from traditional versions of the legend in many ways, especially the characters. Before Merlin and Arthur became legends, they were
ambitious young men looking for adventure, hoping to live up to their families' expectations, discovering love and finding their own
true destiny, making mistakes along the way. Merlin (Colin Morgan) is reimagined here as a young lad who is the same age as Arthur
(Bradley James). Merlin is sent to Camelot to study under the royal physician, an elderly and eccentric mentor named Gaius (Richard
Wilson), a character invented to provide the kind of scholarly wisdom and guidance that in more conventional tellings is doled out
by Merlin. Gaius is fascinated by his protégé’s magical powers but fears his apprentice will be discovered. Merlin tries to keep
his magic a secret but has no qualms about mocking the heir to the throne. Lèse-majesté apparently is not a serious crime in
Camelot; magic is. Anthony Head makes a very believable Uther Pendragon, a character you will love and loath.With enough period
drama and enough supernatural magic to link it to it's predecessors, both fans of Doctor Who and Robin Hood will find something here
to interest them..it seems to be a bit of an amalgamation of both programmes It is the best new family TV drama for many years.
