Merlin (2008– )

The adventures of the legendary sorcerer as a young man.

Creators:

Johnny Capps, Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Julian Murphy

Stars:

John Hurt, Colin Morgan, Bradley James

2 wins & 19 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
John Hurt	...	The Dragon (65 episodes, 2008-2012)
Colin Morgan	...	Merlin (65 episodes, 2008-2012)
Bradley James	...	Arthur (65 episodes, 2008-2012)
Richard Wilson	...	Gaius (65 episodes, 2008-2012)
Angel Coulby	...	Gwen (65 episodes, 2008-2012)
Katie McGrath	...	Morgana (65 episodes, 2008-2012)
Anthony Head	...	Uther Pendragon (43 episodes, 2008-2012)
Rupert Young	...	Sir Leon (39 episodes, 2009-2012)
Eoin Macken	...	Sir Gwaine (30 episodes, 2010-2012)

Storyline

Young Merlin is a teenager, discovering and then learning to master his magical gift. Magister Gaius, King Uther Pendragon's learned court physician to whom he's assigned as humble page, teaches him medicine, coaches his magical self-study, and warns him of Uther's strong aversion to magic. Merlin becomes squire to the noble but imprudent crown prince, Arthur, whose fate is linked with Merlin.

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Plot Keywords:

prince | king | magic | camelot | merlin the magician | 

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Taglines:

The Darkest Hour Is Just Before The Dawn

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Family | Fantasy

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Details

Official Sites:

BBC [UK] NBC

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Also Known As:

The Adventures of Merlin

Filming Locations:

Château de Pierrefonds, Pierrefonds, Oise, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shine, BBC Wales

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo (seasons 1-3) Dolby Digital (season 4-)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

On 21 June 2009, this series was broadcast on NBC in the U.S. It marked the first time a UK drama has aired on a major U.S. network since The New Avengers over 30 years ago.

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Quotes

[introduction to each episode]
The Dragon: [voiceover] In a land of myth, and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name... Merlin.

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Connections

Featured in Screenwipe: Episode #5.1 (2008)

User Reviews

For what it is, actually fairly good

Okay, I feel like you have to judge this show with a grain of salt. I've actually found it very enjoyable and oddly addictive, though that doesn't mean I think it's good. Yes, there are plot holes, character inconsistencies, cheesy dialogue, etc., but I think because it doesn't take itself too seriously (like, for example, Robin Hood was prone to do) it can get away with most of these things. There are moments of genuine comedy that I really appreciate, and the rest of the time I spend giggling at the aforementioned flaws. I think the cast is quite good as well: Colin Morgan is charmingly dorky as the title character; Anthony Head milks a surprising amount of emotion from a ridiculously poorly written character; and the rest (except perhaps for Katie McGrath, who can be a little too emotional) imbue their roles with genuine humanity. I especially like the growing relationship between Merlin and Arthur-- the way the show is written, Merlin's only reason for helping Arthur is that 'it's his destiny,' and Arthur has no real reason at all to help Merlin, and yet you definitely feel that they are starting to care for each other.

So, yeah, it's no television masterpiece, but it is fun to watch, and sometimes that's all you need.