Merlin not only meets my expectations based on show quality, but it is also a beautiful period piece with a flare of magic.
We are presented with a world in which magic exists, but has been banned for the last 20 years because it was too often used for evil. Merlin (Colin Morgan) knows of this, yet can't help but use skills he was born with to move objects when it seems necessary. He has never trained in magic, but it is innately part of him. It doesn't take long for him to meet Arthur (Bradley James), the spoiled prince. Merlin immediately steps into the role of mentor, though not in the conventional fashion. The young men are about the same age, but while Arthur was always allowed to get away with whatever he wanted, Merlin doesn't believe people should act that way and sets himself opposite the once and future king.
Guinevere (Angel Coulby) is also present, as the humble maid to Lady Morgana (Katie McGrath). Gwen seems uninterested in Arthur, claiming she likes humble men like Merlin. She's not at all how I picture Guinevere; it's hard to see her as someone who so easily sways the hearts of men, like Arthur and Lancelot, and who will one day, through selfishness, bring destruction to the greatest kingdom ever known. Morgana, however, is very much how I picture her - confident and defiant. A little weird that there are some romantic hints there, as traditionally she is Arthur's half-sister. But I guess it is apparent that the traditional tellings are not going to be too closely adhered to. And that is one great thing about the Arthurian Legends - they are so varied that retelling the story does not take away many freedoms.
The episode also set up the series well. First, a dragon (voiced by John Hurt) in the depths of the castle reveals to Merlin that his destiny is to guide Arthur on to being the greatest king ever. Merlin's response was brilliant: "There must be another Arthur because this one is an idiot." Still, when a sorceress, bent on revenge for the death of her son, tries to kill the young prince, Merlin saves Arthur's life. He even uses his magic to do it, but has the sense to make it look as though he simply moved quickly.
As a reward, Merlin becomes Arthur's man servant, putting him in the perfect position to become royal adviser.
The series, already filming its third season for airing in Britain, shows great promise. I look forward to following the series on Space this summer.
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