Merlin

[karohemd]

That wasn't too bad, actually, certainly much better than the recent incarnation of Robin Hood. Historical accuracy is irrelevant with an essentially fictitious background so as a fantasy story, this worked. A little modern perhaps, especially in terms of language, but it's mainly aimed at kids so that works.
It's good to see Anthony Head again and most of the other actors work well, too.
My main gripe is that Merlin gets away with too much. A random farm boy acting like that towards the King's son is not going to live very long and won't get away with a day in the stocks.
Oh, and I wonder if Howard Shore is going to sue, there were a few bits towards the end which were very similar to some of the LotR score, starting with the song "Lady Helen" sang. I briefly wondered if my TV had randomly switched to Channel 4...

Comments

[ginasketch.livejournal.com]

Gandalf is such a badass mofo.

[belaroo.livejournal.com]

My thoughts too. It was much better than the Robin Hood one, I found that unwatchable. This was OK, I have to keep reminding myself it's mainly for kids and try not to concentrate on the historical accuracy.
Did you see Hole in the Wall earlier on BBC1? it should have been terrible but actually it was pretty funny.

[belaroo.livejournal.com]

Apparently the origins are Japanese, look it up on the iplayer if you can :)

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

*nods*
No, not Hole in the Wall. What was it?

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Agreed too, I thought it was pretty good fun. I particularly like the conception of Arthur -- it's great that the source material stands up to this sort of irreverent revision. Did you notice where it was filmed? -- looked like a lovely set of buildings.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

*nods*
imdb says it was filmed in Wales and Penshurst Place (http://www.penshurstplace.com/).

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Aha, cool, thanks. I went to a wedding there (Penshurst Place, not Wales ;-) a few years ago, but didn't get the chance to look round the interior.

[nevla.livejournal.com]

I must admit I saw the trailer and was put off. Maybe i should have taped it or something.

I really loved the Sam Neil version from 10 years ago.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

It's basically "Harry Potter - The Early Years" as the Radio Times reviewer wrote. I wasn't convinced by the trailer, either, but quite enjoyed it.

[her-welshness.livejournal.com]

I think Howard Shore should sue - they really lifted some of that music from LOTR.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

They might argue that they based theirs on the same traditional sources Shore used but yeah, it was a bit blatant.