Merlin [UK-Now US-Jan]

[Escapay]

Well, this weekend I rewatched Episode 4 and finally had a chance to watch Episodes 5 and 6.

I liked The Poisoned Chalice, mainly because it continued the Nimueh arc and gave us some fun action sequences with Arthur and his quest for the flower. Plus, I got hooked on the computer game at the bbc website.

Lancelot was definitely a great episode. It had a solid story that not only introduced the character but presented the conflicting themes of predestination and being in charge of one's destiny, as well as the whole idea about honor/integrity vs. nobility/loyalty. I wish he'll become a recurring character that returns in later episodes.

I couldn't really get into A Remedy to Cure All Ills. It seemed like a retread of The Dragon's Call (a magic person wants revenge on Uther for killing someone they loved). It was told better, but at the same time wasn't very interesting.

albert

[Escapay]

Commentaries have been passed on BBFC for "The Dragon's Call", "Valiant", and "Lancelot". Hopefully the other three episodes for Volume 1 get commentary as well!

albert

[Escapay]

I watched The Gates of Avalon last night and while it was great seeing Morgana getting more airtime, the same old same old story of "Arthur or Merlin nearly getting killed/dying and the other rescuing them" is really getting tiresome. It's the same thing week after week with a few odd elements thrown in to make the story "different" from the last.

I'll still be watching anyway, probably because it's something easy to get into and not requiring much thought. It's still an enjoyable series and there's a nice amount of humor and character development that can sometimes overcome the story (Merlin repeatedly getting in the stocks and always taking it in stride, for example).

The next episode (The Beginning of the End) looks really interesting based on the Next Time trail, and shows signs of being a deviation from the standard story that we've seen in the past seven episodes.

albert

[2099net]

Well, its probably wrong of me to accuse the show of treading water - it does have some form of progression and each episode does raise questions - some slight and some larger. But it never seems to resolve anything. And people said Heroes S2 was slow

I just saw last weeks Gates of Avalon and its definitely the best yet, but its still missing that certain something.

Next week's (i.e. tonight's) does look better. But why am I still watching this? I honestly don't know.

[2099net]

ZOMG!

I've just seen last week's Merlin (The Beginning of the End) and I'd never, ever thought I'd be saying this but its probably a 10/10 episode!

After so much bitching and moaning from me before now, I can't believe I would ever consider an episode an 8 or a 9, let alone a 10. I feel more frustrated now though that its taken this long for the series to get what finally feels like a sense of direction.

I know it sounds obvious now, especially in retrospect, but this is what Merlin should have been like after 2 episodes at most. There's a real "x-men/mutant" feel about hunted magic users. As a result the main young cast actually seem to have banded together for a purpose. Morgana continues to hint at untapped/unknown magical power. And Tony Head actually did some "proper" acting.

And of course, for anyone with only a passing knowledge of the legends, the final revelation holds double (or even triple) impact (but will leave the rest scratching their heads... perhaps its not an ending suited to the US showing?)

I just hope future episodes build on this episode.

[pinkrenata]

I think Mordred is most commonly the offspring of Arthur and Morgause (his other half sister). In fact, as far as what I've read, Morgaine (or Morgana, Morgan le Fay, etc) is his mother only in <i>Mists of Avalon</i>, and even then, he is still raised by Morgause.

I haven't seen BBC's <i>Merlin</i> yet, but looking over this thread, I'm getting a little curious as to how good/bad I would find it.

[Escapay]

Watched The Beginning of the End and Excalibur last night. And omg, they stand out as two of the best episodes of the series (even better than The Mark of Nimueh, which I considered the best episode of the first half of the season). Like netty said, The Beginning of the End had a great "x-men" feel about those with magic, and Excalibur held a vital Uther/Nimueh scene that explained why magic is forbidden, and we now know Uther's reasons for not only being such a protective force over Arthur, but why he despises all magic. I really loved that they utilised Morgana in both episodes as well, and the Great Dragon actually played a big part in Excalibur. Gwen seemed to get the short end of the stick, but based on the episode description for Episode 12, looks like she'll have a chance to shine again.

Looking forward to next week's episode, especially as it gives viewers more of a look into Merlin's childhood (with his mother, as well as a friend who knows he has magical capabilities). and it also offers a non-Camelot story, which is a first. Plus, it's got Alexander Siddig! Alexander Siddig!

Renata, I think you'll like "Merlin". It starts off a little slow, but gets better throughout the episodes. For example, if you compare Valiant to Excalibur, you'll definitely see improvement in story and acting, even if both deal with the idea of "single combat with a magic opponent".

albert

[PeterPanfan]

From Albert's avatar/signature set (Yes, pretty pictures attract me... ) and the discussion going on in this thread, I'm really excited for Merlin!!

[Escapay]

From Albert's avatar/signature set (Yes, pretty pictures attract me... )

and the discussion going on in this thread, I'm really excited for Merlin!!

Hopefully the rest of the US of A is too, as it'll be on NBC (ugh), the network notorious for having a trigger-happy cancellation button.

albert

[2099net]

I wasn't so convinced by Uther's reason for hating Magic in Excalibur. It's a bit weak really. I can only assume... His wife died in a physically unnatural, horrible way during the birth... not just a normal 'death' during childbirth, which let's face it must have been quite common at the time. Perhaps some demon or other creature came to claim her? I suspect we have more information to come on that back story.

Excalibur was okay, but it seemed to be a step backwards from last weeks Beginning of the End. They should have run it over 2 or 3 episodes, with Uther being seduced by the sword he was not meant to wield. It's OK having the dragon tell Merlin the sword was capable of doing terrible things in the wrong hands, but really we should have been shown some of this.

But this coming episode, did I see Arthur witnessing Merlin do magic? Hopefully this will be another kick up the ass the series needs.

[2099net]

Merlin S1 Pt 1 DVD Review
http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=69461

[Escapay]

Thanks for posting that review link, netty! I often consult DVDTimes' reviews for titles that UD doesn't cover (and even some titles UD does cover, simply to get other perspectives), and usually enjoy reading them, so this one was no different.

The video diaries sound entertaining, and probably different from the brief clips I've seen on YouTube. Also interested in watching the documentary, since it was filmed during "Valiant" (not the best episode of the series, but as the review said, it was early on in the production so you get to hear their hopes for how it turns out with viewers and critics).

I hope when Volume Two comes about, we get a concluding documentary that looks back on the whole of the first series, along with more video diaries, and featurettes devoted to stuff like visual effects, costumes/sets, etc. along with easy-to-clear stuff like tv trails, deleted scenes, gag reels, etc.

I just hope the wait isn't too long for the R1 release of the complete first series.

albert

[2099net]

I'm cleaning out some magazines, and I found this in an issue of SFX. Note the legend bits are the creator's take on the many legends after studying them all. Its from a boxout in a long pre-television launch interview about the show. The information on Morgana is particularly interesting.

Merlin

The Legend:
The son of an incubus and born to a mortal mother, the legendary wizard actually engineered the birth of Arthur and acted as his advisor. His downfall came when he fell for Nimue, the Lady of the Lake.
The Show:
A young awkward wizard who becomes Prince Arthur's servant. Since magic is forbidden in Camelot, he trains in secret under the watchful eye of Gaius. "He's trying to find out who he is, and what he is and what his powers are" Morgan says. "he's very instinctive with his powers, but sometimes a bit off the mark and doesn't quite know how to use them."

Arthur

The Legend:
Geoffey of Monmouth's account of King Arthur has him coming to power at 15 years old, after the death of his father, and bringing 12 years of peace to the land. He's mortally wounded in battle with his nephew Mordred, then taken to Avalon and never seen again.

The Show:
"Arthur is a bit like Prince Harry, in that he's a pretty boy and likes to have fun," Capps tells us. James adds "I have a feeling that he won't be instantly liked! He's grown up as a prince, so he has an arrogant streak. But along with that come those underlaying levels of nobility that will helpfully shine through one day."

Guinevere

The Legend:
A noblewoman who becomes Arthur's queen, only to then betray him in a love affair with knight Lancelot de Lac.

The Show:
Controversy rages - the white noblewoman has been reinvented as a peasant and servant, played by a non-white actress. Capps dismisses allegations of "PC casting": "We always cast colour-blind, and Angel Coulby was by far the best of the actresses we auditioned. We just care about finding the right actors for the roles, irrespective of their race." In this incarnation, she's not that bothered about Arthur, but gets all flustered around Merlin...

Morgana

The Legend:
A powerful sorceress also known as Morgan Le Fey, who becomes an adversary of Arthur - who's also her half-brother in some versions of the legend.

The Show:
The ward of Uther Pendragon, Arthur's father, Morgana doesn't seem to have set herself up as anyone's adversary... not yet. "At some point she must have been a normal teenager and young woman," McGrath tells us. "This tells the story of how we get there." Capps adds. "She's an intriguing conflicted character; sympathetic to magic, but confused by it. We'll gradually see her turning to the dark side."

[Escapay]

"Merlin": Volume 2 will street February 9, 2009 and contain episodes 7 to 13 on three discs. No word yet on extras.

albert

[Escapay]

Some Good News and Some Bad News...

The Good News:
There will be a second series!

Merlin gets a longer spell
THERE’s magic news for Merlin fans — the fantasy drama is to return with a second series.

The BBC1 show — which is coming to the end of the first series — has pulled in consistently high ratings despite being pitched against the X Factor.

And now bosses have commissioned another run.

More than six million viewers have tuned in every week to see ex-EastEnder Michelle Ryan play wicked sorceress Nimueh and Little Britain’s Prime Minister Anthony Head as evil King Uther.

Newcomer Colin Morgan has been a hit as wizard Merlin, out to protect Prince Arthur (Bradley James), while acting legend John Hurt is the voice behind the Great Dragon.

The series finale features the return of conniving Nimueh. Meanwhile, a terrifying fanged monster wreaks havoc in Camelot, Merlin finds out who has the power to reverse death — and one of his close pals is killed.

Catch the last Merlin this Saturday at 7.10pm on BBC1.

"Merlin" FAQ
Will there be a second series of Merlin?

Merlin has been re-commissioned for a second series, by Ben Stephenson, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning and BBC One Controller Jay Hunt, it was confirmed today.

Starring Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Anthony Head and Richard Wilson, Merlin has enchanted family audiences in one of the most competitive slots on TV since the transmission of the first episode on 20 September 2008, averaging an audience of 6.2 million viewers for the first 8 episodes, with a 28% average share. Merlin also has an average audience of 1.8 million viewers for the narrative repeat on Sundays.

"We are thrilled that audiences have entered into the magical world of Camelot and Merlin has been such a big hit on Saturday nights. It has performed outstandingly well. The cast have entertained and enchanted a whole new generation with this fresh and modern retelling of a classic British legend." said Julie Gardner, Head of Drama BBC Wales.

Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, Producers, Shine Television said: "We are absolutely delighted to be returning for a second series. All the principal characters are destined to experience more magical adventures next year. The story of Merlin is a much loved tale and it's so exciting that our updated version has captured the hearts of audiences and brought the magic and myth of Camelot alive."

Also returning are Richard Wilson as court physician Gaius, Anthony Head as King Uther Pendragon, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Katie McGrath as Morgana and John Hurt as the voice of The Great Dragon. Guest stars are still to be announced but series one featured brilliant names including Michelle Ryan, Santiago Cabrera, Eve Myles, Will Mellor and Julian Rhind-Tutt.

Spectacular CGI effects are created by The Mill, the Oscar-winning visual and special effects team behind Gladiator and Doctor Who.

Merlin is executive produced by Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy for Shine Television and BBC Executive Producers are Julie Gardner and Bethan Jones. The second series will begin filming next year on location in Wales and France.

The Bad News:
NBC has announced their midseason schedule. And "Merlin" is not mentioned anywhere.

What the f**k, NBC? Seriously. You're in the toilet. Most of your shows have more crap than a toilet does, actually. And you pull a bonehead move like this. You guys need good ratings and fast. Midseason is still a good time to get good ratings. If you're thinking about pushing "Merlin" back to air in the summer to tie in to "Harry Potter" (since both feature magic ), that's a bigger bonehead move than choosing not to air it at all.

Okay, so maybe "Merlin" is not the best show to come from the UK, but it is an enjoyable and fun show. It'll hook families, anyone in the aforementioned "Harry Potter" crowd, and anyone who just wants to ogle at the young cast (as seen in my siggy banner). And there's already a built-in Anglophile audience that have probably already watched the episodes online and are willing to watch them again on NBC (if only to show support for the show, not necessarily because they're regular viewers of NBC. Cause the only good shows on NBC are those with the words "Law", "Order", or "Office" in the title).

I can understand if NBC's deciding not to air "Merlin" until after (or as) Series Two airs in the UK so they'll have a nice lengthy 26-episode run. But given their trigger-happy cancellation tendencies, that may not be the case...

*sigh* Why couldn't this just air on BBC America where it's guaranteed to get through the entire series?

albert

[Escapay]

9000th Post! And it's about "Merlin"! Yay!

The US airdates have already been announced some time ago, but I never had a chance to mention it here at UD. For those interested in the series and want to watch it on NBC, the airdates are as follows:

Sunday, June 21, 2009:
8:00 - Episode 1: "The Dragon's Call"
9:00 - Episode 2: "Valiant"

Sunday, June 28, 2009:
8:00 - Episode 3: "The Mark of Nimueh"
9:00 - Episode 4: "The Poisoned Chalice"

After this, the series continues with one episode a week, though that may change.

Sunday, July 5, 2009:
8:00 - Episode 5: "Lancelot"

Sunday, July 12, 2009:
8:00 - Episode 6: "A Remedy to Cure All Ills"

Sunday, July 19, 2009:
8:00 - Episode 7: "The Gates of Avalon"

Sunday, July 26, 2009:
8:00 - Episode 8: "The Beginning of the End"

Sunday, August 2, 2009:
8:00 - Episode 9: "Excalibur"

Sunday, August 9, 2009:
8:00 - Episode 10: "The Moment of Truth"

Sunday, August 16, 2009:
8:00 - Episode 11: "The Labyrinth of Gedref"

Sunday, August 23, 2009:
8:00 - Episode 12: "To Kill the King"

Sunday, August 30, 209:
8:00 - Episode 13: "Le Morte d'Arthur"

There's no official word yet on when Series 2 starts, though September 09 seems most likely. Hopefully if the ratings for Series 1 on NBC is good enough, they can air the Series 2 episodes the day after it airs on BBC.

albert

ETA:
A random conversation between Jane and I about the NBC broadcasts...

Scaps: Look, it's airing on Sundays at 8 on NBC. It starts on June 21st!

Jane: Yes! It'll make the waits for "Doctor Who", "One Tree Hill" and "Heroes" somewhat bearable!

Scaps: But we've already seen the episodes. And now we'll have to watch them with commercials.

Jane: Yes...but we will have captions!

Scaps: Ahhh....

(nods head in agreement.)

[ajmrowland]

Sorry if this has already been answered, but is this on BBC America at all?

[2099net]

Any news on Merlin in the US at all? Any publicity at all?

As for the UK, news is filtering out about Series (Season) 2.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a15703 ... erlin.html

BBC producers have confirmed a host of guest stars for the second series of Merlin.

Pirates Of The Caribbean actor Mackenzie Crook, Hustle's Adrian Lester, Charles Dance and Sarah Parish will join the regular cast when it returns to BBC1 in the autumn.

Crook will guest star in the opening episode as Cedric, a "creepy" character determined to become Arthur's right-hand man.

Lester will play the devious Myror, Cutting It actress Parish a troll masquerading as Lady Catrina, and Dance will guest star as the sinister Witchfinder Aredian.

"With its combination of fantasy, humour and adventure Merlin has firmly established itself as a Saturday evening family fixture. It's great to be working again with the brilliant Shine team who have put together a thrilling second series," BBC executive producer Bethan Jones said.

Johnny Capps, of Shine Television, promised that viewers could expect a "bigger, bolder" second outing.

"We're thrilled to be producing another series of Merlin for the BBC. It's going to be bigger, bolder and more action-packed than ever, with great new villains, white knuckle fight sequences and hilarious comic fun for the whole family to enjoy," he said.

We shall see, but is seems a lot more promising already.

[Escapay]

Any news on Merlin in the US at all? Any publicity at all?

I rarely watch NBC so unfortunately, I wouldn't know. But I remember watching something on the channel a week ago and they had a commercial advertising their summer line-up, with "Merlin" being included, though it seemed to get the least amount of airtime (while the stupidity that is "I'm A 'Celebrity', Get Me Out Of Here!" had more time than necessary).

And I can't wait for the second season! Especially knowing who some guest stars are (Crook, Parish).

albert

[Escapay]

"Merlin" is 10 days away on NBC.

(And this is a waste of a post so the next one is on the top of the next page)

albert