With many drama series, missing a significant number of episodes can be disastrous. Merlin, by contrast, is not one of those programs that is big on quick-fire, game-changing plot, which meant I had no problem, after failing to catch much of last series, re-entering the world of Camelot by watching ‘Arthur’s Bane’, the first episode of Merlin Series 5 (yes, there have been that many).

There was much afoot in this episode. A cinematic slow-motion fight scene in a woods stood out as being a bit fancy. King Uther has died and Arthur Pendragon is, finally, King of Camelot, marking an actual development in the plot. Morgana, once an ambivalent, interesting character, now lurks in a far-away lair and seems to have become little more than a two-dimensional plot necessity; a required evil enemy, but not one we can really engage with.

Innovations aside, much was of the usual formula. In fact there are so many elements that recur week in, week out, that it’s tempting to just draw up a checklist, of which I provide here but a taste. Firstly, there is the homoerotic tension between Arthur and Merlin, thus far not explicitly acknowledged by either character himself, despite being hilariously obvious to us viewers. Cue a nod to this beautiful bromance in ‘Arthur’s Bane’ when, huddled up together against the cold night, the two try to discuss Merlin’s feelings.

Second, the token shot of a naked male torso or a heaving female bosom squished into a tight, low-cut dress. ‘Arthur’s Bane’ featured both: some beefed-up manual labourers, Morgana’s prisoners, and Gwen, who wore revealing enough dresses as a servant, but now, as queen, can go all out. Literally.

Third, the way in which obvious revelations are portrayed as being completely unexpected. ‘Arthur’s Bane’ had a classic, prompted by a prophetic vision in which Merlin witnesses a man slaying Arthur. This obviously had to be the (now grown-up) Mordred of Series 1, who was set up back then as a future threat. Apparently, though, we could not deduce this ourselves and his identity was revealed at the end as if it would be a surprise.

These characteristics are for some unforgivable flaws that make Merlin unwatchable, but really this is a fun show that one shouldn’t take entirely seriously. Part of the entertainment value comes from the obvious nature of these flaws. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.