Review – Merlin: Lancelot (1.5)

Episode five starts off with action!  Merlin’s life is saved by a stranger when the young warlock is attacked by a griffin. Merlin’s savior is named Lancelot, and he is seeking to become a knight of Camelot. Merlin tries to help Lancelot become a knight despite his lack of noble blood, but Lancelot only ends up disgraced and imprisoned. Merlin often tries at first and then fails.

The retelling of Lancelot’s story is well done and holds true to the personality traits associated with this beloved character. I am quite pleased to see the depth of  Merlin’s characters beginning to grow. Arthur is proving to be a two-sided coin, one side bearing his father’s frame of mind, and the other flashing a new order he shall one day define. I am glad they have made Arthur a complex character and allowed him to play both villain and hero in a sense. While Gaius “The Mentor” is filling Merlin’s head with the wisdom he will need one day, as the young warlock searches for answers about magic and who he really is. Guinevere is far more interesting than she ever was in previous tales, and Merlin is the glue keeping them all together.

King Uther, however is proving to be a bit annoying and predictable as I mentioned that he might, in a previous review. I know he is supposed to be the reoccurring “thorn” in everyone’s side, and the reason Merlin must hide his power, yet I cannot help but wish he would just go away. Perhaps this is what makes him a good character after all? I guess what bothers me is that Uther has shown a lack of depth at this point as a character, and I hope he experiences more growth during the show’s progression.

I still say Merlin is a breath of fresh air on prime time television and one show not to be missed. It appears from the upcoming previews that things are going to get quite interesting. I really hope this show goes the distance and gets us another season here in the U.S. I am a huge fantasy fan and seeing a fantasy show with such great characters is just amazing.

There are only so many cop shows one can watch in one’s own lifetime.