Move over Harry Potter, Merlin's back to reclaim his wizarding crown! Though NBC is marketing it as a "new drama series," they actually just borrowed the finished product from the BBC -- a very smart decision. If you decide to tune in (and you should) to the 2-hour premiere on Sunday, June 21, don't expect historic accuracy or a faithful retelling of the Arthurian legends. This reboot is an upgrade when it comes to the overall prettiness and tempo of the story, helped heaps by the attractiveness of the cast and an impressive French castle as a Camelot substitute.
Instead of a bearded wise old wizard in a pointed hat, Merlin (Colin Morgan) is a young man sent off to Camelot by his worried mother in hopes of taming his natural magical powers, and to help out Gaius (Richard Wilson) with his duties as court physician while he's there. Except magic is banned in the kingdom on King Uther's (Anthony Head) orders and under pain of death, and then -- to make matters worse -- he unwittingly insults and tries to punch the heir to the throne, Prince Arthur Pendragon (Bradley James).
After a few hours in a cell and then the stocks, Merlin meets the resident dragon (voiced by John Hurt) chained beneath the castle who insists he and Arthur are destined to be together, saves the prince's life and, consequently, gets promoted to Arthur's manservant (kinky). And the dragon is not the only cheerleader for their relationship, in a later episode, Merlin's mother observes: "You belong at Arthur's side. I've seen how much he needs you, how much you need him. You're like two sides of the same coin." Merlin may be a terrible and lazy servant, but he and Arthur begrudgingly learn to trust and like one another, alternating their roles of savior and maiden-in-distress every other episode.
Wearing some form-fitting medieval clothing Merlin and Arthur, with the help of Lady Morgana (Katie McGrath), King Uther's ward and future seer, and Gwen/Guinevere (Angel Coulby), her servant and perhaps Arthur's future wife, have perilous yet exciting adventures where they battle CGI monsters and evil (but beautiful) sorceresses out to kill the King's son. Eve Myles (of Torchwood) and Michelle Ryan (of the Bionic Woman remake) are amongst the sorceresses' ranks and Santiago Cabrera (of Heroes) as Lancelot guest star during the first season.
With a second season assured, rest easy and just give in to the camp!
-- OLGA BAS
Previously > A new Torchwood trailer means more action ahead!
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