This evening sees the BBC’s latest telefantasy offering, Merlin, which will go out at 7.30pm, fitting into the now coveted early evening ‘Doctor Who slot’ which seems to have become the de rigeur timeslot for family friendly science fiction and fantasy adventures (not to mention encouraging TV producers to put some money into decent SF&F TV productions).
(Colin Morgan as young Merlin, (c) BBC)
Actor Colin Morgan plays Merlin as a young lad, still finding his way in both life and in the arts of magic – he may be due to become the most powerful wizard of all time but at the moment he’s still a boy. And a boy in a kingdom where magic is banned by King Uther (Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Anthony Head). “We forget that Merlin at some point was a young guy, finding his place in the world. I think that’s what this series really deals with – how Merlin comes to terms with his powers, his destiny… There are elements of the Arthurian legend in there as well, that I think anybody who’s a fan of that will enjoy,” Colin Morgan.
(Bradley James as Prince Arthur with Katie McGrath’s Morgana)
The Beeb certainly look to have put a lot of effort into the series – rather than use CGI to create Camelot and the Castle a real-world location (in France) was found, while the cast is prety damned impressive – joining Morgan and Head are John Hurt and Richard Wilson, while former Bionic Woman Michelle Ryan will turn up as the sorceress Nimueh and Santiago Cabrera – Heroes Isaac Mendez – stars as a young Lancelot. Bradley James plays Prince Arthur, with Katie McGrath playing Morgana and Angel Coubly taking on the role of Guinevere. And yes, apparently Excalibur will make an appearance at some point in the series. The Arthurian and Grail romances seem to be a source of endless fascination to many of us and this certainly looks worth watching – here’s hoping it is as good as it looks and not a disappointment like the awful Robin Hood, it certainly gives the impression of being something which will appeal to adult and younger viewers alike and I’ll be giving it a bash.
(what’s a magical fantasy without a dragon? The Great Dragon, voiced by veteran thesp John Hurt, pic (c) BBC)
May 5th, 2009 at 2:20 am
collin is my fave.i really admire his work.
May 25th, 2009 at 11:32 am
I really think Merlin is a good series because it actually tells people the story ,or some of it anyway,of Merlin , i reckon colin is really cute as well … blush
October 2nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Merlin is my life I love him to deat <3
February 17th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
collin is fantastic
i love his play