Merlin (2008–2012): Season 5, Episode 6 - The Dark Tower - full transcript
After visiting her father's grave, Guinevere is captured by Morgana and imprisoned in the infamous Dark Tower haunted by ghostly visions and screams. Merlin and Arthur lead the knights in a rescue mission but get lost in the thick and aptly named Impenetrable Forest. Mab, the fairy queen of this forest, appears to Merlin and shows him how to guide the others through it but tauntingly reveals that one will not return. Arriving at the tower, they save Guinevere but at the cost of a man. None, however, realise that Guinevere is a changed woman thanks to Morgana.
'In a land of myth
and a time of magic,'
'the destiny of a great kingdom rests
on the shoulders of a young man.'
'His name..'
'Merlin.'
Even after all these years,
I still miss him.
He was a good father.
I'm glad we came.
So am I.
I think he'd be proud.
- Particularly of Elyan.
- Me?
Not just because
you're a knight,
but because of the
man you've become.
- I don't think so.
- She's right.
Absolutely. You're outstanding,
especially when it comes to
trying to sweet-talk the ladies,
- if nothing else.
- Don't listen to him.
No. Elyan loves
only one woman.
Who?
- You.
- Tell me, I'm your sister.
- Did Arthur not say?
- Arthur never tells me anything.
- But he told you who Gwaine's
in love with? - Himself?
Leon!
Get to the queen.
Get to the trees, go!
Sleep, my lady.. for it could be
some time before you do so again.
Subtitle by
Light_Arm
Episode 6
-= The Dark Tower =-
Merlin, hollyhock.
- One dram?
- And dianthus, two drams.
- Lungwort? Three grains.
- What happened?
We were riding,
we came upon a nest of snakes.
Where's Guinevere?
- Where is she?
- I told her to get away. She fled.
- Arthur?
- We ride at dawn.
- This is no accident.
- Sorcery?
There is dark magic
coursing through their veins.
By any right,
they should be dead.
Then they were lucky.
I fear there's more to it
than luck.
Learn to knock,
will you?
I'm sorry, sire.
I wanted you to know that
Leon and Percival are safe.
They are well on the road
to recovery.
That's good news.
Arthur..
..there is evidence of sorcery.
Gaius suspects Morgana is involved.
You can go, Merlin.
I lost Guinevere once before.
You're not going to lose her.
You're not.
We will find her.
I swear.
We'll bring her home.
Good morning, my lady.
What do you want with me?
I thought we could
play a little game.
A game?
To find out just how
much Arthur loves you.
- It won't work.
- You underestimate his feelings.
- He's not stupid.
- We'll see.
He'll know you've taken me,
he'll know it's a trap.
He will,
but he'll still come.
She must've been knocked
from her mount by some force.
Here.
Tracks.
They were heading east.
Let's go.
Here.
Is it too good for you
now that you're queen?
I don't want anything
from you.
Just my crown.
Drink it,
you may need it.
Why?
I wouldn't be in such
a hurry to know.
It's getting too dark.
We'll keep heading east.
We've lost the trail.
Then we'll retrace the tracks.
Arthur.
I'll talk to him.
Sire? She can't be far.
- I know.
- But we have to work together.
We'll make camp,
I'll get a fire going.
In the morning we'll pick up
her trail again. Come on.
- Keep moving.
- Where are you taking me?
You'll find out.
What is this place?
Sleep well.
Morgana!
Elyan.
If I'd stayed with her..
You saved Percival,
you saved Leon.
But not my own sister.
We can all blame ourselves.
She raised me.
You wouldn't understand.
I do.
I don't know.. what I'd be
if it wasn't for her.
I can't explain.
You don't have to.
It's all right.
The tower..
It's a dream.
Everything in its shadow was dead.
And the sound,
it was like children screaming.
And the rain that fell
was like blood.
I had the same dream.
I was lost in a forest
and the trees had claws
and when I finally escaped
there was a plain.
Empty as far as the eye
could see, except..
Rising into the sky
was a black pillar of stone.
A tower so dark,
it could swallow the sun.
The Dark Tower.
It's a place where every young
knight is taught to dread,
and rightly so.
- It's where many have met their end.
- I've never heard of it.
With good reason. It's said that
the mere mention of it
can bring doom to any
of those who hear it.
Well, let's not
mention it again.
I was having a dream about eating
a cheese that tasted of apple pie.
Anyone else have that dream?
You're all missing out.
Why would they both
have that dream?
The poison. It must still be
coursing through their veins.
But the same dream?
Arthur, Morgana
conjured those snakes.
Leon and Percival would be dead
if that was what she wanted.
So what are you saying?
She planted those visions
in their minds. It's a trap.
She's luring you to your doom.
The Tower.
That's where she's
taken Guinevere.
I've decided to journey
to the Dark Tower.
It's my belief that Guinevere
has been imprisoned there.
I don't know what horrors
will be waiting,
- so I'll travel alone.
- No.
I'm sorry,
I've made my decision.
You can't stop me, Arthur.
She's my sister.
- Nor me, Arthur, she's our queen.
- And our friend.
She's a maiden in a tower.
A damsel in distress.
I was born for this moment.
You can turn back, Merlin.
I made you a promise,
remember.
The Dark Tower.
- How do we get to it?
- Through the Impenetrable Forest.
But it's..
impenetrable.
- Exactly. - We can't possibly
get through that.
We must.
Keep going.
Elyan?
It was blunt anyway.
Don't stop!
We've lost the path.
Then we'll keep heading north.
How do we know which way is north?
The ivy.
The pale leaves face south,
dark leaves face north.
We're on the right course.
We should reach the
tower by sundown.
We need to pick up the pace!
Gwen.
Merlin?
Raaargh!
Come, let us have
something to eat.
We should've made it
out of the forest by now.
Look!
What is it?
How can that be?
We have gone round in a circle.
we have wasted
an entire day!
Let's make camp for the night.
Get some rest and think
afresh in the morning.
I made you a promise.
Remember?
We will bring her home.
Eat. Here..
Food always makes
me feel better.
Would you prefer some chicken?
You must eat.
You're fading away.
I don't know what cruel
trick you're playing
but I will not be broken by you.
I thought this would be nice.
I know how lonely you must be,
all by yourself in that room.
At least you're not shackled..
and there's daylight.
You can move, you can see..
You expect me to be grateful?
I too have suffered, Gwen.
I spent two years
living in darkness.
Spent two years chained to a
wall at the bottom of a pit.
You did not know.
I would have sold my soul
for someone to show me
kindness such as this.
But if you want me to
take you back up there..
Welcome to my realm, Emrys.
Who are you?
Why, I am Queen Mab.
I am the spirit
of this place
and all the places that bring
despair to men's hearts.
Few have ever seen me, Emrys.
You should count yourself fortunate.
You.. everything in this forest..
it's bewildering.
The forest is but one
step on the journey.
How do we find a way out?
Oh, little one,
you should not have to ask.
Left is right and right is left.
And the way behind is the way ahead.
It is simple.
Simple..
You have a mind's eye, Emrys,
you must learn to trust in it.
For far greater
challenges lie ahead.
When we reach the Dark Tower?
If.
What do you mean?
You must beware, Emrys.
The Tower is not a real place.
It is the heart's rest,
the mind's deepest fear,
the stillness
in the hummingbird's eye.
Stop talking in riddles.
Then I shall talk in rhyme.
Heed my words with due concern,
for one of you will not return.
What do you mean?
Which one?
We need to find the clearing
where we saw the Dolorous Plains.
But which way is that? North.
Please. I know I can get us there.
I wouldn't do anything
to risk Gwen's life.
I can get us to the Dark Tower.
I am certain.
I know what Gwen means to you.
To all of us.
We need to head North.
- And which way is that, Merlin?
- That way.
No, it's..
..over there.
How on earth would you know that?!
Sense of smell.
When the wind is from the North,
you can smell the sea.
- That's ridiculous.
- Trust me. Just this once.
Arthur..
give him a chance.
What choice do we have?
Are you sure this is the right way,
Merlin?
Merlin, you're a genius!
Which way now?
How far do you think it is?
At least we can see
where we're going.
Let's not just stand
here looking at it.
I thought you might like
to dine with me.
Come, you must eat
or you'll fade away.
Your hands are cold.
I've got a warm fire going for you.
Anything you want, you can have.
I'll give it to you.
Why are you doing this?
Because we're friends,
we always were.
- Leave me alone.
- Gwen?
What are you trying
to do to me?
I'm helping you.
- I'm looking after you.
- I want nothing from you.
Well, if you change
your mind, let me know.
We can't afford to rest.
I'm all right.
Don't look.
You'll be all right.
Don't look.
You'll be all right.
Don't look.
Don't look.
You'll be all right.
Merlin!
We must keep moving.
Guinevere?
Oh! Arthur!
No.
I know it's not you.
I know it's not you.
I know it's not you.
I know it's not you.
Guinevere..
look at me.
I know it's not you.
Please.
I know it's not you.
It's me.
It's Arthur.
I know it's not you.
See?
It's me.
It's Arthur.
You're safe now.
It's all right.
It's all right.
I'm here.
I'm here.
My darling, I was wrong
to make you suffer.
The mandrake root is cruel.
It pierces the depths of your soul,
twisting your unconscious into
the very image of fear and dread.
Gwen, you've been so courageous,
but it was necessary.
Gwen, you're not alone now.
You need never be alone again.
I am the only one you can trust.
I am all you have
left in the world.
The others taunt you, hate you.
Come..
You need some rest,
some proper rest.
No!
Whatever twisted
game you're playing,
I want no part in it. I would
rather stay here and die.
Something's wrong.
It's too easy.
Are you ever happy?
Arthur!
Don't!
Aargh!
No-one move!
Stay exactly where you are.
What triggered it?
The flagstones.
They must react to pressure.
Here.
I'll use this.
I'll go first.
I'll push on.
No, Elyan!
None of us would even be
here if it wasn't for me.
I have to do this.
Elyan!
Gwen. Elyan..
What has she done
to you?
No.
Don't!
It will not let you pass.
Morgana has enchanted it
to protect me.
- You can't free me, Elyan.
Leave me here. Please. - No!
- You cannot overcome it.
It will fight to the death! - Argh!
Elyan! Go!
Save yourself!
- Gwen.
- Elyan..
I'm here.
I'm here.
I'm here.
For a moment..
..I didn't think
I was going to win.
Father would be
proud of you.
And of you.
So proud.
'I was warned one of
us would not return.'
It's not your fault,
Merlin.
Elyan is dead.
The sword that Elyan fell prey to
was surely intended for Arthur.
Now he's safe
and so is Gwen.
How is it?
Arthur thinks he's won.
He has no idea.
Do you understand now
who you can trust?
It is you, Morgana.
It has only ever been you.
You're not one of them
and you never will be.
You don't know how
much I hate them.
All of them.
You've done well to see past
the lies to the real truth.
You've an important part
to play in the future.
Together we will ensure
the destruction
of everything Arthur holds dear.
'Have you noticed anything
about Gwen of late?'
Arthur!
Subtitle by
Light_Arm
and a time of magic,'
'the destiny of a great kingdom rests
on the shoulders of a young man.'
'His name..'
'Merlin.'
Even after all these years,
I still miss him.
He was a good father.
I'm glad we came.
So am I.
I think he'd be proud.
- Particularly of Elyan.
- Me?
Not just because
you're a knight,
but because of the
man you've become.
- I don't think so.
- She's right.
Absolutely. You're outstanding,
especially when it comes to
trying to sweet-talk the ladies,
- if nothing else.
- Don't listen to him.
No. Elyan loves
only one woman.
Who?
- You.
- Tell me, I'm your sister.
- Did Arthur not say?
- Arthur never tells me anything.
- But he told you who Gwaine's
in love with? - Himself?
Leon!
Get to the queen.
Get to the trees, go!
Sleep, my lady.. for it could be
some time before you do so again.
Subtitle by
Light_Arm
Episode 6
-= The Dark Tower =-
Merlin, hollyhock.
- One dram?
- And dianthus, two drams.
- Lungwort? Three grains.
- What happened?
We were riding,
we came upon a nest of snakes.
Where's Guinevere?
- Where is she?
- I told her to get away. She fled.
- Arthur?
- We ride at dawn.
- This is no accident.
- Sorcery?
There is dark magic
coursing through their veins.
By any right,
they should be dead.
Then they were lucky.
I fear there's more to it
than luck.
Learn to knock,
will you?
I'm sorry, sire.
I wanted you to know that
Leon and Percival are safe.
They are well on the road
to recovery.
That's good news.
Arthur..
..there is evidence of sorcery.
Gaius suspects Morgana is involved.
You can go, Merlin.
I lost Guinevere once before.
You're not going to lose her.
You're not.
We will find her.
I swear.
We'll bring her home.
Good morning, my lady.
What do you want with me?
I thought we could
play a little game.
A game?
To find out just how
much Arthur loves you.
- It won't work.
- You underestimate his feelings.
- He's not stupid.
- We'll see.
He'll know you've taken me,
he'll know it's a trap.
He will,
but he'll still come.
She must've been knocked
from her mount by some force.
Here.
Tracks.
They were heading east.
Let's go.
Here.
Is it too good for you
now that you're queen?
I don't want anything
from you.
Just my crown.
Drink it,
you may need it.
Why?
I wouldn't be in such
a hurry to know.
It's getting too dark.
We'll keep heading east.
We've lost the trail.
Then we'll retrace the tracks.
Arthur.
I'll talk to him.
Sire? She can't be far.
- I know.
- But we have to work together.
We'll make camp,
I'll get a fire going.
In the morning we'll pick up
her trail again. Come on.
- Keep moving.
- Where are you taking me?
You'll find out.
What is this place?
Sleep well.
Morgana!
Elyan.
If I'd stayed with her..
You saved Percival,
you saved Leon.
But not my own sister.
We can all blame ourselves.
She raised me.
You wouldn't understand.
I do.
I don't know.. what I'd be
if it wasn't for her.
I can't explain.
You don't have to.
It's all right.
The tower..
It's a dream.
Everything in its shadow was dead.
And the sound,
it was like children screaming.
And the rain that fell
was like blood.
I had the same dream.
I was lost in a forest
and the trees had claws
and when I finally escaped
there was a plain.
Empty as far as the eye
could see, except..
Rising into the sky
was a black pillar of stone.
A tower so dark,
it could swallow the sun.
The Dark Tower.
It's a place where every young
knight is taught to dread,
and rightly so.
- It's where many have met their end.
- I've never heard of it.
With good reason. It's said that
the mere mention of it
can bring doom to any
of those who hear it.
Well, let's not
mention it again.
I was having a dream about eating
a cheese that tasted of apple pie.
Anyone else have that dream?
You're all missing out.
Why would they both
have that dream?
The poison. It must still be
coursing through their veins.
But the same dream?
Arthur, Morgana
conjured those snakes.
Leon and Percival would be dead
if that was what she wanted.
So what are you saying?
She planted those visions
in their minds. It's a trap.
She's luring you to your doom.
The Tower.
That's where she's
taken Guinevere.
I've decided to journey
to the Dark Tower.
It's my belief that Guinevere
has been imprisoned there.
I don't know what horrors
will be waiting,
- so I'll travel alone.
- No.
I'm sorry,
I've made my decision.
You can't stop me, Arthur.
She's my sister.
- Nor me, Arthur, she's our queen.
- And our friend.
She's a maiden in a tower.
A damsel in distress.
I was born for this moment.
You can turn back, Merlin.
I made you a promise,
remember.
The Dark Tower.
- How do we get to it?
- Through the Impenetrable Forest.
But it's..
impenetrable.
- Exactly. - We can't possibly
get through that.
We must.
Keep going.
Elyan?
It was blunt anyway.
Don't stop!
We've lost the path.
Then we'll keep heading north.
How do we know which way is north?
The ivy.
The pale leaves face south,
dark leaves face north.
We're on the right course.
We should reach the
tower by sundown.
We need to pick up the pace!
Gwen.
Merlin?
Raaargh!
Come, let us have
something to eat.
We should've made it
out of the forest by now.
Look!
What is it?
How can that be?
We have gone round in a circle.
we have wasted
an entire day!
Let's make camp for the night.
Get some rest and think
afresh in the morning.
I made you a promise.
Remember?
We will bring her home.
Eat. Here..
Food always makes
me feel better.
Would you prefer some chicken?
You must eat.
You're fading away.
I don't know what cruel
trick you're playing
but I will not be broken by you.
I thought this would be nice.
I know how lonely you must be,
all by yourself in that room.
At least you're not shackled..
and there's daylight.
You can move, you can see..
You expect me to be grateful?
I too have suffered, Gwen.
I spent two years
living in darkness.
Spent two years chained to a
wall at the bottom of a pit.
You did not know.
I would have sold my soul
for someone to show me
kindness such as this.
But if you want me to
take you back up there..
Welcome to my realm, Emrys.
Who are you?
Why, I am Queen Mab.
I am the spirit
of this place
and all the places that bring
despair to men's hearts.
Few have ever seen me, Emrys.
You should count yourself fortunate.
You.. everything in this forest..
it's bewildering.
The forest is but one
step on the journey.
How do we find a way out?
Oh, little one,
you should not have to ask.
Left is right and right is left.
And the way behind is the way ahead.
It is simple.
Simple..
You have a mind's eye, Emrys,
you must learn to trust in it.
For far greater
challenges lie ahead.
When we reach the Dark Tower?
If.
What do you mean?
You must beware, Emrys.
The Tower is not a real place.
It is the heart's rest,
the mind's deepest fear,
the stillness
in the hummingbird's eye.
Stop talking in riddles.
Then I shall talk in rhyme.
Heed my words with due concern,
for one of you will not return.
What do you mean?
Which one?
We need to find the clearing
where we saw the Dolorous Plains.
But which way is that? North.
Please. I know I can get us there.
I wouldn't do anything
to risk Gwen's life.
I can get us to the Dark Tower.
I am certain.
I know what Gwen means to you.
To all of us.
We need to head North.
- And which way is that, Merlin?
- That way.
No, it's..
..over there.
How on earth would you know that?!
Sense of smell.
When the wind is from the North,
you can smell the sea.
- That's ridiculous.
- Trust me. Just this once.
Arthur..
give him a chance.
What choice do we have?
Are you sure this is the right way,
Merlin?
Merlin, you're a genius!
Which way now?
How far do you think it is?
At least we can see
where we're going.
Let's not just stand
here looking at it.
I thought you might like
to dine with me.
Come, you must eat
or you'll fade away.
Your hands are cold.
I've got a warm fire going for you.
Anything you want, you can have.
I'll give it to you.
Why are you doing this?
Because we're friends,
we always were.
- Leave me alone.
- Gwen?
What are you trying
to do to me?
I'm helping you.
- I'm looking after you.
- I want nothing from you.
Well, if you change
your mind, let me know.
We can't afford to rest.
I'm all right.
Don't look.
You'll be all right.
Don't look.
You'll be all right.
Don't look.
Don't look.
You'll be all right.
Merlin!
We must keep moving.
Guinevere?
Oh! Arthur!
No.
I know it's not you.
I know it's not you.
I know it's not you.
I know it's not you.
Guinevere..
look at me.
I know it's not you.
Please.
I know it's not you.
It's me.
It's Arthur.
I know it's not you.
See?
It's me.
It's Arthur.
You're safe now.
It's all right.
It's all right.
I'm here.
I'm here.
My darling, I was wrong
to make you suffer.
The mandrake root is cruel.
It pierces the depths of your soul,
twisting your unconscious into
the very image of fear and dread.
Gwen, you've been so courageous,
but it was necessary.
Gwen, you're not alone now.
You need never be alone again.
I am the only one you can trust.
I am all you have
left in the world.
The others taunt you, hate you.
Come..
You need some rest,
some proper rest.
No!
Whatever twisted
game you're playing,
I want no part in it. I would
rather stay here and die.
Something's wrong.
It's too easy.
Are you ever happy?
Arthur!
Don't!
Aargh!
No-one move!
Stay exactly where you are.
What triggered it?
The flagstones.
They must react to pressure.
Here.
I'll use this.
I'll go first.
I'll push on.
No, Elyan!
None of us would even be
here if it wasn't for me.
I have to do this.
Elyan!
Gwen. Elyan..
What has she done
to you?
No.
Don't!
It will not let you pass.
Morgana has enchanted it
to protect me.
- You can't free me, Elyan.
Leave me here. Please. - No!
- You cannot overcome it.
It will fight to the death! - Argh!
Elyan! Go!
Save yourself!
- Gwen.
- Elyan..
I'm here.
I'm here.
I'm here.
For a moment..
..I didn't think
I was going to win.
Father would be
proud of you.
And of you.
So proud.
'I was warned one of
us would not return.'
It's not your fault,
Merlin.
Elyan is dead.
The sword that Elyan fell prey to
was surely intended for Arthur.
Now he's safe
and so is Gwen.
How is it?
Arthur thinks he's won.
He has no idea.
Do you understand now
who you can trust?
It is you, Morgana.
It has only ever been you.
You're not one of them
and you never will be.
You don't know how
much I hate them.
All of them.
You've done well to see past
the lies to the real truth.
You've an important part
to play in the future.
Together we will ensure
the destruction
of everything Arthur holds dear.
'Have you noticed anything
about Gwen of late?'
Arthur!
Subtitle by
Light_Arm