James Callis, who is remembered for playing the traitorous Gaius Baltar on ‘Battlestar Galactica,’ is returning to the SyFy channel on January 27, 2012 in ‘Merlin.’ The actor will portray Julius Borden on the episode, titled ‘Aithusa,’ which will air 10 pm ET/PT.

Julius, who was once the student of ‘Merlin’s court physician Gaius, left Camelot during the Great Purge. In the darkness, he returns to Camelot, looking for the third part of the Triskelion, an object that will lead to the last dragon egg’s location. Merlin offers to help Julius, despite the warning from Gaius, as he hopes it will fulfill his obligation as the Last Dragonlord to ensure the survival of the species. The task turns deadly when Merlin realizes why Julius wants the egg.

The Great Dragon, Kilgharrah, voiced by John Hurt, figured prominently in the first season of ‘Merlin.’ However, in the last two seasons, he has primarily given advice to the title character. But Colin Morgan, who plays Merlin, has said his character has shown his independence from the Dragon, and the two have grown apart, since the Dragon’s motives have become unclear.

But the two are always linked, Morgan has said, because “As Dragonlord, Merlin can always command the Dragon, which is a great quality. What’s going to be interesting to see is if Arthur ever meets the Dragon-what his reaction would be.”

However, in ‘Aithusa,’ the Great Dragon doesn’t meet Arthur. But he will meet a new character on the episode, whose identity will be revealed, and his or her role in Camelot, during the episode.

Written by: Karen Benardello