The Nightmare Begins Full Recap

Episode 203: The Nightmare Begins Recap

203 The Nightmare Begins

It is a stormy night in Camelot, Morgana is tossing and turning and you can see that her half awake eyes have the same colour eye effect as Merlin's do when he does magick. A candle spontaneously lights. Gwen comes in bringing extra blankets.
Morgana still doesn't wake. Gwen blows out the candle and sets it down. Morgana makes noises in her sleep, another candle lights and she snaps up awake. She uses her magick and accidentally sets some curtains on fire. She screams and the glass in her windows smashes outward.
Opening credits.

Gwen is explaining about the candle and how she blew it out. Merlin is cleaning up in the background. Uther asks Gwen whether she is sure she blew it out and Arthur answers for her that Gwen has been Morgana's maid for years and that he trusts her if that’s what she says happened. Uther says gravely that she 'could have be burnt alive.’ Arthur makes a suggestion that it could have been the lightening that struck the castle roof last night that caused the fire. Uther look concernedly at the damage and says perhaps but he believes that someone may have started the fire deliberately. Everyone in the room looks at each other in concern. Uther and Arthur walk out and Uther questions him as to how someone could have go into her chambers without being noticed. Arthur says there were too many guards. Uther demands some explanation from Arthur. He has none and so Uther airs his suspicion that it could be down to sorcery and asks Arthur to round up anyone who could be a sorcerer. Arthur says that it will take time. Uther turns around and very seriously says that they don't have time.

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Merlin walks down the hall and over hears a conversation between Gaius and Morgana. She tells him that she can trust him before tearfully confessing that it was her who set the room on fire. Merlin looks shocked. Gaius asked whether she knocked a candle over and she says no. Gaius tries to convince her it wasn't her but she insists before saying that it was magick. Merlin looks even more shocked. Gaius comfortingly says "my child. Morgana shouts "I am not a child". Gaius insists that the fire had nothing to do with her and that he will make her a fresh potion. Morgana shakes her head helplessly.

Cut to Merlin and Gaius. Merlin raises the fact that the window was blown out (he is eating, Gaius is doing some sort of chemistry) Gaius pretends to be uninterested.Merlin then cuts to the chase and says "it’s magick, you know it was", Gaius stops what he is doing and Merlin pursues the point that Morgana knows it is magick. Gaius tries to counter that she knows nothing for certain. But Merlin thinks that this makes it even worse. Gaius isn't sure what Merlin wants him to do. Merlin insists that it would be better if Gaius talked to her about her powers. Gaius says he can't. Merlin says maybe he could speak to her instead. Gaius says he can't do that either. Merlin states that he knows what Morgana is going through. Gaius insists that Merlin should never reveal his secret to anyone. Merlin says that maybe someone else could talk to her. Gaius reminds him that this is a kingdom where magick is outlawed. Merlin suggests the druids. Gaius says that the Druids can't help her. Merlin asks who can help. Gaius answers that he will help her as he always has. Merlin then says that Gaius needs to be honest with Morgana. Gaius angrily questions Merlin as to why he would think that he knew better than him. Merlin(a little upset) says that he knows because he went through it himself. He knows how Morgana is feeling. Gaius merely warns Merlin to stay out of it.

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Merlin is then seen walking down the corridor with a bunch of flowers. Arthur sees him and calls out to him. Merlin hides the flowers behind his back. Arthur starts to say that he needs him to do something before asking "what are you hiding behind your back?" Merlin replies "Nothing" in a guilty tone of voice and shows his empty hands to Arthur. Arthur isn't convinced and they circle each other. (The flowers are presumably being held up by magick.) Merlin says unconvincingly that he would never lie to him, that he respected him far to much for that, he then quickly changes the subject to what Arthur wanted him to do. Arthur says (still looking suspicious) that his chainmail needs cleaning. Merlin says he will see to it right away and Arthur walks off but peeps his head round the corner and sees that Merlin is carrying flowers. Merlin then goes to Morgana's door which is answered by Gwen. She smiles at Merlin and he asks "how is she?” Gwen replies that she has never seen her like this before. That she's scared to leave her alone. Merlin inquires if there is anything he can do to help and Gwen merely replies that she has to get back to her. Merlin hand her the flowers and they smile at each other awkwardly again. Gwen says she'll make sure she knows who they are from and closes the door.

Cut to a close-up of Camelot at night. Morgana and Gwen are sitting on Morgana's bed. Gwen is saying gently that she could stay if it would maker her feel better. Morgana says that Gwen has done so much already and unconvincingly reassures her that it will be fine. Gwen smiles, puts her hand on Morgana's knee comfortingly and then leaves. Morgana (in a small voice) asks her to take the candle. Gwen does and leaves the room. Morgana looks scared as she tries to sleep. There is the sound of lightning and she bolts up and smashes the vase containing the flowers that Merlin brought her. She looks terrified.

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Cut to Merlin doing some work. Morgana enters asking for Gaius but Merlin tells her that he isn't here at the moment but that he should be back soon. Morgana has tears in her eyes as she says that she needs to speak to him. Merlin says that he has gone to see the king. Merlin asks her what is wrong. She looks away. He tells her that she can trust him. She tells him that she is scared and that she doesn't understand anything. Merlin says that Gaius will make her a new potion. She says they won't do any good. She says quietly that it's magick. Merlin looks worried. He pretends to be surprised. Morgana says that she is his friend and that he knows he wouldn't just make it up. He says of course. She wildly asks if he believes her; if he thinks it is magick too. She needs to hear someone say it so she doesn't feel like she's just imagining it. He says he wishes there was something her could say. He calls after her as she flounces out of the room. He looks really upset.

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He walks down the corridor to see Sparky. He tells him he needs his help and asks him if he knows where the druids are. The dragon won't reveal anything until he tells him why he seeks them. Merlin says it doesn't matter. Merlin evasively says that he needs to ask them something. Sparky knows Merlin is 'lying' to him. Merlin says he needs their help then off the dragon’s look admits that someone he cares about needs their help. Sparky says "you speak of the witch. The lady Morgana." Outraged Merlin insists she is not a witch and that she's his friend. Sparky warns him that she can't be trusted and that it would be better if she didn't know the full extent of her powers. Merlin asks why not and that she has a good heart. Sparky reminds him of times in the past where he didn't listen to his advice and their were consequences.Merlin insists that he will not abandon her. Sparky refuses to give Merlin any help and that if he decides to help Morgana that he will have to do it on his own. Merlin nods angrily and walks off.

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Camelot at day. Merlin looks worried, and Arthur and another man talking about whether they had listed all the suspects. Merlin is cleaning chainmail. Arthur reminds us of the fact that his father thinks the fire was started by sorcery and the other man agrees with Arthur and that he has included all the people who have consorted with "sorcerers, witches and druids." Merlin looks up at the mention of Druids.Arthur says they will arrest the suspects immediately. He then turns to Merlin and says that he asked Merlin to do that yesterday. Merlin lamely says that he didn't have time, that he was cleaning the stables. Arthur is unconvinced because a little bird (Gwen?) told Arthur that Merlin was somewhere else. Meanwhile Merlin uses his magick to open the scroll with the suspects on and starts to read it. Merlin says "and me cleaning the stables is strange and a talking bird isn't?"

Arthur reminds him what they have said about him trying to be funny. Merlin guesses that he shouldn’t. Arthur asks where his flowers are. Merlin is reading the scroll again so is distracted asking "your flowers?”, Arthur (jealously?) says that he heard Morgana got some and that he assumed he would be putting them in all the rooms and then questions whether Morgana is the only one to receive a 'token of your affection.’ Merlin says yes, Arthur pulls a triumphant face. Merlin then realises what he said and starts saying no and insists that it is not a token of anything. Arthur is unconvinced and asks why Merlin tired to hide them from him. Merlin who is still reading the scroll, says he wasn't then that, then that he was but he didn't want Arthur to get the wrong impression. He finds the name of someone who was accused of consorting with druids. Arthur asks what the right impression would be. Merlin says that he was trying to cheer her up after the fire. Arthur inquires as to whether Merlin picked them himself. Meanwhile the scroll is closing up and it falls on the floor. Merlin smiles dopily and says maybe. Arthur raises his eyebrows and nods. Merlin, doing a guilty smile, says that he was only trying to be nice. Arthur smiles back and nods saying "sword", Merlin gives the sword to him and tells him that that'll be all. He shakes his head at Merlin and lays down his sword on the table. He the goes to take the scroll and is confused when he can't find it.

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Cut to guards running outside Camelot with arrested people. Merlin walks along looking disturbed. There is a general air of chaos. Merlin uses magick to get into one of the houses and walks in. He thinks there is no-one there but a sword gets pressed to his back. He insists that he is not there to hurt her and explains that the King's Men are coming for her. They escape out the back door. She asks how he knew. He explains that he is Arthur's servant. She thanks him for taking such a risk. Merlin says he's sorry he can't help everyone. She's going to go but then he insists that he needs her help to contact the druids. She pretends she doesn't know anything about them. He tells her she doesn't need to lie to him. He says she isn't but he reminds her that she would be under arrest if not for him and that she knows he is not a spy for Uther. He then says he is a friend of the druids and that he needs their help. She asks him what he wants to know.

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Cut to Camelot at night. Morgana lets Merlin into her room. He says that Gaius asked him to deliver a potion. Morgana is in a white nightgown and is looking extremely worried. She says she doesn't need any potion and that he should ignore that she said last night. That she had a nightmare and was upset. Merlin says he knows. Morgana walks away apologising, saying that Gwen usually has to deal with her when she's like that. Merlin says that he doesn't mind and that he could help. Morgana says that she doubts that. He replies that he would be surprised and that he realised how frightening it must be for her and adds it would be frightening especially for her. She asks confusedly why it would be especially for her. Merlin replies that as the King's ward she knows about Uther's hatred of magick better than anyone. She is shocked and asks Merlin whether he thinks that her dreams were magick. He says that he doesn't know. Morgana is getting upset as she says "but it could be couldn't it?" Merlin says he really wouldn't know but that there were people that would know. Morgana asks who. Merlin replies: the druids and says that they help people like her. Morgana helplessly replies that they wouldn't dare live in Camelot. Merlin agrees but says he know where she can find them.

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A shot of Camelot at daytime. Arthur is telling Uther (who is holding the potion that Merlin brought last night) that the guards have searched the castle and they can't find Morgana. Uther replies that no-one should get in or out of the city. Gaius comes in and Uther questions the time that Gaius brought Morgana the potion. Arthur butts in before
Gaius could answer and says that Merlin delivered it after she had retired to her chambers. Uther says "so she was safe then?" Gaius says yes, and then says that he supposes she must have been. Uther looks worried and he and Arthur walk out the room.

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Cut to Gaius telling Merlin that he never asked him to take the draught to Morgana last night. Merlin says that he took some initiative. Gaius angrily says that the warning bells are ringing because Uther thinks that Morgana has been kidnapped. Gaius is angry that Merlin isn't too concerned. Merlin answers that Morgana can look after herself. Gaius asks Merlin what he has done. Merlin insists that he helped he. Gaius tells him that is had to end now because people's lives are at risk including Morgana's. Gaius presses Merlin for answers as to where she is. He tells Gaius that she's gone to find the druids. Gaius angrily reminds him that he told Merlin not to get involved. Merlin says that he had to because Gaius wouldn't even tell her she had magick. Gaius said he did that for a reason. Merlin turns away and tells him that he doesn't understand what it's like. That before he came to Camelot he was really lonely. Gaius reminds Merlin that as the King's ward Morgana is in a completely different situation. Merlin says that he knows that as he has Gaius and she doesn't have anyone. Gaius insists he has always taken care of Morgana. Merlin insists that everything he good he has learnt about magick he has learnt from Gaius. Merlin tries to get Gaius to understand why he did it. Gaius says he understands but that he fears the consequences.

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Cut to Morgana walking through the forest. There are some sounds. Morgana is wearing a read cloak and dress, bringing to mind little red-riding hood. She hears a sound and looks around worriedly.

Cut to Uther asking Arthur whether all the suspects have been arrested. Arthur replies that nearly all of them have been arrested. Merlin and Gaius are also in the room at this point. Uther declares that all prisoners will be executed unless Morgana is returned. Merlin looks shocked. Arthur looks worried but says that he'll see to it.

Cut to Gaius sleeping at night. Merlin is sneaking out of his room and accidentally knocks over a broom and then two over objects. He then manages to use his magick to suspend them in mid air. He looks at Gaius and gets two of the objects onto the table. He has forgotten about the broom however and it falls to the floor as he walks away. He looks back and Gaius stirs in his sleep. Merlin creeps out of the door, making a torch flare up to distract the guards. He runs past as busts open the iron bar gate and starts running.

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Cut to Morgana in the forest looking scared. She hears a noise and sees a scorpion. She picks up a stick to try and fight it off. Morgana hears a noise and turns around to see a giant scorpion. She screams and it strikes her leg. Then loads of giant scorpions come and completely surround her. They all start to back away when a figure in a lighter red cloak comes through. Morgana looks at him for a second and then faints.

Cut to Camelot at day and Gaius picks up the broom. And calls for Merlin to get up. He is disturbed to find that Merlin has disappeared.

Cut to Merlin walking across country-side and into the forest.

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Cut to Morgana waking up and having her brow mopped by a hand. She looks up to see a druid who insists that he will not hurt her and reminds her that she had hurt her leg (which is now bandaged up)
He advises her not to move it. She asks what happens, he says it was stung by a 'circet' (not sure of spelling there), and tells her that his name is Aglain and to relax as she was safe. He uses her name which makes her suspiciously ask how he knew it. A voice is heard saying that he told him. She turns to see Mordred, and she says "you!" in surprise. Aglain explains that Mordred was the one who sensed Morgana's distress at being attacked. He says "hello, Morgana," without using his mouth, doing that telepathic talking thing. Morgana asks Aglain whether he had heard it. Aglain explains that they don't always need words to speak to each other. Mordred sits on the bed and says that he can now take care of Morgana like Morgana took care of him. They smile at each other.

Cut to Arthur looking at the iron bar gate thing that Merlin busted open saying that there's some confusion as to how it happened, Uther interrupts saying that there was no confusion that it must have been magick. Uther wants to know where that trail leads. Arthur says it leads into the forest. Uther says that he has always suspected that druids may be hiding there. Arthur says the trail will lead them straight there. Uther tells Arthur to take no prisoners and that this will rid them of the druids once and for all. Arthur asks Gaius where Merlin is. Gaius lamely says that he is not well. Arthur asks whether it's because Merlin is still upset about Morgana. Gaius replies that they are all upset about Morgana. Arthur feels no sympathy for him and says "tell him to stop pining, pull himself together and get back to work."

The Men are leaving Camelot with Dogs lead by Arthur. We then see Merlin using his magick to light a fire in the forest. He hears the noises of thoughts of the druids (like Wolverine does when he comes to the mansion in the 1st x-men film) he can hear Mordred's voice.

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Cut to Gaius coming into Uther's hall. Uther asks if there is any news. Gaius says none as they have not been gone long, he then goes on to ask why Uther is certain that Morgana has been kidnapped. Uther tersely says that there couldn't be another possibility. Gaius reminds him how upset she was after the fire and that she could have run away. Uther says that's not like Morgana as he's never seen her run from anything. That she takes after he father too much. Gaius reassures Uther that he hadn't let Gorlois down as he has raised Morgana as if she were her own daughter. He says that she has become his own. That if she was to die a large part of him would die with her. Arthur rides up to the boundary of the forest. His hair looks weird and vertical in this scene. The other men with barking dogs follow.

Cut to Merlin walking and then to Morgana who admits to Aglain that she has slept better that she has in days. He gives her one of their robes so that she can feel at home. She smiles. Cut to the men with dogs again and then to Merlin who sees the druid camp and then starts to creep towards it. Aglain is explaining to Morgana that they are surprised that she is there and also afraid because Uther would kill them. She says that they shouldn't be scared of her as she doesn't share Uther's outlook on magick. Aglain dryly says that he imagines that she wouldn't. He tells her the forests are dangerous and asks her why she was so far from Camelot. She is wearing the robe in this scene. She tells him that she was searching for answers and she hoped the druids could help. He tells her to come and takes her hand.

Cut to Arthur and his men who have discovered the remnants of Merlin's fire. He orders them to keep moving.

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Cut to Merlin who is sneaking and overhears Morgana asking why she can see the future in her dreams and why she can starts fires with her mind. He tells her that people who can do this are rare and she has a gift. She asks whether it is magick. Aglain answers that it is but she won't be able to use it fully for years but it's nothing to be afraid of. She answers that with Uther as her guardian it is, that he would have her killed if he found out. Aglain says he won't. Morgana counters that if he did...Aglain tells her that he won't let that happen that she is safe there. Aglain says she should pity him. She asks why and he replies that is a broken man consumed by his hatred of magick. Morgana says that she's heard that Magick is evil and corrupts your soul. Aglain says that just because Uther says it doesn't mean it's true. That she will learn that magick can be force for good. Merlin does a little smile. Aglain leaves.

Cut to Arthur who can see smoke from the camp, he reminds the men of Uther's order of no prisoners.

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Cut to Merlin who walks into Morgana's tent. Morgana is startled and asks him what he's doing there. He tells her he need to take her back to Camelot. She says she's not coming back. He says she has to. She asks why as Merlin had told her to seek the druids. He explains that he hadn't realised about the repercussions. She asks him what they are. He explains that Uther thinks she has been kidnapped.

Cut to Arthur and his men advancing and then back to Merlin and Morgana. He says that he'll execute all the suspects. Morgana tells him that if she goes back the same thing will happen to her. Merlin says that Uther doesn't need to know about it that he won't tell anyone.

Arthur gets really close and the sound of children's laughter is heard. Back to Morgana and Merlin she shakes her head, apologising as she wants to stay with people like her. She tells him that she doesn't feel so alone there. She asks him whether he understands and he replies that he understands it better than anyone. Aglain bursts into the tent, telling her that they must go and is shocked to see Merlin. Morgana explains he is a friend. Aglain tells her that Arthur and his men are coming and that Merlin has lead them straight to them.

The druids are running as Arthur and his men start coming really close. Merlin and Mordred see each other and Mordred says "hello, Emrys," telepathically. It's chaotic as they start running for their lives. Arthur sees Morgana and starts to run after her and Aglain. She can't keep running because of her leg. Merlin says he will create a diversion. She tells him he can't. Merlin says he has to as it is his fault they are there. Aglain, Mordred and Morgana start running off. Merlin creates thick mist using magick. Arthur and his men seem baffled by the mist but they see Merlin's silhouette running into the distance and they shoot at him and start to chase after him. Merlin runs and hides under a ledge whilst Arthur and his men go on head. He then starts to run in the opposite direction.

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A guard then sees Aglain, Morgana and Mordred running away. Morgana falls down and she asks them to leave her behind. Mordred shouts that they are coming and Aglain gets shot. Mordred runs off and the guards find Morgana. They shout to Arthur that they have Morgana. There are shots of both Merlin and Mordred running away (why do the three most important magick users have M names anyway?), Merlin sees Mordred being surrounded by guards, Mordred screams and the guards all go flying. Merlin is very surprised. Mordred goes running off again.

Cut to Camelot where Arthur and Morgana ride up. Morgana gets off the horse and Uther comes and hugs her. Gwen looks happy to see Morgana return. Uther says that he was so worried about her. Arthur tells Uther that he was right and it was the druids who kidnapped her.Uther pulls back, strokes her face and then hugs her again.

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Cut to Morgana sleeping. There is a knock on the door and it is Merlin. She invites him in and then closes the door. They look at each other awkwardly before Merlin tells her that he wanted to check she was okay. She nods and says she is fine. He tells her again that she can trust him. She smiles and thanks him and tells him that she knows who she is and it's not something to be scared of and that one day people could see magick as a force for good. He smiles. He tells her it's good to have her back and she says thank you again.
As he leaves she tells him to sleep well; he merely turns and smiles at her.

As he walks down the steps Arthur appears and tells Merlin that it has to stop as the King would behead Merlin if he found out. He tells Merlin there is no point denying it. Merlin doesn't know what he's supposed to be denying. Arthur comes out and says "your affections for the lady Morgana", Merlin laughs and looks away saying "right..." Arthur tells him to take some advice from someone who knows about women. Merlin cheekily says that if such a person existed then he would. Arthur tells Merlin to stick to girls who are on his level. Merlin says thanks, rather sarcastically. Arthur tells Merlin that Morgana can't be Merlin's friend let alone anything more. Merlin says he knows. Arthur tells Merlin that he can't hide anything from him. Merlin laughs as Arthur walks off. The whole scene feels like Arthur is trying to talk himself out of his feelings for Gwen, rather than help Merlin.

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Merlin then walks into Gaius' room and apologises. Gaius merely hugs him. Merlin is confused as he thought Gaius would be angry with him. Gaius said that he was until Merlin walked through the door and then he was relieved that Merlin was back. Merlin explains that Morgana knows the truth as the druids told her she had magick. He then apologises. Gaius tells him that it is not his fault as he was doing what he thought was the right thing. Merlin admits that Gaius was as well. Gaius tells Merlin that they must hope that Uther never discovers her powers.

And that’s the end of the episode!

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The Nightmare Begins Full Recap

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