5.12 - reviews (central post) spoilers
Spoiler alert! All articles contain spoilers for those who have not yet viewed the episode.
Dan's Media Digest: Merlin, 5.12 - 'The Diamond of the Day: Part 1'
The stage is set for the series finale on Christmas Eve, which I'm hoping pulls something special out of the bag. If I'm honest, I just want a perfect scene where Arthur realises his humble manservant is a great wizard and has been responsible for saving his life on numerous occasions. Give me that and a lot of sins can be forgiven elsewhere.
Den of Geek: Merlin series 5 episode 12 review: The Diamond Of The Day (Part 1)
Bradley James and Angel Coulby are at their best in this episode. His speech to his troops ranks up their with the President's speech in Independence Day - which will either mean it’s impressive to you or terribly cheesy - either way, Bradley James nails it and I’d find it difficult not to rush to my bloody death! Colin Morgan’s Merlin covers a gamut of emotions in this episode - humour, loss, fear, elation - and he puts his heart and soul into the performance. There isn’t a moment where you feel Morgan isn’t invested in his character and even the appearance of Old Merlin is a spirited one.
Digital Spy: Merlin': New Episode 'Diamond of the Day (Part 1)' Review 5/5
Merlin fans are treated to another moment that we've literally been waiting years to see - Arthur finally acknowledging his respect for Merlin - and the dynamite duo of Bradley James and Colin Morgan do not disappoint; the scene bristles with unspoken feelings and emotion.
DIY: Review: Merlin 2-Part Series Finale (new)
This swan song finale is Merlin at it's finest with many twists, turns and tribulations that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. All the characters that we love are given their moment to shine, Eoin Macken and Tom Hopper in particular give the best performances of their run. Once again, Colin Morgan and Bradley James steal the show with their portrayal of Merlin and Arthur and their friendship that has been the heart and soul of the show for years.
Dork Adore: Merlin: The Diamond of the Day - Part One - Dork Review
This wasn’t as beautifully balanced an exercise in tragic inevitability as last week - Merlin’s recovery of his powers felt like we were waiting for an obvious conclusion, rather than watching fate slide into place - but it moved everyone into position for the ending.
Geek Syndicate: TV Review: Merlin Series 5, Episode 12 - The Diamond of the Day (Pt 1) 4/5
Colin Morgan is so good at making us feel just how helpless Merlin is at that moment. [...] Giving a rousing speech to bring morale to his troops who know they are likely going to their deaths, Bradley James did a fantastic job here and truly embodies all that Arthur is. [...]If you love action sequences, this is the best one thus far - fantastic slow-mo fight scenes showcase Bradley James’ prowess with a sword - utterly fantastic.
Inside Media Track: Battle lines are drawn but will Merlin be able to keep Arthur from harm?
This was a great dramatic episode with rousing music gliding us along. Colin Morgan does a perfect job of displaying the lost sorcerer but is masterful in telling Arthur to “find the path.” Bradley James also shines as he swiftly moves between brave warrior prepared to fight to the death and sensitive during his conversations with Merlin and Gwen.
SFX: Merlin 5.12 “The Diamond Of The Day (Part 1)” Review 4/5
The final moments of the episode, with the two armies clashing by torchlight, demonstrates that Merlin is still capable of giving us epic fantasy battles. And we only have to wait 48 hours for the conclusion! Start the countdown…
TV Equals: Merlin Series 5 Review “Diamond of the Day - Part 1″ - The End Is Nigh…
This was, without a doubt, the best episode of Merlin to date. It’s sort of frustrating, actually. There wasn’t much in this episode that was different from anything we’ve seen before, but it was all put together in such a way that it worked.
What Culture: Merlin: The Diamond Of The Day Part 1 Review 5/5 (new)
Even Richard Wilson had something interesting to say as Gaius, and with the character featuring in promo images of Camelot (presumably post-Camlann) in the final episode, it’ll be nice if his character gets a few choice words to impart to his oldest friend. Top honours must go to Bradley James, though- we had hints at the gravity and depth with which he could play King Arthur last week in particular, yet it was here in his ‘last’ exchange with Merlin, his realisation at his servant’s message in his dreams and indeed in his inspiring pre-battle speech to the Knights that James truly shone in the role.