New NBC Series: Merlin - Winter 2009

First of all, let me just say that I've always been a huge fan of superheroes, knights and armor and magic. Superman, Batman and Spiderman have always been my favorite superheroes, but Merlin has always been my favorite character of all-time! I even made my own wizard's staff from the root and trunk of a fallen tree.

Anyway, I've had the good fortune of seeing the first few episodes of the show on the BBC. Naturally, I've also been a huge fan of Smallville (never miss an episode) and I also have loved the BBC's Robin Hood (Please keep that show alive). Although, I have to say that this new Merlin series has become my new favorite show in the world!!

I just love how classic it feels and yet I can very much relate to the main character. It has a beautiful innocence and honor that is unmatched in any format these days. I love how subtle they introduce the magical elements (much like Smallville successfully did) and yet the adventure and comedy keep the show moving forward brilliantly and without notice of the time it takes per show. In fact, I'm always sad that the show ends because I'm always wanting to see more.

So far the storyline have been fresh, unique and yet very recognizable and plausible in a Arthur/Merlin universe. I'm glad to see what they've chosen to do with Arthur's character as well. Merlin really does have an enormous effect on Arthur's destiny and it's fun and also heart-warming to see how much Merlin's purity brings out Arthur's true nature, loyalty and honor.

The casting in this show is first-class! I'm always instantly transported into the storyline. The characters and writers make great use of their natural talent. Keep in mind, how they portray some of the characters is a little nontraditional until you see a couple episodes and you start to see that this show is about transformation and growth. It's about discovery and exploration of one's own destiny. It's about defending against evil while also keeping an open mind to people's potential to be good.

The crew also do an amazing job. The sets are stunning and the use of natural backdrops and forests are hard to tell what is a set and what isn't. In fact, it's done so well that I have no idea if the entire place was created or if it's some real castle restored to look so fantastic. Either way, I like how wonderfully they make use of light and colors. Smallville (again, my other favorite show) makes excellent, purposeful use of colors and lighting. Bright colors and lighting gives the viewers a sense of hope and wonderment about the future. I'm sure that's what the creators of the show had intended and I applaud their attention to detail.

It's hard to describe how excited I am about this series and even more so that it's coming to American audiences. Maybe that will be an incentive to keep the show going for many years to come by evolving and following the characters as they grow, like Smallville has done.

At any rate, thank you for reading this and I hope the "powers that be" decide to really stay true to it's current path and stay close to that inspiration that has got my loyalty already. In fact, I rarely go out of my way to praise a show and post about them unless I genuinely love them.

Congratulations to all involved! And thank you so very much for bringing me some much needed joy in a time when people need more hope for the future.

Your loyal fan and friend,
Ben

They have take a rich legend and made it garbage.

I have been watching this show from the UK. I really like it. Glad NBC is getting in on it.

i got to watch the first episode while i was at universal studio in florida last week. it was one of those things where they pay for your opinion. anyway, i thought it was great! i actually didnt get bored at all and didnt realize an hour had passed. cant wait to see it on american tv!

I really like the show. I thought it was quite funny and equally charming. I'm glad that they are bringing it to us here in America.

This show is done quite well, and I am looking forward to the rest of the episodes when they air on TV. I have no doubt this show will be a decent success if the rest of the shows are as good as the first. Its a good family show, has intrigue enough for regular people good values and morals and mystery. Someone actually is getting smart over there at NBC for picking this up.

I first heard about this show on Whedonesque because the once owner of the Magic Box is now the King of Camelot. The Merlin tv miniseries is one of my favorites, so thank you NBC for bring back Young Merlin to the States! Cheers to BBC for keeping the magic alive.

Keeping the magic secret until Winter 2009. I can't wait!