Also need a few hugs after dealing with the finale, guys.

Did anyone else feel that the ending was a bit underwhelming, not because of the glaringly obvious, but because it seemed... rushed and there was a slight disconnect between the first part of the finale and the last episode?

It seemed like Merlin was in a hurry to reveal his true identity to Arthur, completely in contrast with previous episodes when there were ample chances, but he kept mum. Arthur had a span of 45 minutes to come to terms with this, so there was very little discussion and obviously no more adventures they could've had together.

Also, a plot point that needed to be better handled: Merlin only thought of Kilgharrah for the last three kilometres to reach the Lake of Avalon. 😭

I understand as the the makers of the show reasoned that Arthur had to die so they could remain as close to the original legend as possible, but what did his death achieve? There are so many things that the audience simply doesn't know: was Albion formed? Was the ban against magic lifted? Did Merlin ever return to Camelot? For a show where one of the main aims of the protagonist was to make sorcery legal, it was an important point to resolve at the end.

For archenemies whose enmity was one of the focal points of the show, Merlin killing Morgana and Mordred stabbing Arthur were both underwhelming and done within seconds. So much of build-up for an anticlimactic ending.

Also, I don't know how to interpret the last scene. It's been years and years and you see a frail, old Merlin walking on the street with Avalon in the background. His destiny was to protect Arthur, be by his side and he's still waiting for him to rise, but could he have given up hope and be wandering around instead?