Merlin Set to Debut June 21

Fantasy is kind of an ironic genre if you look at it across different mediums. While there’s a strong devoted fan base for authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, Charles de Lint, Robert Jordan, and dozens of others it still very much remains an understated genre. While half of the highest-grossing films of all times are fantasy-based, on television fantasy has had a less than stellar reputation with a few exceptions (Tin Man, The Legend of Earthsea, etc.). That’s why I have certain reservations when I saw the trailer for Merlin set to premiere on June 21, 2009 on NBC.

As you can imagine the show is based on the Arthurian legend of King Arthur and Merlin but differs significantly from the original myth, taking place when both are young adults as a launching point for the series. While I’ll definitely tune in to the series premiere (and indeed the series should it take off and become a fully-fledged show) I can’t help but question a few things.

This series was originally produced and developed by the BBC, so what NBC did was basically bought the syndication rights to the 13 episode first season which saves them the hassle of creating a new show to fill the usual summer lull. While the show has been commissioned for a second season in England, all that has been said is that filming will begin in 2009.

One can’t help but question the motives of NBC. Is this simply easy entertainment for a summer void (which is perfectly fine by my account) or is this another series that’s going to get cut short a few episodes in all the while getting audiences hopes up for something new and exciting only to have it cancelled like so many other shows? There’s also a distinct parallel between Merlin and the show Kings, also shown on NBC, which is set to return a week prior on June 15, 2009.

Nevertheless, it’s the viewers that by in large determine the fate of a series. Be sure to watch this thrilling new drama. I know I sure will.