Pendragon Cycle: Ganieda

This will be a tough episode for Merlin, but it helps explain how he became the magical man viewers now know. It also formally introduces us to the woman whose visions he often sees, even though we could easily guess her general significance. This will be her episode, as viewers should deduce from the title, “Ganieda,” the sixth installment of creator Jeremy Boreing’s Pendragon Cycle: The Rise of Merlin (based on Stephen R. Lawhead’s novels) which premieres today on Daily Wire+.

This is indeed the flashback story of when Merlin met Ganieda. Over the course of their courtship, Merlin became her people’s protector and heir apparent. Indeed, when Merlin foils a sneak attack on the castle-keep, her father, King Custennin’s gratitude moves him to appoint the Christian druid his successor. However, we also learn why Custennin is understandably less than thrilled to see Merlin in the previous episode.

Although there are magical and mystical elements throughout the series, episode six might be the most “fantasy”-like yet. It also might feature the most brutal hack-and-slash action thus far. Some viewers might be surprised to find Merlin in the thick of it—perhaps because years of Dungeons & Dragons has conditioned us to expect vastly different roles and weaponry for wizards versus warriors. However, Merlin reaches a point where he will wield anything with a sharp edge or a pointy end with lethal intent. Consequently, the action makes a strong impression, worthy of some of the series’ bigger budgeted grimdark competitors.

Ironically, this episode also stands alone relatively easily. Tom Sharp and Brett Cooper develop some potently bittersweet chemistry as Merlin and Ganieda, while Steve Varnom nicely compliments their tragic love story with his commanding authority as Custennin. Again, Rose Reid’s Charis is absent, but her presence is still felt as the writer for this episode.

This is an impressively produced episode that explains a great deal. However, it only leaves one more installment for Merlin to unify Britain against the Saxons and consolidate the Pendragon claim to the throne, so that Arthur my eventually assume the mantle of High King. Presumably, episode seven will be a long one. Recommended for fans 9and also as a late season entry point), “Ganieda” starts streaming today (2/19) on Daily Wire+.