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The ideal season finale provides enough closure while dangling enough threads for future seasons.
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin surprised many fans with how exciting the series turned out to be, and how beautifully impressive the cinematography was
The faith-based fantasy series had many goals, including highlighting a different version of the Arthurian Legend and focusing on Merlin’s ancestry and backstory.
It did a fantastic job of that, weaving in how he counseled Aurelius and Uther, and how it wasn’t so much about who became the High King, but when.
I loved the relationship between the brothers, and appreciated the way The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin Season 1 ended – with them battling over the same woman.
Would that rivalry be the downfall of Britain, or would someone new retrieve the infamous sword from the stone?
That Cliffhanger Tested the Brotherhood and Loyalty at the Core of The Pendragon Cycle
Aurelius and Uther’s brotherhood was one of my favorite parts of the series.
They were deeply loyal to each other, but there was still some underlying resentment and competitiveness.
Uther evolved the most. He had no use for Merlin or Peleas near the beginning, but admitted they were useful to winning the war and helping Aurelius become king.
He treated them both like friends by the end, even shaking Merlin’s hand.
It foretold so much that Uther sacrificed everything, yet he didn’t get any of the glory. He had to return the sword, and he didn’t even get the girl he wanted.
Gorlas never approved of Uther for his daughter, Igerna, and instead introduced her to Aurielius. We all know that love triangles among brothers often end in bloodshed.
That’s without saving a kingdom and other tempers flaring. It must have been detrimental since Merlin envisioned that argument years ago.
That’s why he trapped the sword to eliminate more bloodshed.
The Pendragon Cycle Excelled at Character Arcs, and We Want More of That.
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin highlighted the mistakes of all the characters, though it focused mainly on Merlin’s.
It showed Merlin’s struggles and how he didn’t want to leave Hell because he’d have to continue without Ganieda. It didn’t lessen his faith, but showed him at war with himself, something many people deal with.
Like his father, Taliesin, Merlin had the power to inspire others through song and speeches. We witnessed that in the finale, and hopefully, he’ll continue to serve as the king’s advisor.
Morgian (Emree Franklin) and Charis (Rose Reid) were polar opposites and lacked the warmth that Aurelius and Uther had in their relationship.
Morgian craved the love and admiration that Charis received from their family and from Taliesin, and when she couldn’t get that, she went on the warpath, seeking ultimate power again.
There was something utterly heartbreaking that Morgian would sacrifice her beloved foal at the beginning of the series and her youngest child in the finale so she could rule the Summerlands.
I suspect Morgian isn’t finished yet, and I’m anxious about what she’ll do next now that she can’t control her stepson Lot or her nephew Merlin any longer.
Every adaptation of Merlin needs a version of Morgana or Morgian, and hers was so layered that I couldn’t help fearing her and pitying her at the same time.
The Pendragon Cycle Is Arthur’s Story, but We Haven’t Even Met Him Yet
Ultimately, The Pendragon Cycle is Arthur’s story, but there were seven novels in Stephen R. Lawhead’s series.
The first two introduced fans to Taliesin and Charis’s story and then to Merlin, Aurelius, and Uther’s arc, the three men who will shape Arthur’s life.
If the series gets renewed, we should learn not only what happens between the brothers but also begin Arthur’s story.
This one will differ from the BBC adaptation, since Merlin is years older than Arthur and acts more as an advisor, training him to become a noble king.
If the legend follows, Arthur could be the one to pull the sword out, and we long to see him become a hero.
Do You Want More Seasons of The Pendragon Cycle?
If The Pendragon Cycle ends here, Arthurian legend fans won’t get to see how Arthur grows up in this version.
Arthur and Merlin’s relationship has always been a favorite of mine, so I’m eager to see Arthur’s story develop, as well as see Merlin’s friendship with Aurelius and Uther continue to grow.
All three men have had such different viewpoints on life, but they were all needed to save Britain, and they’ll need prayer, loyalty, and brotherhood to keep everyone united.
Do you want more seasons of The Pendragon Cycle to see who ultimately becomes king, wins Ygerna’s hand in marriage, and witnesses the beginning of Arthur’s training?
Let us know in the comments below which part of Stephen R. Lawhead’s books you want to see in future seasons, or any other ideas you have.
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After that massive cliffhanger, we need more seasons of The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin to learn Arthur’s story.
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On The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin Season 1 finale, a High King was declared but darkness loomed. Our review!
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Merlin must make his hardest decision yet on The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin finale. Will he return to the dark side?
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