Dark tower review from cult fix 

The content of the link is below:

Gwen and Elyan are paying their respects to their father, but their journey back to Camelot ends in tragedy with an ambush that leaves the Knights wounded and poor Gwen kidnapped by Morgana (who else?). Morgana imprisons her in the Dark Tower, a place said to contain the mind’s deepest fears. Arthur, of course, wastes little time mounting a rescue mission, but it’s far from an easy task requiring a journey through perilous lands.

If this episode’s plot sounds like classic fairy tale territory then you wouldn’t be far wrong. Although, for the most part, this is probably the darkest episode of Series 5 yet, topping The Death Song of Uther Pendragon. It’s certainly pushing the boundaries of the pre-watershed audience.

Half the plot follows Merlin, Arthur and the Knights and their treacherous trek. A bulk of the time is spent at “The Impenetrable Forest”, a place where Merlin meets a magical being called Queen Mab (Kelly Wenham). She certainly gives the Great Dragon a run for his money in the riddle stakes and is a fun addition to the world. The Knights eventually reach the titular Dark Tower, which itself is laden with traps. Some of which have has lasting consequences for the gang.

Naturally with Gwen’s kidnapping having a profound effect on everyone, there’s less humour than usual. Gwaine is the only one who really provides any light relief this week. The usual back and forth banter between Merlin and Arthur is toned down. With so much on the line, Merlin really gets to take charge and Arthur places his trust in Merlin almost without question. Elyan also gets a slightly expanded role.

The other half of the story focusses on Gwen and Morgana, and this is by far more interesting part of the episode. There are some brilliantly creepy moments as the episode dips into the realm of psychological horror. Trapped in a pitch black room surrounded by nothing but screams and evil apparitions of familiar faces, Gwen’s torment is superbly directed. Her mental breakdown at Morgana’s hand gives Angel Coulby her most screen time this series and consequently her best material yet.

While this could have been a tired Morgana plot, her plan here is actually far cleverer than it appears on the surface, with the extent of this only realised in the closing moments. Katie McGrath gets to play two sides of the character as she flips between good and evil. It’s strange seeing her trying to play nice with Gwen, and you are never quite sure what is going on.

Overall, this is a great installment. If you liked the Merlin quest-type episodes from past series, then you will love this episode. It all ends on a sombre note and not everything is wrapped up, with some major implications for the rest of the series.

9/10


Related posts:

Merlin: Series 5 Hints from SDCC
Merlin: Series 5 Trailer Released Next Week
Merlin: Series 5 "Arthur's Bane: Part 2" Synopsis


Source: link

I can now honestly say that I have never hated a fictional character as much as I hate Morgana. The card carrying bitch has got to meet a gruesome end. I do not want to see the redemption of Morgana, I want see her death. Seeing the picture of a kneeling Gwen, surrounded by darkness is heartbreaking. Gwen has done nothing to merit this. I am on my Ipad, but will see if I can post the picture here. If not, it will have to be later when I can get near a computer.

Just saw that picture of Gwen in the room. It upsets me so much. I already know that this episode is going to make me angry and sad. And yes, they better not spring up some redemption storyline after this because that would piss me off to no end.

Agreed. At first I was interested to see whether they would do a redemption story line with Morgana but she has done too much that it isn't redeemable. And if she did try to make amends I would hope that Gwen would tell her that after all the hell and torment she has put them all through, nothing can redeem that.

What do they mean by, "major implications for the rest of the season" Is Gwen herself but under an enchantment or is Morgana in possession of Gwen's body and mind. That last line bothers me, they say for the rest of the series, not for the next few episodes. I hope incest is not going to play a part in this.

Laila I know for concern that ain't referring to incest as the producers have said that is something they can't do in the show seeing as it is a family show. I'm sure that Gwen is under Morgana's control and not Morgana is in her body as for the reason I stated above.

The major implications might not all be related to Gwen directly. It could also be talking about the other things that happen in the episode. Like Merlin taking more of a leadership role and Arthur noticing this could be used as a set up for him eventually promoting him. Or Elyan's death/disappearance or whatever happens to him could also have an implication for later episodes (I think episode 10 is suppossed to be about Gwen's family so that might come up again). This could also have an implication for how Arthur deals with Morgana later on because her tormenting Gwen might turn him completely against her and maybe even solidify his belief that magic is evil. Seems like this is going to be the episode that sets up how the rest of the season is going to go.

Well said Bonne-Bell

Agreed Bonne-Bell. As far as Arthur is concerned, all bets are off. We know Gwen will be freed of the enchantment but Arthur is going to make Morgana pay for her cruelty. He'll have the might of Camelot and its allies (Nemeth, Carleon, and Odin's kingdom) on Morgana's ass. The climate will be so hot even the magical community will not protect or be taken in for harboring a fugitive. If the magical community couldn't withstand the forces of one king - Uther - how is it going to deal with four kingdoms working together to take down Morgana and her allies? Look at what will happen with Morgana's snitch Eira, the plant as Gwaine's love interest. She gets busted and put to death publicly, sending the message that anyone who works for Morgana will meet his or her end on the block. Even the well-healed potential allies won't risk the noose or the axe for her. Morgana will become The Five Kingdoms' Most Wanted - wanted dead, not alive.