First Thoughts on BBC's Merlin

[ever_maedhros]

Comments

[msantimacassar]

As much as I love Merlin and the entire cast, I will be the first to admit that the writing is absolutely AWFUL! A-W-F-U-L. And I would gleefully punch any number of the writers if I met them in the street. That said, I really adore the cast and basically watch it for their faces. Their extremely attractive, adorable faces. Seriously. And some heart-breaking shipping. And their glorious faces. Did I mention that? :P There are my reasons. ;) Fabulous gifs! What ep are you on, btw?

[ever_maedhros]

You're absolutely right--the cast makes the show. I just finished the episode with Lancelot. (The 6th episode of season 1, I think?) Did I mention what a glorious face he has? Wow. I don't often say me gusta, but here I think it's justified. :D

[msantimacassar]

For sure! Totally agreed! ;D

[originalripper]

I've seen this version of Merlin all over tumblr but never actually seen it-I'm more of the Starz show Camelot with Jamie Campbell Bower and Eva Green

[ever_maedhros]

Ooo, that's another show on my To-Be-Watched List, mostly for the sake of Eva Green. Does it mostly keep to the legend, or does it go crazy on its own path?

[emeraldarrows]

I totally second this! Starz Camelot is the best tv version ever, imo, and falls just behind The Mists Of Avalon as my favorite adaptation ever. (:

[ever_maedhros]

Hooo, boy. You just jumped Camelot close to the top of my list. :D

[emeraldarrows]

Haha. I'm probably the only person in the world who doesn't think the writing for the early seasons is terrible (hey, I grew up on really cheesy films so I have no taste whatsoever ;) ), but I definitely prefer season 1-3. Hated where they went with 4, and I'm sort of dreading five, tbh. I watch it simply because it's a lot of fun, pretty to look at, and most of the cast is amazing. But as a huge, lifelong fan of Arthurian Legend, SO MUCH of this show makes me wince. Gah.

But,oh yes. *dreamy eyes* Lancelot is fabulous. *stars in eyes* I adore Santiago Cabrera as an actor from other things, and Lancelot has always been my favorite in any adaptation, so together its just perfect. <3

[ever_maedhros]

I endured cheesier writing (and even worse acting) watching Legend of the Seeker, so I told myself I should give Merlin a better chance. I'm glad I did. :)

What else has Santiago Cabrera been in? Any other period adaptions?

[emeraldarrows]

He's probably best known for his role in Heroes but I was never especially a fan of the show, but he was excellent in it. And of course he's been in Spanish films (I watch a lot of foreign films). Period dramas, let's see...there's Hemingway & Gellhorn and Cristiada but he has smallish parts.

My absolute favorite with him is the miniseries Empire and if you're willing to overlook historical inaccuracy it's definitely worth it. It's a period drama about Julius Caesar, Octavius, and early Rome, and goodness is it ever amazing. It has gorgeous scenery, filming, acting, and people, and the costumes are to die for. :D Plus baby!Santiago is all sorts of precious, curly-haired love. *g*

[ever_maedhros]

He's in a miniseries about one of my favorite periods in Roman history? I. MUST. SEE. THIS. Thank you for all your recommendations, these are going to keep me busy. :D