S01E02: 'Valiant'

Published Saturday, Sep 27 2008, 18:45 BST | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 16 comments

Two episodes in and Merlin is already feeling slightly stale. This tale of a dastardly knight using an enhanced shield in a bid to win a tournament is too predictable and lacking enough incident to fill out 45 minutes.

The threadbare plot is, in essence, the same as last week's episode. A person from out of town arrives in Camelot and plans on using their magical power against Prince Arthur. Up pops Merlin in the nick of time to save his blond master with a spot of his own sorcery, albeit discreetly.

Throw in a bit of banter between Merlin and Arthur, a dull trip to the dragon, increasingly dodgy CGI snake effects, and an uninspired subplot about Lady Morgana's love life and that's about it.

Casting Will Mellor as Valiant was a poor move, as he doesn't have the screen presence and dramatic weight to be taken seriously. His wild-eyed pantomime gurning, supposed to denote the knight's mania, is more likely to induce laughs - certainly far more than he's ever generated on Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps.

Mind you, Mellor was hardly given anything remotely interesting to say. He's not alone in that department. Is the dialogue being written by some kind of computer programme? It's so bereft of any spark or personality.

Nonetheless, apart from the script and Mellor, there is still a lot to enjoy about the episode. James Hawes's direction is often breathtaking and showcases the visual scope of Camelot and its lush environment. Plenty of quick cuts ensure that the pace flows nicely and the swordfighting scenes are handled well and with pleasing authenticity. Fittingly for a family drama, the deaths and gore all take place off screen and allow the viewer's imagination to do the work.

Merlin still needs to justify the hype, as beyond the cosmetic details there's a very shallow core in operation right now. There's plenty of time left for the show to find its feet, but the lack of a compelling story arc or attention-grabbing characters is slightly worrying at this stage.

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Michael, Shrewsbury, on October 28th, 2008
Nooooo!! Colin Morgan is wonderful! Shut up, Peter Coleman!!

Dean, Peterborough, on September 29th, 2008
I hadn't seen Will Mellor in comedy, so I had the impression he always played villainous parts because he was so good in this episode. The dialogue is weak in parts, but the presentation of the tournament was directed very well.

Peter Coleman, Chesterfield, on September 29th, 2008
I'm sure I watched a different version of Merlin episode 2 to the one that Ben Rawson Jones claims to have watched. There was a problem with the casting on this drama but it certainly wasn't in casting Will Mellor. By the time the show rolled round to it's conclusion I was praying that Mellor's character Valliant would put an end to Arthur and then go on a rampage around Camelot and ensure that episode three would see the series re-titled Knight Valliant. The very worst piece of casting in this show must be whoever is voicing the gay dragon that seems to serve no purpose in this series other than Dr Who has cgi so we will too. Merlin is uncharasmatic and bordering on irritating, I have great dental work and I am going to use it, seems to pass instead of any attempt at acting. The whole shower, possibly excluding Richard Wilson, just don't cut it. I shall be avoiding this series for the rest of it's run but I shall surely be looking out for the excellent Will Mellor from now on.

Mike, Stamford, on September 29th, 2008
Absolutely brilliant episode - great chunks of buckling of swash and starting to build up the characters nicely, along with Merlins burdgoning relationship with Arthur. Enjoyable for all from 3 to 35 (well, in my house anyway)

David - Leicester, on September 29th, 2008
It amazes me how many people are trying to put Merlin in to some sort of historical context, my advice is don't! The original story was no more historically correct than any other piece of Arthurian fiction that followed, why should Merlin be any different? I tip my hat to the Beeb for another excellent show as I see it getting only better.

Phil, Angus, on September 29th, 2008
I can't understand the folk who are down on this series. The chemistry between the characters is already surprisingly good and I found myself thoroughly caught up in the story once again. Some people have said it was slow, but I never felt bored and, if anything, the episode gave the characters the room to breathe. The spiky relationship between Merlin and Arthur shows promise and I suspect that when the episodes begin to 'pay off' on whatever arc the showrunners are developing, it will carry all the more emotional clout for it.

ThomsonsPier, Reading, on September 29th, 2008
I missed all the hype, so I remain pleasantly surprised. True, the scripting is weak at times and it's formulaic at the moment, but it shows promise. Above all, it's fun, which is something missing from the vast majority of television 'entertainment' at the moment. There is a place for escapist nonsense.

Andy - Stoke on trent, on September 29th, 2008
Again i found this episode rushed and missing something, im going to continue to watch as im hoping its going to get better as the series goes on and the story continues.

Alex - Essex, on September 29th, 2008
Great episode again... I specially liked the magic that Valiant did (Will Mellor) and the way he acted made me forget about him on Two Pints , so can't wait for the next episode of Merlin.

Karen, Manchester, on September 28th, 2008
The legend continues at a slower pace than I would like. Merlin is alright rather than brilliant. Like last week, I'm hoping next week will be better - I'm also hoping that this week will be the last week I say that. I live in hope ........

Mary, London, on September 28th, 2008
Mostly I find Merlin amusingly bad - it feels as if it's set in the 21st century and the lack of resemblance to the Arthurian legend makes the idea rather pointless. And the very beginning scene with Valiant and the shield? Clichéd and predictable. Light Saturday evening viewing, but none of the excitement of Doctor Who.

aksa birmingham, on September 28th, 2008
this episode was brilliant and i personally cannot wait for the next one

Kirsty, London, on September 28th, 2008
I love the show and can't really explain why. The plot is lacking and the writing is shody. The historical accuracy makes Robin Hood look like a BBC4 documentary [Merlin: Are you sacking me?] but the show has a charm none the less. One pro that has to be mentioned is the acting from the principle cast, which is brilliant, Morgan makes a very likeable Merlin. Maybe I am justing looking for something to fill the Dr. Who shaped whole in my saturdays but I can see myself tuning in for the rest of the series.

Daniel Erskine, on September 28th, 2008
I REALLY dont get the people who review these shows sometimes...Merlin comes across so naturally as a programme and is so inventive and gripping, great cast, great scripts what more could ask for? Loving this show and I am already loving all the characters. 5 STARS

Bob Norwich, on September 27th, 2008
Merlin is mint. End of.

Bree, England, on September 27th, 2008
Once again, impressed beyond expectation. So much so that I got straight onto the BBC shop website to order the series on dvd. Love it, brilliant idea, a refreshing take on the legend. Kkeep the episodes coming!

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