Last night I finally started watching the new show NBC show “Merlin”. I had (the first) 2 episodes recorded from Sunday night. I love pretty much all stories Arthurian. But I also get offended when they go way off original story unless they do it well. It’s such a great, multi-faceted story so please don’t F it up is all I ask…
Now, ‘do it well’ to me means “Excalibur” (1981 movie), “Camelot” (broadway in 60s plus 1982 play broadcast on HBO w/Richard Harris – LOVED IT – I know all the words to all the songs!), Camelot 3000 (12-part comic series 1982-1985), “King Arthur” (2004 movie). I’ve read “Le Morte d’Arthur” by Sir Thomas Malory and “The Once and Future King” by T.H. White. I’ve seen or read most versions of this story, good, bad or just wacky (have you seen George Romero’s 1981 ‘Knightriders’ with Ed Harris? I have! And loved it :)), as I LOVE this story. In just about all forms. Although when I went to see “First Knight” with a friend and, within the first few minutes said out loud “THAT’S NOT TRUE!” (she curled up and pretended she didn’t know me,) I realized there are some versions that should not be made (no offense to either Sean Connery and Richard Gere who I normally love just not in this movie.) Oh, and the JFK stealing of the whole Camelot/”one brief shining moment” theme = vomit-inducing….
But back to Merlin…I have enjoyed this TV show so far. They have shown 2 episodes and I have watched both. They have totally F’ed with the “history” but that’s OK. Hard to keep re-telling the same story I guess. Movie & TV writers seem unable to come up with new concepts (a new 90210 and Melrose Place…really??) but if they can re-tell a classic in a new way, and maybe get new people (kids even!) interested in the old classics (maybe even read them!), I am all for that.
I read they are gearing this story to kids. With all the killing, that seems like a bizarre choice…but ok…I say just make the show and your audience will be created. Merlin and Arthur are young – late teens(ish)? Arthur has started off as a kind of a jerk (the QB) and Merlin is the good, nice guy (the geek). Guinevere is a lady-in-waiting servant (pretty girl who will get the guy) who seems to like Merlin so far but that’s probably just as a really good friend as it plays out more. And Uther is the jerk dad to Arthur. So, yeah…geared towards kids/teens. But then throw in some stabbing, jousting, killer snakes, scary killer witches and death and we have got ourselves a good show!
The characters and how they meet, interact, etc. are mostly completely wrong from ‘history’ but again, as long as it is enjoyable, I don’t mind. So far, they have Merlin, Arthur, Uther, Morgana (Morgan le Fey) and Guinevere. Lancelot has ALWAYS been my favorite character so a story without him seems very odd. But then, maybe they will incorporate him (and the other Knights of the Round Table.) Hard not to since he was an integral part of the legend. My love for that character and all of his strengths and faults is probably due it’s own posting sometime (after I re-watch & re-read all my favorites!) :)
I’ve been sucked into both eps shown so far. So I will definitely keep watching. The only recognizable actor (to me) is Anthony Stewart Head (Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.) Since the show is called Merlin, they are gearing this to the Merlin character so lots of magic, etc. They are clearly going after the Harry Potter crowd (there is a dragon voiced by John Hurt plus they showed an extended trailer for the next HP movie during the premier ep.) That’s OK – I like that story too. But the Arthur legend is so, so much more than a fantasy story for kids. So far, no might for right; undying loyalty for your brothers-in-arms, betrayals of those you still love so much, etc, In my opinion, the original story is too dark and convoluted for kids or TV but I’m sure the writers can play with it and make it work. And I will take what I can get on TV with Jack Bauer and Chuck Bass gone! So far they have had a decent amount of sword-play and jousting to keep me happy :) I go to the Renaissance Faire solely to watch the jousting!
So if you any affinity for King Arthur, Arthurian legend, Merlin or fantasy, I suggest checking this show out and seeing what you think. I’ll keep watching unless they really offend :) Fun TV for the summer. But really…if you like this legend and haven’t seen or read any of the above mentioned interpretations, you should check them out. And send me any that you have!
