Merlin Series 2 - Episode 1 Review
Young Magician with Destiny to Protect Future King Returns
In this season opener, the soul of all-powerful sorcerer, Cornelius Sigen, having escaped the diamond that imprisoned him for centuries, finds his way into the body of snivelling thief Cedric (Mackenzie Crook) who was robbing the recently unearthed tomb of its treasures. Sigen then calls upon an assortment of stone goblins and winged creatures to exact terrible revenge on the kingdom of Camelot. Whilst Arthur (Bradley James) and the knights try to fight off the creatures, Merlin (Colin Morgan) must find the magic powerful enough to destroy the sorcerer and save Camelot from certain doom.
BAD START
The first episode of any new series starting as it means to go on should grab the viewer’s attention, whetting the visionary appetite and leaving you wanting more at the finish. The Curse of Cornelius Sigen, was a poor choice to kick-start the new series, and was more suited as a stand-alone episode mid way through. However even as a story on its own, the script and plot, borrowed from the likes of Harry Potter and Indiana Jones are very weak. The story of a disembodied evil soul escaping to wreak havoc has been revisited time and again, and with far better results. It is this ever-familiar plot that makes it so predictable right from the on-set.
The script also lacks credibility in places, particularly in scenes where Cedric seems to discredit Merlin so easily, thereby having him removed as Arthur’s servant, so that he might steal the key leading to Sigen’s tomb. Meanwhile King Uther (Anthony Head convincingly Regal as ever) ignores the warnings and advice of Gaius, (the charismatic Richard Wilson), his trusted physician and font of all magical knowledge, as to the dangers of leaving the magician’s tomb unsealed. One would assume, by now that King and Prince respectively would have learned to give their subordinates, to whom they owe their lives in previous episodes, the benefit of the doubt.
CROOKED CASTING
There were some disappointing moments from guest star Mackenzie Crook. Although he was excellent as Gareth in The Office, and in fine comedic form as Ragetti the ghostly pirate in Pirates of The Caribbean, Crook lacked the presence and charisma needed to make a convincing evil magician. He simply stands in one place attempting to look loathsome and menacing. This may have been due to the script and some poor direction. However that said Crook’s performance as conniving thief Cedric was excellent displaying an entertainingly subtle mischievous quality.
The principal cast are excellent and continue to hold the show together, with some genuine comic timing and dramatic performances. Morgan and James’ affectionate banter between boy Prince and servant, consisting mainly of trading harmless insults shows a genuine friendship. Anthony Head has all the presence and authority of an arrogant stone faced monarch, with his occasional displays of affection having more emotional impact. Richard Wilson, leaving his Victor Meldrew days long behind him, effortlessly portrays the wise sage and physician to the King and affectionate father figure to Merlin.
TASTE OF THINGS TO COME
The episode’s strengths however are the moments where the story arc leading to the well known legendary events, start to kick in. Morgana’s (Katie McGrath) nightmares become more prophetic and disturbing, Arthur and Guinevere’s (Angel Coulby) relationship subtly starts to grow more amorous, and Merlin makes a binding promise to the Great Dragon (Voice of John Hurt), which may have future consequences. The biggest set up perhaps is Uther’s feeling of complacency in quashing the continued rise of magic, and a decision to implement harsher measures. It is a shame that these are only touched on briefly.
All of these established elements of the arc are further weaved together in a dramatic montage of future events at the end of the episode. These include the arrival of a witch hunter, Arthur and Uther clashing swords, as well as the return of Lancelot, and Mordred, and Merlin’s magical abilities finally being outed. There is some concern that all the best scenes of the whole series have been exhausted in this montage and if the quality of this first episode is an indication of what is to follow, viewers may be in for a disappointment.
Yet the sense of excitement of what is come, should not be ignored, and with an assortment of guest stars, including Arian Lester and Charles Dance, lined up to appear throughout the 13 episodes, fans of the both the series and the legends may well be in for a real treat.
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