Trailer Thursday II - Merlin Series 3

Merlin returns with its third series, on BBC One at 7.25pm on 11 September. Here's a preview:

Merlin moves to Syfy (in the US)

From Digital Spy:

Syfy has acquired the basic cable rights to Merlin.

The first series of the UK fantasy series, which stars Colin Morgan as a young mythical wizard, previously aired on NBC during primetime.

Merlin will now join Syfy's lineup from April, with all 26 episodes from the first two series slated to air.

Read the whole article here.

Missed Merlin?

The second series of Merlin started last Saturday. If you missed The Curse of Cornelius Sigan, it's repeated on BBC3 on Friday at 8pm followed by a cut-down version of Merlin Confidential Secrets & Magic.

Both programmes are also available on iplayer (including it seems an appearance by the boys on last week's Jonathan Ross).

Digital Spy reviews the first episode here.

Merlin's Back

Series 2 of Merlin starts next Saturday (19th) at 6.40pm on BBC One.

Watch the trailer on the BBC's Merlin Website

and tv.com has behind the scenes photos from series 2.

Merlin - the books...

Random House are publishing teenage novelisations of episodes from Merlin series 1. Published on 3 September are: The Dragon's Call and Valiant:

Merlin arrives in bustling Camelot eager to make his way in the world and with a sense that some greater destiny is calling to him.

But he soon finds that amidst the excitement there is a darker side to Camelot. Magic is outlawed here, so Merlin must keep his unique magical talents a closely guarded secret...












A mysterious new knight arrives in Camelot for the sword tournament. His fighting skills are impressive but Merlin suspects that dark magic is involved. With Prince Arthur next in line to fight, time is running out for Merlin to prove that evil is afoot...













followed on 1 October by: The Mark of Nimueh:

A deadly plague is rife in Camelot and Gwen is suspected of witchcraft. Merlin must help Gaius find a cure and save his friend from execution...
















Series 2 of Merlin is expected on BBC1 in September.

Merlin to be repeated on BBC3

A bit of an advance warning to set the recorder...the first series of Merlin will be repeated on BBC3 beginning 21 August with the first two episodes:

20:30–21:15 The Dragon's Call Merlin arrives in Camelot but finds magic outlawed, its practice punishable by death. (R)

21:15 –22:00 Valiant Knight Valiant competes at Camelot's annual sword tournament. Merlin believes he's a cheat (R)

Read more about Merlin and his friends (and foes) at the BBC website.

Merlin debuts on NBC

The fantasy drama Merlin, already shown in the UK, debuts in the US on NBC this Sunday (21st). Programme summary taken from the NBC Merlin website:

"Merlin" is a new drama series that updates the story of the infamous sorcerer of Arthurian legend for a new audience. The mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history began; a fantastical realm of legendary beasts and mysterious people; a dangerous world in which magic has been banned by the ruthless tyrant, Uther Pendragon.

When Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, arrives in the kingdom, he quickly makes enemies including the heir to Uther's crown, the headstrong Prince Arthur. But guided by Uther's wise physician Gaius, Merlin is soon using his talents not just to survive but also to unlock Camelot's mystical secrets. As he does so he discovers that his destiny and that of the kingdom's young leader in waiting, Arthur, are inextricably linked.

There are a couple of dull episodes and some dodgy CGI but overall it's a very pleasant way to spend an hour. There are a lot of funny lines and good acting from the cast, which includes Anthony Stewart Head and Richard Wilson. I'm looking forward to the second series...