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Main Decks => Television => Topic started by: Trekkygeek on August 30, 2008, 02:03:46 PM

Title: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on August 30, 2008, 02:03:46 PM
This is going to be the BBC's latest family series. I reckon they'll put it on around saturday early evening, the same time Doctor Who airs. Looks promising.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: M-5 on August 30, 2008, 05:17:25 PM
It looks like it's going to be a pretty good show.  I hope BBC America will show it soon.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Geekyfanboy on August 30, 2008, 08:12:32 PM
Wow.. I love the whole King Arthur/Merlin story.. this is going to rock.. when does it premiere in the UK?
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: ElfManDan on August 30, 2008, 10:34:20 PM
That looks really good, not surprising, considering in my opinion most of the best TV shows are made by the BBC. Hope I can get my hands on it when it released.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on August 31, 2008, 03:28:24 AM
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on August 30, 2008, 08:12:32 PM
Wow.. I love the whole King Arthur/Merlin story.. this is going to rock.. when does it premiere in the UK?


Well, when they show trailers like this and add "coming Soon" it usually airs in around three weeks so I'm thinking mid September. Will keep you posted.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on August 31, 2008, 05:20:30 AM
Definitely be watching!  Love this kind of thing!
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on September 12, 2008, 12:35:09 PM
Merlin airs over here on Saturday 20th September. No details on time yet, but I'm reckoning the Doctor Who slot as predicted, saturday tea-time
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: celestialteapot on September 16, 2008, 04:39:32 PM
Looks fun :) unfortunately I'm working at the time it's on so will either have to wait for the DVD or catch up on the terrible iPlayer.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on September 19, 2008, 02:24:14 PM
You don't like iPlayer?

I only used it once. It was for "Casualty", the really bad BBC attempt at E.R. for Sarah. From the feedback she seemed quite pleased with it. Why is it so bad?
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: celestialteapot on September 19, 2008, 03:51:32 PM
Quote from: Trekkygeek on September 19, 2008, 02:24:14 PM
You don't like iPlayer?

I only used it once. It was for "Casualty", the really bad BBC attempt at E.R. for Sarah. From the feedback she seemed quite pleased with it. Why is it so bad?

The other channels not only offer their back catalogue for download for free but give you 30 days catch up, whereas the iPlayer gives you 7 days. If it was 30 days catch up then I could forgive their annoying website.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on September 20, 2008, 02:03:54 AM
Quote from: celestialteapot on September 19, 2008, 03:51:32 PM
Quote from: Trekkygeek on September 19, 2008, 02:24:14 PM
You don't like iPlayer?

I only used it once. It was for "Casualty", the really bad BBC attempt at E.R. for Sarah. From the feedback she seemed quite pleased with it. Why is it so bad?

The other channels not only offer their back catalogue for download for free but give you 30 days catch up, whereas the iPlayer gives you 7 days. If it was 30 days catch up then I could forgive their annoying website.


Good point. It's probably down to the whole BBC License thing. You can watch BBC without having one with iplayer and I suppose they have to limit it somehow.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: celestialteapot on September 20, 2008, 02:45:15 AM
Quote from: Trekkygeek on September 20, 2008, 02:03:54 AM
Good point. It's probably down to the whole BBC License thing. You can watch BBC without having one with iplayer and I suppose they have to limit it somehow.

According to their website you did need a TV licence - which I don't think is entirely true as you're not exactly receiving a broadcast signal like with the TV (particularly if you've downloaded it). I have many objections to the TV licence and have not paid it this year, I'm not giving money to a company that get commission every time they convict people and who run horrible scare tactics, of which most of them they cannot do (they can't interview you under caution, they can't detect people watching TV 'illegally' and they cannot enter your property without a warrant and a police officer to enforce the warrant).
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on September 20, 2008, 11:21:27 AM
Still, licence fee aside, Merlin looks promising. The good news is that even my wife wants to watch it. (OK, she watches Dr Who but I think that's for my sake really)
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Ktrek on September 20, 2008, 11:32:37 AM
Looks quite promising! I would like to at least check it out.

Kevin
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Meds on September 20, 2008, 12:20:41 PM
Ok so Merlin has just been shown on BBC 1 here in the UK. What can i say, visualy it looks stunning, the sets the locations all brilliant. A great cast including Anthony Head as Uther, Richard Wilson a Gauis, John Hurt as the voice of the dragon, Colin Morgan as Merlin and Bradley James as the irritating Arthur. The story was a bit hit and miss abut I look forward to next weeks This is spoiler free as i believe it is going to be transmitted in the US soon. It is nothing like the mystical Merlin (lets face it this is nothing like Excaliber) but worth a shot.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on October 18, 2008, 02:47:24 PM
Somewhat disappointed by the start of this weeks episode.

Overall it was good but something about the animation of the opening sequence (Lancelot against the Griffin) slipped a little and the live action looked horribly out of place against the CGI background.

Maybe it was just me, of course, but it seems a shame.

Meds, did you see it?
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on November 19, 2008, 08:01:50 AM
Well It's been on for 9 episodes now and on the whole I'm really enjoying it. Okay so it's light and frothy and won't win any prizes for its complexity but I do like it and most of the actors are what make it enjoyable. Antony Head as Uther is great and Colin Morgan is pretty watchable as a young Merlin. My favourite though Is Richard Wilson as Gauis. Most of the UK bunch will know him for one role in particular so it's refreshing to see him do something different.

My one big sour point? It's just too clean. Everyones hair is just so and there's no mud to be seen anywhere. I mean, come on, this is supposed to be the middle ages and everyone looks like they had a bath before they came on set. That, in my opinion is very lazy thinking by the BBC.

But on the whole, If you guys in the States get the chance to view it on BBC America, and you like your mythology light and frothy, then do watch it. I think it's better than Robin Hood, another recent offering for Saturday evenings.

P.S. Meds, you're right, Arthur is an irritating little scrote. I just want to slap his little baby face with a wet kipper.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on November 19, 2008, 08:03:54 AM
I'm definitely up for watching it when it shows up over here.  Is there a lot of magic and swordplay?
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on November 19, 2008, 08:25:42 AM
Quote from: Rico on November 19, 2008, 08:03:54 AM
I'm definitely up for watching it when it shows up over here.  Is there a lot of magic and swordplay?
Hmmm. Not sure how to answer that since I guess there's the potential for a small spoiler here. It is, however, a spoiler of a basic premise of the show rather than a specific plot point so I'll go with it.

Swordplay is certainly present in enough quantity - particularly this week - but magic less so since in this version of the reality magic is a forbidden art. There always is some of course.

Richard Wilson is brilliant BTW. It's nice to see him carry off something completely different so very well.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on November 19, 2008, 08:37:33 AM
Quote from: Feathers on November 19, 2008, 08:25:42 AM
Quote from: Rico on November 19, 2008, 08:03:54 AM
I'm definitely up for watching it when it shows up over here.  Is there a lot of magic and swordplay?
Hmmm. Not sure how to answer that since I guess there's the potential for a small spoiler here. It is, however, a spoiler of a basic premise of the show rather than a specific plot point so I'll go with it.

Swordplay is certainly present in enough quantity - particularly this week - but magic less so since in this version of the reality magic is a forbidden art. There always is some of course.

Richard Wilson is brilliant BTW. It's nice to see him carry off something completely different so very well.


He's the best thing about the show.
I really liked this weeks episode. I don't know about Arthurian legend so not sure about the accuracy.
I also likes the teaser from last week, the one with the little lad. Again not sue about the legend, but he is obviously to play a big part in Merlins life in the future. I take it you know who I mean without spoiling it too much....
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on November 19, 2008, 08:41:23 AM
Quote from: Trekkygeek on November 19, 2008, 08:37:33 AM
I also likes the teaser from last week, the one with the little lad. Again not sue about the legend, but he is obviously to play a big part in Merlins life in the future. I take it you know who I mean without spoiling it too much....

Oh yes! That was brilliant - when he finally identified himself I nearly fell off the chair. (If that's the bit you mean)
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on November 19, 2008, 12:31:32 PM
Yeah, that'll be the one.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on November 19, 2008, 12:54:30 PM
Whether they'll play on it in future episodes of this series or whether it was simply a throw away for the future (and the mythology), I don't know. Somehow I suspect he'll be back but I wouldn't guarantee it will be this series.

Oh, one other thing for Rico, as well as swordplay and magic there seems to be quite a lot of rotten fruit involved in this. We English love to put people in the stocks you know!
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Geekyfanboy on December 17, 2008, 03:43:24 PM
I haven't watched this yet.. really want to. but here is some news

http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2008/12/17/bbc-renews-merlin/ (http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2008/12/17/bbc-renews-merlin/)

BBC Renews "Merlin"
December 17, 2008 by Michael Hickerson   || Category: TV

The BBC announced yesterday that "Merlin" has been renewed for a second season.

The series has garnered solid ratings in the UK, averaging an audience of 6.2 million viewers for the first eight episodes, with a 28% average share.   The series airs on Saturday evenings in the UK and is targeted toward a family audience.  It stars Anthony Head, Colin Morgan, Bradley James and Richard Wilson.

The series chronicles the friendship between Arthur and Merlin and is set in the mythical town of Camelot.  It picks up the story just as Arthur becomes king and Merlin is learning about his magical powers.

The series has been sold to 112 markets across the world as well.  Right to air the series in the United States belong to NBC.

It is speculated that NBC may combine the first and second series of the show for broadcast in the U.S.  Each series will run 13 episodes.

It's also speculated that NBC may use this series to fill programming holes that could be created by a SAG strike.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on December 18, 2008, 05:57:38 AM
Good news!

I really enjoyed the first series. It didn't require the heaviest amount of thought ever, but it was solid entertainment. Even my wife watched it!

It moved about the schedule a bit (presumably depending on televised sport?) but was always 7pm (ish) on Saturday - the Doctor Who slot.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Meds on December 18, 2008, 08:21:41 AM
I thought it was OK, i still get annoyed with changes to the Arthur/Merlin legend. My own fault, its the reason why i hate Young Sherlock or any films in which are historically inaccurate (eg any Mel Gibson film). Oh by  the way do you know that Merlin is actually the Doctor. Think about it ;)
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: M-5 on December 18, 2008, 09:08:34 AM
I'll be glad when it crosses the pond.  It looks like it's going to be good.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on December 26, 2008, 02:12:10 PM
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on December 18, 2008, 08:21:41 AM
I thought it was OK, i still get annoyed with changes to the Arthur/Merlin legend. My own fault, its the reason why i hate Young Sherlock or any films in which are historically inaccurate (eg any Mel Gibson film). Oh by  the way do you know that Merlin is actually the Doctor. Think about it ;)


You got me there mate. Clues please? Just a teaser?
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: X on December 26, 2008, 07:55:27 PM
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on December 18, 2008, 08:21:41 AM
I thought it was OK, i still get annoyed with changes to the Arthur/Merlin legend. My own fault, its the reason why i hate Young Sherlock or any films in which are historically inaccurate (eg any Mel Gibson film). Oh by  the way do you know that Merlin is actually the Doctor. Think about it ;)
But that's a sticky topic in and of itself. There are a huge variety of Arthur stories.

The big two are the sword in the stone and the lady of the lake. In one he gets the sword from the stone in another he gets the stone from the lady in the lake. Then in yet another he gets two seperate swords from those two sources. One being Caliburn and the other being Excalibur.

I think I like the show better because I don't know what happens next. they take pieces of the legend and weave something new and entertaining.

Oh! forgot that this was a Brit show. I really didn't see all thirteen episodes hours after they aired. That wouldn't be right now that NBC is considering picking it up for primetime.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Meds on December 27, 2008, 06:47:16 AM
Quote from: Trekkygeek on December 26, 2008, 02:12:10 PM
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on December 18, 2008, 08:21:41 AM. Oh by  the way do you know that Merlin is actually the Doctor. Think about it ;)


You got me there mate. Clues please? Just a teaser?

Wiki can explain better than me. ;)

in response to a distress signal, the Seventh Doctor and Ace materialize the TARDIS near Lake Vortigern in England. The sound of explosions leads the TARDIS crew into the acquaintance of Brigadier Bambera of UNIT, in charge of a nuclear missile convoy. Following from the encounter, the retired Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart is informed of the Doctor's return, and a helicopter is sent to his country home to collect him, against the protests of his wife, Doris.

Later, at the Gore Crow hotel, the Doctor and Ace meet a young woman called Shou Yuing, who shares Ace's love of explosives. Meanwhile, as Bambera stops to examine a blue police telephone box, she is caught in the crossfire between two groups of armoured knights, using both swords and futuristic guns.

The Doctor shows interest in a scabbard, excavated from the battlefield. The scabbard is hot to the Doctor's touch, and the hotel owner's blind wife, Elizabeth, says she can sense it waiting for something, or someone. When the archaeologist Warmsly arrives at the hotel, he dates the scabbard to the 8th century. The Doctor senses that it has been waiting for far longer.

As Ace and Shou Yuing share a talk about explosives, a knight sails through the brewery's roof, making a huge commotion. On investigation, the Doctor, Ace and Shou Yuing find the knight Ancelyn — who wakes, to recognize the Doctor as "Merlin". While the Doctor mulls the portent of this revelation, the party is surrounded by an ominous group of knights.

Bambera faces down their leader, Mordred. He is shocked to see "Merlin", who he believed bound by his mother, Morgaine. Following some vague threats from the Doctor, Mordred's knights retreat. Later, as Mordred begins an arcane ritual, the scabbard in the hotel flies across the room. Morgaine arrives on the scene through a rift in space and time; she proceeds to psychically taunt the Doctor.

The next day, Warmsly shows the Doctor where he uncovered the scabbard. They find a rune, which the Doctor translates to "Dig hole here." On further question, he replies that it is his own handwriting. Using a canister of Nitro-9, Ace blows an opening.

On arrival in Carbury, Lethbridge-Stewart's helicopter is shot down by Morgaine's sorcery. As Morgaine's knights hold a remembrance ceremony for the soldiers of Earth's world wars, Lethbridge-Stewart has a peaceable encounter with Morgaine — though she threatens Lethbridge-Stewart, in the event they should meet again.

The Doctor and Ace enter a chamber under the lake, finding the door keyed to the Doctor's voice. The Doctor tells Ace that this "Merlin" may well be a future version of himself. Presently, they realize that the chamber is part of an organic spaceship. They also find the body of King Arthur. When Ace removes a sword from a plinth, she activates a defence mechanism, unleashing a hostile, glowing entity. In attempt to hide, Ace enters an alcove. A door closes, and the alcove starts to fill with water. As Ace yells for help, the entity knocks the Doctor unconscious.

The Doctor recovers just in time to fiddle with a control panel, and eject Ace from the space ship. As Ancelyn and Warmsly stand at the shore, discussing the Lady of the Lake, Ace emerges, still grasping the sword. Ancelyn identifies it as Excalibur. The Brigadier arrives on-scene, in time to destroy the creature below the lake and rescue the Doctor.

Mordred and Morgaine go to the hotel, to retrieve Excalibur. When Lavel shoots, Morgaine simply catches her bullet with sorcery. Morgaine takes knowledge from Lavel's mind, then turns her body to dust. As she leaves, she pays Mordred's drinking tab by restoring Elizabeth's sight. Meanwhile, UNIT troops are staging an evacuation. The Brigadier shows off some of UNIT's specialized ammunition, and the Doctor inquires about silver bullets.

The Doctor instructs Ace to draw a chalk circle around herself, to protect against Morgaine's sorcery. He then drives off in his old car, Bessie, hoping to halt a battle between Morgaine's knights and the UNIT soldiers. A storm breaks outside the hotel, so Ace and Shou Yuing draw the circle around themselves and Excalibur. A localized night falls. Within the circle, Ace and Shou Yuing start to bicker. Ace nearly leaves the circle, before they realise they are being toyed with.

Just as Mordred and Ancelyn are about to fight, the Doctor intervenes. Mordred, however, reveals that this battle is merely a ruse to lure the Doctor, and that Morgaine has summoned the Destroyer of Worlds. Morgaine appears before Ace and Shou Yuing, and tries to entice them to hand over Excalibur. When they refuse, she unleashes the Destroyer.

The Doctor and the Brigadier capture Mordred, and set off for the hotel. Meanwhile, Morgaine is occupied with Ace's circle. On return, the Doctor finds the hotel in ruins yet Ace and Shou Yuing safe. He is pleased to hear that Ace gave up Excalibur to Morgaine, if doing so protected her. In the debris, the Doctor finds a portal to Morgaine's castle; he, the Brigadier, and Ace enter. On arrival, the Brigadier shoots the Destroyer, to no effect. The Destroyer's return volley sends the Brigadier flying through the window. Ace bursts through the portal, ramming into Morgaine, knocking Excalibur from her grasp.

Morgaine releases the Destroyer's bonds. In the confusion, she scoops up Excalibur and enters the gateway along with Mordred.

Outside, the Doctor readies the Brigadier's revolver and silver bullets — yet the Brigadier knocks him out, retrieves his gun, and faces the Destroyer alone. After some dialog, the Brigadier empties the revolver into the Destroyer's chest. The Doctor wakes to find the castle engulfed in flames. He spots the Brigadier's prostrate form, and begins to mourn his fallen friend — at which point the Brigadier stirs and rises, scuffed but unharmed.

Back at the convoy, Morgaine and Mordred attempt to detonate the nuclear missile. The Doctor confronts Morgaine, insisting that there is no honor to nuclear warfare. She agrees, then asks to fight Arthur in single combat. He tells her of Arthur's death, to her sadness. The Doctor prevents Mordred from killing Ancelyn, and asks Bambera to imprison Mordred and Morgaine.

Back at the Brigadier's house, Doris thumbs her nose at her husband by going for a drive in Bessie with Ace, Shou Yuing, and Bambera, leaving him and the other men to do the gardening and prepare supper.

PS:_ it is implied that Merlin is, or will be, a future incarnation of the Doctor. It is also possible that Merlin is an alternate Doctor from the same parallel universe that Morgaine and the rest of the knights are from.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: M-5 on December 27, 2008, 10:30:26 AM
^^^
Meds, you are the man!  I now know who (no pun intended) to ask if I have any questions about Doctor Who.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on December 27, 2008, 12:30:14 PM
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on December 27, 2008, 06:47:16 AM
Quote from: Trekkygeek on December 26, 2008, 02:12:10 PM
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on December 18, 2008, 08:21:41 AM. Oh by  the way do you know that Merlin is actually the Doctor. Think about it ;)


You got me there mate. Clues please? Just a teaser?

Wiki can explain better than me. ;)

in response to a distress signal, the Seventh Doctor and Ace materialize the TARDIS near Lake Vortigern in England. The sound of explosions leads the TARDIS crew into the acquaintance of Brigadier Bambera of UNIT, in charge of a nuclear missile convoy. Following from the encounter, the retired Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart is informed of the Doctor's return, and a helicopter is sent to his country home to collect him, against the protests of his wife, Doris.

Later, at the Gore Crow hotel, the Doctor and Ace meet a young woman called Shou Yuing, who shares Ace's love of explosives. Meanwhile, as Bambera stops to examine a blue police telephone box, she is caught in the crossfire between two groups of armoured knights, using both swords and futuristic guns.

The Doctor shows interest in a scabbard, excavated from the battlefield. The scabbard is hot to the Doctor's touch, and the hotel owner's blind wife, Elizabeth, says she can sense it waiting for something, or someone. When the archaeologist Warmsly arrives at the hotel, he dates the scabbard to the 8th century. The Doctor senses that it has been waiting for far longer.

As Ace and Shou Yuing share a talk about explosives, a knight sails through the brewery's roof, making a huge commotion. On investigation, the Doctor, Ace and Shou Yuing find the knight Ancelyn — who wakes, to recognize the Doctor as "Merlin". While the Doctor mulls the portent of this revelation, the party is surrounded by an ominous group of knights.

Bambera faces down their leader, Mordred. He is shocked to see "Merlin", who he believed bound by his mother, Morgaine. Following some vague threats from the Doctor, Mordred's knights retreat. Later, as Mordred begins an arcane ritual, the scabbard in the hotel flies across the room. Morgaine arrives on the scene through a rift in space and time; she proceeds to psychically taunt the Doctor.

The next day, Warmsly shows the Doctor where he uncovered the scabbard. They find a rune, which the Doctor translates to "Dig hole here." On further question, he replies that it is his own handwriting. Using a canister of Nitro-9, Ace blows an opening.

On arrival in Carbury, Lethbridge-Stewart's helicopter is shot down by Morgaine's sorcery. As Morgaine's knights hold a remembrance ceremony for the soldiers of Earth's world wars, Lethbridge-Stewart has a peaceable encounter with Morgaine — though she threatens Lethbridge-Stewart, in the event they should meet again.

The Doctor and Ace enter a chamber under the lake, finding the door keyed to the Doctor's voice. The Doctor tells Ace that this "Merlin" may well be a future version of himself. Presently, they realize that the chamber is part of an organic spaceship. They also find the body of King Arthur. When Ace removes a sword from a plinth, she activates a defence mechanism, unleashing a hostile, glowing entity. In attempt to hide, Ace enters an alcove. A door closes, and the alcove starts to fill with water. As Ace yells for help, the entity knocks the Doctor unconscious.

The Doctor recovers just in time to fiddle with a control panel, and eject Ace from the space ship. As Ancelyn and Warmsly stand at the shore, discussing the Lady of the Lake, Ace emerges, still grasping the sword. Ancelyn identifies it as Excalibur. The Brigadier arrives on-scene, in time to destroy the creature below the lake and rescue the Doctor.

Mordred and Morgaine go to the hotel, to retrieve Excalibur. When Lavel shoots, Morgaine simply catches her bullet with sorcery. Morgaine takes knowledge from Lavel's mind, then turns her body to dust. As she leaves, she pays Mordred's drinking tab by restoring Elizabeth's sight. Meanwhile, UNIT troops are staging an evacuation. The Brigadier shows off some of UNIT's specialized ammunition, and the Doctor inquires about silver bullets.

The Doctor instructs Ace to draw a chalk circle around herself, to protect against Morgaine's sorcery. He then drives off in his old car, Bessie, hoping to halt a battle between Morgaine's knights and the UNIT soldiers. A storm breaks outside the hotel, so Ace and Shou Yuing draw the circle around themselves and Excalibur. A localized night falls. Within the circle, Ace and Shou Yuing start to bicker. Ace nearly leaves the circle, before they realise they are being toyed with.

Just as Mordred and Ancelyn are about to fight, the Doctor intervenes. Mordred, however, reveals that this battle is merely a ruse to lure the Doctor, and that Morgaine has summoned the Destroyer of Worlds. Morgaine appears before Ace and Shou Yuing, and tries to entice them to hand over Excalibur. When they refuse, she unleashes the Destroyer.

The Doctor and the Brigadier capture Mordred, and set off for the hotel. Meanwhile, Morgaine is occupied with Ace's circle. On return, the Doctor finds the hotel in ruins yet Ace and Shou Yuing safe. He is pleased to hear that Ace gave up Excalibur to Morgaine, if doing so protected her. In the debris, the Doctor finds a portal to Morgaine's castle; he, the Brigadier, and Ace enter. On arrival, the Brigadier shoots the Destroyer, to no effect. The Destroyer's return volley sends the Brigadier flying through the window. Ace bursts through the portal, ramming into Morgaine, knocking Excalibur from her grasp.

Morgaine releases the Destroyer's bonds. In the confusion, she scoops up Excalibur and enters the gateway along with Mordred.

Outside, the Doctor readies the Brigadier's revolver and silver bullets — yet the Brigadier knocks him out, retrieves his gun, and faces the Destroyer alone. After some dialog, the Brigadier empties the revolver into the Destroyer's chest. The Doctor wakes to find the castle engulfed in flames. He spots the Brigadier's prostrate form, and begins to mourn his fallen friend — at which point the Brigadier stirs and rises, scuffed but unharmed.

Back at the convoy, Morgaine and Mordred attempt to detonate the nuclear missile. The Doctor confronts Morgaine, insisting that there is no honor to nuclear warfare. She agrees, then asks to fight Arthur in single combat. He tells her of Arthur's death, to her sadness. The Doctor prevents Mordred from killing Ancelyn, and asks Bambera to imprison Mordred and Morgaine.

Back at the Brigadier's house, Doris thumbs her nose at her husband by going for a drive in Bessie with Ace, Shou Yuing, and Bambera, leaving him and the other men to do the gardening and prepare supper.

PS:_ it is implied that Merlin is, or will be, a future incarnation of the Doctor. It is also possible that Merlin is an alternate Doctor from the same parallel universe that Morgaine and the rest of the knights are from.


Oh that? Oh yeah, I knew that....obviously... : )
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on December 27, 2008, 01:26:16 PM
Interesting. I tailed off watching in the Colin Baker era so never saw any of this. It makes for an interesting tie up that may be done one day. Of course that'd need McCoy to come back as I suspect it would stretch things just a bit too far to use Tennant or anyone else despite the wikipedia article.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on December 27, 2008, 01:30:38 PM
Back on topic...

I have to say I'm not a real follower of Arthurian myth so will miss a lot of the references in this series. It looks well of the beaten track of everything I've heard or seen before, but it also seems to be trying to set a fair amount of the 'traditional' story up. Is this simply trying to be a precursor rather than rewrite the accepted face of legend?
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Trekkygeek on December 28, 2008, 07:19:03 AM
Quote from: Feathers on December 27, 2008, 01:30:38 PM
Back on topic...

I have to say I'm not a real follower of Arthurian myth so will miss a lot of the references in this series. It looks well of the beaten track of everything I've heard or seen before, but it also seems to be trying to set a fair amount of the 'traditional' story up. Is this simply trying to be a precursor rather than rewrite the accepted face of legend?

I think it's trying to "Smallville" the legend of Merlin
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on December 28, 2008, 12:47:35 PM
Good enough analogy I guess.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on June 23, 2009, 06:11:30 AM
Well, I watched the first episode and thought it was ok.  They are definitely playing fast and loose with the myth and legend of Merlin, Arthur and so on.  It's fun and certainly not heavy at all.  Hulu has it now for those that missed it's US premiere.

Episode one:

Hulu - Merlin: The Dragon's Call - Watch the full episode now. (http://www.hulu.com/embed/2fojlnCWkeAzvSH96VQeJg)
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on June 23, 2009, 06:13:18 AM
Episode two:

Hulu - Merlin: Valiant - Watch the full episode now. (http://www.hulu.com/embed/D_ezGknxPEVNwTKkbivK2g)
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on June 23, 2009, 06:29:00 AM
Quote from: Rico on June 23, 2009, 06:11:30 AM
They are definitely playing fast and loose with the myth and legend of Merlin, Arthur and so on.  It's fun and certainly not heavy at all.

I think 'light and frothy' was the term Tim used for it a while back and yeah, the legend is completely out of the window but I found it entertaining.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on September 06, 2009, 06:09:09 PM
I just finished season one of "Merlin" and really enjoyed it.  Love the scenery and music especially.  Any idea on where they film this, UK guys?  Season two I think is starting in the UK in the next few days I have read (and hopefully in the US soon after).  Here's a promo poster I found for season 2.

Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on September 07, 2009, 02:26:35 AM
I don't really know too much other than it's another BBC Wales production (as Dr Who) so I think  a lot of it is done there - that would certainly fit with the nature of the show since there are some lovely un-build areas in Wales.

The castle is apparently French. Enough said.

I haven't seen anything about season 2 appearing but then I DVR most stuff these days and haven't seen a BBC show in a while so wouldn't have seen any previews.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on September 07, 2009, 05:22:45 AM
I heard a date of September 9th for it starting back up on the BBC.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on September 07, 2009, 05:38:06 AM
Quote from: Rico on September 07, 2009, 05:22:45 AM
I heard a date of September 9th for it starting back up on the BBC.

That would be an odd choice for a Wednesday since this is a Saturday Night, "Dr Who slot" show over here.

I can't find it anywhere on either the Radio Times website or in the Sky (satellite TV) listings.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on September 07, 2009, 05:54:14 AM
Perhaps the 19th then?
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on September 07, 2009, 06:25:22 AM
Could be the 19th.

A programme search doesn't come up with anything, but looking at the schedule, that slot is down as 'To Be Announced'.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on September 10, 2009, 05:26:01 AM
Confirmed.

Season 2 starts at 6:40 pm, Saturday 19th September.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on September 10, 2009, 05:38:56 AM
Quote from: Feathers on September 10, 2009, 05:26:01 AM
Confirmed.

Season 2 starts at 6:40 pm, Saturday 19th September.

Awesome!  Thanks for the update.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on September 26, 2009, 02:33:34 PM
Right. Finaly got to watch episode one of series 2 last night.

From what I can remember, they seem to be taking it along in much the same vein as last series in that there's a weekly threat to be ovecome by Merlin or some form of force of arms.

I certainly enjoyed last weeks episode. It's as lightweight as it's always been, but it is a good fit for the Saturday night Dr Who slot.

Now to watch today's offering.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on September 26, 2009, 03:35:00 PM
I'm hoping BBC America starts showing season two here sometime soon as well.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on September 27, 2009, 01:14:30 AM
It does sound as though the BBC have got their act together a little bit more now that BBCA is taking their shows rather than SyFy and others.

Can you get the BBCA HD channel yet? I've heard they've launched one but noone carries it.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on September 27, 2009, 05:22:11 AM
No BBCA in HD for me yet.  That would be nice though as they start to get more content and sooner from you guys.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on September 27, 2009, 06:59:13 AM
Petition your cable company! It's out there just waiting for subscribers (apparently).

Back on topic...I never did watch this weeks Merlin last night. Maybe this evening.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Feathers on October 24, 2010, 12:44:37 PM
As no one's pointed it out, I will.

We're a good six or seven weeks into series 3 of Merlin over here and while it seems to be carrying on in it's somewhat light-hearted Saturday evening vein, the through line plot feels just a little stronger this year.

[spoiler]It's probably more to do with having one of the major characters having turned 'evil' so having that presence in the palace as well as dealing with the usual 'threat of the week'.[/spoiler]

Whatever it is, I'm still enjoying it.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: Rico on October 24, 2010, 06:00:37 PM
Cool!  I still need to see series 2.  Hasn't really aired over here in the "normal" ways.
Title: Re: New BBC show "Merlin"
Post by: ElfManDan on October 24, 2010, 07:01:06 PM
I've still not seen series 2 either. I'm waiting on Netflix now cause it never got put on Hulu like series 1 and that was my only way of getting it then. I know it did air on SyFy, but I didn't have TV at the time.