The Magic Sword

Sir Bernard is an inept and cowardly knight who has come to King Arthur's court for some fighting skills. However he is regarded as a figure of fun.

Sir Bernard wants to rescue his maiden. She has been captured by three brothers, one of whom wishes to marry her.

Merlin decides to boost Sir Bernard's confidence. Merlin gives him Lancelot's sword and tells him that it is magical and he cannot be beaten.

Merlin and Sir Lancelot are shocked that not only Sir Bernard believes it. He goes on to challenge all comers and beats them.

Both follow him before he gets into serious trouble. This happens when Sir Bernard carelessly discards his sword and the enemy snatches it. Lancelot tells him that he always had the power of combat within him.

A lighthearted adventure which sees Bernard becoming a tiger. Of course the plot needs to turn when he needlessly discards his sword in order to kiss the rescued maiden.

By the way. In my opinion Micheal Caine is nowhere to be seen in this episode although Derren Nesbitt makes another appearance.

The ending inadvertently creates its own legend of the lady in the lake.

Sir Bernard attends Knight's training at Camelot in order to toughen himself up, and rescue his beloved Lydia, who's in the hands of a group of warring brothers.

The Knight's training camp, I'm not sure it was the most convincing or terrifying setup, I've seen cream cakes ordered with more authority.

I shouldn't be too harsh, a series intended for youngsters from way back when, it's amiable enough, a good old fashioned adventure, a story of a wolf in sheep's clothing.

I like that Sir Lancelot isn't the hero of every single episode, he's arguably second fiddle to Sir Bernard here, the way the pair duel and chuckle with one another is hilarious, worthy of a Carry on film.

Not too sure I bought Sir Bernard's love for Lydia, don't think anyone was fooled.

I loved the way Merlon recounted the tale of The Lady in The Lake to Bernard, Cyril Smith's oration was fantastic, and the closing sequences were a nice touch.

6/10.