The level of storytelling seems to have shifted up another gear with this opening salvo of six episodes from Merlin’s fifth series.

A shade darker again in tone from what has gone before, we return to Camelot after three years of peace. Arthur now rules with a functioning Round Table of Knights and Queen Guinevere at his side. Meanwhile Merlin’s status remains unchanged as he remains a servant to the royal household as well as assistant to court physician Gaius and heroic magical defender of Camelot on the quiet.

Outside the castle walls the regular threat is still Morgana, now presented as a frankly unhinged high priestess of the old religion with an deep-seated personal vendetta against our heroes as well as her own personal demons, and dragon, to boot. In the two part opener ‘Arthur’s Bane’, her quest leads to the excavation of Ismere’s catacombs in search of a mysterious key that will reveal her enemy’s weakness, as foretold in druidic prophesy. A complex affair with multiple plot strands, the scene is well set for the series with the reintroduction of Mordred. Now fully grown, and played here by Alexander Vlahos, the man fated to King Arthur is presented as an enigmatic figure and his presence introduces a sense of unease to the proceedings.

Political machinations strike at Camelot in ‘Another’s Sorrow’ when Morgana allies herself with King Odin, who also holds a longstanding grudge against Arthur for the death of his son. Using Nemeth’s Princess Mithian as bait, they prey on Arthur’s sense of loyalty to lure him into a deadly trap.

In ‘The Dark Tower’ Morgana takes some direct action of her own, abducting Gwen and imprisoning her, making her the subject of some magical torture that has lasting implications and a tragic consequence.

Morgana is not the only threat though; as for two of these six episodes other magical forces come into play. In ‘The Death Song of Uther Pendragon’, Arthur makes use of a magical gift to summon the spirit of his dead father. Far from assuaging his grief, he unwittingly unleashes the former King’s vengeful spirit on Camelot. In ‘The Disir’, the strongest episode of the six, the problem of Mordred is tackled when Merlin is presented with a chance to be rid of him but grapples with his conscience.

With some fine performances throughout, Angel Coulby’s Queen Gwen is settled in her new role, though stories do leave her holding the fort fairly often while the other characters ride out to adventure. Colin Morgan superbly embraces Merlin’s added dilemma with the revelation of Arthur’s fate and his performance in ‘The Disir’ is heart-breaking.

Guest appearances include a slight return for Lindsay Duncan, as well as star turns from Janet Montgomery, Edward Fox and Liam Cunningham. While there is some tough competition, Anthony Head’s reprise of the terrifically nasty King Uther easily takes the crown for best guest performance.

Attractively packaged featuring the snowscape from the opening story, this is a three disc-set, with the third disc containing extras. The discs open with the familiar animated menus, set within Gaius’ chambers.

Enjoying some sumptuous production, mature storytelling and a more adult tone, justifying this release’s 12 certificate, these episodes make an assured start to the series. We can really begin to see the pieces falling into place for a thrilling conclusion to Merlin’s five-year journey.

Released on DVD on Monday 26 November 2012 by Fremantle Home Entertainment.

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