Sunday nights is a pretty respectable night to be aired, albeit on a fourth place network. But nevertheless, Merlin isn’t setting the ratings world on fire. So what is it about Merlin that’s isn’t clicking? It’s latest outings garnered just north of four million viewers. That’s less than half the number that watched Jon & Kate break up. Or maybe that says something about the American viewing audience right there.
I don’t think they helped themselves by doubling up the episodes in these first two weeks. Especially considering each episode is almost entirely self-contained. At least in the sense that the major conflict was resolved with a nice bow and a 1980s style “awww” moment at the end. Thank god there’s no audience track.
I know NBC seems in a hurry to get through these episodes and get this show off their airwaves, and now I can’t say as I blame them. I just don’t think we were ready for four episodes in eight days of this decidedly different show.
Think about it, how accepting is mainstream America about shows of the historical, sci-fi or fantasy element? Lost is the most successful “genre” show on television, and its ratings have dropped the weirder it got. And it plays pretty subtle with the otherworldly stuff.
Merlin is a 100% period piece with blatant magical elements, including constant chanting of magical spells by Torchwood agents, mythical creatures and Bionic Women stewing over cauldrons. I love this kind of stuff, but I’m not most of America. Perhaps it should have gone the syndication route where it could have found success similar to Legend of the Seeker. Or to Sci-Fi or even BBC America.
Certainly, Merlin is well produced and well written. It even has a lighter tone to it like Seeker. I like everyone in the cast, I even like Anthony Head’s Uther Pendragon even if it is to despise what an asshole he is. I’ve never been a king or spent much time around them, but he seems overly pig-headed. I’m sure there have been, are and will be kings like that, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Especially since I’m enjoying a much less sure Anthony Stewart Head as Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer this summer (you are reading my Virgin Diaries, yes?). What’s frustratingly obvious by packing this many episodes together, is that Uther isn’t really growing as a character at all.
He’s as ready to wrongly convict someone, ignore Merlin and even let the boy die now as he was in the first episode. I know Arthur is going to be a better king than his father, but that doesn’t mean Uther has to be completely static in his portrayal, does it? Plus, he’s not the villain of the piece, so let’s give us some reason to like him.
As an example of how to do it right, take Arthur. In the first episode he was a younger, brasher version of his father. Now he’ll risk his life to save Merlin’s. That’s growth and something we can appreciate. Hell, have Uther give his daughter some kindness once in awhile if you need to keep him aloof and distant from Arthur and Merlin.
Despite all of this, I am enjoying the show. As I said, it reminds me a lot of Legend of the Seeker, which I enjoy as well, and is a perfect blend of fantasy and fun for the summer months. I am, however, curious where the second season will air stateside as it seems unlikely NBC will take it on.
Clacked by Jason Hughes 
on Jul 02, 2009 @ 09:00 EST5EDT
As a fan of genre television I tried to get into it, but found myself really bored. I can’t really pinpoint why, but I don’t think any of the characters really clicked for me.
I think you’re right about the back to back episodes. What might have grown on me over time with an hour a week, instead really turned me off as it was seemingly being stuffed down my throat.
I’m in the same boat. Wanted to like it. Just didn’t work for me.
I liked how Arthur and Merlin interacted in the first episode, but now that Merlin’s walking around with the dragon’s advice under his cap, and Arthur feels more comfortable with Merlin, allowing his less playboy side to shine through, they’re just not working together.
I love the story of Arthur, but I feel a lot more confidence in what Showtime will do on Camelot.
I think Morgana is Uther’s ward, not his daughter. If what happened to her parents was mentioned at all, I missed it.
I knew beforehand that this was a more accessible and sillier retelling, but I’m stunned by how similar this all feels to Smallville season 1, complete with Merlin constantly saving people’s lives when their back is turned or they’re conveniently knocked unconscious, and being habitually ridiculed when he’s not. The bit’s wearing thin, so I hope he finds his own Pete Ross soon.
The spoon-fed morality often feels heavy-handed, but then I don’t see much BBC stuff.
And in the first four episodes, Merlin hasn’t even come close to the darkness of which Legend of the Seeker has been capable. And even that show’s toned down considerably from the novels.
Surprisingly I like it. Not enought to watch it live but I do dvr it as L&O CI is watched live at 9.
I agree that the back to backs are to much. It is annoying to see growth for one character and not others on such a fast schedule.
I tried to like it. But the dialog was awful! They were using slang terms that I doubt existed in the time of Merlin. Broke the mood completely.
I like Merlin. I think it’s well-written and well-acted. And, I don’t think Americans have a problem with fantasy, if you consider the multiple camelot/titans/hercules movies back in the 70s & early 80s (someone should review those :). Maybe it’s just the issue of re-packaging on network TV. Psych is awesome, but it didn’t do well on NBC. I love ‘The Listener,’ but it isn’t pulling in the numbers. And, I can’t remember how people responded to NBC’s showing of the British Office. Yea, Merlin reminds me of Smallville S. 1, and yea, I don’t think they used ‘pratt’ back in the day, and, yea, I preferred when Merlin challenged Arthur in ep 1, as opposed to serving as willing dogsbody, but I still like how they humanize Merlin, Morgana and Guinivere. When they focus on Merlin, it’s just awesome. This show probably fits best on BBCA.
The only one I’m not digging is the revision of Arthur as an entitled King’s son. I know the point is that Merlin changes Arthur into the philosopher, warrior king we know from legends, but I’d like to see a bit more of that. Calling him a humanist because he doesn’t imprison/execute his servants, still seems a bit of a stretch. And, I’d like to see him ‘do the right thing’ without being prodded by Merlin or Morgana.
I was certain the beleaguered boy toting the wooden target circle in the first episode was Arthur, not the ponce hurling the daggers at him. I still haven’t warmed to the character completely, but he’s starting to gain a clue (Lex Luthor he ain’t).
I really enjoy this series but I do DVR the show. The Black Knight was on this evening and I missed the last 5 minutes or so because recording stopped short. Do they repeat the shows on any sister channels? Or am I forced to Hulu it on my 14 inch laptop?
j.