The Vita Merlini

Merlin was back on our screens last night for a fourth series that promised to be darker than ever. (And if Morgana’s (Katie McGrath) make up and costume were anything to go by then they’ve certainly hit their mark).

The Arthurian legend has been reinvented many a time. There’s the courtly romance of fourteenth century France, the Disney’s 1963 Sword and the Stone, and the painfully crass Camelot from earlier this year. Merlin is however my favourite retelling of the tale. It strikes a perfect balance with its tone, making it suitable for a wide ranging audience. It has laugh-out load moments, daring-do action scenes, touching romance, and all dressed up in a medieval costume. What more could you ask from a fantasy series?

By mid-way through series three though I was concerned that Merlin had become too repetitive. How many more times could Arthur (Bradley James) rebel against his father, mean old Uther (Anthony Head)? However after Morgana’s betrayal at the end of the last series Uther is a broken man, showing a more sympathetic side to his character.  Also with Uther incapable of ruling, at least momentarily, new storylines have been opened up for this series.

As always the banter and friendship between Arthur and Merlin (Colin Morgan) were a highlight of the episode. Morgana has finally grown into her character as chief antagonist, no longer is she simply a panto baddy who smirks at the camera. I also particularly like what seems to be the permanence of Sir Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera) in Camelot. His friendship with Merlin, and his knowledge of Merlin’s true abilities, means there is one more person concerned with his well being. Whilst other girls might be swooning over Arthur, all I personally want to do is give Merlin a hug.

The costume department were clearly having a field day though. There was Sir Percival (Tom Hopper) with his thoroughly dashing and yet rather impractical sleeveless chainmail. And then there was Agravaine (Nathaniel Parker) with his entirely black costume crying out his dark intentions to all around. And of course there is Gwen (Angel Coulby). Has anyone else noticed that over the years her hair has gotten longer and her dresses that much more fashionable and form-fitting? But maybe those are requirements when you’re Arthur’s girlfriend.

All in all the opening episode left me wanting more. (Though the preview for the next episode did mean that there was not much of a cliffhanger after all). It set up what looks to be a great series and the potential for the growth of characters old and new.