Merlin gets a magical facelift

After a few hours in a cell and then the stocks, Merlin meets the resident dragon (voiced by John Hurt) chained beneath the castle who insists he and Arthur are destined to be together, saves the prince's life and, consequently, gets promoted to Arthur's manservant (kinky). And the dragon is not the only cheerleader for their relationship, in a later episode, Merlin's mother observes: "You belong at Arthur's side. I've seen how much he needs you, how much you need him. You're like two sides of the same coin." Merlin may be a terrible and lazy servant, but he and Arthur begrudgingly learn to trust and like one another, alternating their roles of savior and maiden-in-distress every other episode.

Wearing some form-fitting medieval clothing Merlin and Arthur, with the help of Lady Morgana (Katie McGrath), King Uther's ward and future seer, and Gwen/Guinevere (Angel Coulby), her servant and perhaps Arthur's future wife, have perilous yet exciting adventures where they battle CGI monsters and evil (but beautiful) sorceresses out to kill the King's son. Eve Myles (of Torchwood) and Michelle Ryan (of the Bionic Woman remake) are amongst the sorceresses' ranks and Santiago Cabrera (of Heroes) as Lancelot guest star during the first season.

With a second season assured, rest easy and just give in to the camp!

-- OLGA BAS

Previously > A new Torchwood trailer means more action ahead!