First of Two Shows You Should Be Watching, But May Not Be

There are 2 shows that have really moved their way into my favorites, quickly.

The first is BBC's Merlin.

It starts with a young Merlin (Colin Morgan) arriving in Camelot, only to find himself working as a man servant for Prince Arthur (Bradley James). The two don't get along too well at first, but as the show progresses, they begin to genuinely care for each other, and really get quite an amusing banter going, at times, as their bond (that we know exists later) grows. At this point in Camelot, King Uther (Anthony Head) has banned magic, with punishment of death. So Merlin must keep his growing abilities secret, even from his friends. The only one that knows is Giaus (Richard Wilson), the court physician and Merlin's mentor (well there are characters that find out along the way, but they tend to stick around for just one episode). Though Giaus is a mentor to Merlin, there is a dragon (voiced by John Hurt) that Uther has captured and now lives under the castle. This dragon knows Merlin and Arthur's destiny, and guides Merlin down the path to help Arthur become the great king that we know he will. As the series continues, it becomes more and more difficult for Merlin to conceal his powers from Arthur (since his powers are often what has saved the day). I think that viewers have all speculated how and when his powers will be revealed.

Not only does this series revolve around Merlin and Arthur, but other Arthurian legend characters are a main part of the story. Lady Morgana (Katie McGrath)--who we know turns dark, is King Uther's ward, and like a sister to Arthur. She is kind hearted and caring, in the beginning, but as the series has moved along, we are beginning to see how she could turn quite evil. Even Guinevere--Gwen (Angel Coulby) is in Camelot. She is Lady Morgana's maid. She is sweet, loving, and humble.

Each episode of the series is like a mini movie. There is an evil of some sort that is trying to take over Camelot in some way, and we see how the characters work to stop it, and how Merlin secretly uses his magic to make all well again in Camelot. There are underlying story structures that are really beginning to grow. Not only the relationship between Merlin and Arthur, but we start to see Arthur caring for Gwen (in a lovely episode in the 2nd season). Yet, then Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera) arrives and we see a possible love starting there--oh, the love triangle begins! Too bad Lancelot is a complete gentleman and sees the love Arthur has for Gwen, and decides to leave...at least for now.

There is a lot of foreshadowing in this series--which I think is great! I think the best, I have seen was when Merlin asked Gwen (early on in the series) if she had to chose between Lancelot or Arthur, who would she choose--ironically, she answers with, I will never have to chose, so there's no point in asking, yet, those of us watching know that is just not so. We also learn how Excalibur came to be and how it ended up in the lake. As well as, a foreshadowing to the Lady of the Lake. We also meet Mordred, as a child. If you know the legend, you know that this is the fellow that would be Arthur's downfall.

Merlin is a great show filled with hints of the legends and great new adventures. I love that they intertwine humor, drama, adventure, and action all into the hour long show. With the second season, we have seen characters grow and learn more about how they may get to be the legends that we know them to be. The cast is wonderful and really brings the characters to life. This is a great family show.

The first season aired in the USA on NBC last summer. It has found a new home on SyFy for it's second season which is currently airing Friday nights at 10p. The full second season can be seen online in various places, since it has already aired in the UK. The third season is currently filming in France and Wales.

Here is a funny video of behind the scenes, with Colin Morgan (Merlin) and Bradley James (Arthur)...this makes me laugh every time!!



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