TV
'Merlin' S01E07: 'The Gates Of Avalon'
Published Saturday, Nov 1 2008, 20:16 GMT | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 17 comments
Yet again, it's groans all round as King Uther allows some total strangers into his court. "You will stay with me," he insists, which effectively now functions as a comedy catchphrase given the nastiness that the visitors will predictably bring.
However, guest stars Kenneth Cranham and Holliday Grainger, who embody the show's nice blend of young and veteran talent, salvage the stale plotting with magnificent performances. As the heart-craving duo, they give their characters a real sense of depth and desperation in their bid to survive.
Colin Morgan delivers his most assured and crowd-pleasing turn as Merlin. The camera captures the sheer wonderment in his eyes when he witnesses the immortal 'fairies' flutter around the lake. The ongoing gag with the stocks is also perfectly played by Morgan and cleverly cut into the story. Rotten vegetable throwing has never been so much fun. The understated relationship between master and servant is also beginning to amuse, as Merlin and Arthur could well be the latest incarnation of The Fast Show's Ted and Ralph.
Although the pre-credits teaser is once again lacklustre and bereft of suspense, the climactic scenes at the lake are superbly shot and capture the magical and morbid qualities of the action. Interestingly, Merlin barely blinks as he blasts his to enemies into smithereens without even asking them to leave in peace beforehand. Could this be a sign of the young sorcerer's dark side?
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the talented cast save the day with a plot as thin as ice - very good viewing!
I really love merlin it is good family entertainment the acting from all is great. Elizabeth(nov 2cnd) what are you watching it for you obviously don't like the series . Did you know there are buttons on tv's where you can either turn off or change channels?
Let's face it, with Doctor Who off-air, British television needs another Saturday evening piece of escapist fantasy the whole family can enjoy. Merlin fits this bill very well indeed and is developing nicely; I - for one - certainly hope that series 1 won't be the last. As watchable as X-Factor may be to some (and becoming increasingly tediously boring to others), there are just too many "wanna-be-stars" programmes, "reality shows" and foul-mouthed wanna-be so-called comedians sloshing around our television screens like an unwelcome tsunami. When tv executives do allow something "different" to be screened, some people want to criticise every aspect of it they can think of. But be honest, without Merlin, Saturday evening telly wouldn't be worth switching the tv on for. The Beeb took a risk making this, and we should congratulate everyone involved.
Steve G. N.Yorks, on November 5th, 2008
This series is getting better. And I'm sure it will develop as it approaches the end of THIS series! I also think it has done very well in the ratings, considering the BBC have put it up against ITV's No.1 show!!!
This series is getting better. And I'm sure it will develop as it approaches the end of THIS series! I also think it has done very well in the ratings, considering the BBC have put it up against ITV's No.1 show!!!
I love this show, it's not accurate, but who gives a trifle? The acting is good, especially when concerning Colin Morgan, the script is fairly good, there's oodles of humour, and it's watchable for all ages. What's not to like? I love the interaction between Merlin and Arthur, and feel that they should focus more on that. But that's probably because I'm a fourteen-year-old fangirl... Oh well... Arthur + Merlin = LOVE. LOOOVVEEE.
I'm sorry Elizabeth have to disagree Morgan's Merlin is fantastic just a pity he wasn't given a proper chance! I say give him a job on Robin Hood!
Much as I like the show, Merlin continues to demonstrate mediocre writing and a lack of atmosphere. A slow build up is generally accompanied by character development, but we still have little more than cardboard cut-out heroes and villains. Besides this, I was under the impression that the show was called 'Merlin', not 'Pendragon Weekly'. The titular character is still the weakest (though one of the strongest and most likeable actors) and with the least developed background.
Really enjoyed this episode. Wonderfully played by Colin Morgan. This is really good saturday night entertainment and should really not be expected to be anything else - especially on a TV budget. I do think the writers could have done a bit better all round - they have some very strong actors to work with and should use them to the full. However our family adore this show and we would not miss it. We are certainly looking forward to how the key characters develop - there are signs that things are starting to become interesting (e.g. Morgana suspects that Merlin had something to do with Artur's rescue etc etc.)
Best yet. Not too keen on Ms Grainger's performance (and, without being harsh, I found it difficult to believe Arthur would fall for her so easily before the enchantment, especially with Morgana looking more beautiful every time she appears on screen)
Get Merlin outta the stocks!! What's Uther playing at? Merlin's saved his son's life a few times, and Uther still treats him like crap. Of course, each TV programme needs a character who we can all hate, but it is a bit boring...and Arthur should be a bit more manly and stand up for MErlin once in a while...I think the writers weren't really bothered about this programme.
Why is the BBC not providing good decent writing to obviously an increditably talented cast? The first few were impressive but it seems to have gone downhill since.
Another great episode again... The best part was when I saw some cool fairy like creatures and also the special effects through out the episode. Also what is interesting that after every episode you can go online and watch a magic trick that merlin performs. This episode was very scary and dramatic to watch. Well Done BBC.
Oh, but I'll have to agree with this bit, though: "Merlin and Arthur could well be the latest incarnation of The Fast Show's Ted and Ralph." Yes. Only not as interesting. Perhaps this show should consider a surprise reveal that Arthur is actually madly in love with Merlin or vice versa. It's not like the writers seem to have any intention in developing Morgana and Gwen, so why not? Pair Arthur and Merlin up and have it done with. I still won't be watching it, but it'll be a brave move.
God, I think I'll never agree with these reviews. I thought this episode was boring. Didn't care for the guest stars, found the running stock joke unfunny and stale, remained underwhelmed by Morgan's Merlin, and rolled my eyes when things played out exactly like they always do: Arthur in peril, Merlin saving him. I've had enough.
i thought it was amzaing it does what its says on the book, full of spells and magic and it was great family entertainment i loved it best episode yet.
Another great episode and certainly in the stronger end of it's run so far. I would say that you knocking the "come and stay" plot idea is a perhaps a little harsh - how exciting would an episode be where a visitor arrived and had a very pleasant time for 45mins? People must come and go all the time - we just get to see the fun ones....
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Cathy from Aylesbury, I agree :) They should pay more attention to the Arthur/Merlin relationship. The episode was one of the best, I think...still a bit annoyed wiht the writers, though.