#2. A King Without A Kingdom

Merlin6kingdomcome/tumblr.
com
MERLIN: KINGDOM COME

Season 6 Episode II
“A KING WITHOUT A KINGDOM”
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.
EXT. CAMELOT RUINS (MAIN SQUARE) – DAY 1.
[1] Two restless SECURITY GUARDS are giving an account of the

previous night to OFFICER BECKHAM — skeptical, middle-aged — who is
taking down notes.
OFFICER BECKHAM
Describe to me what these intruders
looked like.
SECURITY GUARD #1 (ED)

(flustered)
Well... there were two. It was too
dark to see much of anything, but
when I shined my torch through the
window at one of their heads, I swear
I saw a... a...
OFFICER BECKHAM
(impatient)
A what? What did you see?
SECURITY GUARD #1 (ED) fidgets and exchanges an awkward glance with

SECURITY GUARD #2 (HARRY).

A crown.
OFFFICER BECKHAM
(pauses, dead-pan)
A crown?
Merlin6kingdomcome/tumblr.com
How ridiculous. OFFICER BECKHAM does not have time for this.
OFFICER BECKHAM
Look here, I’m a police officer, not
a ghost hunter. It’s just a couple of
kids playing practical jokes.
SECURITY GUARD #2 (HARRY)

But what about the phoenix I saw on
the staircase?
OFFICER BECKHAM
Well, then, it’s a couple of kids
with fireworks.

But how does that explain the assault
on Lewis? When we found him, he was
unconscious.
OFFICER BECKHAM
When Lewis wakes up, he’ll no doubt
say he just got clobbered by a couple
of vandals, and that’ll be that. No
ghosts, no phoenixes, and no King
Arthur!
OFFICER BECKHAM takes a moment to register the two SECURITY GUARDS’

gaping stares directed over his shoulder. He rotates to see none
other than MERLIN and ARTHUR exiting the castle, coming down the
steps which lead into the main square. ARTHUR is quite a sight to
see. He still wears his chainmail and cloak, a sword hangs at his
side, and on his head rests a crown.
And for the first time in fifteen hundred years, ARTHUR and MERLIN,
who have overcome the world and death itself, are seen together.
It’s a big moment of glory for the both of them.
MERLIN and ARTHUR march down the rest of the steps and across the
courtyard to the gawking two SECURITY GUARDS and six POLICE
OFFICERS. Then, they stop and stand before them.
ARTHUR
(a gleam in his eye – so ready
for this)
I am King Arthur of Camelot.
According to my friend here, you are
no strangers to my name. But you are,
however, strangers to how much it
will affect your lives in the days to
come.
Beat. Who the hell does this man think he is? OFFICER BECKHAM is
the first to break from his stunned stupor and regain his practical
composure.
OFFICER BECKHAM
Just what do you think you’re doing
here, exactly?
ARTHUR
It had been my intention to ask you
the same question.
SECURITY GUARD #2 (HARRY)

This property belongs to Ms. Plunket.
She’s hired us to keep out intruders.
ARTHUR
Rather ambitious of her, considering
that that is what she herself is.
MERLIN smirks widely at that.
OFFICER BECKHAM
But you don’t consider yourself to be
an intruder.
ARTHUR
A man cannot intrude on his own
property.
OFFICER BECKHAM
(sarcastic)
Right, because you’re King Arthur.
ARTHUR
Glad you’re catching on.
OFFICER BECKHAM
(to MERLIN)
So, what are you, then?
MERLIN
A caretaker.
OFFICER BECKHAM
Hired by whom?
MERLIN
King Arthur.
OFFICER BECKHAM
Your friend?
MERLIN
My master.
OFFICER BECKHAM
Back from the dead?
MERLIN
Back in command.
(to all POLICE OFFICERS and
SECURITY GUARDS)
You are all trespassing on Arthur’s
land. As his servant, I must ask you
to leave.
OFFICER BECKHAM
All right, smart-ass.
(over his shoulder)
Thompson, Alistair, get these two in
the car.
OFFICER THOMPSON and OFFICER ALISTAIR come forward, each with a

pair of handcuffs. Discreetly, ARTHUR moves a hand to the hilt of
his sword as they advance.
In a flash, MERLIN is between the two OFFICERS and ARTHUR.
MERLIN
Do not touch him.
OFFICER THOMPSON comes toward MERLIN. ARTHUR draws his sword and
holds it between MERLIN and OFFICER THOMPSON.
ARTHUR
Get away from him.
A COMMOTION breaks out at the sight of ARTHUR’s brandished sword.
OFFICER ALISTAIR (O.C.)

(to ARTHUR)
Drop your weapon! Now!
OFFICER ALISTAIR has gotten behind ARTHUR and is holding a baton,

poised to strike ARTHUR’s head.
Big mistake.
MERLIN’s eyes flash gold. The baton is wrested away from OFFICER
ALISTAIR’s hand and cast aside. MERLIN uses a spell to hurl OFFICER
ALISTAIR onto his back. The other five POLICE OFFICERS begin to
shout, going for their batons. In an instant, the warlock magically
disarms them and flings their batons out of reach.
MERLIN
Cneobendan!
The incantation thrusts both SECURITY GUARDS and every POLICE

OFFICER (except OFFICER ALISTAIR -- whom MERLIN has special
intentions for) onto their knees: a stance of penance. They gape in
terror as MERLIN stalks forward, lifts up one hand, and passes it
over them.
MERLIN
Sellan obeisaunce eower mæhtig
cyning!
All the POLICE OFFICERS (except OFFICER ALISTAIR) and the two
SECURITY GUARDS lose consciousness and are cast forward onto the
pavement, flat on their faces, so that they lie prostrate before
the King.
OFFICER ALISTAIR, still on his back where MERLIN left him, stares
at the fallen POLICE OFFICERS and SECURITY GUARDS in horror. ARTHUR
takes in what MERLIN has just done.
ARTHUR
Are they dead?
MERLIN
No.
[2] MERLIN turns around to OFFICER ALISTAIR, who cowers and shields
his face.
MERLIN
(dark)
Take your men, and your cars, and
leave. When you are questioned, tell
them that the time of the Once and
Future King has come. Tell them they
had best prepare. Tell them King
Arthur has returned.
With many a frantic nod, OFFICER ALISTAIR gets to his feet. MERLIN
and ARTHUR turn to leave.
OFFICER ALISTAIR
Wait, wait! There’s got to be at
least ten men here! How am I supposed
to get them all?
MERLIN
(without looking back)
Make trips!
OFFICER ALISTAIR glances around at all of the men lying out-cold at

his feet, plus the two cars, and sighs. This is going to be a long
day for him.
TITLES
INT. KING’S PALACE (THRONE ROOM) – DAY 1. FLASHBACK.
LEON, who wears the King’s crown, and GWEN sit enthroned, giving
heed to grim accounts of a disgruntled cluster of VILLAGERS.
Judging by the worn expressions on GWEN’s and LEON’s faces, they
have been here for a long time.
VILLAGER #1
Not a single ear of our crops has
sprung up. Without them, we won’t be
able to last the winter. It’s as
if...
Anticipating VILLAGER #1’s next words, LEON visibly resists the

urge to sigh.
VILLAGER #1
It’s as if we’ve been cursed.
Both GWEN and LEON are tired of hearing this accusation.
LEON
We know that you are upset. But you
cannot so quickly assume that magic
is to blame.
(looking at the other VILLAGERS)
That goes for all of you.
GWEN
(to SIR MALLOY)
Sir Malloy, see that these villagers
are provided for.
SIR MALLOY, a brawny, mean-looking knight, and other assorted
KNIGHTS escort the villagers out of the great hall. GUARDS close
the doors, and LEON and GWEN are left alone. LEON rises to his
feet.
LEON
The minute magic is restored to
Camelot, everyone’s troubles are
suddenly explained.
GWEN
(rising from her throne)
People need something to blame. And
since few understand magic, it seems
an easy target.
(beat)
Merlin would be able to discern the
difference. I hope he is all right.
LEON
We must try not to worry. Perhaps the
change of scenery will serve him
well.
GWEN
Perhaps...
Gently LEON reaches out and takes GWEN by the shoulders, turning
her toward him.
LEON
If it means that much to you, send
for Merlin. Tell him of our troubles.
GWEN
No... You are probably right. Perhaps
he just needs some time to himself.
I’m sure he will come back from
Ealdor when he is ready.
LEON
(tender smile)
Yours is a good heart, Guinevere.
That is but one of the myriad of
virtues that make you a wonderful
queen.
LEON leans in to kiss her. As he does so, GWEN turns her head so
that LEON misses her lips and brushes her cheek instead. She forces
a smile.
GWEN
I think I shall go for a walk in the
village.
GWEN makes for the doors with as much haste as her royal dignity
will allow.
LEON
Will I see you at dinner?
GWEN is gone before she can answer.
CUT TO:
INT. CRYSTÁLLUM CASTLE (DRAWING ROOM) – DAY 1.
[3] Five LORDS and two LADIES sit around a table in a magnificent
drawing room, each tending to their own disquiet at being gathered
there today. The LORDS are LORD LOT, old LORD OBERON, LORD
MALEAGENT, LORD VORTIGERN, and Lord ACCOLON. The two LADIES are
LADY LAUDINE and ELAINE.
MORDRED sits at the head of the table. A grandfather clock chimes

to the tune of “God Save the Queen,” drawing an ironic smirk out of
him. He waits a beat, then speaks.
MORDRED
No doubt you have heard the rumors
that Arthur Pendragon has returned
from the dead. I have gathered you
here today to put your minds at rest.
(beat)
Those rumors are true.
This information sinks in, and all of the grave implications that
it brings. The table is silent until an unwanted voice speaks up.
It’s LORD LOT: a pale, pointed, weasely gentleman, hair a platinum
blond that does not compliment his middle age.
LORD LOT
What proof of this have you to offer?
MORDRED
My word should serve as all the proof
you need. But I understand your
reluctance. Arthur is a fierce
warrior. I can condone your fear.
Smug faces break out among the other four LORDS and LADY LAUDINE.
LORD LOT is flustered.
LORD LOT
My one fear is for your well-being,
My Lord.
MORDRED
Then fear not, for we have long been
preparing for this moment.
(beat)
And I know what it is that I have
sensed.
LORD OBERON, a withered old man with a dignified air, looks to

MORDRED.
LORD OBERON
Sensed, My Lord? What have you
Sensed?
MORDRED
Arthur. It’s like being roused from
sleep by the sense of some new
presence. He has come back, now, like
a thief in the night.
LORD MALEAGANT. Mid-30s. Curious.
LORD MALEAGANT
So... you have seen him, then?
MORDRED
(snapping, angry)
Are any of you listening? I have felt
his presence. That is how I know he
has returned. He lives, out there, in
the world, gathering forces as we
speak!
ELAINE
(cool – a sense that she is
superior to the others)
You will have to pardon their
skepticism, Mordred.
The voice belongs to ELAINE, a woman who could be in her 30s.

Blonde, like Morgause. Ethereal beauty. She sits at the head of the
table opposite to MORDRED. By her command of the room alone, it is
clear she is not like the other LORDS and LADY who are gathered
here today. There is something different about her.
ELAINE
(to MORDRED)
Remember not to throw your pearls
before swine. After all, how can you
truly expect them to understand?
MORDRED’s frustration is lessened by her words.

ACCOLON
But the King’s sudden return does
complicate matters. Our efforts to
recover the Lady Morgana must be
doubled.
LORD VORTIGERN: middle-aged, stuck-up.
LORD VORTIGERN
They have already been doubled.
ACCOLON
Then they must be tripled. Unless you
know of another High Priestess who
befriended a Dragon, we must channel
all our resources into finding
Morgana so that we can forge a sword
capable of killing Emrys.
The table falls silent. The LORDS and LADY LAUDINE are unconvinced
that MORDRED’s plan will be successful. ELAINE remains unreadable.
MORDRED
(adopting a commanding smile)
My friends. It has been four years
since I returned to life, and you
were waiting for me. It took time for
me to adjust to this new world, but
you have been patient with me. Your
support has nearly brought us to our
goals.
(beat)
Do I not still have it?
A couple of glances are exchanged. ELAINE is the only one not to

speak when the other LORDS and LADY LAUDINE say...
LORDS AND LADY

Yes, My Lord.
MORDRED
(passionate)
Then we will find Morgana. We will
find the White Dragon and overthrow
Arthur, and together we will build
the perfect Albion.
MORDRED’s assuring words seem to lift the spirits of the LORDS and
LADY LAUDINE.
LADY LAUDINE – pretty, 30s, sharp.
LADY LAUDINE
And what of the sorcerer, Emrys?
MORDRED
(dark)
Leave him to me.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROAD / BUS STOP #1 – DAY 1.
[4] MERLIN and ARTHUR walk alongside a road that is not quite in an
urban area yet, but still beyond the forest. They come upon a BUS
STOP. ARTHUR follows MERLIN there.
ARTHUR
What are we stopping for?
MERLIN
We’re waiting for a bus. We’ll take
it to the city and then get to my
flat from there.
(realizing ARTHUR has no idea
what a bus is)
A bus is a bit like a carriage, or a
wagon... but... not.
He trails off. How will Arthur take the new world?
MERLIN
Listen... Sire... Things have changed
since the days of Camelot. The world
is not the same place it once was.
ARTHUR
I figured as much.
(beat)
It’s a good job you’re here, then.
MERLIN can sense ARTHUR’s forced optimism. He decides to take his

mind off things.
MERLIN
Here. I want to show you something.
MERLIN finds the black cord around his neck and draws it out from
under the collar of his shirt.
ARTHUR
(teasing)
I’ve never known you to wear jewelry.
MERLIN
Look closer.
ARTHUR scrutinizes the thing that hangs from the cord until his
eyes soften in recognition. Spinning from the end of the cord is an
old ring of ARTHUR’s: the royal seal.
ARTHUR is amazed, baffled that MERLIN managed to keep hold of it.
MERLIN
I believe it’s high-time that it was
returned to its proper owner.
Removing the necklace over his head, MERLIN lets the royal seal
land in his palm and extends it to ARTHUR.
MERLIN
(bowing his head)
Your Majesty.
ARTHUR takes up his seal and brings it up for better view.
ARTHUR
How did you come to have it?
MERLIN
I may have... nicked it from Leon
before his coronation.
ARTHUR gives MERLIN an amused look before he slides the royal seal
onto his forefinger. It seems to mold into the picture, right back
where it belongs, completing him.
MERLIN
Long live the King.
The royal seal shines in the sunlight.
A BUS approaches, slowing to halt beside the BUS STOP. ARTHUR puts
a hand on his sword, unsettled by the new sight, but seeing that
MERLIN does not appear disturbed by the BUS, he discerns that the
vehicle must not pose a threat. The BUS door slides open.
MERLIN
After you, Sire.
The BUS DRIVER gives ARTHUR’s chainmail a strange look.
ARTHUR clears his throat and grasps one of the handles, pulling
himself up onto the stairs and inside. MERLIN follows.
CUT TO:
INT. BUS – CONTINUOUS.
We focus on ARTHUR as he tries to discern his strange surroundings.

In his regal clothing, he could not look more out of place.
PASSENGERS send him odd stares.
BUS DRIVER
(to MERLIN, re: Arthur’s attire)
What’s with the costume?
MERLIN
Oh, it’s not a costume. He’s King
Arthur, come back to reclaim his
throne.
The BUS DRIVER gives a chuckle. He thinks this is a joke. He looks

back at ARTHUR.
BUS DRIVER
(joking bow)
Your Highness.
ARTHUR
(taking it seriously)
Thank you, sir.
MERLIN steps past ARTHUR to scope out a more secluded seat toward
the back. We focus on ARTHUR.
The BUS starts moving. The floor LURCHES beneath ARTHUR’s feet. He
tries to keep his balance but comes down hard on the floor.
Realizing what has happened, MERLIN comes and takes ARTHUR by the
arm, helping him to his feet.
MERLIN
I’m sorry. I should have warned you.
Come on. We need to take our seats.
He directs ARTHUR down the aisle. They take some seats toward the
back of the BUS. ARTHUR slides into the window seat.
As the BUS pulls into a more urban location, ARTHUR cannot help but
stare out at all the unfamiliar sights that blur by — CARS, modern
architecture, strange PEOPLE in strange clothes...
ARTHUR slumps in his seat, deciding to focus on the royal seal

around his finger instead of the world around him.
MERLIN eyes him with concern.
EXT. CAMELOT (VILLAGE) – DAY 2. FLASHBACK.
[5] GAIUS shops in the village. Having just finished paying for his
supplies at a stand, he adds an elixir from the MERCHANT into his
bag.
MERCHANT
Don’t forget to put out a lantern to
deter trolls this Samhain.
GAIUS
I doubt it will be necessary. This is
superstitious nonsense, nothing more.
GAIUS leaves the stand and moves through the village, limping
slightly. All of a sudden, someone takes hold of his arm.
MERLIN
Need a hand?
GAIUS
(overjoyed)
Merlin!
(embracing MERLIN)
Why didn’t you send word that you
were coming? I could have had your
favorite meal prepared.
MERLIN lets go of a heavy sigh as they pull back. Something is

wrong.
MERLIN
(forced smile)
It’s not too late for that.
GAIUS surveys MERLIN and takes note of his bags and satchel.
GAIUS
You seem to have packed everything.
As though you do not intend to
return. Merlin, what is it?
MERLIN
(avoiding GAIUS’ gaze)
My, um... I can’t go back to Ealdor.
GAIUS
Why not?
MERLIN
(voice thick)
Because my mother is dead... and
everyone thinks I killed her.
GAIUS
(stunned)
Hunith... is dead? How?
MERLIN
(He has difficulty getting the
words out)
She got sick. About ten months after
I got home. I did everything I could.
But... it was no good. I couldn’t
save her.
(beat, fighting to contain
emotions)
After her burial, the whole town
turned against me. They said I’d
brought a curse on their land. They
tried to... they wanted me burned,
Gaius. I didn’t know what to do.
Moved with pity, GAIUS embraces MERLIN.
GAIUS
I am sorry, Merlin. Truly, I am. One
day, you will understand why all of
this has happened to you.
And GAIUS holds MERLIN for as long as he need be held.
CUT TO:
INT. CRYSTÁLLUM CASTLE (CORRIDOR) – DAY 1.
[6] ELAINE strides down a palace corridor after MORDRED, whose

determined steps are difficult to match.
MORDRED
Do not think you can stop me. My mind
is set.
ELAINE
Change it, then. You cannot just go
charging after Arthur without a plan.
MORDRED
I have no choice.
(grumbling)
If Emrys finds him first, pity the
fool who so much as breathes on the
King.
ELAINE
And if Emrys finds you first? Have
you given any thought to that?
MORDRED whirls around on ELAINE, bringing her to a halt.
MORDRED
(riled)
Arthur is out there right now,
possibly unaided, and you would have
me sit here and do nothing?
ELAINE
(collected, practical)
The time is not right. Have you even
considered that perhaps Emrys has
already found him and you are walking
into a trap?
MORDRED ponders this for a beat, weighing her counsel against his
reasoning. He finally shakes his head.
MORDRED
The first place Arthur will go is
Camelot. If I can intercept him
before Emrys has a chance to get to
him, this war will swing in our
favor.
ELAINE
And you deem it wise to tempt Emrys’
fury with no way of defeating him?
MORDRED
But do you not see? The King is the
way to defeat him.
MORDRED turns and crosses the remainder of the hall before he

vanishes around a corner.
ELAINE is exasperated. She listens as his footsteps fade. When she

can no longer hear him, she closes her eyes and employs her magical
telepathy.
ELAINE (V.O.)
Accolon.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. CRYSTÁLLUM CASTLE (ACCOLON’S CHAMBERS) – CONTINOUS.
ACCOLON browses a bookshelf in his chambers, upon which are stacked

hundreds of copies of Shakespeare’s MACBETH. Eerie. He freezes when
he receives ELAINE’s telepathic message.
ACCOLON (V.O.)
My Lady?
ELAINE (V.O.)
Mordred is going after Arthur. I
could not dissuade him. If he gets
himself killed, all will be lost.
ACCOLON (V.O.)
Shall I go after him?
ELAINE (V.O.)
You shall go with him, if he cannot
be deterred. Protect him at any cost.
ACCOLON (V.O.)
I will.
ELAINE (V.O.)
And, Accolon... he must not kill
Arthur or Emrys.
GO OUT on ELAINE as she opens her eyes and stares ahead.
CUT TO:
EXT. BUS STOP #2 – DAY 1.
[7] MERLIN and ARTHUR exit the BUS, along with other passengers.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY 1.
MERLIN leads ARTHUR down the sidewalk of a calm, peaceful

neighborhood. ARTHUR is keeping his head down, avoiding stares.
A MAN sitting on his porch frowns at ARTHUR’s chainmail, cloak,

sword, and crown. A WOMAN parking her car in her driveway does the
same. When ARTHUR accidentally locks eyes with a MAN who is on a
cell phone, the MAN raises his eyebrows at ARTHUR’s attire.
ARTHUR
(to MERLIN)
How much farther?
MERLIN
Just a few more blocks.
ARTHUR bumps into a CAR that sticks out from a driveway: the CAR
ALARM goes off. Startled, ARTHUR jumps back, but tries to walk it
off.
MERLIN
It’s all right. That’s just a car.
Some of them have alarms to keep
people from stealing them.
ARTHUR nods as though he already knew that.
ARTHUR
I haven’t seen any livestock. Or
gardens.
MERLIN
Most of the livestock and gardens are
out in the country. People purchase
what they need at the market.
ARTHUR falls silent. He focuses his attention back on the royal

seal. Something is bothering him.
MERLIN
(stopping ARTHUR)
Are you all right?
ARTHUR
(beat)
Let’s just get to your house. We’ll
take things from there.
ARTHUR continues ahead. MERLIN has no choice but to follow him.
CUT TO:
SERIES OF SHOTS: EXT. LONDON CITY – DAY 1.
Big Ben. CIVILIANS. CARS.
EXT. LONDON CITY (STREET / FLAT BUILDING) – DAY 1.
A CAR zooms by, revealing ARTHUR and MERLIN as they come around the
corner on the other end of the street. The streets are packed with
CARS and the sidewalks are fairly packed with CIVILIANS. MERLIN
directs ARTHUR down a crowded walkway. ARTHUR’s medieval attire
makes an impression on everyone they pass.
MERLIN catches ARTHUR scrutinizing the Union Jack, which is hanging

outside a street shop, and nudges him forward.
MERLIN
Come on. Let’s keep going.
MERLIN leads ARTHUR down the street, before he stops short,
realizing that his flat is across a particularly hectic street,
clogged with CABS, DOUBLE-DECKERS, and all assortments of afternoon
TRAFFIC.
A CROWD of CIVILIANS begins to gather on the street corner where

MERLIN and ARTHUR stand, all waiting to cross. MERLIN stares ahead,
anxious to get ARTHUR to his flat.
ARTHUR’s hand seizes MERLIN’s arm suddenly. MERLIN looks at ARTHUR,

who is not looking back. ARTHUR has paled, his breath coming in
short, shallow takes.
MERLIN
(worried)
What is it?
ARTHUR’s open mouth emits nothing at first. He just stands there

shaking his head. It’s all hitting him: the utter unfamiliarity of
the new world versus the life and loved ones he will never see
again. He’s overwhelmed by the foreign sights and sounds.
ARTHUR
Merlin, just... just get me away from
here.
MERLIN
(realizing)
All right, all right, hold on. We’re
nearly there.
The streetlights flash red. The CIVILIANS that were waiting to

cross begin to spill into the street, pushing MERLIN and ARTHUR
forward with its current. MERLIN elbows his way through, trying to
quickly get ARTHUR across. CIVILIAN #1 does not take too kindly to
MERLIN’s pushing and shoves MERLIN back, accidentally knocking him
onto the pavement. CIVILIAN #2 notices and helps MERLIN to his

feet.
CIVILIAN #2
Hey, you all right, mate?
MERLIN doesn’t hear him. He realizes he can’t see ARTHUR.
MERLIN
(anxious, scanning crowd)
Arthur? Arthur?
Maybe ARTHUR already got across the street... MERLIN pushes his way
to the end of the street.
MERLIN
(panicked – shoving his way
through)
Move! — Arthur? — Let me through! —
Arthur?
The CIVILIANS finally thin. MERLIN cannot see ARTHUR on the

sidewalk, so he jumps back onto the road. A CAB almost hits MERLIN,
but MERLIN hardly notices. He is twisting around, calling ARTHUR’s
name.
MERLIN
Arthur! Arthur?!
There! MERLIN spots ARTHUR halfway across the street. He’s frozen,
just standing there, head tilted back, breathing fast, coming to
grips with all his utterly unfamiliar surroundings. He is too
stunned to make sense of anything.
The streetlights turn green. It doesn’t matter that ARTHUR is still

in the street: traffic begins to carry on at high speed.
MERLIN
ARTHUR!
ARTHUR doesn’t hear him. He’s frantic, oblivious to his peril, and
unaware of the DOUBLE-DECKER that is turning a corner, rumbling
right at him with its horn blaring in warning for him to get out of
the street. MERLIN extends one hand out toward ARTHUR and channels
his magic.
MERLIN
Dimiourgíste éna monopáti pros ton
vasiliá!
Every CAR on the street is frozen in place (the CIVILIANS are not
frozen with them — they glance about in shock). Traffic parts like
the Red Sea, creating a path to ARTHUR. With one hand raised to
hold the spell, MERLIN crosses the rest of the street to ARTHUR.
ARTHUR is in a terrified daze. MERLIN reaches him and puts an arm

around his shoulder. He guides him across the rest of the way. When
they make it safely to the other end, and ARTHUR lowers himself to
the pavement, catching his breath, MERLIN lets his hand drop to
release the spell.
Free from MERLIN’s spell, CARS shoot forward again. One CAR crashes
into streetlight, but MERLIN’s attention is on ARTHUR as he
crouches beside him.
MERLIN
Arthur, we need to get inside.
ARTHUR
(still in shock)
So... so much has changed.
MERLIN heaves a big sigh a relief, resting his head against the
side of ARTHUR’s. It has been one day and a half and he has almost
lost him again.
They both recover their breaths, heedless of the inquisitive and

critical glances of passing CIVILIANS. After a moment, MERLIN
stands up and helps ARTHUR to his feet. He leads him toward his
flat.
MERLIN
Come on.
CUT TO:
INT. KING’S PALACE (ROYAL CHAMBERS) – NIGHT 1. FLASHBACK.

[8] GWEN sticks her head through the door to her and LEON’s
chambers.
GWEN
Leon?
Empty. GWEN closes the door and exits.
CUT TO:
INT. KING’S PALACE (ARTHUR’S CORRIDOR / ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS) –

CONTINUOUS. FLASHBACK.
She continues down the hall.
GWEN
Leon?
Wait – she stops. The door to ARTHUR’s chambers is slightly ajar.

She slowly nears... After a beat, she pushes the door open.
Inside, MERLIN is bent over the floors with a bucket and brush,
scrubbing away.
GWEN
(joyful)
Merlin!
GWEN hurries across the floor and bends to meet him in an embrace.
GWEN
I wasn’t told you had returned. This
is wonderful.
She pulls back to see him. MERLIN isn’t as cheery as she is.
GWEN
I was considering sending for you.
MERLIN
What for?
GWEN
Several instances have arisen of
people claiming that they have been
attacked by magic. But without much
background on the subject, our
investigations have been futile. We
need someone who’s experienced it
first-hand.
(beat)
I want to appoint you as Court
Magician.
MERLIN stares back. After a moment, he gets to his feet, a look of

fear in his eyes.
MERLIN
I’m sorry, I can’t. I can’t. You’ll
have to find someone else.
GWEN
Merlin, wait. You must at least
consider this.
MERLIN
I don’t have to. Thank you for the
offer, but I can’t.
MERLIN flies past her and exits the room, leaving GWEN just
standing there.
EXT. FOREST – DAY 1.
MORDRED passes through the forest. Camelot is in the distance.

There is no sound, nothing to indicate that he is being followed,
but still MORDRED starts to sense a presence behind him. He pauses
for a beat, waiting.
Spinning around, MORDRED raises his hand to fire a spell, only to

come face to face with ACCOLON, whose calm visage remains
unflinching.
MORDRED lowers his hand, face filled with a mixture of relief and
vexation.
MORDRED
Lord Accolon.
ACCOLON
Mordred. Lovely day, isn’t it?
MORDRED
(breaking into a pleased smile)
It just got better.
A thought occurs. MORDRED’s smile fades into something a bit more

testing.
MORDRED
Unless you have been assigned by Lady
Elaine to monitor my footsteps.
ACCOLON
I came of my own accord. I got the
sense you were about to rush headlong
into danger without me. I wasn’t
going to let you have all the fun.
MORDRED smiles, full-fledged. ACCOLON returns the expression.

Judging by the exchange, they are close friends. They fall into
step together.
ACCOLON
(pretending not to know)
What are you after?
MORDRED
Do you watch the news, Accolon?
ACCOLON
I’m the one who told you what it was,
remember?
MORDRED
(ignoring ACCOLON’s remark)
Yesterday evening, one of the most
spectacular meteor showers occurred.
Astronomers remain baffled; they did
not predict it. And all of those
stars shot straight for the Lake of
Avalon. That is where Arthur
returned. I am certain of it.
ACCOLON
(as though he is just now
realizing this)
And you... intend to go to find the
King? You believe he is still there?
MORDRED
No, I know he isn’t there. The first
place Arthur will head is Camelot. If
we can find him before Emrys does,
we’ll already be miles ahead.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAMELOT RUINS (MAIN SQUARE) – CONTINUOUS.
MORDRED and ACCOLON enter the castle grounds. They are surprised to
find two POLICE CARS, two SECURITY GUARDS, and six POLICE OFFICERS
— four of the POLICE OFFICERS (OFFICER BECKHAM included) are just
coming to after being unconscious from MERLIN’s spell. One POLICE
OFFICER and the two SECURITY GUARDS are still unconscious. OFFICER
ALLISTAIR is trying to shove an unconscious SECURITY GUARD into one
of the POLICE CARS.
MORDRED and ACCOLON exchange looks before striding up to the mess.
Seeing them, OFFICER ALISTAIR drops the SECURITY GUARD and backs
himself against one of the CARS.
OFFICER ALISTAIR
(panicked)
I’m doing it! I’m still doing what he
ordered! I just need more time to
move ‘em all!
MORDRED
I assure you, you have nothing to
fear from us.
OFFICER ALISTAIR
(wary, calming down)
You’re not with them?
MORDRED
That depends on whom you mean.
ACCOLON
What has happened here?
OFFICER ALISTAIR throws a glance at OFFICER BECKHAM, who stands off

to the side, massaging his neck and avoiding eye contact. OFFICER
ALISTAIR looks back at the two sorcerers.
OFFICER ALISTAIR
These two men came from inside the
castle. They attacked us.
MORDRED
Describe them.
OFFICER ALISTAIR
One of them was dressed as... a king,
and the other was tall, dark-
haired... And he unarmed every one of
us without laying a finger on anyone.
MORDRED
(frustrated)
We’re too late.
ACCOLON
(composed - advancing casually
on OFFICER ALISTAIR)
Did either of the men mention
anything that might indicate where
they were headed?
OFFICER ALISTAIR
It all happened so fast. I couldn’t
say. But they gave me a message to
deliver: said that we’d best prepare,
because the time of the Once and
Future King has come.
ACCOLON
Hm. Well. Consider it delivered.
ACCOLON’s eyes flash gold as he extends one hand, and, using magic,
begins to suck the air from OFFICER ALISTAIR’s lungs, tightening
his hand into a fist that whitens his knuckles.
OFFICER BECKHAM
(horrified)
What are you doing?!
MORDRED
(wary)
Accolon...
OFFICER BECKHAM and four POLICE OFFICERS advance to intervene, but

MORDRED flings them backwards with magic. They land, disoriented.
ACCOLON relaxes his fist as OFFICER ALISTAIR sinks to the stone

ground of the courtyard: DEAD. ACCOLON steps up to OFFICER BECKHAM,
who is coming to. Reaching into his own coat, ACCOLON extends a
gun.
OFFICER BECKHAM
What the — ?
Indifferent, ACCOLON raises the gun at OFFICER BECKHAM...
MORDRED
Accolon, they mean no harm...
BOOM! OFFICER BECKHAM is shot dead. MORDRED jerks, startled by the

gunshot.
ACCOLON whirls around to the rest of the MEN, gun in hand. POLICE
OFFICER #1 reaches for his baton.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The remaining four POLICE OFFICERS that MORDRED flung backwards are
shot dead by ACCOLON. The only three MEN remaining lie on the stone
floor, still unconscious from MERLIN’s magic: one is an OFFICER,
the other two are SECURITY GUARDS. ACCOLON raises the gun and takes
aim.
MORDRED
This isn’t necessary -
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The remaining SECURITY GUARD and POLICE OFFICER
are shot dead.
MORDRED jerks with every explosion, almost wincing at the sight.
Bending over OFFICER BECKHAM’s body, ACCOLON shoves the gun into
the OFFICER’s grasp. Brushing his gloved hands off, accomplished,
he turns to MORDRED with his usual nonchalant air.
ACCOLON
I’ve never been overly fond of modern
weapons, but they are quite handy if
ever you need to frame someone for
murder.
(beat)
They were witnesses, Mordred. We
can’t have them spoiling our presence
to the King before we’re ready. Let
us carry on.
ACCOLON heads off. MORDRED lingers for a beat on the dead men with
a touch of pity, before he crosses the rest of the main square with
ACCOLON.
CUT TO:
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – DAY 1.
[9] MERLIN opens the door to his flat and backs away to allow
ARTHUR the space to come in. ARTHUR enters slowly. His eyes sweep
MERLIN’s living space. The living room contains a sofa and a round
coffee table, as well as a fireplace. There is an easel in one
corner, a guitar in another, and a telescope set up by the window,
among other bric-a-brac. Despite the impeccable tidiness, there are
piles of books scattered at random and candles on every flat
surface. MERLIN is very eclectic.
All in all, it’s fairly normal to the average person, but for
ARTHUR, even the things he recognizes are unfamiliar in their own
way.
MERLIN
(shutting the door)
Well... this is it. Sorry it’s so
cramped. I know it’s not what you’re
accustomed to.
ARTHUR
(half-hearted)
It’s charming.
MERLIN
You must be hungry. It’s been a while
since I’ve been to the store, but I’m
sure I can scrounge up something.
MERLIN heads into the kitchen and begins searching for something to
prepare for ARTHUR, frequently glancing back at him.
ARTHUR moves through the living room, looking hither and thither at
MERLIN’s diverse belongings.
MERLIN
You’re free to sit down anywhere you
like. Granted, it’s a little crowded,
and the radiator never seems to get
warm enough, but... I’ve got
everything I need.
He directs a smile at ARTHUR.
ARTHUR doesn’t notice. He eases himself down onto the sofa with a
ragged sigh, cradling his face in his hands.
MERLIN watches him. He regrets that, for all his power, there is
little he can do to help ARTHUR cope with the newness of the world
and the loss of his loved ones.
INT. KING’S PALACE (HALLWAY) / GAIUS’ CHAMBERS / (MERLIN’S BEDROOM)

FLASHBACK. – DAY 3.
MERLIN moves at a brisk walk down the hall and enters the door to
GAIUS’ chambers. He is met immediately by an irate GAIUS.
GAIUS
(ticked off)
A patient has informed me that you
have been offered the position of
Court Magician and turned it down.
MERLIN opens his mouth to defend himself but GAIUS keeps going.
GAIUS
Do you understand just how high of an
honor such a position is? The last
one to fill that role was the High
Priestess, Nimueh! And yet you refuse
it —
MERLIN
(cutting him off)
Gaius. Please don’t. I’ve already
made up my mind.
GAIUS
But I don’t understand. Gwen and Leon
are seeking your advice. That alone
is an honor in itself.
MERLIN
I already have enough honor in that I
am Arthur’s servant.
GAIUS
(beginning to understand)
Accepting the position would not make
you any less Arthur’s servant.
MERLIN
Yes, it would. That’s exactly what it
would do. What if Arthur comes back
and I miss it because I’m training
some apprentice?
GAIUS
Merlin, Arthur would want you to move
on. To finally wield your gifts for
good.
MERLIN
(bitter)
I spent eight years of my life
wielding my gifts for good, and in
the end, it changed nothing.
GAIUS
It changed everything, Merlin.
Because of you, Arthur —
MERLIN
(cutting him off)
– is dead. Because of me, Arthur is
dead. And the only way to redeem my
failure is to be ready for him when
he returns.
GAIUS
(beat)
You said that Arthur told you never
to change, Merlin. But I look at you
and I see that is exactly what you
are doing.
MERLIN takes in the words, stunned. GAIUS turns his back and
resumes his potions.
After a moment, MERLIN heads into his room, shuts the door, and
leans his back against it, torn and distressed at GAIUS’ words.
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – DAY 1.
[10] ARTHUR sits on MERLIN’s sofa, looking distant. MERLIN brings

him a bowl of soup and a slice of bread, which he sets on the round
coffee table. ARTHUR is not hungry. He just stares ahead.
ARTHUR
What did you do while I was gone?
MERLIN
Well. I helped out in Camelot...
acted as a physician for a while,
served as advisor for some dozen
kings... And I, uh... I painted.
ARTHUR
You painted?
(MERLIN nods)
Sounds like you’ve lived a good life.
MERLIN doesn’t respond. He decides to let ARTHUR believe the best.
ARTHUR
But that wasn’t all, was it?
Otherwise I wouldn’t have found you
bleeding on my chamber floors this
morning.
Damn. He can see right through MERLIN.
ARTHUR
So, are you going to tell me what it
was really like?
MERLIN
(beat)
Lonely.
MERLIN’s answer tears ARTHUR apart.
ARTHUR
How did you manage it?
MERLIN
After a while, I figured that if I
just kept busy, time would pass, and
before I knew it, there you’d be.
Keeping busy has proven to be
difficult, though. This year had been
one of the worst.
ARTHUR
Why is that?
MERLIN
(eyes darkening)
No world wars. No wide-spread panic.
No impending apocalypse. Just...
calm. Almost peaceful.
MERLIN closes his eyes.
TRANSITION:
SERIES OF SHOTS: EXT. BLACK DEATH VILLAGE / INT. / EXT. MEDIEVAL

HUT – THE BLACK DEATH. MEMORIES.
MERLIN (V.O.)
(while the memories play)
The Black Death. It started turning
up a few centuries after you left. It
was terrifying. People dying left and
right. It claimed so many. And I
thought, “Surely Arthur will be
coming back now.”
The SOUND of the MEMORIES is MUFFLED. BUBONIC PLAGUE DOCTORS wear

beak-like masks as they travel through a lonely village.
Inside a medieval hut, we see MERLIN tending a PLAGUE VICTIM. He

does not wear a mask, but he has on the black robes that the
DOCTORS wear.
Outside the medieval hut, MERLIN sighs, a morose look in his worn
eyes. Countless sheet-covered bodies fill the streets of the
village. MERLIN looks to the sky, longing for ARTHUR’s return to
save everyone from this horror.
TRANSITION:
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – CONTINUOUS.
MERLIN opens his eyes, staring ahead with a forlorn look on his
face. When the VOICE-OVER starts again, new hazy MEMORIES play out.
TRANSITION:
SERIES OF SHOTS: EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET WWII / INT. BUNKER WWII –

MEMORIES.
MERLIN (V.O.)
(over the memories)
World War II. Forces from Germany
attacked London, raining fire from
the sky. As we hid underground, and
the people prayed for a miracle, I
just kept thinking, “Now’s definitely
the time.”
Bombs plummet from the sky over London City.
A CROWD of panicked WWII CIVILIANS are running across the street

for a neighboring bomb shelter. MERLIN and PRETTY WWII WOMAN —
presumably a love of his – run with them. When a bomb hits the
house next to them, debris from the building crushes the PRETTY
WWII WOMAN.
MERLIN stops, looks down. PRETTY WWII WOMAN’s eyes are unblinking.
A line of blood trickles from her head. She’s dead.
MERLIN
(muffled, overlapping with
MERLIN’s V.O., distraught)
No! No...
MAN
MERLIN’s V.O.)
Leave her! She’s gone!
A MAN drags MERLIN away from the scene and ushers him and other
WWII CIVILIANS into a bomb shelter.
MAN
MERLIN’s V.O.)
Take cover! Get inside!
MERLIN, traumatized, sits against a wall in the bunker. He scans

the frightened faces of the WWII CIVILIANS. A MAN clasps a rosary
in shaking hands; CHILDREN against their PARENTS.
MUFFLED SOUND of bombs raining. The bunker shakes and adds to the
terror of those gathered within it.
When his voice-over ends, the MEMORIES fade.
TRANSITION:
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – CONTINUOUS.
ARTHUR stares at MERLIN, devastated with guilt to learn of all

this.
MERLIN
I’d been told you would return when
Albion needed you most. Since then,
the world has seen so much pain and
suffering, and I felt like a horrible
person, because every time some new
evil threatened the world, all I
could think was that if it got just a
bit closer to the edge, you’d return.
Silence. ARTHUR wants to say something, but what can he say when
all of MERLIN’s suffering is because of his death?
MERLIN
Which leaves me to wonder... what
unspoken horrors lie hidden in the
world right now that would have
brought you back at this moment in
time?
CUT TO:
INT. KING’S PALACE RUINS (HALLWAY) KING’S PALACE RUINS

(ANTECHAMBER) – DAY 1.
[11] Dusk. Cracks curve up the moldering walls of the ancient

castle like wrinkles of time. MORDRED strides down a desolate
corridor, agitated.
ACCOLON (O.C.)
Mordred.
Shaking his head, MORDRED pivots on his heel and starts back some
of the way he came, then turns around only to find himself
confronted with the same dead end. His head-shaking continues.
ACCOLON materializes around the bend at the far end of the hall.
ACCOLON
Mordred...
MORDRED
It should be here. I know this castle
inside-out. I have been this way a
hundred times and more.
ACCOLON
(coming up beside him)
Not in over a thousand years, you
haven’t.
(beat)
It is getting late. Perhaps we should
head back to Crystállum Castle, take
things from there —
MORDRED
(throwing up a hand to silence
ACCOLON)
Be still.
With cautious steps, MORDRED approaches the dead end of the hall
once more. ACCOLON lingers for a beat before joining him.
MORDRED passes a hand over the dead-end wall, almost touching it.
He looks up at ACCOLON with a smug kind of smile. Turning his
attention back on the wall, MORDRED holds out his hand.
MORDRED’s eyes flash gold, and what once appeared to be a solid

stone wall fades almost completely, so that light shines from
beyond; they now appear to be glimpsing through darkened glass.
MORDRED passes straight through the false wall enchantment, and
ACCOLON is swift to follow.
CUT TO:
INT. KING’S PALACE RUINS (GREAT HALL) – CONTINUOUS.
ACCOLON resurfaces on the other side of the wall at MORDRED’s side

– they have the ruined great hall, at the center of which is the
old Round Table, now covered with a layer of dust.
MORDRED
A potent spell of concealment. It
almost had me fooled. Emrys’ powers
have advanced.
While ACCOLON takes a moment to become acquainted with his

surroundings, MORDRED strides through the great hall, crossing to
the Round Table. Going to one of the chairs, he takes a seat in it.
ACCOLON stands beside him.
MORDRED
This was my place. I used to be
welcome here. I put such faith in
Arthur.
He looks at the vacant chair at the table’s head: ARTHUR’s.
ACCOLON
You were not the only one to be taken
in by the King’s empty promises.
(beat)
The Lady Morgana, I am told, only
narrowly escaped his lies.
MORDRED
(bitter)
The thought of Arthur and Merlin
together now — it sickens me. Arthur
executed Kara, yet he has so
willingly accepted Merlin.
ACCOLON
Truly disgusting. Arthur is no doubt
embracing magic wholeheartedly, now
that he can use it to more swiftly
rise to power. Thus, as it has been
said, we must “make war upon this
bloody tyrant.”
MORDRED
(standing up)
And so we shall. In Arthur’s stead,
we will build a kingdom where martyrs
like Kara will be revered for their
sacrifices. Our people will finally
be recognized.
ACCOLON
(grin)
I live for those days.
The two sorcerers grip each other’s wrists.

MORDRED
(smiling back)
They have almost come.
MORDRED gives ACCOLON’s wrist a shake and then strides past him for
the exit. When MORDRED’s back is turned, ACCOLON permits himself a
wicked smirk, then follows after him.
EXT. CAMELOT (VILLAGE) – DAY 3. FLASHBACK.
[12] MERLIN exits the forest, stuffing the last of the herbs he had
been gathering into his satchel as he walks, entering the village.
He comes upon a cottage. On the porch, a young VILLAGE GIRL is
stringing up dozens of lanterns over her door. She strikes a match
to begin lighting them.
MERLIN glances ahead – he should really get back to GAIUS. But his
feet carry him to the VILLAGE GIRL.
MERLIN
What are these for?
VILLAGE GIRL
For protection from the trolls.
MERLIN
What trolls?
VILLAGE GIRL
The ones that come out on Samhain. I
thought you would know, being a
sorcerer. Is it true that trolls turn
to stone in the sunlight?
MERLIN
Who told you that?
VILLAGE GIRL
There are lots of stories about them.
MERLIN
If there were any trolls coming, a
few candles wouldn’t do the trick.
Light doesn’t scare away trolls.
VILLAGE GIRL
But what can I do to protect myself,
then?
A CLATTERING sound behind them draws MERLIN’s attention to the next

house, where a CRANKY VILLAGER stands outside his house stringing
up mirrors around his door.
MERLIN
(calling)
What are you doing?
CRANKY VILLAGER
What does it look like I’m doing? I’m
warding away evil spirits!
MERLIN looks between VILLAGE GIRL and the CRANKY VILLAGER.
VILLAGE GIRL
What should I do?
MERLIN
(beat, heaves a sigh, giving
in)
Gather the villagers. I’m going to
have to clear a few things up.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAMELOT (VILLAGE SQUARE) – DAY 3. FLASHBACK.
Sunset. A small CROWD of VILLAGERS has assembled in the middle of

the town, growing by the minute, all focused on MERLIN, who stands
before.
MERLIN
The first thing you must know about
magic is it’s not responsible for
everything. Yes, magic cannot be
explained, but not everything that
can’t be explained is magic.
CRANKY VILLAGER
Then, what is magic?
MERLIN hesitates. His eyes bounce around the heads of those

gathered and land on a beautiful LITTLE GIRL, about three years
old, playing in the grass.
MERLIN
You.
MERLIN goes to the LITTLE GIRL and scoops her up into his arms,
still standing before the CROWD.
MERLIN
You are magic. It is not some elusive
force that can be tamed and bent to
man’s will. Magic lives inside all of
us.
(cups his hands)
It is life.
When he opens his hands, a tiny BIRD lifts off and flutters up
through the air, drawing “oohs” and “ahs” from those present. The
LITTLE GIRL jumps from MERLIN’s arms and chases after the BIRD.
MERLIN catches sight of GAIUS watching near the back of the crowd,
a proud glimmer in his eyes. MERLIN smiles at him, exchanging so
many unspoken words.
VILLAGER #1
What about people who are born with
magic?
MERLIN
Those born with magic have been
preordained by destiny. We all have a
destiny. Whether it’s tending sheep,
shouldering a kingdom, or waiting on
a king, we all must do the part given
to us.
GWEN and LEON enter the crowd. They exchange smiles with one
another.
MERLIN
Even when doing the right thing feels
wrong in every way. It’s our
responsibility to fulfill our
destiny, no matter how difficult...
and no matter how long it may take.
Go out on MERLIN looking out over the CROWD, a glimmer of

acceptance in his eyes.
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT 1.
MERLIN paces across the floor while waiting for ARTHUR. After a
moment, ARTHUR comes down the hall from MERLIN’s bedroom, having
completely changed his attire. He is now dressed in spare clothes
of MERLIN’s, which are far simpler than anything ARTHUR has ever
worn before.
When MERLIN sees him, he stops and smiles. ARTHUR gives a small
smile of his own - it quickly fades. He turns and heads into
MERLIN’s living room and takes a seat on MERLIN’s sofa.
The house has dimmed from the lack of sunlight. MERLIN goes over to
one of the room’s many candles and passes a hand over it, sending
all the wicks in the whole room aflame in a wave of light with his
magic. Then he joins ARTHUR on the sofa.
MERLIN
Do you want to talk about...
anything?
ARTHUR
I wouldn’t know where to start.
(beat)
What am I doing here, Merlin? This
place, out there, this is not my
world. There is so much that’s
been... lost. Everything that I have
ever known to uphold, everything that
I am qualified to do — this world
doesn’t need any of it. I’m useless
here.
MERLIN
Arthur, that isn’t true.
ARTHUR
I have no idea how to rule this
world. Albion needs a ruler it can
count on... I cannot be that man.
MERLIN
(urgent)
But you are. You’re the Once and
Future King.
ARTHUR
A king without a kingdom is of little
importance.
MERLIN
We will rebuild Albion, Arthur. We
will fulfil your vision of a fair and
just kingdom, together.
ARTHUR
Why should I attempt to improve upon
a world I know nothing of?
MERLIN
The people need you, Arthur. That’s
why destiny chose you.
ARTHUR
(frustrated)
Yes, well, what if destiny was wrong?
(beat, to himself)
What if destiny was wrong?
MERLIN finds himself at a loss for what to do.
Passing CARS can be heard in the street below during the silence.
Gradually, MERLIN gets an idea. A smile forms on his face.
MERLIN
I want to show you something.
He rises and leads ARTHUR down the hall into his bedroom.
CUT TO:
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (BEDROOM) – CONTINUOUS.
MERLIN stops in the middle of the room, staring up at the ceiling

with a smile.
ARTHUR
(deadpan)
You wanted to show me your ceiling.
MERLIN disregards the comment and raises a hand upward.
MERLIN
Revelen deah.
The long-since dried brushstrokes of the paint on his ceiling

ripple. Waves of color bleed through, sprawling out across the
ceiling. And then, we see it: green, rolling hills; matted
forestlands; white-watered brooks and rushing streams. A village, a
castle, a kingdom: Camelot. Spread across MERLIN’s bedroom ceiling
is a vivid mural of Camelot. The paint with which it was drawn is
infused with magic. The knights’ armor glints with silver. The
waters of Avalon swell and move. The banners lilt in some unfelt
breeze.
When ARTHUR finds it in him to tear his eyes away, he sees MERLIN
beaming with pleasure.
ARTHUR
(in awe)
You made this?
MERLIN
(proud)
I haven’t been idle.
For the first time in his life, ARTHUR finds himself utterly
speechless at the work of his servant.
MERLIN
(admiring his work)
Earlier you asked how I managed
waiting all those years. And you were
right: this broken world has lost so
much. Many of its old principles and
values are no more.
(near whisper, passionate)
But I have seen civilizations rise
and fall, and watched new ones awake
from the ashes. I’ve seen what men
are capable of. There’ve been such
great struggles against cruelty, such
courage in the face of desperate
times. Ah, you should have seen the
renaissance, Arthur. Or helped
Shakespeare write one of his plays.
Or witnessed the beauty of thousands
of strangers all banning together to
fight for what they believe in.
(meets ARTHUR’s eyes)
The world may have changed, Arthur,
but its people haven’t. They have
buried within them the same decency,
the same honor, and the same strength
that they did fifteen hundred years
ago, and it just needs to be roused.
And I know it, Arthur, I know that
you are destined to rouse them. And
it’s that belief that’s kept me
going.
ARTHUR regards MERLIN, whose eyes burn with pride.
GO OUT on a shot from below of MERLIN and ARTHUR standing beneath

the painting of Camelot.
END OF EPISODE.

#2. A King Without A Kingdom

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

#2. A King Without A Kingdom

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Merlin6kingdomcome/tumblr.

MERLIN: KINGDOM COME

[1] Two restless SECURITY GUARDS are giving an account of the

SECURITY GUARD #1 (ED)

SECURITY GUARD #1 (ED) fidgets and exchanges an awkward glance with

SECURITY GUARD #1 (ED)

SECURITY GUARD #2 (HARRY)

SECURITY GUARD #1 (ED)

OFFICER BECKHAM takes a moment to register the two SECURITY GUARDS’

SECURITY GUARD #2 (HARRY)

MERLIN smirks widely at that.

OFFICER THOMPSON and OFFICER ALISTAIR come forward, each with a

In a flash, MERLIN is between the two OFFICERS and ARTHUR.

A COMMOTION breaks out at the sight of ARTHUR’s brandished sword.

OFFICER ALISTAIR (O.C.)

OFFICER ALISTAIR has gotten behind ARTHUR and is holding a baton,

The incantation thrusts both SECURITY GUARDS and every POLICE

OFFICER ALISTAIR glances around at all of the men lying out-cold at

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

Anticipating VILLAGER #1’s next words, LEON visibly resists the

Both GWEN and LEON are tired of hearing this accusation.

GWEN is gone before she can answer.

INT. CRYSTÁLLUM CASTLE (DRAWING ROOM) – DAY 1.

MORDRED sits at the head of the table. A grandfather clock chimes

LORD OBERON, a withered old man with a dignified air, looks to

LORD MALEAGANT. Mid-30s. Curious.

The voice belongs to ELAINE, a woman who could be in her 30s.

MORDRED’s frustration is lessened by her words.

LORD VORTIGERN: middle-aged, stuck-up.

A couple of glances are exchanged. ELAINE is the only one not to

LORDS AND LADY

EXT. ROAD / BUS STOP #1 – DAY 1.

MERLIN can sense ARTHUR’s forced optimism. He decides to take his

ARTHUR is amazed, baffled that MERLIN managed to keep hold of it.

The royal seal shines in the sunlight.

The BUS DRIVER gives ARTHUR’s chainmail a strange look.

INT. BUS – CONTINUOUS.

We focus on ARTHUR as he tries to discern his strange surroundings.

The BUS DRIVER gives a chuckle. He thinks this is a joke. He looks

ARTHUR slumps in his seat, deciding to focus on the royal seal

MERLIN eyes him with concern.

EXT. CAMELOT (VILLAGE) – DAY 2. FLASHBACK.

MERLIN lets go of a heavy sigh as they pull back. Something is

Moved with pity, GAIUS embraces MERLIN.

INT. CRYSTÁLLUM CASTLE (CORRIDOR) – DAY 1.

[6] ELAINE strides down a palace corridor after MORDRED, whose

MORDRED whirls around on ELAINE, bringing her to a halt.

MORDRED turns and crosses the remainder of the hall before he

ELAINE is exasperated. She listens as his footsteps fade. When she

INT. CRYSTÁLLUM CASTLE (ACCOLON’S CHAMBERS) – CONTINOUS.

ACCOLON browses a bookshelf in his chambers, upon which are stacked

GO OUT on ELAINE as she opens her eyes and stares ahead.

EXT. BUS STOP #2 – DAY 1.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY 1.

MERLIN leads ARTHUR down the sidewalk of a calm, peaceful

A MAN sitting on his porch frowns at ARTHUR’s chainmail, cloak,

ARTHUR nods as though he already knew that.

ARTHUR falls silent. He focuses his attention back on the royal

ARTHUR continues ahead. MERLIN has no choice but to follow him.

SERIES OF SHOTS: EXT. LONDON CITY – DAY 1.

Big Ben. CIVILIANS. CARS.

EXT. LONDON CITY (STREET / FLAT BUILDING) – DAY 1.

MERLIN catches ARTHUR scrutinizing the Union Jack, which is hanging