Merlin is one of those shows -- and I don't really like the Camelot legend, but it was billed as being "Harry Potter in Camelot" so I figured I'd give it a try because I love me some Harry Potter. And today when I was writing cover letters and sending out resumes, I started to watch it as background noise. Which is it's place.
It reminds me a lot of Sinbad -- really attractive, bad actors with equally terrible special effects. But the stories are swash-buckling and full of useful magic.
But since the Arthurian legend is pretty well established, I think it's pretty fair to complain about some of the liberties they've taken with the story (lots of spoilers):
Guinevere -- She's black (which I only object to because she's the only non-white actor and they don't explain her race. If there were other minorities wandering around, it would make more sense. But perhaps we're going to find out she is from another kingdom or something). And a servant. And was in love with Merlin until about five minutes ago. When she met...
Lancelot -- He's not a knight. Merlin just faked his seal of nobility just like Chaucer in A Knight's Tale. Which has, obviously, been done before. But it means he's the same station in life as Guinevere, so I'm guessing there's going to be a Merlin - Lancelot - Guinevere love triangle instead of Arthur - Lancelot - Guinevere. (Update: Lancelot just rode out. And he was pretty.)
Merlin -- Sure I'd rather look at a relatively attractive young man than an old man...but isn't he supposed to be this wise old man who guides Arthur? Just a thought.
The good news: Giles from Buffy is wandering around in period costume as Arthur's father. And he's pretty awesome and ruthless (and seems to know that Lancelot is a fake). But he's still better in Buffy. And the Taster's Choice commercials.
I'll keep watching as I keep blogging and sending out resumes, it's not bad enough to stop watching. But until you're fired and bored...there are probably better ways to spend your time.
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