“Valiant” is a more tightly focused narrative than its predecessor. It’s also not quite as good. Merlin, now Arthur’s manservant, is charged with helping his master succeed in a tournament designed to celebrate twenty years of peace in Camelot. Along the way, he must confront the nefarious magic of a tournament challenger, as well as the prejudices of the Royal Court. It’s not a bad story, or episode, but it’s hardly a classic, thanks to some obvious plot contrivances.

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“No young man, no matter how great, can know his destiny”

Think of a world in which prejudice is law. Imagine that the oppressed are, in fact, not only worthy, but also powerful. What if the folly of youth gave way to the potential for greatness? What if you had gifts, but did not know how to utilize it? The opening salvo of Merlin embraces these elements and forges a narrative out of them – one which is at once compelling and spellbinding. All told, the episode is notable for being something akin to a prequel – a precursor to the already legendary tales of King Arthur and the Wizard Merlin. To see the two as young, inexperienced, foolish men is a interesting, especially considering where the two are destined to find themselves.

And this is an episode about Destiny.

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