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A show for all ages, Merlin takes on the classic re-telling of the medieval Knights of the Round Table. It focuses on Arthur and Merlin, of course, but in their teenage years. This unique perspective on the classic characters most people have heard of is the edge that this show needed to become popular.

I can’t remember when I first found this show, but I know that I fell in love with it right from the start. In the very first episode, you have Merlin- classic young boy making a fool of himself in a new town. Then you have Arthur- classic bully making a fool of everyone else. This sets the scene for the most unlikely friendship- but one that anyone familiar with the Arthur & Merlin lore would see coming.

As we all know by now, I love a good fantasy series. Merlin definitely delivers- it’s chock full of monsters, magic, and myth. Each episode threatens the life of Merlin, Arthur, or both, but manages to create a storyline that pulls the viewer in.

Merlin & Arthur

The unlikely friendship between these two makes the show a hundred times more enjoyable. They fight their friendship the whole time; Merlin being forced to be Prince Arthur’s manservant in payment for saving his life, Merlin discovering that his purpose in life is to continue to save Arthur over and over again, etc.

The character development of the two of them is among the best that I’ve ever seen. From the bully and fool in the first episode, Arthur and Merlin grow into two respectable young men throughout the course of the series. The intro to the show even changes by saying:

“In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy,”

To then say:

“…rests on the shoulders of a young man…”

This really gives you a glimpse of the time that passes during the course of the show, but also highlights the maturity that Arthur and Merlin have grown into. A prince and a lowly servant turn into a king and his most loyal friend.

Connections

I think the friendship between Merlin & Arthur is one that I’ve always looked for in my own life. I know, I know, it’s just a television show, but to have someone that’s willing to die for me but also tell me that I’m an idiot? Sign me up.

When it truly came down to it, both Arthur and Merlin were willing to sacrifice nearly anything for the other. A friendship like that is something genuine; real.

I’ve got some really good friends in my life now, but I haven’t always had them. I have been let down constantly by friends, family, and even acquaintances. A life of let-downs has made it difficult for me to trust people, so it takes awhile for me to let anyone in. I put up these walls, and I tend to not let anyone see the real me.

In Merlin, he has to hide his true identity as a sorcerer- for fear of the King or Arthur finding out. Since the kingdom of Camelot banned magic, Merlin lives his everyday life in fear of being found out. That’s the one thing that Merlin hides from Arthur- even though he would (and has) sacrificed everything for Arthur anyway.

I feel as though I hide my true identity from people as well. I’m constantly putting on a façade with new people, worried that they will leave. I hesitate to show anyone my true identity, because of my fear of rejection. At least I don’t worry about being executed, like Merlin did.

Opinions & Ratings

For a show that was released in 2009, Merlin is a little lacking in the special effects department. Despite that, it still received an overall rating of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes– with seasons four and five receiving a rating of 100%. With my own personal opinion of the show and the different seasons, I’d have to agree. Seasons 4 & 5 were better in regards to character development, overall plot, storyline, and the visual effects were much better.

It’s a show that I’ve gone back to re-watch four different times. Take that into consideration if you’re thinking about delving into the land of myth that Merlin definitely is.