Kristian Olsen

Based on Eps 1-2 only,,, If you can't do justice to the story then don't do it at all. By the end of the first episode the writers had already bumbled the character development of Derfel, not to mention the mysterious casting/writing which pawns off Merlin as a well-mannered, well-groomed young chap in a clean robe. I hope they fall into step with the character in Bernard Cornwell's brilliant series but if the first episode is any indication then the star of the show - the manic, distraught visionary who is Merlin of the books - has in the series burned out before he had a chance to get impaled by a spear. In another transgression of Cornwell's holy manuscript, Arthur's older sister Morgan is un-maimed in the series and becomes an insipid yawn on screen. And while I longed for the burned visage of Morgan in Cornwell's books, I lamented even more the adaptation of the terrific battle for Ban's castle in the Gaul of Cornwell's books. And now for something completely different, we get a background of campfires on a tidal flat, while in the foreground rages a rushed conversation between Arthur and Merlin - Arthur refuses to return home - even though we have no idea why wants to stay here. But wait - where is here? And who is Ban? With a nod this short, it makes one wonder why they included Arthur's banishment in the first place. Well, you can't have it all, but this was a real rocky patch for me! Yet some of the characters were striking - a fantastic and dark take on King Uther Pendragon, a convincing Owain, and best of all, a superb villain in King Gundeleus. His leather-and-eyeliner gothic witch-wife was also a wicked delight, while Nimue proved riveting in the end. Harsh criticisms are blended with due praise and we hope the producers don't botch the latest stab at Arthurian legend. Time for ep 3!