Country of origin United Kingdom Original network BBC | No. of episodes 13 | |
Original release 1 October (2011-10-01) – 24 December 2011 (2011-12-24) | ||
The fourth series of the British drama series Merlin began on 1 October 2011 with the episode "The Darkest Hour - Part 1". It consists of 13 episodes originally shown on Saturday evenings on BBC One and BBC One HD (repeats shown on BBC Three). The series producer was Sara Hamill, and executive producers were Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy. The directors of the series include Alice Troughton, Alex Pillai, Justin Molotnikov and Jeremy Webb. Writers include Julian Jones (head writer), Howard Overman, Jake Michie, Lucy Watkins, and Richard McBrien.
Contents
Series four stars the regular cast from the previous series including Colin Morgan, Angel Coulby, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, and Richard Wilson. Credited as a regular, Anthony Head left the series after his character was killed off in "The Wicked Day". Nathaniel Parker joined the regular cast in this series (credited as such for the first time in "Aithusa") and John Hurt returned as the voice of the Great Dragon. Supporting cast members include Adetomiwa Edun, Eoin Macken, Tom Hopper, and Rupert Young.
Notable guest actors include Santiago Cabrera, Emilia Fox, Gemma Jones, Phil Davis, James Callis, Lindsay Duncan, Gary Lewis, Charlene McKenna, Janet Montgomery, Terence Maynard, Ben Daniels, Miranda Raison and Caroline Faber.
Plot
It's been a year since Morgana turned against Camelot and went on the run with a dying Morgause, and things have changed in the kingdom. Arthur is now acting as king, assisted by his uncle Agravaine, whilst King Uther is a lost soul, broken by his daughter's betrayal.
Merlin, Guinevere and Gaius continue to act as Arthur's ever faithful servants, but with another traitor now living in the heart of the castle, it seems each of them must prove their loyalty like never before. A dark cloud has been cast over Camelot and as Uther Pendragon breathes his last breath, tight nets close around Arthur. The kingdom's darkest hour has arrived, and to survive, Arthur and Merlin must put their trust in each other completely as the line between allies and adversaries is tested to the limit.
Cast
The full list of cast members is as follows:
Main Cast
Recurring
Guest star
Production
The production of a fourth series of Merlin was confirmed on 25 October 2010. Anthony Head confirmed that the show will air in September 2011. Series 4 will consist of 13 episodes. Colin Morgan said episodes would no longer be as stand-alone, "Each episode takes a progression as a piece of a jigsaw that has to be completed. There's no reverse going on." Due to the popularity of the show, Merlin has been renewed for a fifth series.
Casting
Three days before the series finale Julian Jones the series creator stated that Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Anthony Head, and Richard Wilson are all contracted for multiple season and they would return as series regulars. John Hurt who narrated the show and plays the voice of the great dragon would also be upgraded back into a series regular after having a recurring role in season two. On 19 August 2011 Phil Davis was cast as the Gleeman. Nathaniel Parker and Charlene McKenna would also join the casting playing Agravaine and Lamia. James Callis joined that casting for the fourth episode as Julius Borden. Gemma Jones will play Cailleach the gatekeeper to the spirit world. Lindsay Duncan will appear in one episode playing the Queen of Annis. Steven Hartley also joined the casting as King Caerleon. Rupert Young will also return. Tom Hopper and Adetomiwa Edun confirmed that they will also return on their roles.