Merlin

:

Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 144 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 122 out of 144
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 144
  3. Negative: 11 out of 144
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User Reviews

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  1. browniejes001
    Sep 19, 2010
    10
    I love this show!! Ten times better than most of the garbage on tv now days. I am officially addicted to watching :) Can't wait for season 3! Can't wait for someone else besides Gaius to find out about Merlins magic :)
  2. GavGav96
    Feb 24, 2011
    8
    Undeniably formulatic plot-lines and the effects aren't up to scratch either, however the comedy, character development and action are all the season's most promising hooks.
  3. Chocolate
    Oct 4, 2010
    10
    This show has more spirit than I've seen in a long while - from magic and sorcery to sword wielding hunks, Merlin brings back why dragons and charm are such key factors to make a story intelligent and adorable. It entwines Arthurian legend with young love and an era of beautiful dresses and gorgeous princes. The chemistry between Arthur and Merlin is priceless and their relationship isThis show has more spirit than I've seen in a long while - from magic and sorcery to sword wielding hunks, Merlin brings back why dragons and charm are such key factors to make a story intelligent and adorable. It entwines Arthurian legend with young love and an era of beautiful dresses and gorgeous princes. The chemistry between Arthur and Merlin is priceless and their relationship is crucial to making this show as wonderful as it is - I just hope that Arthur and Merlin really do have some sexual tension, and it's not just my imagination running wild on me ... I loveloveLOVE this show!… Expand
  4. alphagirll
    May 3, 2011
    10
    Rolling my eyes at the people who gave it no chance. The only problem with Merlin is that it breaks up the plot with random kind of cheesy episodes - this is alright once you know the characters pretty well, although you're still wanting plot a good bit of the time. When the plot is rolling, it's very intense. The finale of season three made me get tears in my eyes three times,Rolling my eyes at the people who gave it no chance. The only problem with Merlin is that it breaks up the plot with random kind of cheesy episodes - this is alright once you know the characters pretty well, although you're still wanting plot a good bit of the time. When the plot is rolling, it's very intense. The finale of season three made me get tears in my eyes three times, something that's only happened with two other television shows ever. The first season was rough, the second season was mixed, but I really think the show is coming into its own. They used old english for a lot of the spells and stuff, the character interactions are humorous and cute when they're not intense, and if you are actually familiar with Arthurian legend in all its variations it really doesn't take much more license than what is necessary to actually make it a show. I've honestly been surprised with how much things have come together. And that's not even to really mention the fact that the graphics got a lot better with the changing of the seasons. Everyone I know personally who thinks this show is bad didn't give it a chance at all. I don't really understand wanting to dismiss something with so much potential so early on, especially as a lot of shows are finding their mark early on and Merlin didn't seem to know exactly what to do to appeal to viewers at first. This show is no more 'Dawson's Creek' than Battlestar or something. The fight scenes are great and the only thing that annoys me is Morgana's constant evil smirks.… Expand
  5. Admiral_TSon
    Jun 11, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Merlin provides us with an interesting prequel to the well known Arthurian legends through the perspective of Merlin. The show's overall angle here is one that is very unique and exciting, especially in the first two seasons. The best aspect of this show is its creative approach in building up the foundations of timeless characters we know so well from legend. We learn about how Arthur is formed into the man he is, widely in response to his father Uther's paranoid fears. We learn why Morgana ended up taking the darker path. We learn how Guinivere captured Arthur's heart, and how Merlin became much more to Arthur than a useful subject, but an indispensable friend. This, to me, makes the series a must watch for any fan of Arthurian legend.

    The first two seasons do an excellent job of presenting us with an interesting storyline, highlighting Arthur's growth as a man coming of age, and Uther's continued paranoia of magic. The conflicts in the story during these seasons are almost always nailbiting, and their conclusions are generally fascinating, but believable. Starting in the third season, however, the plot begins to stagnate a bit. The plot formula becomes very predictable, and aside from Morgana's treachery, there's very little real substance that adds to the series as a whole. The writers had an excellent opportunity here to create an interesting conflict by having Merlin's powers discovered, perhaps by Arthur or the kingdom as a whole, but did not do anything on this scale to make the season memorable.

    The other thing that irked me in the series was its modern political correctness. Why exactly do we have African-Camolotians? Though I can forgive a creative licence of having Gwen as a servant girl, having her as an African is something that just doesn't make sense to the story. She's far from the only one, too. The Kingdom of Camelot in Merlin is filled with many different races which may warm our modern PC hearts, but is not germane to Arthurian legend, and would have been best avoided.

    Overall, this show is definitely worth a watch. It certainly has its share of problems and quirks, but overall it provides an entertaining prequel to the legends we all know and love.    … Expand
  6. Blackaroo
    Sep 11, 2011
    9
    This is the best show in the whole world! I am really happy with it and i have seen all the episodes again and again. I definitely recommend it. The only thing that bothers me a little is Katie McGrath's acting, it could definitely be improved upon
  7. DianeW
    Oct 30, 2009
    10
    Fantastic show. It has so much going for it - attractive and talented young leads, balanced by experienced 'old hands', exciting storylines, and beautiful costumes, sets and music. But what sets it apart from the crowd is the wonderful onscreen chemistry between Arthur and Merlin. Their developing friendship is wonderfully played, and is ultimately what draws you in to this Fantastic show. It has so much going for it - attractive and talented young leads, balanced by experienced 'old hands', exciting storylines, and beautiful costumes, sets and music. But what sets it apart from the crowd is the wonderful onscreen chemistry between Arthur and Merlin. Their developing friendship is wonderfully played, and is ultimately what draws you in to this excellent show and keeps you watching.… Expand
  8. WayneA
    Jul 1, 2009
    8
    Nice lighthearted summer viewing that improves each week.
  9. lexik
    Jul 28, 2009
    10
    Love this show it has been to long since there has been a worthwhile fantasy on tv!!! Never take it off
  10. AnitaM.
    Jun 24, 2009
    4
    I tried watching this...I really did, but I ended up turning it off. They took a tale that is very well known and took too much license with it so that it became something unrecognizable. Add to it the cheap costuming and for me you have a very blah show. The boots these people wore were nothing like the time-periods clothing, the chain mail was CHEAP, and is it just me...or does anyone I tried watching this...I really did, but I ended up turning it off. They took a tale that is very well known and took too much license with it so that it became something unrecognizable. Add to it the cheap costuming and for me you have a very blah show. The boots these people wore were nothing like the time-periods clothing, the chain mail was CHEAP, and is it just me...or does anyone buy that a castle that is lit by fire...would be that white on the inside?!!! Honestly, there were too many distractions, aside from the screwy storyline for me to enjoy it. Don't bring this one back!… Expand
  11. TJL.
    Jul 14, 2009
    9
    A bit cheesy at times, yes.. but great characters. Quite enjoyable.
  12. J.B.
    Jul 19, 2009
    9
    My daughter who is 9 loves watching the show with me. We look forward to watching every week. It is a nice change to all of the reality TV.
  13. SherylR.
    Jul 19, 2009
    10
    this is a great show. finally something fun you can watch with the family. please keep this around for a while. what a refreshing change from the incessant reality shows.
  14. MerlinF.
    Jul 2, 2009
    9
    This is my second favourite show on TV at the moment, first being Dollhouse. Great characters, great stories and lots of fun all round. Too bad about the awful CGI.
  15. MaggieM.
    Jul 21, 2009
    8
    I think it is nice. I like the characters and the story lines. Not too many shows now the whole family can watch so we love Merlin!
  16. J.R.M.
    Aug 17, 2009
    10
    Fabulous show! It is the only show I never miss this summer. It must continue. Bradley James is the hottest now hunk on TV.
  17. mtriana
    Jun 29, 2009
    9
    I really enjoyed this fresh approach to an ancient tale. It is truly much better than the reality garbage that is being forced upon us every day. I hope they keep it for a long time!
  18. PatsyH
    Jun 30, 2009
    10
    Colin Morgan is a delight in his youthful portrayal of the young apprentice wizard Merlin. He adds the further delight of resembling our 17 year old grandson Troy Butler who lives in Kansas and plays football. Both have dark hair and eyes with Celtic good looks. We've watched all four episodes and are Arthurian legend buffs.
  19. J.M.
    Jul 11, 2009
    10
    Excellent show, I hope NBC orders more of Merlin for both the winter and summer seasons. This is a show the whole family can love, and is imaginative, funny, action adventure, and I would also buy the DVDs of this too.
  20. KellyB.
    Jul 18, 2009
    9
    Though at times it lacks in story-telling it makes up for it with incredibly endearing characters. This show has heart and above all it's fun to watch.
  21. JeannieB.
    Aug 2, 2009
    9
    High-spirited good fun! A youthful twist on an old story. It's interesting, and sometimes sad (in light of what those who know the story know is in store for the characters), to watch Merlin and Co. get to know one another as teens.
  22. ArielG
    Nov 26, 2009
    8
    A great fantasy show with a great cast. John Hurt lends an awesome, mystical voice to the Dragon, and Anthony Head is a perfect fit as Uther Pendragon. Colin Morgan and Bradley James are also proving their worth. Good story, good effects, good soundtrack. Worth watching.
  23. TonyP.
    Jun 22, 2009
    9
    A nice change from most of the same-old, same-old crime shows. I hope this show doesn't get canceled.
  24. SandyA
    Jun 24, 2009
    8
    Good clean fun. Something different. I am looking forward to the next episode.
  25. JackC.
    Jun 25, 2009
    9
    I believe they made a great start to the story. Hopefully both the characters and story line can live up to the legend.
  26. Spellkid
    Dec 28, 2011
    10
    This show is pretty well done yet i feel it has a long way to go to be perfect. Yet I have to say this a fantastic twist on the tales of Camelot and I feel it has great potential
  27. Paulc771
    Dec 29, 2011
    10
    Have just finished watched series/season 4. It was fantastic. The show has become slightly more dark, which makes the show less 'cheesy' and really adds to the story. However, the comedic value of the show is still very much alive and it keeps me chuckling! The acting from the main characters is superb and the look of the show is excellent.
  28. Necromus
    Jan 3, 2013
    8
    Merlin has great cinematography, great costumes and decent special effects and CGI. The acting in this show, especially from the main characters is superb. Colin Morgan's acting in particular is outstanding. The banter between Arthur (Bradley James) and Merlin is well-done and humorous throughout the series. What this show lacks is decent story writing and the directing is a bit weak atMerlin has great cinematography, great costumes and decent special effects and CGI. The acting in this show, especially from the main characters is superb. Colin Morgan's acting in particular is outstanding. The banter between Arthur (Bradley James) and Merlin is well-done and humorous throughout the series. What this show lacks is decent story writing and the directing is a bit weak at times. What I mean is that plot holes occur often and some of the scenes are a bit unintentionally silly. A plot hole, for example, in the 5th season. there is a multi-episode story arc where Arthur's wife (I won't name her to prevent spoilers) is under magic control and trying to kill him. Merlin is well aware of this but in one of the episode he leaves Arthur the king he is sworn to protect alone with her for an entire day for no good reason and doesn't even assign anyone to watch over him or anything. An example of weak directing is that while Mrelin has to hide his magic abilities from the knights when he is out on a quest with them, he often goes into the bushes about 30 feet away and yells magic chants at the top of his lungs to summon a dragon, I'm pretty sure the Knights and Arthur would hear that if the show was realistic. But other than stuff like that it is a good show. This show deviates very much from the legend/myth of Arthur, Merlin and the knights of the round table. So if you want to watch an accurate portrayal of the legend, this is not the show to watch and you might be disappointed. Overall, this show has excellent production quality and decent acting but the plot holes and poor directing can make it seem really unintentionally silly at times. I would give it a 6/10 to 7/10 for the stories and directing because it is a mildly-entertaining show. However, the cinematography, costumes and acting by the main characters is absolutely excellent so that boosts it up to 8/10.… Expand
  29. WhiteTalpa
    Mar 5, 2013
    8
    Merlin is a really entertaining show, However, i would suggest that you don'y buy this on DVD as getting into the story is a waste of time, the ending is so bad you will just be really annoyed.
  30. Annoymous1
    Jan 10, 2013
    8
    Merlin is a great TV show with tons of color to put in the medieval world. Magic and monsters are a great mix and just to put it a little bit of graphic can add some spice but still a generally good TV show. It is about 85%.
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Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best TV Season of 2009
20
#20 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
17
#17 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    40
    The middling show plays too much like “The O.C.’’ with swords, crowns, and a cheesy CGI dragon (voiced by John Hurt).
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Randee Dawn
    80
    For those new to the legend, this is a fresh, and delightfully color-blind, approach to the tale.
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  3. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Tom Shales
    40
    It takes the stuff of legend and imagination and makes it dry and commonplace. You look forward not to the next exciting chapter, but for the whole enterprise to go "poof" and disappear.
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