“GWAINE” Airs Friday, February 4 at 10:00 PM on Syfy
MERLIN returns from its one-week hiatus with a swashbuckling episode of revenge, deceit and the strength of new friendships as a future Knight of the Round Table is introduced in “Gwaine,” an all-new episode premiering Friday, February 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on Syfy.
In the episode, Merlin and Arthur find themselves vastly outnumbered in a tavern brawl when an enigmatic man helps them to victory. The stranger risks his life to protect the Prince, but is seriously wounded in the process. Arthur takes him back to Camelot, where he quickly heals and sets about drinking, charming the ladies, and causing trouble for Merlin … and earning a banishment by King Uther.
But when what appears to be, two unscrupulous Knights try to kill the Prince, can Merlin and the inscrutable stranger stop them before it’s too late?
Gwaine is portrayed by Eoin Macken, an Irish actor who made his initial fame as a male model, including as the featured face of Abercrombie & Fitch in 2003. He continues to grow in popularity through his roles in film and television, and has branched into directing with a pair of featured films – Christian Blake and Dreaming For You – which have gained notoriety on the film festival circuit.
As Gwaine, Macken walks a thin line between upholding chivalry and honor while being the mischievous bad boy of Camelot, the latter including pub fights and flirtatious conversations with Gwen (Angel Coulby), who has a budding relationship with Arthur. Coulby didn’t seem to mind playing her scenes opposite Macken.
“Everybody knew of his modeling – because somebody put up a picture of him in the production office for all of us to see,” Coulby says with a snicker. “I think a little flirtation for Gwen is good – it keeps Arthur on his toes. And Eoin is really easy and fun to work with, and very professional. I enjoyed the scenes we have together.”
Gwaine is a recurring character during Season Three of MERLIN.