Merlin - Complete Series 2 Box Set [DVD]

After becoming addicted to this after the first series, I didn't originally know if a second series would be as good, but if anything its even better. I have been told that the viewer ratings weren't that great for this, but that may have been due to the BBC endlessly changing the times it was shown.

I am still amazed that this works at all, after all there is a tradition of Arthurian stories getting mixed up and altered over the years, but this one is so original. And thankfully, unlike the dire Robin Hood, this is highly watchable and entertaining. There are some great cameos in this series, Charles Dance plays a witchfinder, Emilia Fox is in chainmail (who could believe that a woman could look sexy in all that metal? But Emilia shows that it can be done), and Sarah Parish is absolutely fantastic as a troll.

With Merlin having to still keep his magic a secret, Morgana finding out what she really is, and Mordred vowing vengeance on Merlin there is more than enough action here. On top of that Uther falling in love with a troll due to magic, and Arthur having a love spell placed on him there is bound to be trouble and comedy in store. Arthur professes his feelings for Guenivere and starts to learn more about humility and compassion, whilst Merlin has to keep his promise to let the dragon go free, and he also finds out who his father is. Merlin also starts to see that his powers are greater than he could have first suspected and that he must use them wisely.

Why this works so well is that it mixes drama and action (with great effects) with a touch of humour, and it doesn't try to lay down some kind of code for behaviour, although with its depictions of chivalry, honour, truth, humility and compassion it does show an ideal of how we should all behave. The Arthurian legends have always been popular, probably due to the things I have mentioned, but it somehow goes beyond that, after all what boy wouldn't want to be a world famous knight, and what girl wouldn't want to be rescued by a knight on horseback?

All in all then this is another great series of Merlin, and I can't wait until the third, that is great for all the family to watch.

This is so good, it brings tears to the eyes. The brilliant concept of a Merlin the same age as Arthur continues to breathe new life into the legends.

Talents have converged to produce something special. Fine scripts. Splendid castle. Awesome dragon. Great special effects and audacious stunts. Throughout, the cast shines - especially Colin Morgan, superb as Merlin - good natured, put upon, vulnerable, all the while his powers growing. Who will ever forget his heartrending performance in that final episode? His scenes with Gaius (Richard Wilson) and Arthur (Bradley James) are amongst the series' many particular pleasures.

The 13 episodes (several with commentaries, all with background bonuses) cover a wide range - in turn exciting, uplifting, moving, upsetting and very funny indeed. Visiting villains further enhance. Mackenzie Crook and Sarah Parish are both hilarious, she as a troll at her most happy when gorging on fresh horse manure. Charles Dance is a genuinely menacing Witchfinder, especially disturbing when giving Gaius such a tough time.

Characters have developed, the stage thus set for Season 3. Romance is budding between Arthur and Gwen. Morgana, Mordred and Morgause (Emilia Fox excellent) are clearly now fully motivated to create future havoc - many knights thereby destined never to see another day.

One cannot help holding blinkered King Uther (Anthony Head) personally responsible for most of the troubles, with so much unnecessary slaughter, attitudes hardening amongst those he persecutes. Arthur will need to break free from such entrenched inherited prejudices. Lucky is he to have loyal Merlin as a guide. The prince may as yet not fully appreciate him - but viewers do, apparently the world over. What better testimony of the series' worth!

Totally involving, spellbinding fare.

I would recommend this series to anyone who wants to watch action, humor and adventure. MERLIN is a breath of fresh air to television. Looking forward to season 3.