challenges SIR MALLOY with a
stare of skillfully restrained rage.
SIR MALLOY’s eyes are drawn over MERLIN’s shoulder, suddenly

widening in awe.
SIR MALLOY
King Arthur! Your Majesty!
Forgetting all else, MERLIN whips around, face bright with hope.
His excited eyes scan the room desperately for ARTHUR.
He’s not here. MERLIN’s heart plummets.
SIR MALLOY breaks into a throaty laugh.
SIR MALLOY
Have you forgotten? Arthur’s dead and
rotting!
Page 11 of 45
MERLIN’s eyes still search the room. He’s devastated by the cruel
joke.
SIR MALLOY
Aw, don’t worry. The King will pardon
your lapse in memory. Your lapse in
sanity, however, may not be so easily
overlooked. Madman.
SIR MALLOY slogs off, leaving a flushed and flustered warlock

behind. MERLIN sits back down on the bench and goes at shining
ARTHUR’s boots.
MERLIN
(grumbling)
I am not mad.
EXT. GROCERY STORE (PARKING LOT) – DAY 1.
MERLIN is half asleep in the backseat. ARTHUR is outside the CAB

tapping on MERLIN’s window. MERLIN jerks up in his seat.
ARTHUR
No falling asleep.
MERLIN
(disoriented)
What?
ARTHUR
You said you wanted to pick up a few
things. We’re here.
MERLIN
(realization)
Oh.
He gets out of the CAB, nearly tripping over his own feet, and
joins ARTHUR.
ARTHUR
Are you sure you’re feeling up to
this?
MERLIN
(no)
Yeah. Never better.
CUT TO:
INT. BLACK CAR (GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT) – DAY 1.

ACCOLON opens the door to the passenger seat of a sleek BLACK CAR
that’s parked outside the grocery store. He slips inside. At the
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wheel is LORD VORTIGERN, who gazes at the grocery store ahead of

them.
ACCOLON
What did I miss?
LORD VORTIGERN
(re: MERLIN and ARTHUR)
They decided to stock up. They should
be out soon enough.
ACCOLON
Mm. The mighty King Arthur’s first
time in a grocery store.
LORD VORTIGERN smirks in answer.

LORD VORTIGERN
If the legends of King Arthur have
taught us anything, it is that life
is unpredictable.
ACCOLON
We’ve discussed this before, Lord
Vortigern. They are not just legends.
For centuries many have tried to
grasp the real significance of the
legends of King Arthur, but they have
failed, because these stories did not
all take place in history. Many of
them are not really legends, but
prophecies. They are stories of the
future, not of the past.
LORD VORTIGERN
That isn’t the case for all of them.
Some of the legends truly are
historical accounts. Surely you don’t
mean to say that these were prophetic
as well?
ACCOLON
Well, history has a funny way of
repeating itself, and not always in
the way we would expect.
CUT TO:
INT. GROCERY STORE – DAY 1.
ARTHUR follows MERLIN down an aisle. Their cart is nearly full.

ARTHUR glances about at the strange new sights. He attempts to look
unfazed by the unfamiliarity. All of a sudden, MERLIN’s head jerks
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around, as though he has heard something. This draws ARTHUR’s

attention to him. After a few seconds, MERLIN relaxes.
ARTHUR
(eyeing him)
You don’t entirely seem yourself.
MERLIN
What do you mean?
MERLIN pushes the cart into a stack of cans, knocking them over.
MERLIN
Oh, they always stack these too
high...
He glances about to make sure no one is looking. Eyes flashing

gold, he uses magic to restack the cans.
MERLIN
I’m just tired, is all.
Before ARTHUR can speak up again, MERLIN assesses the cart.
MERLIN
This should do.
He pushes the cart off. ARTHUR follows him.
CUT TO:
INT. BLACK CAR (GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT) – DAY 1.
ACCOLON
Here they come.
ACCOLON and LORD VORTIGERN watch as MERLIN and ARTHUR exit the
store carrying bags of groceries.
ACCOLON
Get ready to follow.
LORD VORTIGERN starts the car.
CUT TO:
Page 14 of 45
INT. CAB – DAY 1.
[4] The groceries are on the floor of the CAB.
ARTHUR
Listen. Merlin. Just so we’re
clear... if you need to talk about
anything, discuss what happened
during our last days together, or the
past fifteen hundred years, it’s no
bother to me.
The CABBIE clears his throat uncomfortably. He has never had

passengers as bizarre as this. The CAB brakes at a red light.
While ARTHUR is speaking, MERLIN’s eyes drift to the window behind

ARTHUR, growing fixated on something unbeknownst to ARTHUR.
ARTHUR
(oblivious that MERLIN has
been distracted)
I know it must have been — well, I’m
sure “difficult” doesn’t begin to
describe it. But the point is I want
you to be open with me now.
ARTHUR realizes MERLIN is staring at something out the window

behind him. MERLIN’s jaw slackens in shock and horror.
ARTHUR
Are you even listening?
MERLIN
Stay.
ARTHUR
What?
MERLIN lunges for the door, leaps out of the CAB, and TEARS off
down the street just as the streetlights turn green and the CAB
begins to move again.
ARTHUR
Merlin!
(to CABBIE)
Stay here!
(calling)
Merlin!
CUT TO:
Page 15 of 45
EXT. LONDON CITY (STREET) – CONTINOUS.
ARTHUR jumps out of the CAB and finds himself in the middle the
street. CARS flash here and there like arrows flying in battle. For
a moment, we think ARTHUR is about to be overwhelmed by the utter
foreignness of his surroundings, like the last time he got
separated from MERLIN in the city.
But no, not this time. ARTHUR spots MERLIN running and takes off
after him.
CUT TO:
INT. / EXT. BLACK CAR / LONDON CITY (STREET) – CONTINOUS.
ACCOLON and LORD VORTIGERN are startled to see MERLIN taking off
from his CAB, with ARTHUR right behind him.
ACCOLON
Follow them!
LORD VORTIGERN
I won’t be able to keep up!
While the CARS around LORD VORTIGERN’s BLACK CAR begin to move
again, ACCOLON swings open the door and steps into the busy street.
CIVILIANS shout in protest.
CIVILIAN #1 (O.C.)
Get back in your car!
CIVILIAN #2 (O.C.)
You’ll get hit!
ACCOLON races after ARTHUR and MERLIN.
CUT TO:
MERLIN skids to a halt, head craning to see past the mass of
CIVILIANS. There is a MAN up ahead, barely visible through the
CROWD, but MERLIN singles him out.
MERLIN
(low, dark)
Mordred.
MERLIN’s hands clench into fists at his sides. He takes the first
step in a stalk towards the MAN he has identified as MORDRED,
faster and faster until he is right across from him.
The MAN raises his head to see MERLIN hurling toward him and takes
off at a sprint, crashing into a BICYCLIST. Avoiding the BICYCLIST,
MERLIN raises his hand toward the MAN, eyes flashing gold as he
Page 16 of 45
shoots a spell of golden light at the MAN ahead — he misses. The

MAN careens out of the way to avoid colliding into CIVILIANS.
CUT TO:
ACCOLON tears down the sidewalk, overcoat billowing behind him.
CUT TO:
ARTHUR races after MERLIN. A CAR nearly runs him over, but it
screeches to a halt and misses him by a hairbreadth. ARTHUR doesn’t
seem to notice. Seeing the flashes from MERLIN’s magic ahead, he
jostles through the CROWD, running after him.
CUT TO:
ACCOLON’s head snaps this way and that as he scans the CROWD for
signs of their enemies, but to no avail: ARTHUR and MERLIN have
escaped.
ACCOLON
Damn.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONDON CITY (STREET) / WESTMINSTER BRIDGE – CONTINOUS.
MERLIN swerves around. With a nonverbal spell, he moves a CAR out

into the MAN’s path. The MAN skids to a stop just in time to swerve
around the CAR. MERLIN leaps onto the hood of the CAR and runs over
the top of it.
As the MAN breaks onto Westminster Bridge, MERLIN magically YANKS

the MAN’s feet out from under him. He seizes the MAN by the front
of his shirt and shoves him against the rail.
MERLIN
(incensed)
I don’t know what twist of destiny
sent you back, but you will not touch
him again!
MAN
(gasping for breath)
Please! Don’t hurt me!
MERLIN slams the poor MAN against the rail, tipping him backwards
as though he intends to heave him into the water. Up close, it is
clear to us that this MAN looks nothing like MORDRED. But MERLIN is
honestly convinced that he is addressing his best friend’s killer.
MERLIN
Do you hear me?! You will not lay a
finger on Arthur again! You will not
touch him, Mordred!
Page 17 of 45
MAN
(scared, confused)
What are you on about? Who’s Mordred?
In this moment, as MERLIN initial fury abates, and he stares into

brown eyes that so contrast MORDRED’s green, it becomes very
blatant that MERLIN is not right in the head.
MAN
(panicked)
Please – just let me go!
MERLIN’s ragged breathing slows as he takes in the face of the MAN.

He’s beginning to realize, gradually... this MAN – this stranger –
is not MORDRED.
What the hell is he doing?

Someone SCREAMS at the sight of MERLIN leaning a MAN over the rail.
CIVILIANS are gathering as to observe the spectacle.
CIVILIAN
Hey! Let him go!
MERLIN glances at the CIVILIANS, then back to the MAN in his

clutches. A look of horror washes over MERLIN’s face as he releases
the MAN and backs away. The MAN sinks to his knees, panting with
relief.
ARTHUR appears on the scene. His stare bounces from the MAN and a
stunned MERLIN. The King seizes his warlock. MERLIN does not resist
as ARTHUR drags him away from the bridge, back through the streets.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONDON CITY (ALLEY 1) – DAY 1.
[5] ARTHUR releases MERLIN with a shove.

ARTHUR
(shocked, outraged)
What the hell is wrong with you?!
What were you thinking?
MERLIN
(bewildered)
I... I didn’t... I...
ARTHUR
What?! You what, Merlin?!
MERLIN
I thought it was Mordred.
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ARTHUR freezes, the severity in his eyes lessening. His initial

anger is overcome by a new deep disquiet.
ARTHUR
Merlin... what are you talking about?
That man looked nothing like Mordred.
MERLIN can offer nothing further to explain himself. ARTHUR wheels

away, exasperated and trying to make sense out of this mess. MERLIN
just stands there, glancing about in confusion as though nothing in
the world holds any sense to him.
ARTHUR
(turning back to MERLIN)
We need to find our cab. Merlin?
MERLIN doesn’t seem to process what ARTHUR said. He’s completely

disoriented. ARTHUR looks on him with pity.
ARTHUR
(gentler)
Come on.
ARTHUR nudges MERLIN from the alley.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONDON CITY (STREET) – CONTINOUS.
LORD VORTIGERN runs up alongside ACCOLON, winded.
LORD VORTGIERN
(glancing around)
Where are they? Where have they gone?
ACCOLON
(regretful)
They escaped.
LORD VORTIGERN
Lady Elaine will not be pleased.
ACCOLON
Is she ever?
CUT TO:
EXT. LONDON CITY (FLAT BUILDING) – DAY 1.
MERLIN and ARTHUR exit a CAB and head toward the entrance of
MERLIN’s flat.
CUT TO:
Page 19 of 45
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – DAY 1.
Dusk. ARTHUR and MERLIN enter the flat. ARTHUR shuts the door and
sets the groceries down before turning to MERLIN. Neither says a
word for a beat.
ARTHUR strives for patience with MERLIN, now that he knows

something isn’t right with him.
ARTHUR
Just... what was that, Merlin? You
said you thought you saw Mordred.
Maybe... you thought that man just
resembled him? You didn’t get a good
look at him?
MERLIN
I don’t know. I... He looked exactly
like Mordred.
ARTHUR
That doesn’t make any sense. It
wasn’t Mordred.
MERLIN
I know... but that’s who I saw.
ARTHUR
Then, what, you’re seeing things?
You’re going to have to help me
understand here, Merlin. Because
right now it just looks like you’re
going mad -
MERLIN
(cutting him off)
I AM NOT! MAD!
ARTHUR stops at that, startled, and stares. Clearly he’s struck a

nerve.
When MERLIN realizes he’s lost his temper, he lowers his gaze
respectfully.
Both are unsure of how to handle this. After a beat, MERLIN lifts
his satchel and moves to the door.
ARTHUR
What are you doing?
MERLIN
I need to clean the castle. We’ll
have to go.
Page 20 of 45
ARTHUR
(incredulous)
What? No. You’re not going anywhere.
You’re in no condition to run off to
Camelot right now.
MERLIN
My condition is fine. I never got to
clean it earlier.
MERLIN unlocks and opens the door.
ARTHUR
I forbid you to leave.
MERLIN
(spinning around)
You can’t do that.
ARTHUR
I am your King. How many times must I
remind you that I can forbid
anything? Merlin, you’re unwell.
You’re not being rational.
MERLIN
I just need to clean the castle.
ARTHUR
Someone killed all of those men in
the main square. Someone knows about
my return and is looking for us.
MERLIN
But they didn’t find us at the
castle, so odds are they won’t be
going back there.
ARTHUR
You know what — fine. You clean the
castle, Merlin, but I’m not coming
with you.
MERLIN looks between ARTHUR and the open door, torn.
MERLIN
Don’t do this.
ARTHUR
Merlin, why can’t it wait?
MERLIN
(frustration mounting)
Because... I just have to!
Page 21 of 45
ARTHUR
Why?
MERLIN
Because it’s my duty!
ARTHUR
Why is it so important?
MERLIN
I DON’T KNOW!
MERLIN throws the door shut. He drops his satchel and braces his
forehead, trying to compose himself. A long beat passes.
ARTHUR
(staring, grave)
What happened to you, Merlin?
MERLIN cannot explain that either. ARTHUR is too tired and

frustrated to press the matter any further, and it’s clear MERLIN
is too tired to form answers.
ARTHUR
It’s getting late. Just... you should
get some rest. I know you didn’t
sleep last night.
Beat. MERLIN reluctantly retreats to his room. ARTHUR listens as

the door shuts behind him, then turns away with a sigh.
INT. KING’S PALACE (HALLWAY) – DAY 2. FLASHBACK.
MERLIN’s feet carry him down the hall at a brisk pace, quick enough
to cast a light breeze. He hasn’t looked this content since before
ARTHUR’s death. MERLIN turns around a corner and arrives at the
door of GAIUS’ chambers, where he sees PERCIVAL standing outside
it. Odd. MERLIN comes to a stop.
MERLIN
Percival. Can I help you?
PERCIVAL
We’ve been trying to reach you. No
one knew where you were.
MERLIN
Well, my responsibilities as Court
Magician have been keeping me on my
toes. I was with my new apprentice.
Is something wrong?
Page 22 of 45
PERCIVAL
(tentative)
Merlin... Gaius is unwell.
MERLIN
(beat - wary)
What do you mean, unwell?
PERCIVAL
He’s in bed with a fever, chills, and
the like. When it started, no one can
be certain, but... we have reason to
believe Gaius has been ill for some
time.
MERLIN
(churning with fear)
What do you mean? How sick is he?
PERCIVAL
Merlin...
No. No, this can’t be. MERLIN wheels away from him. This can’t be
happening. Not GAIUS, too. GAIUS never got sick. He helped the
sick. He made them better. How could he fall prey to that which he
had spent his entire life combating? MERLIN steadies himself
against the wall.
PERCIVAL
You better go in. We don’t know...
how much longer he has.
MERLIN braces himself. He draws up to his full height and nods to

PERCIVAL. Then he prods open the door, and enters.
CUT TO:
INT. GAIUS’ CHAMBERS – CONTINUOUS. FLASHBACK.

[6] LEON is in the room, standing aside in solemn observation. GWEN
sits in a chair next to GAIUS’ bed. When she looks back and sees
MERLIN enter, with PERCIVAL at his back, she meets him with a
heartbroken, pitying gaze. She rises, gives his shoulder a squeeze,
and joins LEON and PERCIVAL.
MERLIN now has a clear view of GAIUS, who lays blanketed with a
damp cloth over his forehead. Hearing MERLIN’s steps, GAIUS turns
his head and smiles with effort.
GAIUS
(weak)
Merlin.
Page 23 of 45
MERLIN discards the chair and kneels at the side of the bed.
MERLIN
I’m here, Gaius. They told me you’re
sick. What’s wrong?
GAIUS
Nothing is wrong. This is natural for
a man of my age.
MERLIN
No. You just hold on. I can still
save you.
MERLIN collects himself and lays his hands on GAIUS’ brow, eyes
closing. He intends to incant a spell.
GAIUS
No, Merlin.
(taking one of MERLIN’S hands to
stop him)
Do not waste what little time I have
left. Just... listen to me.
MERLIN frantically shakes his head. He’s had to say too many
goodbyes. He’s not ready for this. His throat is constricted. He
feels likes he’s drowning.
GAIUS
I want you to know... that the years
I spent with you... were the best of
my life. You have been the greatest
blessing... I’ve ever known.
MERLIN
(emotional)
You can’t die. I have so much left to
learn from you.
GAIUS
I don’t believe you ever noticed...
the time when you stopped learning
from me, and I started learning from
you.
MERLIN
(falling apart)
But my magic... my nightmares... I
can’t control them without you.
Page 24 of 45
GAIUS
Look at me, Merlin. You have more
fight in you than you could possibly
imagine.
MERLIN
But what will I do without you?
GAIUS
(exerting a gentle smile)
You will make me proud, as you have
always done.
Tears escape MERLIN’s eyes. No, this cannot be happening... It

simply can’t. GAIUS is all he has left.
MERLIN
I don’t think I can do it. I don’t
think I can live without you.
GAIUS
(at his weakest)
You will be all right. First focus on
breathing. Living comes after.
MERLIN
I can’t...
GAIUS
Breathe, Merlin.
GAIUS’ grip on MERLIN’s hand is gone. A final exhale escapes his

lips. His soul has passed on.
MERLIN
Gaius...
PERCIVAL, LEON, and GWEN bow their heads in reverent silence. Tears
are in GWEN’s eyes.
MERLIN
(horrified)
Gaius! No... No...
MERLIN fights to restrain his tears, but they come anyway. He cries
over GAIUS’ lifeless body, shoulders jerking with every sob.
LEON
(grave, to PERCIVAL)
Bring word to the court... that
Gaius... is dead.
There is a decisive beat at the words, as if that somehow seals it.
GAIUS is dead. To say that GAIUS is dead is like saying that the
Page 25 of 45
North Star has been lost. GAIUS is the pillar of the earth, the one
that never moves. To say that GAIUS is dead is to accept that the
world has ended.
The world has ended...
Little by little MERLIN lifts his head. Eyes blazing, a deep SCREAM
of rage and anguish tears out of him. Caused by his overwhelming
emotion, a flash of MAGIC LIGHTNING strikes the window, shattering
it.
GWEN gasps, shielding her face from the flying glass. LEON and
PERICVAL rush forward to grab MERLIN, but MERLIN whirls around and
strides past them before they can stop him.
CUT TO:
SERIES OF SHOTS: INT. HALLWAY / GRIFFIN STAIRCASE / EXT. CAMELOT
(MAIN SQUARE) / FOREST. – DAY 2. FLASHBACK.
Once in the hall, MERLIN breaks into a run. He careens around

corners and down the stairs to the main square. He mounts a
knight’s HORSE and kicks off at full gallop. He rides like mad
through the forest.
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE OF AVALON – DAY 2. FLASHBACK.
Before the HORSE has entirely broken through the trees, MERLIN
drops onto his feet, running the rest of the way. He dodges trees
and hurdles over fallen logs until he stumbles onto the shoreline.
MERLIN
(distraught)
Arthur! The world has ended! You can
come back now! Arthur!
MERLIN runs into the water until it’s up to his knees.
MERLIN
(screaming, enraged)
You were supposed to come back when
Albion needs you most! IT NEEDS YOU
NOW! WHERE ARE YOU?!?!
MERLIN catches his breath, pauses to give ARTHUR a chance to show

himself.
MERLIN
What must I do?! Tell me! I’ll do
anything! JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO!
Page 26 of 45
He looks out at the lake. Nothing changes. A beat follows. He

slowly lifts his gaze, a dark expression on his face.
MERLIN
(low, building)
Is that what it will take, Arthur?
The “greatest sorcerer ever to walk
the earth.” Will I have to prove that
by unleashing my power upon the
world? If I make Albion need you
most? Will that finally be enough to
bring you back?! IS THAT WHAT IT WILL
TAKE?!
MERLIN stops, realizing what’s he said, and shakes himself,

startled at his own thoughts. He starts backing out of the water.
MERLIN
(whispering, horrified)
What is happening to me?
MERLIN glances all around. The HORSE he stole is nowhere in sight.

His knees buckle beneath him, all strength utterly wrung from him.
MERLIN
Arthur... You have to come back now.
Gwaine is dead. My mother is dead.
Gaius, Kilgharrah — they’re all dead.
(beat)
You come back now... or, please...
take me with you.
He waits for an answer. But he never gets one. ARTHUR does not
return.
[7] ARTHUR lies on MERLIN’s sofa when a loud THUD comes from
MERLIN’s bedroom. ARTHUR rolls his head to the side.
ARTHUR
...Merlin?
When he receives no response, ARTHUR kicks off his blanket and gets
up, going down the hall.
CUT TO:
Page 27 of 45
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (BEDROOM) – CONTINUOUS.
He prods MERLIN’s bedroom door open.
Lying sprawled on the floor is MERLIN, eyelids fluttering open and

closed over his eyes, which are beginning to cross.
ARTHUR
(startled)
Merlin?
ARTHUR rushes across the floor and crouches over MERLIN. MERLIN is
unresponsive as ARTHUR takes him by the shoulders and turns him off
of his stomach. His skin is clammy, and beneath his eyes are dark
circles. What is wrong with him?
ARTHUR
(frantic)
Merlin. Hey.
(patting MERLIN’s face)
Hey, Merlin.
MERLIN strains to open his eyes and lift his head.
MERLIN
(mumbling)
Arthur?
ARTHUR
Merlin? What happened?
MERLIN
(slurring)
I fell over.
ARTHUR
Why? What were you doing?
MERLIN
(slurring)
I was trying not to fall asleep.
ARTHUR
What on earth for?
Page 28 of 45
MERLIN does not answer. ARTHUR is at a loss. After a beat, he lifts

MERLIN, throws back his covers, and sets him in bed, pulling the
blankets over him.
ARTHUR grabs a chair, moves it beside the bed, and takes a seat.
MERLIN
(mumbling)
No, I can’t fall asleep... it’s not
safe for you...
ARTHUR
What was that?
MERLIN doesn’t speak again, too exhausted to manage anything else.
ARTHUR is drained by all of this. But if keeping watch tonight is

what it will take to get to the bottom of things, then that’s what
he’ll do.
As ARTHUR sits there, he notices the state of the room. The candle
on the bedside table is lit. There is a full glass of water on the
bedside table and an empty coffee mug on the windowsill. Two books
lay open on the floor.
MERLIN moans quietly. Stiff, even. He starts murmuring something.

ARTHUR bends closer, trying to make it out.
MERLIN
No... No...
There is a CLATTERING NOISE. ARTHUR looks toward the window. The

coffee mug is trembling. That’s weird...
A BUZZING SOUND arises from the hall. ARTHUR’s head snaps back. In
the hall, lights are sputtering on and off.
What’s going on?

On the windowsill, the empty coffee mug suddenly EXPLODES.
ARTHUR
What the hell...?
In bed, MERLIN is pitching back and forth. ARTHUR can see MERLIN’s
eyes flutter briefly, revealing the gold inside. He’s using MAGIC
in his sleep.
ARTHUR
Uh, Merlin...
Page 29 of 45
On the floor, the pile of splintered wood left from MERLIN’s

ceiling fan, which broke at the start of Episode 1, lifts into the
air and spins like debris in a twister.
ARTHUR
What the hell are you doing?
The temperature plummets. Ice crackles on the window. ARTHUR can

see his own breath.
SLAM! SLAM! The doors of the wardrobe clap open and closed. ARTHUR
shakes MERLIN. Yes, it looks like a good time for the warlock to
wake up.
ARTHUR
All right, Merlin. You need to wake
up now.
MERLIN continues thrashing and moaning. ARTHUR’s sword rattles and
moves across the desk. Within seconds, it shoots from the desk and
embeds itself into the wall above MERLIN’s bed.
ARTHUR
Merlin! Wake up!
MERLIN’s head tosses from side to side.
ARTHUR
Wake up, Merlin!
ARTHUR grabs the glass full of water on MERLIN’s beside table and
dumps it on MERLIN’s face. All at once, the banging, the flickering
lights, the drop in temperature — IT ALL STOPS. MERLIN bolts awake
with a start.
ARTHUR
Whoa! Hey, hey! It’s all right!
MERLIN
(terrified)
Morgana! Morgana was...
ARTHUR
She’s not here! It’s just us!
MERLIN
But Morgana — !
ARTHUR
Morgana is dead, Merlin! All right?
There is no one out there who means
us harm. It’s just the two of us.
It’s just you and me.
Page 30 of 45
MERLIN holds ARTHUR’s gaze, breath still coming fast and hard,
until finally, he releases ARTHUR’s arm and falls back on his
elbows, shuddering and panting. He takes a number of beats to
recover. So does ARTHUR.
CUT TO:
Time has passed. MERLIN has recovered. The bedside lamp is turned
on.
ARTHUR
So.
(yanks Excalibur from
the wall)
Nightmares. Does that happen every
time you fall sleep?
MERLIN
(low, still shaken)
Pretty much.
ARTHUR
And when you do, your magic — it goes
berserk. Is that why you were trying
to stay awake? To avoid hurting me?
(MERLIN nods)
Why didn’t you just tell me?
MERLIN
I didn’t want you to worry.
ARTHUR
Didn’t want me to — Merlin. What do
you do, just not sleep?
MERLIN
I do sleep. I just... put it off as
long as I can. I got about two hours
the night before last — besides, I’m
not affected the same as mortal men.
I’ve gone a month without sleep
before.
ARTHUR
And I suppose that would explain your
hallucination. And your general
paranoia. This is ridiculous. You
need sleep.
MERLIN
I’ve gotten by this long.
Page 31 of 45
ARTHUR
(stopping short)
What do you mean, “this long?” How
long has it been?
MERLIN
(beat)
Since you left.
ARTHUR
(crushed)
Since I left?
MERLIN
After your death, I didn’t sleep for
a while. When I finally did, things
started happening with my magic. I’d
start fires, break things, cause all
sorts of mayhem. All Gaius knew was
that something had happened to my
magic when you died. Something broke
it.
ARTHUR takes this in. We can feel his guilt churning. It was his
death that caused this. Now we know why he imagined that man was
MORDRED: such a lack of sleep would unhinge him.
ARTHUR
(resolved)
Well. This changes now. If you need
sleep, you will sleep. I’ll keep
watch.
MERLIN
Arthur, no. It’s not safe for you to
be here when it happens. I’ve hurt
people before: I won’t be responsible
for hurting you.
ARTHUR fumbles around with the bedside lamp for a moment before
figuring out how to flick it off.
ARTHUR
You didn’t have any nightmares when
we fell asleep in the castle the
other night.
MERLIN
(turning the lamp back on)
That’s only once in a blue moon. I
can’t even recall the last time I
slept so peacefully.
Page 32 of 45
ARTHUR
Well, tonight you’re going to do it
again.
MERLIN
(pleading)
Arthur, you need to go.
ARTHUR
I’m not going anywhere.
MERLIN
Why not?
ARTHUR
Because I don’t want you to feel that
you are alone.
MERLIN said those exact words to ARTHUR when his father died. He
can’t argue with ARTHUR’s loyalty.
ARTHUR flips the bedside lamp off again. After a beat, MERLIN lies
down, hoping that this time will be different.
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE OF AVALON – DAY 4. FLASHBACK.
GAIUS’ burial. LEON, PERCIVAL, and assorted DIGNITARIES are

gathered. An ARCHER fires a flaming arrow into GAIUS’ burial boat,
lighting it on fire. MERLIN cannot bear to stay.
While others stand in reverent silence, MERLIN makes his way out of
the crowd. GWEN watches him leave, moved with pity.
CUT TO:
INT. KING’S PALACE (ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS) – DAY 4. FLASHBACK.

[8] MERLIN is scrubbing the floors in the royal chambers.
GEORGE (O.C.)
(haughty)
That’s not likely to make any
difference.
MERLIN’s head snaps up. GEORGE, a character who appeared briefly in

EP6 of Season 4, stares down at him with beady eyes and an upturned
nose.
GEORGE
These floors have been clean as a
saint since my first day as the
King’s manservant.
Page 33 of 45
MERLIN
(mutters)
George.
GEORGE meets him at the center of the room, looming over him.
GEORGE
You missed a spot.
MERLIN
What spot? I thought you kept these
floors immaculate.
GEORGE scrunches his nose in offense at MERLIN’s sarcasm.
MERLIN
You’re Leon’s manservant. Don’t you
have chores to do or brass to polish?
GEORGE
(self-righteous)
Already finished. I make sure to keep
on top of my duties at all times.
King Arthur himself referred to me as
the “most efficient servant” he had
ever seen. He told me you spend all
your time slacking at the tavern.
MERLIN
At least I didn’t spend it licking
his boots.
GEORGE
(beat)
At least my master still has boots.
Enraged at another callous reference to ARTHUR’s death, MERLIN

drops his brush and whirls around. He fires a powerful blast of
magic at GEORGE, surging him against the wall. GEORGE slides down
to the floor, eyes closed.
MERLIN stands tall with clenched fists, breathing heavily, before

he realizes what he’s just done.
MERLIN
(worried)
George?
No response. MERLIN dashes across the floor and crouches beside

him.
MERLIN
George?
Page 34 of 45
GEORGE
(eyes fluttering open,
groaning)
You’re deranged.
There’s blood on GEORGE’s head.
MERLIN
George, you’re bleeding. Let me help.
GEORGE
(hysterical)
Back! You keep back! You’re insane!
SERVANTS rush in from the hall in time to hear GEORGE’s

accusations. Some of them stare at MERLIN.
GEORGE
He tried to kill me! He’s mad!
MERLIN spins away and hurries from the room.
INT. KING’S PALACE (HALLWAY) – FLASHBACK. CONTINUOUS.
MERLIN rushes down a hallway before spinning round the corner. He

presses his back up against a wall and pants, horrified at what
he’s done. Perhaps everyone is right. Perhaps he is going mad.
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (BEDROOM) – NIGHT 2.
ARTHUR sits beside MERLIN’s bed while he sleeps. The nightmare has
already started. MERLIN is tossing and turning in bed, moaning. The
lights in the flat BUZZ and FLICKER as before.
ARTHUR
(tired)
It’s all right. You’re safe here.
MERLIN
We have to make it to the Lake...
ARTHUR
(confused)
What?
MERLIN continues his incoherent mumbling. ARTHUR leans in, trying

to make out what MERLIN is saying.
MERLIN
(murmuring)
Not going to lose you...
Page 35 of 45
The wardrobe doors begin BANGING open and closed again, along with
those of the bedroom itself.
MERLIN
...You’re not going to say goodbye...
ARTHUR’s attention snaps back to MERLIN, recognizing the words

instantly. How could he forget them? They were some of the last
words he heard before his death.
ARTHUR
(realization, horrified)
You’re not dreaming. You’re
remembering.
A drop of water hits ARTHUR. Then another. Several more follow

until it is raining in MERLIN’s bedroom. ARTHUR leans in close to
the bed, shielding his face from the rain.
ARTHUR
Listen to me, Merlin. It’s just a
memory. I’m safe. I’m right here.
MERLIN
(faint)
Stay with me...
ARTHUR freezes. “Stay with me.” The very last words he heard before
his death.
A low RUMBLING arises. Oh, terrific. The floor quakes. ARTHUR claps
MERLIN on the shoulder, pinning him from throwing about and trying
to keep his balance on the PITCHING floor.
ARTHUR
Merlin! Merlin, wake up!
A red paint bottle on one of MERLIN’s shelves crashes to the floor.

A paintbrush from the desk levitates down into the spilled paint
and shoots across the room to the far wall, where it begins to
inscribe a message in long, dripping letters: HISTORY REPEATS
ITSELF.
ARTHUR stares at the words.
The window shatters, sending spears of glass flying at them. ARTHUR

dives onto the bed to shield MERLIN, fully expecting to feel its
shards. But when he raises his head, still fighting MERLIN’s
thrashing limbs, he sees that the glass has fallen in a semi-circle
around him.
ARTHUR
Merlin, wake up!
Page 36 of 45
Trying to wake him, ARTHUR hoists MERLIN up and lets him drop back
onto the bed. ARTHUR’s clever use of the FALLING SENSATION is what
pulls MERLIN back to consciousness – slow motion for a few seconds
as he’s falling...
He wakes up, panting, traumatized.
MERLIN
(disoriented, panting)
Arthur?
ARTHUR
(panting)
Yes, it’s me. We’re all right. You’re
not going to be sleeping anymore
tonight. I won’t make you.
Relief washes over MERLIN’s face. He and ARTHUR both catch their
breaths, shell-shocked.
ARTHUR
I’m sorry.
INT. KING’S PALACE (ARHTHUR’S CORRIDOR)/(ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS) – DAY

3. FLASHBACK.
GWEN takes a deep breath and blows it out, bracing herself for
whatever state in which she might find MERLIN. She presses the
doors inward and enters ARTHUR’s chambers.
MERLIN stands at the window, gazing out, solemn.
GWEN
You needn’t explain anything to me. I
heard what happened. ...Are you all
right?
MERLIN
(beat)
How’s George?
GWEN
A bit shaken up, but he’ll live.
She joins him beside the window.
GWEN
I worry about you. You know that you
can come to me with anything, right?
No matter what happens, I will always
be here for you.
Page 37 of 45
MERLIN
(beat, deeply moved)
Thank you.
LEON enters all of a sudden. He stops when he sees them.
LEON
Merlin. We’ve had knights searching
for you.
GWEN
Merlin just needed some space for a
while.
GWEN gives MERLIN an affectionate pat and joins LEON at the

center of the room.
LEON
Of course...
(to GWEN)
Perhaps now is not the time to...
discuss... matters.
GWEN gives LEON a look – he wasn’t supposed to say that.
MERLIN glances between the both of them, curious. Too late for
them to brush it off now.
GWEN
(hesitant – to MERLIN)
Leon and I have had the idea to
provide you with more suitable
chambers.
MERLIN
(confused)
What’s wrong with the chambers I
have?
LEON
They are to be given to the new court
physician. And with your disruptive
sleeping habits, we think it best
that you are moved where you are less
likely to harm anyone. We know you’d
never hurt anyone on purpose, of
course, but –
MERLIN
I can’t leave Gaius’ chambers.
Page 38 of 45
GWEN
I understand that it’s difficult. You
may take all the time you need to
move out.
MERLIN
(hurt)
Arthur would let me stay.
LEON balks at MERLIN’s obstinacy, though GWEN knows MERLIN too

well: she is not surprised.
LEON
(whispering to GWEN)
Shall I command him?
MERLIN
If you do, I won’t listen, because
the command would have to come from a
king.
LEON’s face falls at that. GWEN is offended on his behalf at

MERLIN’s new attitude.
GWEN
Merlin, that is enough. Leon has long
tolerated your stubbornness toward
him, but this is too far. He is the
king of Camelot, and you will show
him respect.
MERLIN
(snapping)
He is not a king of Camelot: he is a
consort, and if you want me moved,
you’ll have to send the guards to
drag me away! I will not leave Gaius’
chambers for anything!
MERLIN takes his leave and slams the door behind him. The Queen and
her husband are stunned by his behavior.
GWEN
(sorrowful)
I feared he wouldn’t take it well.
It’s all too much for him.
LEON
Until he can get his magic under
control, we have no choice but to
move him. I care for Merlin just as
dearly as you, but he is becoming a
danger.
Page 39 of 45
Letting out a regretful sigh, GWEN glides to what was once ARTHUR’s
bed and sits down. LEON joins her.
GWEN
(dejected)
I just wish there was some way we
could help him.
LEON
(lifting a hand to her face)
We all do.
GWEN closes her eyes with a little breath, welcoming LEON’s

comforting hand. So many burdens she’s been forced to carry. Oh,
how long it’s been nice she felt such tenderness... Such love...
She moves closer to kiss him...

But to her surprise, LEON retracts his hand and turns away.
LEON
Guinevere... I know what everyone
thinks. I know that I can never
replace Arthur as a king, as a
husband, or even as a friend.
GWEN
Don’t say that, Leon. You are just as
worthy and wise a ruler as any man
before you. I know that you will be
the means by which this kingdom is
brought to unity.
They gaze at each other for a beat, pondering, longing for one
another’s companionship, before LEON kisses her, and this time,
GWEN kisses him back.
CUT TO:
Page 40 of 45
INT. KING’S PALACE (MERLIN’S NEW CHAMBERS) – DAY 4. FLASHBACK.
Thick iron doors open, revealing MERLIN with a bag of his

belongings standing between two GUARDS. After MERLIN enters the
room, the GUARDS shut the iron doors.
MERLIN ventures farther into the room – now his room – becoming
acquainted with his new quarters. The chambers are spacious and
practically empty. There is a chair, a desk, and bed, but nothing
else — no windows, no fireplace.
MERLIN approaches one of the chairs and pushes on it; it doesn’t

give. The CAMERA PANS DOWN to reveal that the chair is bolted to
the floor. In fact, all of the furniture is fastened down to
prevent MERLIN flinging it in his sleep during a nightmare.
Show a full view of the lonely room with MERLIN at its center.
He feels the cold reality of his isolation like a knife to the
heart.
MERLIN sits on the sofa, rubbing his temples. ARTHUR’s hand moves
into frame extending a glass of water to MERLIN. MERLIN accepts it,
eyes alternating from the glass to ARTHUR.
MERLIN
You figured out how to work a faucet
all on your own?
ARTHUR
I’m not an idiot, Merlin. The basic
principle of drawing water really
hasn’t changed much.
MERLIN
You did get this from the sink,
right? Not from the...
ARTHUR
Oh, just drink it.
MERLIN gives the cup a suspicious once-over before drinking it.
ARTHUR’s gaze passes to the window, drawn by the sounds of CARS in

the distance.
ARTHUR
Get your coat.
MERLIN
Why?
Page 41 of 45
ARTHUR
We’re getting out. Some fresh air
will do you good.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONDON CITY (STREET) – NIGHT 2.
[10] MERLIN and ARTHUR stroll down the sidewalk. CIVILIANS walk by
them every now and then. CARS pass. The city is ablaze in electric
light — far too bright to be so late at night.
As they pass from under the shadow of a protruding balcony, ARTHUR

takes in the fifteen-hundred-year-old man who walks beside him: so
young in appearance but so wise in stature. A little crazy, a lot
broken – but his friend.
ARTHUR
Merlin. I never finished what I was
saying to you earlier in the cab. I
don’t want you hiding anything from
me anymore. Your nightmares are a
perfect example. You need to be open
about such things.
MERLIN
I don’t want you to blame yourself.
ARTHUR
Right, but listen. I know it hasn’t
always been this way, but you can be
honest with me now. There’s no threat
of execution from me, you see? I
don’t even have an executioner
anymore.
MERLIN chuckles at that.

ARTHUR
(regarding him fondly)
You’re the only friend I’ve got left.
I want you to know that, after
everything that’s happened, if you
need to... scream, or cry, or hit
something, or just sit down for a
minute and breathe, then you need to
tell me, all right?
(beat)
I might call you a girl if you do the
crying bit...
Page 42 of 45
Another small laugh from MERLIN.
ARTHUR
(sincere)
But I still want to know.
MERLIN
You don’t know what you’re getting
yourself into.
ARTHUR
So, why don’t you tell me?
Undoubtedly we have some catching up
to do. Anything at all that you want
to say about... anything?
MERLIN
(beat)
I missed you.
ARTHUR
(gentle smile)
Yes, you said that.
MERLIN
Well, it bears saying again, and
again.
ARTHUR
I missed you, too.
CUT TO:
On the sidewalk across from MERLIN and ARTHUR strides ACCOLON.

Hands in his pockets, he eyes them. He has followed them from the
flat.
ACCOLON
(muttering)
Finally out and about, are we?
CUT TO:
EXT. NIGHT CLUB – CONTINUOUS.
ARTHUR and MERLIN come to a stop around a small cluster of shops,

including a night club. The distant, grey glow of a promised
sunrise eases over the rooftops.
MERLIN
Sun’s coming up.
Page 43 of 45
ARTHUR
It’s getting there. Then maybe we’ll
finally eat something.
MERLIN
It always goes back to food with you.
ARTHUR
Can you blame me? We haven’t eaten
since yesterday.
MERLIN
I know, I know. I’m sorry.
ARTHUR
It’s all right. Nothing a week in the
stocks won’t fix. Of course, that
too, would require food...
MERLIN
Ah, and here we go again!
A COMMOTION comes from the night club. Its doors crash open. GWAINE
is tossed out onto the sidewalk a couple of yards away from ARTHUR
and MERLIN. He rolls over onto his back, laughing and wincing at
once, messy hair tumbling into his face.
GWAINE
(to no one in particular)
How do you like that? You make a man
a fool, he calls you a thief!
GWAINE gets back on his feet and starts for the doors.
GWAINE
Think you can kick a man out of his
own home?
He throws the doors open and heads inside.
MERLIN and ARTHUR stand there with their mouths hanging open.
MERLIN
We need to get back. I’m starting to
see things again.
ARTHUR
So am I.
MERLIN
What do you mean? What did you see?
Page 44 of 45
ARTHUR turns to MERLIN, his face the very picture of shock.
ARTHUR
I saw Gwaine.
END OF EPISODE.
Page 45 of 45

#3. The Madness of Merlin

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MERLIN: KINGDOM COME

INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT 1.

[1] CLOSE-UP of ARTHUR’s face. He sleeps on MERLIN’s sofa. We hear

INT. CAB – NIGHT 1.

EXT. FOREST – NIGHT 1.

EXT. CAMELOT RUINS (MAIN SQUARE) – NIGHT 1.

Approaching, MERLIN nudges one with his foot.

EXT. CAMELOT RUINS (MAIN SQUARE) — NIGHT 1.

MERLIN is bent over OFFICER BECKHAM’s body, examining his wound

ARTHUR examines the body of OFFICER ALLISTAIR — the one that

A distorted crackling sound – electric. MERLIN heads over to one of

MERLIN shuts off the radio and turns to ARTHUR.

INT. GAIUS’ CHAMBERS – NIGHT 1. FLASHBACK.

GAIUS sets the dishes aside.

MERLIN wears a secret smile at GAIUS’ praise.

(coughs into his fist)

GAIUS walks away, stifling another cough. MERLIN stays at the

EXT. FOREST – NIGHT 1.

INT. CRYSTÁLLUM CASTLE (LIBRARY) – DAY 1.

Sunrise. Lounging in a leather chair, ACCOLON holds a book in his

ELAINE is satisfied. She exits. MORDRED looks to ACCOLON, who

ACCOLON meets MORDRED’s eyes. Beat. MORDRED’s stiffness gives way

INT. CAB – DAY 1.

ARTHUR watches him. What is up with MERLIN? After a beat, ARTHUR

MERLIN gives a modest shrug.

ARTHUR’s playful smile fades.

INT. KING’S PALACE (ARMOURY) – DAY 1. FLASHBACK.

[3] MERLIN sits on a bench in the armoury, shining a pair of

SIR MALLOY (O.C.)

SIR MALLOY’s eyes are drawn over MERLIN’s shoulder, suddenly

He’s not here. MERLIN’s heart plummets.

SIR MALLOY breaks into a throaty laugh.

SIR MALLOY slogs off, leaving a flushed and flustered warlock

MERLIN is half asleep in the backseat. ARTHUR is outside the CAB

INT. BLACK CAR (GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT) – DAY 1.

wheel is LORD VORTIGERN, who gazes at the grocery store ahead of

LORD VORTIGERN smirks in answer.

INT. GROCERY STORE – DAY 1.

ARTHUR follows MERLIN down an aisle. Their cart is nearly full.

around, as though he has heard something. This draws ARTHUR’s

He glances about to make sure no one is looking. Eyes flashing

Before ARTHUR can speak up again, MERLIN assesses the cart.

He pushes the cart off. ARTHUR follows him.

INT. BLACK CAR (GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT) – DAY 1.

LORD VORTIGERN starts the car.

INT. CAB – DAY 1.

[4] The groceries are on the floor of the CAB.

The CABBIE clears his throat uncomfortably. He has never had

While ARTHUR is speaking, MERLIN’s eyes drift to the window behind

ARTHUR realizes MERLIN is staring at something out the window

EXT. LONDON CITY (STREET) – CONTINOUS.

INT. / EXT. BLACK CAR / LONDON CITY (STREET) – CONTINOUS.

ACCOLON races after ARTHUR and MERLIN.

shoots a spell of golden light at the MAN ahead — he misses. The

ACCOLON tears down the sidewalk, overcoat billowing behind him.

EXT. LONDON CITY (STREET) / WESTMINSTER BRIDGE – CONTINOUS.

MERLIN swerves around. With a nonverbal spell, he moves a CAR out

As the MAN breaks onto Westminster Bridge, MERLIN magically YANKS

In this moment, as MERLIN initial fury abates, and he stares into

MERLIN’s ragged breathing slows as he takes in the face of the MAN.

What the hell is he doing?

MERLIN glances at the CIVILIANS, then back to the MAN in his