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This article may contain spoilers.

Delving deeper into the Arthurian lore, this week introduced the mystical sword Excalibur, which was created to defeat the Black Knight brought back from the dead by the dark sorceress Nimeuh.

As the newly appointed Crown Prince, Arthur threw down the gauntlet to avenge his fellow knights' deaths. Yet his stubborn adherence to the Knight's Code was in vain. For a battle of mortal combat against the Black Knight is suicidal as he cannot be killed. The Black Knight is a wraith and it can only be destroyed by magic. Thus, Merlin came up with a brilliant plan to have a sword forged in dragon's breath in order to save Arthur. However, in a sudden fit of courage and out of love for his son, Uther usurped this cleverly-conceived plan and fought in Arthur's place.

It was an episode recalling, yet again, that the sins of the father will haunt him for eternity and we finally found out the root of Uther's hatred of magic. In appealing to Nimeuh to bless his barren wife with a son, Nimeuh had failed to mention that in order to create a new life, another life must be sacrificed -- and as a result, Uther's wife died in childbirth.

As Uther finally acknowledged to Gaius, "you knew that this business would one day come back to haunt me." (Though Gauis was quick to retort, "not literally!") Yet this was the fate Uther must face. To pay for his sins of hunting down and killing anyone born with magic, he would one day pay a price for that blood-lust. There would have to sacrifice: himself or his son. It is only through Merlin's plea to the Dragon to forge a sword strong enough to kill the undead, that Uther was ultimately victorious. Yet given the Dragon's rage upon hearing that Uther had wielded Excalibur against his express warnings, it will remain to be seen if Uther will continue to live unscathed for his decision to take Arthur's place in destiny.

Another loose-end will be to see if Merlin successfully hid Excalibur where no mortal man will find it. For if one does, other than Arthur, what dire consequences will that have as well?

What Worked

The episode was flawless from start to finish: the sword fights were engaging with real life consequences; Arthur and Uther's noble attempts to dissuade others from fighting their own-chosen battles were well-reasoned and believable; Gaius did not argue relentlessly with Merlin about being careful about using his magic; and Merlin did not do anything overly risky to expose himself.

I also especially enjoyed the light-hearted exchange between Merlin and Gwen when he came to get a sword for Arthur. When Gwen opens the door to find Merlin standing there, he hurriedly says: "I've come to ask for a favor" and Gwen looking puzzled says, "yes?" To which Merlin mumbles, "but I don't know how to ask it." Gwen wishing to encourage him then said, "Ask Merlin. You know I'd grant you anything" and when Merlin looks at her incredulously, she hastily amends her offer with, "well, obviously not anything!" It was an adorable moment in the midst of a very tense episode. It reminded us again of the slow blooming romance of two young people with star-crossed destinies.

It was also refreshing to see that Uther had taken notice of Merlin's steadfast loyalty to Arthur and appreciated it. For he knew that if he were to die that day under the Black Knight's sword, Arthur would need a good friend. To accept that Merlin and Arthur are friends -- even if seemed so inconceivable -- was thoughtful and generous.

What Didn't Work

Uther's foolish pride getting in the way of telling Arthur the circumstances of his birth. This will undoubtedly lead to future resentment and conflict between them.

Additionally, as much as Uther abhors the use of magic and those who are instilled with it, magic has time and time again save he, his son and his entire kingdom. It seems ludicrous that he does not acknowledge it and turns such a blind eye to it.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Excalibur" was written by Julian Jones and directed by Jeremy Webb. “Merlin" stars Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Richard Wilson and Anthony Head. "Merlin" airs Sundays on NBC.