Thoughts on Merlin
So I've started watching Merlin - I entirely blame my friend Liz for this, as I have managed to studiously avoid the Merlin fandom for about three years. Now I'm three episodes in and already hooked!
That said, I wish they'd hired a historical consultant:
In other news, those boys have really pretty cheekbones; Gwen is adorable; I like Morgana but hope the writers stabilize her characterization a bit; Anthony Stewart Head manages to do wonders with some occasionally really bad material (and speaking of really bad material, I loved Gwen Eve Myles in her one-shot appearance as a villain); and I have decided that Michelle Ryan can't act her way out of a paper bag, but somehow I'll have to put up with her for at least another few episodes. Also, who doesn't love Gaius?
All in all, it's a very entertaining show, and doesn't seem to take itself too seriously. I just have to remind myself that it's going to be way more Doctor Who than Game of Thrones - and as much as I'm looking forward to the GoT premiere, the world needs a little bit of silliness to go along with the misery.
That said, I wish they'd hired a historical consultant:
- None of the costumes are period-accurate for c. 6th century.
- 12th century, maybe.
- And the sexy red dress Morgana wears in the first episode would probably get her tossed out for dressing like a whore.
- All of the bricks in the castle are too evenly-hewn and the corners are too sharp. Clearly not handmade.
- Ditto Gaius' tables, which look like could they be from Pier 1.
- Also, I'm pretty sure castles didn't have iron railings.
In other news, those boys have really pretty cheekbones; Gwen is adorable; I like Morgana but hope the writers stabilize her characterization a bit; Anthony Stewart Head manages to do wonders with some occasionally really bad material (and speaking of really bad material, I loved Gwen Eve Myles in her one-shot appearance as a villain); and I have decided that Michelle Ryan can't act her way out of a paper bag, but somehow I'll have to put up with her for at least another few episodes. Also, who doesn't love Gaius?
All in all, it's a very entertaining show, and doesn't seem to take itself too seriously. I just have to remind myself that it's going to be way more Doctor Who than Game of Thrones - and as much as I'm looking forward to the GoT premiere, the world needs a little bit of silliness to go along with the misery.