The Sins of the Father

Redundant, little character development
The conflict (basis for all plots) is always the same:
* Arthur Pendragon is conflicted with his father Uthur Pendragon over loyalty vs. what his feels is right.
* Uthur Pendragon is a static character (almost comically) who demands loyalty, hates/abhores magic.
* Gaias (Merlin's mentor) evolves very rapidly into becoming Merlin's-father figure but then stays the same.
* Morgana (Uthur's charge/ward) evolves over time but almost never shows any internal conflict over those changes (which any real person would exhibit).
* Guenevere changes and starts off as obsequious mouse to a woman with mettle, but again, her evolution is sporadic and inconsistent.
* Merlin is the only interesting character. Very sympathetic to the viewer, he gains attention and captivates the audience throughout the seasons. He adapts, changes, grows with each new episode. That doesn't seem intuitive to the viewer. We all like to see people improve from hour to hour, from month to...

Merlin's Magic Returns (SPOILERS)
The second series is even better than the first, bringing more depth to the characters. You have Merlin falling in love for the first time with the Lady of the Lake, an Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot love triangle, Uther marrying a Troll! Arthur meeting his dead Mother, The Witchfinder accusing Merlin, Morgana & Gaius of using magic. Morgana realises that she really does have the power of magic & starts using it for 'The Dark Arts', the reappearence of the mysterious Mordred & Morgause & The Great Dragon demanding even more & more of Merlin! In the series finale Merlin finally gets to meet his Father whom he assumes is dead after what his Mother has previously told him & finds out that he is 'The Last Dragon Lord' only then to have him cruelly taken away from him. Merlin inherits the title of Dragon Lord which develops more in season 3 when he can command the Great Dragon to do his bidding.

I have bought both music CD's that accompany the series they are dramatic, haunting &...

A consistantly engaging series.
I have bought the first two seasons of Merlin and he is a remarkable person. Many people with his powers wouldn't have the patience to serve the sometimes slow-witted Arthur but time after Merlin perseveres. I'll probably buy the third season in the near future.

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