Camelot (2011) - Episode 1.5

"Justice"

Up to this point Camelot has seemingly been on a one way train to nowhere, quite stale, stiff and mired in it's own muck of cardboard characters and standard story-lines.  But Episode 5 (Justice) might possibly be the spark that's lights the catalyst and turns Camelot into something worth watching again.

With Merlin hidden away in the depths of Camelot, sulking over his encounter with Excalibur in the previous episode Arthur finds himself in a position to finally make some decisions for himself and possibly grow as a King.  While making his way back to Camelot with his party he stumbles upon a man about to be hanged for murder, in the nick of time Arthur saves his life and demands that all parties involved convene at Camelot that a proper hearing might be provided for the accused and the true reason behind the attack might be revealed.  The result is Arthur being made aware of some despicable acts that are being encouraged among his kingdom and an opportunity for him to begin to act as King.

Meanwhile Morgan continues to plot her takeover of Arthur's throne, but comes to the realization through the wisdom of her new house guest, the nun named Sybil who raised her for many years, that she has to think further ahead.  What Morgan needs to do first is gather the people on her side, prove to them that she cares and feels their pain, make them believe that her brother, Arthur, has no time for them.  If she can get the people on her side, it will make claiming the crown that much easier to obtain and retain, and Sybil is willing to do anything to assist Morgan in doing that.

After the rather choppy and misconstrued Lady of the Lake, followed by a one week hiatus I must say I wasn't too eager to sit down and watch another episode of a series that simply didn't appear to be moving in any direction.  But at the official half way point of the season Camelot has proven it has something to offer.  Not only do we finally move beyond the clouded veil of mystery surrounding Morgan as she begins to enact a realistic form of attack, but Arthur appears to be growing a pair and stepping into the role of King.  Justice also avails the series to finally spice up things a bit by throwing in some action, which has been sorely lacking, and a few surprises such as Sybil's plan to unite the people to Morgan and even the reason behind murder Arthur was preceding over.  All in all Justice is an extreme improvement over the prior episode and undoubtedly the best episode of the series thus far, hopefully this signals the series is finally beginning to rev things up and that the remainder of the season will be fast paced and exciting.

8/10