'Merlin' ending, spectacular series finale promised

Merlin

The creators of Syfy’s Merlin have announced the fantasy drama will end after the fifth season. Speaking on behalf of the show’s BBC production, which is carried stateside by Syfy, the producers and cast say the show will have a “natural and dramatic end.”

“This is the [season] where the storylines truly reach their apex,” say creators Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy. “We always felt the story of the legend was best told across five series, leading to a spectacular finale that draws on the best known elements of this much-loved story and brings to a conclusion the battle for Camelot.”

Added Colin Morgan, who plays Merlin: “From the beginning this was always going to be a five year journey that we embarked on and I think the show has run its natural course. The show has grown and grown each year and now we’ve arrived at its strongest point and we’ve achieved what we set out to do… I know this is the end, and I know this is goodbye, but thank you for being there on the journey with us because it has been a lot of fun!”

And here’s Katie McGarth, who plays Morgana: “I have always said the success of the show has stemmed from our audience being able to relate to the characters on different levels — being based on the universally loved Arthurian legend is only a tiny part of its success — it’s a story about acceptance and growing up. The breathtaking finale of this series leaves you with no doubt that characters have been on their journeys and had their stories told – it’s completely the right time to draw our telling of the story to a close.”

Here’s some official description of the fifth season. The show returns to Syfy on Jan. 4: “[Season] five opened to a Camelot at the height of its ‘golden age’, but a menacing omen overshadows Arthur’s future and unknown threats emerge from within the castle walls. Now everything Merlin has tried to protect is in danger. Albion’s dark trial has begun and the final battle has been joined, but who will survive?”

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