In a similar vein to what Smallville has done for the Superman mythos, Merlin updates the legend of the sorcerer from Arthurian legend for a new audience. The TV show follows a young Merlin as he secretly watches over the court of King Uther and a young Arthur. The series stars Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Anthony Head as King Uther, Katie McGrath as Morgana, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Richard Wilson as Gaius, and John Hurt as the voice of the Great Dragon.
Last summer, Merlin ran on NBC. The series wasn’t a big success for the peacock network but, thankfully for the show’s fans, it’s successful enough in England for the BBC to keep making the show. NBC cancelled the show in the US but it moved over to Syfy for season two. BBC One has already ordered a third round.
Merlin: The Complete First Season has just been released on DVD and the set includes all of the episodes as well as featurettes, video diaries, photos, and wallpapers on five discs. You can purchase it for just $34.99 or, you can try to win a copy!
To enter, you need to merely post a comment below and tell us the name of your favorite character or actor from the show. Be sure to leave your email address so that we can contact you with the good news if you win.
If you’d like an additional chance to win, leave a comment on our Facebook page under the wall post about the contest. If you don’t have a Facebook account, you can email us for another way to enter.
Guidelines: This giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail.) Many may enter but one person will win. You must be 18 and older to enter and no purchase is necessary. Contest ends April 30, 2010.
UPDATE: Congratulations to “Toby O’B.” For everyone else, thanks for entering and stay tuned. We’ll be have several more giveaways soon!
I didn’t expect to fall in love with this reimagining, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance! Even if the show diverges a lot from the older myths, it’s such a clever and well put together show that I don’t mind one bit. I adore nearly all the characters, but my favorite would have to be Bradley James’s Arthur.
My favorite character is Arthur. He’s totally believable as a prince and his reactions to Merlin and Gwen are fun to watch.
I definately love Merlin and how Colin Morgan portrays him. This show has been a life saver and what I’ve been looking for in a show for years!!
My favorite is Gwenovere.
I realize it’s ridiculously cliche, but Merlin most definitely 🙂
I enjoy all the cast of Merlin, and sure hope our American stations will carry Season 3. My favorite character is the Dragon…I think he got a raw deal….how would you like to have a big chain around your back leg just because you have hot breath. By the way, can someone tell me why he hasn’t melted that chain with one poof and flown away?
I enjoy the BBC show “Merlin”. I was very excited when the SyFy channel decided to air the second season of the show. My favorite character (actress) is Guinevere who is protrayed by Angel Coulby. I feel the diversity should be a must with all shows/programs.
Loved Anthony Head on Buffy. He was the main reason I gave Merlin a chance. Glad I did. I fell in love with John Hurt as the Dragon. The waiting for season three is killing me!
Gaius, or Arthur. Gaius is great because he brings a dignified elder presence to the young cast, and is excellent as Merlin’s mentor and father figure. Arthur is great because you keep seeing these little flashes of who he will be, as his ego and brashness slowly fades away. I like Merlin and the Dragon as well. Tough to choose really.
Bradley James as Arthur! His facial expressions and constant exasperation are priceless.
Colin Morgan as Merlin, Richard Wilson as Gaius, Angel Coulby as Gwen, and Anthony Head as King Uther are all enjoyable to watch. The show is well done. I am glad the BBC and Syfy continue to show it.
Bradley James II as Arthur and Anthony Head as Uther.
The Great Dragon, definitely. We know the fate of Merlin, Gwen, Arthur and Morgana but we don’t know what’s going to happen with the Dragon. John Hurt delivers a wonderful performance through the sheer power of his voice.
Colin Morgan as Merlin. He is a wonderful actor and epitomizes merlin as a whole!
Though some time lines have changed and minor relationships between characters have changed I think BBC has stayed true to La Mort De Arthur. Merlin is always my favorite as Arthur’s conscience and the guiding force behind Arthur’s throne.