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-   -   Merlin (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=25200)

Raph's Girl 09-21-2008 10:47 AM
Merlin
 
Anybody else see this yet?? This is a new BBC series that premiered last night in the UK and will be airing on NBC in January.

The series is a different take on Arthurian Lore. After seeing the first ep I have to say that I think Im gonna like it!

The series is set in a world where magic is banned. 20 years earlier Uther Pendragon (played by Anthony Stewart Head) seemingly saved Britania (called Albian) by destroying all the evil magic that had taken over and killed all but one of the dragons, a dragon known as The Great Dragon, he's locked up in a cave under the kingdom.

It's not explained but Arthur's mother is long dead and Arthur has grown up a prince in Camelot, raised by his father.

Uther is a not well liked King, especially amongst the magical types
Spoiler:
(he starts a celebration of 20 years of peace by killing a young wizard, the son of a wicked witch)
. He rules with a bit of an iron fist. His word is law and nothing else. Anthony Stewart Head plays him quite well.

Arthur is basically every bit his father's son. A bit of an ass and a bully.

Morgana is a ward of Uther. Altho Arthur's half sister, he seems to go gaga over her. Which is kinda creepy in itself.

Guinivier appears to be the token of the series. She is Morgana's hand maiden. Not really a slave as she and Morgana appear to be quite close. Odd that she's black but it fits with the tone of the series.
Spoiler:
She appears to have feelings for Merlin and hates Arthur.


Merlin was sent to Camelot on orders of his mother, Humith (what a weird name) to be an apprentice to the court Physician
Spoiler:
(who he himself years earlier trained in magic)
. Unlike most wizards/magicians tho Merlin seems to have a natural gift. Basicaly he's a telekenetic. But considering the time period I guess mutant powers would indeed be considered magical.
Spoiler:
In the end of the first ep he saves Arthur from being killed by the wicked witch (who infiltrated Camelot by pretending to be a famous singer named Helena, played by Eve Myles!!). Uther then thanks Merlin by giving him a position in the royal court....as Arthur's man servant. I have no idea how this is supposed to be the better end of the deal. Merlin and Arthur don't get along at all and fight and bicker all thru the first ep.


Lancelot hasn't appeared yet. He'll appear later played by Latino actor Santiago Cabrera (Isaac Mendez in Heroes).

All in all definatly a different take on Arthurian lore.
Spoiler:
Pairing Guiniver with Merlin seems to be an interesting twist that works with this series.


The series is of course filmed in Wales, altho the castle used is in France:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A...de_Pierrefonds

ZariusTwo 09-21-2008 10:15 PM
I also saw it. Wasn't that impressed, it's not trying to be any different from the teen-led stuff like "Smallville" or "Robin Hood", indeed Robin Hood's premiere was much darkeer and pacier. I also don't approve of the ethical alterations to some characters (Gweniverse isnt black, though I guess with her status being "mythical" in the context of history, the politcally-correct imbeciles can get away with it)

By the numbers BBC tosh, all too recognisible


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