Merlin

Oh Merlin. Four years since I finished my last re-watch and you're still breaking my heart. You are quite terrible in many ways, with some of the cheesiest special effects I've ever seen on television, and some of the cheesiest writing as well, but your story captured my imagination like no Game of Thrones has done. The friendship/romance between Merlin and Arthur is almost unbearably lovely and the characters of Guinevere and the knights still haven't left my heart. There were moments of absolute brilliance in this little family show elevated by beautiful acting that still resonate and stay with me after all these years. I would go through it all again.

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.

What a wonderful tonic to revisit Merlin in 2020 on Pick TV. If you have not seen it yet, don't expect a history lesson, just imagine it as a fairy tale your Dad might tell you as a child, so like your Dad, there maybe plot inconsistency and dialogue you're not expecting but it does not matter, this is pure wonderful fantasy and escape from whatever the real world is throwing at you at the moment. I have to say for me that this is about the only TV series ever where I have loved all the characters, everyone darn one of them whether they are in the entire series or just a couple of episodes have added something and made us laugh,cry,scare whatever.

This series focuses on the young Merlin just arriving to Camelot. Who soon finds out magic is outlawed and nothing is ever easy.

Although it has it's tacky moments, the series is good clean fun that everyone can enjoy. I first saw it while traveling on the BBC, since the show does not air on American t.v. Colin Morgan is charming and maintains a steady character who is easy to like. Critics claim the series isn't accurate. I would like to remind them Camelot is a myth.

Anthony Head makes a very believable Uther Pendragon, a character you will love and loath. While any man would fall head over heels for the lovely Katie Mcgrath as Morgana. I was hooked from the first show and actually like it better than Dr. Who. The C.G.I. looks a little under funded at times, although the sets are extremely well done. Merlin is worth watching and deserves recognition on the prime time lot. I have been waiting for a good fantasy series like this for a long time.

This show is one of my all time favourites and I just love it so much. I found it during lockdown and since then I have just grown to love it more and more. It has an almost whimsical feel to it which is very refreshing from the usual, serious fantasy such as game of thrones or The Witcher. Its funny and serious at the same time which is a hard balance they pull it of perfectly.

Most of the characters have wonderful personalities and development throughout the series which makes you feel like you can really get to know them.

Whilst certain elements such as the CGI and low budget for the first part of the show, whilst noticeable, does not detract from the overall appeal and magic.

If you have not already watched Merlin, I would highly recommend it for anyone.