Full Show Summary: A fantasy adventure series that premiered on BBC1 in 2008 and was later picked up for reairing by NBC and the Syfy Channel. The show is a twist on Arthurian Legend in that it centers around younger versions of Merlin (Colin Morgan) and Arthur (Bradley James) before they were at the height of their powers. The show was stylistically inspired by "Smallville" in that the producers also wanted to update the myth for the 21st Century. The show is also intended to appeal to the same audience as BBC1 shows "Doctor Who" and "Robin Hood." Whereas the original Arthurian legend centers around Arthur learning from Merlin, this series centers around Merlin learning his powers from famed court physician Magister Gaius (Richard Wilson). Another twist is that Arthur's father, King Uther Pendragon, (Anthony Head) possesses an utterly tyrannical hatred of magic and has banned it throughout the land. Thus, Merlin is forced to learn his magic in secret. Newcomer Angel Coulby plays the part of Lady Guinevere and Oscar-nominated actor John Hurt provides the voice of the dragon.
