1. Arthur’s Bane: Part One

UK airdate: 6 October 2012

The epic fifth series of Merlin returns to a Camelot basking in the halcyon days of a new Golden Age. Three years on from the end of series four, Arthur has never felt stronger, with Queen Guinevere and the Knights of the Round Table at his side. But even as Camelot flowers, so the dark seeds of her destruction are being sown. For in the frozen wastelands of the North, men are disappearing without trace. In search of answers, King Arthur and his Knights must undertake a dangerous mission to the unknown.

2. Arthur’s Bane: Part Two

UK airdate: 13 October 2012

Ancient prophecies of Mordred weigh heavy on Merlin, for not even he can sway Arthur from his chosen path. As dawn breaks across the icy tundra, Merlin and Arthur are close to exhaustion. With each tortured step, the fortress of Ismere looms ever nearer and Merlin’s fear intensifies. What game is Mordred playing? And what powerful secrets are Morgana and the druid Ruadan (Liam Cunningham) searching for amongst its twisted catacombs? It seems like this time, not even Merlin can stop Arthur from walking right into the lion’s den… For in this bleak and transient wilderness, only one thing is certain: the great trial for Albion has finally begun.

3. The Death Song of Uther Pendragon

UK airdate: 20 October 2012

When a stranger gives Arthur the power to summon the dead, the king finds himself torn between head and heart. Unable to resist temptation, he seizes the chance to speak to the person he misses most – his father, Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head). But the spirit world is a dark and dangerous place, for little does Arthur realise that his decision comes at a terrible price. Against all odds, Merlin must put right Arthur’s mistake before Camelot, and everything they have built, is destroyed forever.

4. Another’s Sorrow

UK airdate: 27 October 2012

With Princess Mithian as the perfect bait, Morgana conjures a deception so powerful that the whole of Camelot is taken in – even Merlin himself. But as the storm clouds gather, will the young warlock see through the lies? Or will Morgana at long last fulfil her dreams of revenge?

5. The Disir

UK airdate: 3 November 2012

In the inky depths of an ancient pool, three soothsayers cast a dark judgment upon the King of Camelot. But despite Merlin’s warnings, headstrong Arthur refuses to take the words of the Disir (Frances Tomelty, Sian Thomas, Helen Schlesinger) seriously and their fury rains down on Camelot. Only the greatest sacrifice can appease them, and with the kingdom in jeopardy, is it one that Arthur is prepared to make? Faced with the King’s uncertainty, Merlin has just one chance to save him from his destiny, but this decision comes at the highest price.

6. The Dark Tower

UK airdate: 10 November 2012

When Gwen is snatched from Camelot without warning, Merlin knows there can be only one person responsible: Morgana. Arthur is determined to rescue his Queen – but it’s not going to be easy, for she is locked in the Dark Tower, a place that haunts the dreams of men. Arthur and his Knights must embark on a quest like no other, battling through a landscape riddled with hidden dangers, perilous obstacles and magical beings. As they near their goal, Merlin’s sense of dread reaches breaking point. What twisted game is Morgana playing? And more importantly, just what is the final test that awaits them in the tower?

7. A Lesson In Vengeance

UK airdate: 17 November 2012

Darkness steals into the very heart of Camelot, as Morgana and her puppet Queen hatch a sinister plan to murder the King. But when stable hand Tyr Seward becomes caught in the crossfire, he threatens to ruin everything… As the plot thickens and reaches its deadly climax, can a suspicious Merlin unravel the truth before it’s too late?

8. The Hollow Queen

UK airdate: 24 November 2012

When Merlin agrees to help a young Druid boy, he has no choice but to leave Camelot on a dangerous mission. And with the citadel distracted by the visit of the fearsome Sarrum of Amata, it seems that no one will notice his absence. But as the sky darkens, so do Merlin’s suspicions – is there more to Daegal than meets the eye? And can a man as ruthless as the Sarrum ever really be trusted? Too late, the young warlock realises he’s made a terrible mistake.

9. With All My Heart

UK airdate: 1 December 2012

Merlin knows he must act fast before Morgana’s twisted control over Gwen gets further out of hand. But only the most powerful magic can save the Queen and this will not be easy, even for Merlin. As the High Priestess tightens her grip on Camelot, one thing is clear – she will not give up her puppet without a fight.

10. The Kindness of Strangers

UK airdate: 8 December 2012

Morgana leads a terrifying manhunt in pursuit her old foe Alator of the Catha (Gary Lewis), for she knows without doubt that he can tell her exactly where to find Emrys. Merlin’s life has never been in more danger, so when the mysterious Finna (Sorcha Cusack) offers to help him, is he right to trust her? Or will he find himself cornered with nowhere to run?

11. The Drawing of the Dark

UK airdate: 15 December 2012

Mordred finds himself torn between loyalty and love, but little does he realise that the path he chooses will shape Camelot’s destiny. As the drums of war beat ever louder, a desperate Merlin feels trapped by the cruel circle of fate – is he powerless to stop his dreams of Albion from crumbling to dust?

12. The Diamond of the Day (Finale Part 1)

UK airdate: 22 December 2012

High in the mountains, a great horde gathers; Morgana prepares for war with a vengeful Mordred at her side. Merlin feels the weight of his destiny like never before as the ancient prophecies play out with terrifying accuracy. But before he can save his beloved Camelot, he must save himself. For it is not just the kingdom Morgana wishes to destroy – it is also Emrys.

13. The Diamond of the Day (Finale Part 2)

UK airdate: 24 December 2012

And so it seems the Prophets did not lie. As the great battle rages on Camlann’s mighty plain, Merlin faces his moment of destiny. Can he find the strength to save the man he made a King; the Camelot they fought to build; and the brotherhood they shared? Don’t miss the very last episode of Merlin as the legend draws to a spectacular and emotional end.