Now Merlin and Arthur don't exactly start off in the right foot, as young Arthur is your typical medieval punk, until a dragon, yes a dragon, reveals that their futures are very much intertwined.  And yes, Merlin also comes to the rescue of the future king.

Eventually, thanks to guidance of Uther's wise physician Gaius, Merlin soon starts using his talents not just to survive but more importantly, unlock Camelot's mystical secrets. He then learns that he has an important destiny and role in Arthur's life and the new, great kingdom that he will found some day.

Head, who was on also on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, said in an interview with If Magazine that the idea for Merlin was so obvious that he often wondered why no one took it up.

"Looking at this show, it's a spectacular, beautiful show. It's funny, witty, dark and sinister in its moments and light enough for five and six-year-old's to get off on it. We haven't had a good medieval romp since I can remember."

Merlin averaged a decent 6.32 million in the UK, with NBC acquiring broadcast rights to the series in April last year.

If everything goes as planned, NBC will air all of the produced 13 episodes of Merlin throughout 11 weeks, with tonight's two-hour premiere and another two-hour treat next weekend.  The regular hour-long episodes will kick off July 5.

Catch Merlin tonight 8pm on NBC.


- Glenn Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: NBC, If Magazine
(Image courtesy of NBC/BBC)