Merlin

Merlin is an interesting show. It is a FAR better show if you DON'T know the Aruthurian sagas. If you do you will go crazy with the mishmash of characters, and their failure to match the established descriptions.





If you can watch Merlin as simply a show - it is fun. It is a light show, with action, intrigue, love tangles and magical beasties.





For the most part, at the moment, it is a series rather than a soap opera. YOu DO NOT have to have seen all the shows to understand what is happening in THIS episode. Let's hope they keep it this way.





Don't expect any deep moral lessons from the show, but for good clean fun...give it a try.

This is an entertaining, mid-budget show with a bit of wooded humor. If you're a stickler for Arthurian lore, this isn't the show for you, as it takes great liberties to further it's own story. The format is pretty lackluster, with every episode predictably following the same format as the last. The liberal use of modern English lingo is a bit off-putting, in my opinion. The show could still be light and fun without its use. All in all, it's a worthwhile show to watch with plenty of action, enjoyable dialogue and very likable characters. Especially Katie McGrath, who plays Morgana. I predict she'll make the transition to American television in the very near future.

The show was very good except for the fact that tomatoes and eyeglasses were not in England till a few hundred years later. I know the show has magic but aside from the magic everything should be historical factual. Tomatoes did not reach Europe till after Mexico was conquered by the Spanish, tomatoes come from Central America. And as for eyeglasses, the first eyeglass company in England was not formed till 1629 ( and I found that date by doing a very simple search on the internet). If the people in the show need an researcher for historical fact I would loved to be hired. alabamldy

To be honest, after having seen "Robin Hood", I expected another soapy show with poor stories and poor performances (I admit though, that "Robin Hood" actually got better after a while), but I was completely mistaken! To start with, the cast of "Merlin" is just brilliant! Colin Morgan really makes you get very fond of his character, always fearing that his secret might be discovered. He's very friendly and some kind of cheerful, but he also makes you feel how much weight lasts on his shoulders and he's the best, when he shows how much Merlin is torn apart between his friendship and loyalty towards Arthur and his wish to show the world his real identity. Bradley James is not just a pretty face but a really good actor as well. At first sight, his Arthur is this really spoiled, arrogant brat, but at second sight, underneath this armour, you can see his kindness and -- again -- his loyalty for his friends and James manages to show both facets in a really great way. Richard Wilson's Gaius seems to be a really sweet old man, but you can tell, that he has had his fair share of problems and tragedies in his life as well and I still expect to see some very dark secrets from his past revealed. Every time I really hate Uther, there surely is something, that makes me think that he might not be too bad after all and Anthony Head does a great job, creating his character. The women in this show, Katie McGrath and Angel Coulby are not just pretty bystanders but great actresses who make strong and great characters come alive in a most amazing way. The special effects for the dragon are breathtaking, ... . I could go on forever talking about a cast that is just wonderful, down to the smallest role. The storylines are just great and provide a great mixture of adventure and suspense and really funny moments as well. "Merlin" really is a show I'd like to see go on for many, many season.

This show is so great, they should show the first season again at 4 o'clock on a saturday to get a following during the winter. Kinda like Baywatch & Gladiators back in the early to mid 90's oh and Knightrider! My brothers kids love it and I can't get enough especially this 2nd season the 8th episode was amazing as was "The Nightmare Begins".





If Robin Hood can scrape a 3rd season and this can't get at least 4, well then, that's just a crime and our lives become a little less entertained.





I think this show has yet to hit it's top form and the way it's headed so far is very interesting and the actors are starting to draw me in like great stage actors do, a bit off tunnel vision you might say.





Morgana is fantastic I think they need to do more screen time with her, but the actress can do no wrong! She is simply superb, her eyes are so captivating it's like she's actually living it. I don't know anything about the mythology of her character, so if anyone would care to enlighten me, do so. However I really think the actress could do a great villain if the story went that way but I think there is chemistry to be explored between Morgana and Merlin first that might set-up some life/destiny choices over a couple more seasons.





I've been feeling I'd like to see Uther gone but without him being there to be the complete spanner, where will the plot device come from? I would like to see this happen. Big thumbs up to the creators, cast & crew for a fantastically delightful series that really redefines a genre.

Beautiful show! It draws you in immediately and never disappoints, so far ;). Unique spin on the legend, but it works. Please, release the first season on DVD in the US, and also the second season on NBC, hopefully (fingers crossed). I'm also a big fan of the Middle Ages/Renaissance period as well, so that may have something to do with why I love the show. There's just something romantic about that time... The actors are really great too, all of them really, I feel like I know them personally because they all portray the character of their character (lol) so well. Keep it up! I look forward to many more seasons of Merlin!!! Definately worth a look for anyone whose a fan of fantasy or the Arthurian Legends!

Fro the set design to the costumes, the actors to the enviroment this show has an original story line that rounds out and fills in the blanks of the story of Camelot. In costuming the only issue I have come up with is when Morgana wears spike heeled shoes, I think it is hard to stay immersed in the era portrayed when I saw this. Other than that being an admittedly nutty fantasy and sci-fi geek I look forward to each episode. Merlin is a beautifuly mystic and romantic show that gives us a new a fresh look at Camelot. Thank you to all who take part in bringing this story to life.

A VERY loose take on the classic Arthurian legends. I'm really enjoying this show. It has drama, humour, and suspense, and is just plain fun! Anthony Head of Buffy fame really shines as King Uther. There are several times my blood ran cold when he portrayed a furious Uther. Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Angel Coulby and Katie McGrath have excellent chemistry from the very first episode. Russell T. Davies (writer of Dr. Who and Queer as Folk) has significant influence on the show. This is one of the first of the BBC's new 3-Generation shows - something you can watch with your parents and kids and have everyone enjoy it. No small feat! Also, the subtext is brilliant. (Think Xena and Gabrielle, if you don't know what I mean.) It has a highly active online community of very devoted fan writers which add to the fun of the show, even if the works aren't canon. The YouTube fan tribute videos are also great. Fans of the show should check them out.





Don't get too upset by the re-imagining of the Arthurian Legend. "The legend" is already an amalgamation of at least three major sources: folklore, Geoffrey of Monmouth, and Chretian de Troyes. For example, de Troyes added Lancelot to the legend. Why can't the BBC play with it?





A second season has been commissioned by the BBC so don't worry about it disappearing before you can come to like it. Highly recommended!

Merlin is a one-of-a-kind show. Sure, historical fiction has appeared a few times on the airwaves, but not like this. This is a story that portrays of the most legendary characters in all of fiction in a way that's never been done before. Merlin isn't some ancient old guy who protects a king, he's a young boy just learning magic who befriends a prince. It's like Harry Potter meets Camelot. Although it's based very, VERY loosely on the old Arthurian legends it has the same effect: a captivating, wonderful story about bravery and those who protect the ones they love. The characters may not be cutouts of their fantasy counterparts, but they're amazing nonetheless. Besides, if it was a clone of the books how much fun would that be? You'd already know how everything ended. That's pretty boring. This show is for everyone who wants to escape into medieval magic for an hour; and trust me, the second it starts that's just what you'll do.

A well written and beautifully photographed episode, which allowed us to start out the Arturian legend when the main characters - Arthur and Merlin - were teenagers.





Morgana's character, as the well-intentioned Ward of the King who worried about Arthur's safety, disappointed me because she came across flat throughout most of the episode.





Unfortunately, there was too big of a leap in the storyline from Merlin, the bumbling servant-friend of Arthur to Merlin, the rune-speaking-sorcerer who saved Arthur's life.





Nonetheless, I can hardly wait until next Sunday for the next episode! The action moved quickly and was pretty intense of this type of television show. This is definitely a WINNER for those of us who love Camelot.

When I first say the title, I thought it would be another story telling of a merlin who would be old and wise. Side by side with the great and righteous king Arthur. But to my surprise this was a refreshing look on the whole Arthur and Merlin story.





The show has a mixture of hidden romances, comedy, action en it sucks you right in. When I saw an episode, I couldn't wait for the next one. Not that the story ended with an open end, but just because it's great fun to watch.





With this show I really hope they can take the effort to produce a few more seasons. It really is that good.





I've finished season 1 and I'm really looking foward to the next season.

This show, although with pretty bad CGI, has a pretty good story. Yeah, the writing isn't spot on nor are the facts following history, but eh... it's fantasy. And the actors they chose are brilliant... my favourite being Bradley James as Arthur. The show has a certain air about it, that each week I can't wait to see what they do with Arthur and Gaius and Camelot.





This show also has an element that would draw me in EVERY time... Medieval times! The sword fights and kings and princes, ladies for court, and great battles (although in this case magical) is my favourite type of story.





So, to sum it all up... Merlin is in my top favourites!

Merlin is definately the best tv show I have watched all year. Moving away to university I now have very little time to watch tv anymore, except for Merlin. This is the one that show that I will go out of my watch, and rewatch. I am fascinated with the plot of Merlins magic and how it is kept secret from the kingdom. However this is not main story line i am interested in. I am most interested in Uther's past and what Gaius has done in the past back when magic was prevelent. I believe it creates a great story with more than just plot. The rawness of the show is a great relief from the usual hollywood drama that I can't stand to watch. This is a must watch show and becomes addictive after watching two or three episodes.

Spoiler Alert-Possibility. No mentions of anything specific from episodes but just general character reactions based on what happened. You have been warned :)





Who doesn't love magic? I know I do :). I discovered this show my accident through youtube and decided to check it out. I fell in love with the first episode because it was had humor, magic, kings and princes and a lot of other things. I love the chemistry between the whole cast their portray of their characters. I especially love Merlin (Colin Morgan)he is just so adorable! I like how he stands up to Arthur, yet at the same time he is not being disrespectful to him. And Arthur (Bradley James) is so great in his role. He's got that arrogance to him and yet at the same time he will do anything necessary for his friends. Overall the show is really great, the plot is solid, each episode has the whole adventure/humor/action theme going on and it's just awesome!

Though not accurate to commonly accepted accounts of their story. It is a very interesting twist.





I'm personally enjoying the show. Though it is what I expected and the dialogue hasn't gotten all that fabulous (something I find BBC shows do very well), the character development is there. I can see where Merlin & Arthur can become friends. He has already shown that he has little regard to Arthur's status as the king's son. (Having called him an idiot many times already in just the first episode). I'm curious as to how the show will go forward. Whether it will drag out their relationship and the dystany that is Arthur or not. And just how far into their story will it go? Will it go until Arthur dies or just when he becomes the Once and Future King?





I'm going to be staying tuned to see where all of this goes.


Plus they've added some interesting side stories that I'll look forward to. Gwen & Merlin... hmmmm

I was really very pleasantly surprised as Merlin began airing here tonight. I have to admit that I was not expecting to like it, but I find myself quite taken with the fresh new take on the old legend.





Colin Morgan delivers a fine young Merlin as he learns to cope with his powers and find his place in the grand scheme of things. I really like the humour he interjects into the character as well.





Bradley James gets to provide the cocky and shouldn't-be-very-likable young Arthur, but he does a terrific job of providing early glimpses into the depth of the person who will be King Arthur.





While not unfolding in the grandeur that my other favourite fantasy "Legend of the Seeker" does, geographically speaking anyway, it does look as though the creators have successfully woven a Camelot with every bit as much scope.





This series definitely seems to have more than enough imagination to tie me over until Seeker returns, and I'm glad to be along for the ride.

Another awesome show!! I did not think I would like this show from the story line, the characters are not true to their true characters, but the more I watched I could not turn away. Arthur as we know was not raised by his father, but by Merlin himself, for King Uther was an immoral and a King of Adultery. Gwenivere was born of Royalty and not a peasant. So I am looking forward to seeing how all the other characters blend into there parts, Is Arthur going to be the true King, is Lancealot going to turn out to be the Honorable Knight by Arthur's side, etc.

Many times, the story of Arthur has been retold, each time a little different. In this version, Merlin and Arthur are the same age and Merlin is a servant. Guinevere is Morgana's handmaiden and Merlin is Arthurs servant and saves his life a few times. Lancelot comes to Camelot wanting to be a knight. Uther Penndragon is played by Anthony Head whom I really like and he does the part so well. I also like the guy who plays Merlin although I don't know his name.


I think Arthur has a journey thorugh the show because he starts off arrogent and insolent and then he changes and helps Merlin.


I love this show a lot!

I love this show! It has been a while since there has been a good fantasy series on TV! and the way they've made the characters the same as the books but with a little more zing is fantastic! The show will keep you entertained and enthralled from one episode to the next, you just cant wait, so my advice if you can watch it all in one hit. If there is a season 2 to be released i hope it will be as fantastic as season number one! Merlin is a great show for any age group tho some kids may find it a little scary, so perhaps watch it with a adult or during the day :)

I just recently started watching Merlin, and I got hooked right in! The show perfectly incorporates the Arthurian legends so that audiences can understand the show and enjoy the history. It is a very different type of show that has aired in our modern time, that makes British history so interesting. I never really thought that this show would be so engrossing, but now I can't wait till the second season! The dialogues are quirky and fun, but also serious and sometimes dark. I end up laughing hysterically for ages!The friendship between Arthur and Merlin before they become influential and distinguished, is intriguing. It gives you a real insight to what it would be like for them.


Watch the show and you'll get hooked!

i came to watching this shoe because i love both Robin Hood and Legend of the Seeker..i heard that this show was kinda like both. I started watching it and ended up enjoying it, the one thing that i didnt expect from it at all was that the show was funny.


The dialogues and character quotes have such humor in them in certain episodes that i found myself laughing hysterically. Merlin is a very interesting series, i can't wait until it comes back for another season. It was much more then i expected. I especially love that for once the king isn't evil...nobody in the show is considered evil they just highly disagree with each other, and dont see the others point of view.

I didn't expect to like this show but it won me over within the first few episodes. The sets and costumes are great. The cast is wonderful and they really grow on you as it goes along. I didn't think I'd be able to tolerate the way they made merlin and arthur into youthful pals but the writers, directors and cast make it all work. Colin Morgan who plays Merlin is a very strong lead and Anthony Head (Rupert from Buffy TVS) is excellent as Arthur's father while the actor playing Arthur is good as well. I think the actors have really good chemistry together. I also like the actress playing Morgana. Oh - and Richard Wilson as Gaius is essential to the show and great chemistry - his dry humour is funny. I was happy to hear it is getting a second season (or 'series' as they say in the UK).

I have been going through an Arthurian Legend craze. I've read Once and Future King, Crystal Caves, Seeing Stone and many many others. And when i heard about this show i got excited. Now i have only seen one episode (as our tv people loves to get kicks out of torturing us with our shows) so i cant really judge it yet. But i do like what i see. It's fast paced, funny and a new look on the concept that hasn't quite been done before. I do though have a few things i was surprised about. Merlin and Arther the same age? Arther being a d!ckhead? Giles being Uther? And is there a relationship brewing up between Merlin and Guinevere who seems to be a common, isn't she supposed to be a princess? Back to the relationship, she marries Arther then she gets it on with Lancelot, you know what before we know it that kid with the shield in the first episode was probably Lance. Anyway despite it's inaccuracies it does have a potential to be one of my favourite shows. Thanks for reading. My mum and brother liked it too.

Casting is close to perfect and though I am a Terence White fan, I like this shuffle of the deck that makes up White's classic telling of the tale. The ingredients are all there, but with a twist. Perhaps every now and again the the twists are too 'constructed' and Twist For Twist's sake, but the show still delivers the drama that White displayed so beautifully. Costumes can be a bit too much (Morgana in battle dress is a bit of a fashion statement), but not to the point where I need to avert my eyes. Maybe a bit too clean costumewise, but not annoyingly so.





Magic being forbidden, Arthur and Merlin both being young, the dragon advising; these are in retrospect welcome additions to the Arthurian legend. The classic ingredients all still in place, but have been given a new place as link in the chain that makes up this legend. I find myself being taken back to the take on Robin of Sherwood with Michael Praed. New format, but essentially the same tale as has been told for hundreds of years. Welcome, Merlin!

I do agree it needs fine tuning, and there are some parts that are a bit... hu?!?!? But ... the show is so amazing, its just sucks you in, and you can see its filled with potential.. I just wish they took the budget from legend of the seeker and put it in here, the book was by all time favorite book, the show... all times worse. Merlin, just has that unique, personal, and most importantly (i think) innocence to it, it just enchants you to LOVE the characters. they look so honest, the are versatile and filled with good intentions.. plus, its not filled with noways all about sex\stunts\reality all other shows are about, and the chapters usually have a manning and a moral lesson to tell you. I really do wish it will return.

The premise for this show is simple. It is a reworking of the King Arthur legend but set when Arthur and Merlin are both still in their teens and Arhurs father Uther is King of Camelot.





As you can probably tell they have taken more than a few liberties with the story in particular the age of the characters and their group dynamics - for instance Quenevire is a servant.





The acting is what you would expect from a family drama such as this and is watchable if some what melodramatic in places. The special effects are however extremely well done and one of the highlights of the show.





All in all it is a good solid family show but nothing to write home about.

Although it goes against everything ever written about the tale of Arthur, it is so well written that it has me hooked, waiting impatiently for the next show.


ALthough I read it was only intended as a 13 part mini-series, I hope I read that incorrectly or that they reconsider and resume the show.


I particularly enjoy the performances of Richard Wilson and Colin Morgan, although this in no way means I don't enjoy the rest of the cast as well.


If I have any complaints it is with the part of Guinevere, played by Angel Coulby. Guinevere should not have been made a servant, but if you're going to go against story, this is not surprising.


For those that enjoy tales of Arthur, I highly recommend The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell.

I just love it! The acting is so good, the characters has been brought to life. It's so amazing, I especially like the character of Merlin, Gwen, and Gaius. They are so genuine and add zest to the show. The show is both funny and absorbing. I enjoyed every single episode...:)and I simply cannot wait for the next season. It is definitely my no.1!


By the way, somewhere here at tv.com I saw an opinion that the actoress that personated the character of Gwen is not pretty enough to play her...hmm... I believe it is bad to judge people by their appearance...it's so shallow. I think she's perfect for this role.

I watched the first episode by accident (I visited a friend in the UK) and I was very intrigued by the story.


My friend had to record the next episodes and mail it to me - thanks for that btw. - and the show started to really catch up.


All the good stuff about myths, religion, dragons and other monsters. I now love the show very much and can't wait to see the next season of it.





In the beginning the animations and stunts needed some fine tuning but they kept getting better and better, so there's nothing to complain about that.





The stories are nicely written, sometimes very dramatic but it fits in the show.





All in all one of my favourite new shows.

I was somewhat excited about this series when I first heard of it. I was hoping for something like this Robin Hood series that I learned to love very much. It has some similarities in its looks and how the episodes are done and that is a good thing. I like the actors and how they do their parts even though I think the King needs some more finetuning. Sometimes I lack to see why he reacts like this. I like the stories so far. A good balance between action and storytelling. And now for the flaws. I know that there is no 'the real' version of the Arthur/Merlin legend and I have gotten used to Merlin being used as a name instead of the title as the highest among the druids. Excalibur was given to Arthur by he Lady of the Lake. Ok, they ignored that, and then they did not when Merlin was asked to get rid of the Sword. Not that there is not a massive cave that hardly anyone knows about with a dragon that could be used to hide the sword. No, he throws it in a lake. Considering that people from villages might go for a bath and how far a normal person can throw a sword. Maybe not that clever. Having Gwenhwyfar, or Gwen, being a maid only adds to it.





All in all they butcher the legend of Arthur too much for their own needs. Yet the series can be enjoyed as the characters are very likable. And I am interested where they are going with the global story.