Merlin is a British fantasy-adventure television programme, created by Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps and starring Colin Morgan in the title role. It was broadcast on BBC One from 20 September 2008 to 24 December 2012. The show is loosely based on the Arthurian legends of the young wizard Merlin and his relationship with King Arthur but differs from traditional versions. The show was influenced by the US drama series Smallville, about the early years of Superman,[3] and was produced by independent production company Shine Limited. Merlin is a reimagining of the legend in which the future King Arthur and Merlin are young contemporaries, however Arthurs father Uther Pendragon has banned magic in Camelot on pain of death. It showed the growth of King Arthur from a young, self- absorbed boy to the mighty king in the legends as well as Merlins colossal role in creating the powerful Camelot. It was immensely popular and very well received by the public.[citation needed] In 2012, the shows producers announced that its fifth series would be its last, with a two-part finale finishing the show on 24 December 2012. The show was greenlit by the BBC in 2006, after unsuccessful attempts. The series premiered in 2008 to mixed reviews which improved as the series went on and good ratings, and proved popular on the BBCs digital catch-up service, iPlayer. It was commissioned by the BBC for a second series, and was shown in the United States by one of the main broadcasters, NBC, though it later moved to the cable network Syfy. It finished with a total of 65 episodes. Series overview Merlin (Colin Morgan) is a young warlock who arrives in the kingdom of Camelot after his mother arranges for him to stay with the court physician, Gaius ( Richard Wilson). He discovers that the king, Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head), has outlawed magic and imprisoned the last Dragon deep under the kingdom. After hearing a mysterious voice inside his head, Merlin makes his way to the cavern beneath Camelot where the Great Dragon (voice of John Hurt) tells Merlin that he has an important destiny: to protect Uthers son, Arthur, who will return magic to Camelot and unite the land of Albion. When Merlin meets Arthur, he believes that he is an arrogant bully and Arthur, likewise, has a less than stellar opinion of Merlin. After saving the princes life Merlin becomes his servant and the two begin to respect and trust one another, eventually becoming close friends with him, and another servant named Guinevere ( Angel Coulby). But when Uthers actions eventually cause his ward Morgana ( Katie McGrath) to turn against Camelot, Merlin must work together with the Once and Future King (Arthur) to save the kingdom of Albion. Main cast Main article: List of Merlin characters Character Actor Years Series Episode Count Merlin Colin Morgan 2008-2012 1-5 65 Arthur Pendragon Bradley James 2008-2012 1-5 65 Morgana Katie McGrath 2008-2012 1-5 64 Guinevere Angel Coulby 2008-2012 1-5 65 Gaius Richard Wilson 2008-2012 1-5 65 The Voice of the Great Dragon John Hurt 2008-2012 1-5 65 Uther Pendragon Anthony Head 2008-2011, 2012 1-4, 5 43 Agravaine de Bois Nathaniel Parker 2011 4 13 From left to right: Guinevere, Gaius, Morgana, Merlin, Arthur, Uther and the Great Dragon in the background. Colin Morgan as Merlin, Arthurs servant and Gaius ward, who must secretly develop his magical gifts under the gaze of kings Uther and Arthur, both of whom despise the art. Although Merlin is (falsely) accused of sorcery several times during the run of the series, only Gaius and Lancelot are aware of his magic. Merlin also has an alter-ego, Dragoon the Great (conjured when Merlin performs an aging spell upon himself), who is considered a criminal by both Uther and Arthur, and inspires profound fear in Morgana, who recognizes him as Emrys, her prophetic nemesis. Bradley James as Arthur Pendragon, the prince and later king of Camelot, and the commander of the kingdoms knights. Despite being charged with carrying out his fathers harsh edicts, Arthur is portrayed as a far more compassionate man, who defends the falsely accused before the king, and even secretly defies him from time to time. Additionally, he welcomes commoners Lancelot, Gwaine, Mordred, and Percival as knights, and falls in love with Gwen, a mere serving girl. Most importantly, he comes to regard his servant Merlin as a close friend and confidant, never realising how many times Merlin has had to save his life using magic. Arthur initially promises to lift Uthers ban on magic when he becomes king – but changes his mind when magic kills his father. Katie McGrath as Morgana, Uthers ward who is later revealed to be his daughter. Initially portrayed as a kind and empathetic young woman, Morgana comes to despise Uther when she realizes he would never accept her if he knew of her magical powers, and begins covertly plotting against him. She becomes the shows primary villain by the third season, relentlessly coveting Arthurs throne and coming to recognise Merlin for the formidable foe that he is, despite not knowing of his powers. Angel Coulby as Guinevere (Gwen), Morganas servant who later rises to become queen of Camelot. Her relationship with Arthur at first causes conflict within the kingdom, as Uther considers her unworthy and forbids Arthur to court her, even accusing her of witchcraft when Arthurs affections for her do not diminish. However, Gwen proves popular among the people (being one of them herself), and strives to make Arthur and his advisers approachable to them. Richard Wilson as Gaius, the court physician and Merlins guardian and mentor. Once a magician himself, Gaius has long since abandoned the practice but even so is willing to help foster Merlins talents, and comes to love him as his own son. An eminently wise man with a long memory, Gaius is one of Uthers closest advisers, and always among the first to realise what is really happening when magic threatens the kingdom. John Hurt as the voice of The Great Dragon, the last of his kind after Uther destroys all of his kin and makes an example out of him by imprisoning him in a vast underground cave. The Great Dragon gives Merlin grudging advice and forges the sword of Excalibur in his breath for Arthur, but persistently demands his freedom in return. Merlin eventually does release him, unwittingly unleashing a full-on assault on Camelot by the dragon, seeking revenge for his murdered kin. However, Merlin learns from his father that he is descended from a long line of dragonlords, and is able to use their craft to control the Great Dragon. Anthony Head as Uther Pendragon (Series 1–4), Camelots stubborn and hard- hearted king, who shows Arthur repeated tough love and ruthlessly enforces the kingdoms strict ban on sorcery. Although meaning well, Uther earns himself many enemies in his brutal fight against magic, and Morganas ultimate betrayal drives him to madness. Nathaniel Parker as Agravaine de Bois (Series 4), Arthurs uncle who steps in after Uther dies, reputedly as a trusted adviser to Arthur, but is soon identified as a traitor and spy for Morgana. Merlin and Gaius especially distrust him.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 22:56:01 +0000
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