I ask the question with the emphasis on you (yes, you! I can see through the computer, it's a long story) because I really would like to know what your objection is here.
I'm not quite understanding the ratings woes for Merlin, the BBC/NBC co-production that's running Sundays at 8 on the network.
I'm just a single guy with no kids who writes a blog about TV, but it was my understanding that people with spouses and children are often railing at TV for not having anything on it that the whole family can watch.
If I did have a spouse and kids I think I'd like to sit down with them after a Sunday evening meal and watch a compelling story with somewhat familiar characters -- albeit younger incarnations -- scripted and cast to allow everyone from your youngest boy who'll enjoy the swords and sorcery to that petulant 14-year-old girl (she'll love either Colin Morgan or Bradley James, image above) a good time.
(In fact, you can see it above, even hottie Katie McGrath as Morgana likes 'em both.)
Is it the accents? You know most of your TVs have closed captioning. Now, for me, the accents on this show aren't much of a problem ... try watching a couple of Catherine Tate's characters and understanding the words ... but if you need to read along don't think of it as work, think of it as assistance.
It's not the magic now, is it?
Are you religious types not watching this because you believe stories like this foment a belief in the occult? Merlin? The Arthurian Legend is out of bounds for you people? Really?
When you come up against that faith-based argument there's not much with which to counter. Not that I concur. In fact I totally don't. I don't believe in the idea that magic and witchcraft exists like I don't believe in the Virgin birth.
I reserve and protect your right to believe in both, btw. Well, as long as you don't expect me to fall in line with your beliefs. See, that's always the rub with me. Do what you want, but don't include me in your reindeer games.
But I can put reason aside and sing a Christmas carol about a star and a drummer boy, and I can enjoy a tale about a teenage wizard and his friendship with a future king.
And tonight Lancelot shows up. So, maybe you come along too? Watch a preview after the jump.
Solid family show just sitting there, folks. What more do you want?
Watch full episodes at NBC.com or at Hulu.
