The Wheel of Time Fans Need to Watch This Underrated British Fantasy Series

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The show is an outstanding adaptation of Robert Jordan’s (later co-authored by Brandon Sanderson) book series with the same title. Fans find it a great introduction to Jordan’s universe for those new to the original content. Unfortunately, Amazon Prime Video has chosen to end the fantasy series after its third season, leaving numerous viewers yearning for more.

To alleviate the gap created by “The Wheel of Time“, it could be worthwhile to explore another captivating series. The renowned BBC production, “Merlin“, revolves around one of the most recognized sorcerers in history and his bond with a young King Arthur from Camelot. With moments that are laugh-out-loud funny and tear-jerking sad, the five seasons of “Merlin” weave a compelling narrative, offering both newcomers and longtime fans a satisfying conclusion.

Merlin Succeeds Because of Its Actors’ Chemistry

From 2008 to 2012, the TV show Merlin demonstrated resilience, a trait that can be partially credited to the chemistry between leads Colin Morgan and Bradley James. In their roles as Merlin and Arthur, they shared an evident friendship, both on-screen and off. Their witty exchanges added humor, while their palpable bond made the show’s more somber moments all the more captivating.

Indeed, much fan-created content for the series portrays Merlin and Arthur in a romantic union instead of Arthur marrying Guinevere, a path the show doesn’t take. However, their on-screen chemistry is so strong that it wouldn’t be hard to imagine them as a couple. Moreover, many long-term viewers find Guinevere’s character development unsatisfying, which makes the idea of Merlin and Arthur together more appealing.

This production of Merlin and Arthur differs from some others in that it maintains a light-hearted approach, even amidst the fantasy elements. Essentially, if you remove the magic, what remains is a delightful buddy comedy with excellent writing. The inclusion of esteemed actors like Sir John Hurt, Richard Wilson, Anthony Head, Angel Coulby, and Katie McGrath further enhances its appeal.

The Aging CGI Is Still Charming

Regarding its quality, it’s worth noting that while some parts of the show may feel outdated at times, especially by 2025 standards, the creative use of practical effects in the costume and makeup departments often makes these flaws appear charmingly nostalgic for the early 2000s.

The humorous aspects of these scenes really shine when Merlin, played by Colin Morgan, appears before Arthur disguised as Dragoon the Great. These episodes featuring “Dragoon” are particularly cherished by fans, who adore the comedy and optimism they contain. Frequently, viewers also commend Morgan for his versatility in portraying multiple characters within the same series.

1) Additionally, providing Merlin with a lavish budget equivalent to major productions like Marvel movies might have sparked disagreements. The series is smart enough to recognize its quirky nature, which is part of what makes it so lovable. Fans would have spotted significant discrepancies if the plot remained unchanged while the visual effects mimicked those from a Marvel film. In fact, such an expensive upgrade could have undermined the show’s charm by making it appear inconsistent and out of character.

Shows Like This Simply Aren’t Made Anymore

Instead of bemoaning the fact that we no longer see productions like Merlin being made these days, it’s important to acknowledge this reality. Nowadays, filmmakers and production houses tend to focus on creating more realistic and serious content, which can sometimes prove challenging for viewers to consume in large quantities due to their heavy emotional impact.

Instead, consider this: Unlike mere minutes, hours can slip away while engrossed in watching Merlin. While familiarity with Arthurian legends can enhance the viewing experience, it’s not strictly essential. Essentially, the show demands some level of engagement (it’s not just a mindless TV program), but you don’t need to have diagrams or flow charts at hand to appreciate it.

In essence, it seems more apt to describe the feeling as saying farewell to long-standing companions rather than a) being grateful that it’s all finished, or b) needing to spend the coming days contemplating the mysteries of the universe. To put it metaphorically: it shuts the door without securing it.

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2025-06-06 00:38