by Leah Stone
Loosely based on the Arthurian legends of Merlin and King Arthur (think Lancelot, knights of the round table, that sort of thing), Merlin ran from September 2008 until December 2012 and quickly became one of the most popular shows in the UK. However, in typical fashion, the BBC broke everyone’s hearts by ending the show and getting rid of any ability to pick the show back up again at a later date. How can we tell? It ended with Merlin in the modern era wandering along a road searching for the next King Arthur.
But what exactly made it so popular?
Loosely based on the Arthurian legends of Merlin and King Arthur (think Lancelot, knights of the round table, that sort of thing), Merlin ran from September 2008 until December 2012 and quickly became one of the most popular shows in the UK. However, in typical fashion, the BBC broke everyone’s hearts by ending the show and getting rid of any ability to pick the show back up again at a later date. How can we tell? It ended with Merlin in the modern era wandering along a road searching for the next King Arthur.
But what exactly made it so popular?
Perhaps it is because it's a welcome change from the ever-so-popular soaps, modern-day sitcoms and the regular Saturday night viewings. Set far in the past and filled with magic, myths and legends, it certainly slipped itself into an open market. It was unlike anything around at the time and the viewers were hooked from the first episode onwards.
The characters were well developed. Merlin has a difficult back story and we learn a lot about him, his past and his powers. Arthur begins as a pompous prince, but transforms into a strong, powerful but fair king, and we see his hatred towards magic dwindle until the final episode when he discovers Merlin’s magical powers and finally accepts it. Morgana seems humble and kind at the start but develops into the show’s villain, something that many did not see coming. And Guinevere, a mere serving girl, gets to one day marry King Arthur.
The characters were well developed. Merlin has a difficult back story and we learn a lot about him, his past and his powers. Arthur begins as a pompous prince, but transforms into a strong, powerful but fair king, and we see his hatred towards magic dwindle until the final episode when he discovers Merlin’s magical powers and finally accepts it. Morgana seems humble and kind at the start but develops into the show’s villain, something that many did not see coming. And Guinevere, a mere serving girl, gets to one day marry King Arthur.
The acting was superb. Colin Morgan took on the challenge of playing the lead role and made Merlin his own, making him comedic and witty at times, and at others passionate, serious and determined. Bradley James portrayed the strong, compassionate prince to perfection, and created a complicated and comedic friendship with Merlin that everyone fell in love with. Angel Coulby as Guinevere (Gwen) was soft and caring and the sort of character that you hoped would get their happily ever after.
The real prize-clincher though was the plot and script writing. Every plot point was well developed, after every episode you were left hanging and eagerly awaiting for the next. The comedic moments gave you a break from the serious action and problems that Camelot had to face. Despite only five series, a lot occurred and, although this could be seen as a negative (how on earth do you fit everything in with enough detail and explanation?), for Merlin it was not. It meant that you were constantly entertained, it held your attention and stole the hearts of many people.
The real prize-clincher though was the plot and script writing. Every plot point was well developed, after every episode you were left hanging and eagerly awaiting for the next. The comedic moments gave you a break from the serious action and problems that Camelot had to face. Despite only five series, a lot occurred and, although this could be seen as a negative (how on earth do you fit everything in with enough detail and explanation?), for Merlin it was not. It meant that you were constantly entertained, it held your attention and stole the hearts of many people.
What's your favourite moment from Merlin?
Were you sad to see it end?
Let us know in the comments!
Were you sad to see it end?
Let us know in the comments!
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