Merlin on NBC
For the past two weeks now, I have been entertained by a new show on NBC, Merlin. Actually, it’s not a new show, and it’s not NBC’s. It’s a BBC creation (there’s a surprise) that first aired across the pond in 2008 and work on the second season, to air this autumn on the BBC, is underway in France and Wales.
I had read a tidbit here and there about the series before, but I was surprised when I happened upon an episode on NBC while passing through my parent’s room. With the swordfighting and magnificent shots of Camelot, I thought, “Why, this must be that show Merlin!” Quite unintentionally, my Sunday evening plans evaporated, and I sat spellbound in front of the TV for two hours instead. “Spellbound” might be the wrong word, but I certainly didn’t want the show to end. And luckily for me, I caught the premier night (or perhaps not so lucky, if you consider the absurd amount of commercials).
Merlin is a far cry from the traditional Arthurian legend. For starters, Merlin (Colin Morgan) is a peasant boy, with X-Men-like mind powers who comes to Camelot to work with King Uther Pendragon’s (Anthony Head) court physician, Gaius (Richard Wilson), hoping he can get some answers regarding his gifts. And Arthur (Bradley James) is no chivalrous, noble king—at least, not yet. More like your typical, swaggering (and hott) high school jock in mail and plate armor—but he’s showing promise. Oh, and Guenivere, simply called Gwen (Angel Coulby), is the daughter of a blacksmith, handmaiden to Morgana (Katie McGrath), Uther’s (irritating) ward. The twists and modernization of the Arthurian legends are by no means unwelcome, and they are not nearly as difficult to swallow as those in A Knight’s Tale; that movie was painful—this series is fun and unoffensive, though not on par with some of BBC’s other dramas in terms of plot and acting.
That said, Merlin is a great way to fill the Sunday night void left by the end of Masterpiece Classic—and I have found myself on the edge of my seat more than once! More fantastical than historical, with the central theme being the use of magic despite Uther’s strict prohibitions, Merlin is no period piece, but it is a new, captivating rendition of the timeworn Arthurian tales for this generation sure to entertain.
Merlin has been airing NBC at 8pm Eastern, with the one-hour installments coming in pairs (“The Dragon’s Call”, “Valiant”, “The Mark of Nimueh”, and “The Poisoned Chalice” being episodes 1-4), but there is no indication yet that July 5 will see another episode besides “Lancelot.” You can watch all the episodes on the Merlin minisite, but I must warn you: you will have memorized the Capital One desert island advertisement by the time it is through—NBC doesn’t even soothe the commercial irritation with variety. You can also read about the upcoming season two here if you want, but I smell spoilers.
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