BBC's Merlin featured one of the best versions of Arthur Pendragon thanks to the electrifying performances of Bradley James and Colin Morgan. Instead of going for a typical medieval-style Arthur, BBC's Merlin went for a modernized king who was more humane and democratic with a sense of humor that humanized him more than other screen versions of the legendary king.
When Uther insisted on Arthur marrying from a royal family and only knighting nobles, Arthur went against all the rules in his bid to create a modernized version of Camelot. His failure to recognize Merlin's magical powers made him look a little dumb. His partnership with the young warlock made a powerful team that endeared him to the show's fan base though and many expressed their love for him in memes.
Trusting Agravain
Arthur was gullible to fall for his uncle's cheap tricks when everyone could see that all he wanted was the throne. Agravain was Arthur's uncle, so it was wise to accept him into Camelot, but he should have been smart enough to doubt his intentions when he showed up after staying away for all those years. His sudden arrival and interest in all matters related to Camelot's security after Morgana disappeared was enough warning for Arthur.
Arthur chose to trust him and make him his trusted adviser, giving him the keys to Camelot itself which was not wise of him. When Merlin and the rest of Arthur's friends warned him against Agravain's frequent trips out of Camelot, Arthur simply ignored them. Everyone that had sacrificed so much to save Arthur and Camelot could see that Agravain was up to no good except Arthur, and it ended up costing many lives.
The Uncertainty Of His Relationship With Guinevere
Arthur and Guinevere made a power couple for a few episodes after they were married, but something always seemed to be in the way of their happy marriage. The uncertainty of their relationship was actually obvious from the first season of the show. First, Arthur's father made it clear that he couldn't be with a woman that wasn't a noble.
Then came Lancelot who fell in love with her. Following this, Morgana proceeded to bring Lancelot from the dead right after Guinevere and Arthur got engaged. As soon as Guinevere and Arthur had one happy moment, it would be followed by a long span of misfortunes that threatened to keep them apart.
Taking Credit For Merlin's Efforts
Arthur was an honorable man, but he never seemed to realize when things went too well even for him. When he attacked a magical creature that shattered all swords and spears and somehow, his sword killed it, he took all the credit without asking how he was able to do it.
He did the same with the other mysterious threats that suddenly disappeared when he and Merlin showed up. He never gave Merlin the credit even for the non-magical help he gave him when they were in danger. Whenever Arthur gave credit for bravery, he would name the knights and everyone else but Merlin.
The Unfulfilled Prophecy
From the start of the show, The Dragon told Merlin that he and Arthur would unite the land of Albion and foster an era of great prosperity. The show never made it clear what exactly the land of Albion meant and Arthur never lived long enough to create the era that the dragon prophesied.
Prosperity was supposed to come after Uther's death, but Arthur spent his time on the throne fighting threats to his kingdom. If anything, Arthur's rule was a lot more perilous for the people of Camelot than that of Uther. Arthur's death was premature, but for the show's sake, he should have at least brought peace, even for the Druids.
His Bromance With Merlin
Despite treating Merlin as a useless servant, Arthur actually cared about Merlin. He was even concerned when he noticed that Merlin hadn't smiled for three days. Merlin, on the other hand, had an admiration for Arthur even before he became his manservant and understood him better than most of the people in Camelot.
When Arthur needed someone to help him create the perfect romantic message for Guinevere, Merlin was the only person who could do it. Their bond was stronger than a regular working relationship and the two created a chemistry that made it seem as if they were brothers, resulting in many great moments between Merlin and Arthur in the series.
Failing To Notice Merlin's Magic
When The Witchfinder accused Merlin of having magic, Arthur laughed it off and defended the sorcerer in front of his father. The funny part was that Merlin was with him when he used magic and created the horse using smoke.
Arthur didn't seem to realize any relationship between Merlin's presence and unexplained events. Merlin even used the aging spell in the forest while he was with Arthur looking for a sorcerer and Arthur somehow never wondered why the old sorcerer only appeared after Merlin disappeared. Arthur's failure to realize that Merlin had magic for all those years effectively made him the least observant person.
His Reaction To Uther's Heavy Handedness
Although he was one of the most powerful characters in Merlin, Uther was as terrible a king as he was a father, which meant that Arthur suffered twice as much as the rest of Camelot. Uther was heavy-handed towards his son and often shouted at him and dismissed him without offering a listening ear. Uther shouted at Arthur when he said he wanted to marry Guinevere and even threatened to banish her.
He also continued to burn innocent people despite Arthur and Morgana's protests, which went against everything a good father should do. While the lack of parental love turned Morgana into a monster, it taught Arthur how to be a better human being than his father.
His Stubbornness
Merlin knew that Lady Catrina was really a troll, but when he warned Arthur before she got married to Uther, Arthur didn't believe him. Arthur also dismissed Merlin and Gaius when they warned him against knighting Modred because they knew that he worked for Morgana, but he chose to ignore their advice.
He ended up paying dearly every time he ignored warnings, but he never seemed to learn. Despite claiming to care so much about those around him, Arthur seemed to hold the words of those that loved him with so little weight until he could see something for himself, as this amusing meme shows.
His Reliability
Despite his stubbornness and arrogance, Arthur was still one of the best and most likable characters in Merlin. His resolve to do the right thing at all times caused him to make big sacrifices for the people he loved. He put his life on the line to save Guinevere against his father's wishes.
He also offered to drink poisoned wine as he was ready to die in place of Merlin in front of fellow nobles. Kind and brave are the best words to describe the many sacrifices he took for the sake of the people he loved.
His Low Regard For Merlin
Even without his magical powers, Merlin was smart enough to save Arthur from different threats. He was always the one that sensed something dangerous in the kingdom and always warned Arthur when he was in danger. Arthur on the other hand never saw Merlin as an intelligent person.
When Gaius proposed that Merlin go and asses the sick and bring findings about a plague to him, Arthur objected saying that Merlin couldn't find his own backside. Arthur actually punished Merlin for not doing his servant duties even after he had been away finding a solution for the Plague.
Source:gamerant.com