The big picture
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Merlin
The unique twist on the legend of King Arthur centers on a young wizard who must hide his magic and protect Arthur, creating an unlikely friendship that drives the heart of the show. - The characters a
Merlin
they experience surprising growth and complex arcs, deviating from traditional legends, such as Arthur's transformation from brute to mere king and Morgana's descent into villainy. -
Merlin
The cheesy effects and humor set it apart from other fantasy TV shows, emphasizing character development over epic fantasy, making it worthy of more recognition and attention.
The story of King Arthur has been adapted many times and in every way imaginable. However, some are better than others. An often overlooked example is that of the BBC Merlinwhich came out in 2008. Although it adapts the legendary story, Merlin takes a unique approach, focusing on the wizard rather than the king. certainly Merlin he takes liberties with the story, but follows the same rhythms as Arthur rises to power and creates a legacy as the former and future king, with Merlin at his side. The show's twist on the legend is a breath of fresh air, though what stands out the most is Merlindynamic characters and creativitymaking it deserving of more attention than it receives.
The series focuses on a young Merlin (Colin Morgan), who, in this story, is the same age as Arthur (Bradley James). Developing a hilarious friendship between the two central characters, Merlin he thrives on this relationship, unlike other versions of the story where Merlin is a mentor figure. But this distinction is not the only thing that is recommended Merlin. The show features fascinating character arcs, such as Arthur's progression from a spoiled thug to a noble king or the slow corruption of the once kind Morgana (Katie McGrath), creating something new from familiar legends. Is it rustic? Yes, but that's part of the charm. Merlin it's not the gory fantasy epic that audiences have become accustomed to, but a humorous and fun take on a family story that offers plenty of surprises. With the popularity of fantasy television coming soon after Merlin, the series is often overlooked, but it shouldn't be.
Merlin
- Publication date
- September 20, 2008
- creator
- Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Johnny Capps, Julian Murphy
- seasons
- 5
- study
- SyFy
What's different about “Merlin”?
The myth of King Arthur is known to most, either by the many literary versions or by the many adaptations that range from Disney's. Sword in the stone a Monty Python and the Holy Grail. But Merlin is unlike any of them, reworking the legend into something completely different. The most substantial change is Merlin's age. Instead of presenting an old wizard determined to guide the future king, Merlin centers on a young sorcerer who must hide his magic under the threat of death. Upon learning of the prince's fate, Merlin is forced to protect Arthur, becoming a servant and friend rather than his traditional role of guide. The unlikely friendship between Arthur and Merlin becomes the heart of the show as Merlin acts as Arthur's servant, hiding his secret and slowly gaining the future king's trust.
The relationship is unbalanced in many ways. Arthur is a skilled knight with position and power, while Merlin is a commoner who accidentally gets a job as Arthur's servant that he doesn't want. By contrast, Merlin is a powerful wizard, aware of Arthur's fate and equipped to deal with magical threats, although he cannot reveal this. However, all the things that complicate their friendship disappear as the two grow closer. They may tease and insult each other at times, but they each risk their lives for their friend time and time again. In Merlin, Arthur's respect for the main character helps him become the impartial king he is known to bemaking this friendship more than just a nice and fun change for the crowd, but crucial to the progression of the story.
'Merlin's characters are his greatest strength
Merlin makes it a point to start the story before the characters become who they are in the legends, allowing characters to take training trips as the story progresses. While most have an idea of who they will be, it offers the opportunity for surprises. When Gwen (Angel Coulby) is introduced as a servant and the daughter of a blacksmith, everyone knows that she will become queen, but how remains a mystery. Combining the mythical figures of the Arthurian legend with new characters such as Gaius (Richard Wilson) and the Great Dragon (John Hurt), the show is not a simple narrative, but something more like an origin story.
MerlinCharacters grow in unexpected wayscreating complex arcs that surprise even those most familiar with the legends. Arthur is a good example of this, as he is introduced as an arrogant brute and, over time, becomes a caring and kind man, willing to change his father's rigid laws to promote justice and equality. By letting the commoners become his most trusted knights, marrying a handmaiden, and placing his trust in Merlin, Arthur earns his reputation as a just king, but his behavior at first causes the public to doubt and Merlin. But Arthur is not the only one whose unfamiliar characterization changes over time. Over the course of the series, Morgana goes from a loving, if rebellious, woman to a villain out to destroy everything Arthur and Merlin built. Her slow corruption, due to the lies she's told and her unfortunate circumstances, turns her from an ally to an enemy in one of the show's most compelling plots. These characters may have the most pronounced growth, showing how the show uses the mythos to create an interesting story.
'Merlin' refuses to take itself too seriously
Merlin it came out right before fantasy television really hit its stride. With the massive popularity of game of thrones and similar shows, the genre is booming. But Merlin doesn't exactly fit in with the cruel and violent shows that rule fantasy television now. However, Merlin it uses cheesy effects that betray its limited funding, but they force the show to not take itself too seriously, which is for the best. The show thrives on humor and outlandish plots which support the development of the most important character. Merlin it's not epic fantasy as audiences have grown accustomed to, but it never promised to be.
Merlin presents an immersive story with dynamic characters and enjoyable relationships, which is all you can ask of such a show, but it seems to fade into the background of the crowded genre. Although Merlin wasn't a widespread success, it has a loyal fan base that still talks about the series more than a decade after its conclusion and dreams of a sequel, though it's unlikely to happen. MerlinThe twist on the classic story and the well-crafted characters make it deserve the love and attention it rarely gets.
Merlin is streaming on Prime Video in the US
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