Whedonesque : Comments on 17439 : BBC launches 'Merlin' promo.

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August 29 2008

BBC launches 'Merlin' promo. Will satisfy anyone who has ever wanted to see Tony Head wearing a crown.

Simon | Cast&Crew | 08:58 CET | 54 comments total | tags: bbc, merlin, tony head

Shine producers Julian Murphy and Johnny Caps, who came up with the idea after working on BSkyB's teen horror show Hex

That is not a good sign....

zz9 | August 29, 09:08 CET

HAHAHA! Gaz from Two Pints is in it!

spooforbrains | August 29, 09:16 CET

Did anyone see the mini-series that was released a while ago with Isabella Rossellini and Sam Neill? That pretty much epitomised this kind of thing for me I think.

Vortigun | August 29, 09:18 CET

Even though I had already seen spooforbrains' comment, I snorted very loudly when I saw Gaz in chain mail. Too funny!

Ildeth | August 29, 10:31 CET

So Tony plays who, Uther Pendragon? From the creators of Hex, you say? I agree, that does not bode well.

And maybe it's just my advanced age, but I'd love to see a show about the mature Merlin (can't count the one with Sam Neil, because I thought it was appallingly bad and worse yet, booor-ing).

Although seeing his youth in flashbacks would be fun. Oh, wait .... this is Merlin, would that have to be flash forward's?

Shey | August 29, 10:55 CET

The whole "living backwards" thing is just from TH White I think, it's not a part of the legendary Merlin's story (though they might have used it, who knows where they'll have picked and chosen from).

Seems they're going down the "Le Morte D'Arthur" path, fair enough. I would've preferred a slightly grittier backdrop but (without being mean ;) I suspect that wouldn't sell as well in America and this has "International appeal" written all over it.

Could be OK, will definitely check it out (must admit though, it reminds me of the recent 'Robin Hood' effort which I couldn't get more than 15 minutes into before switching off and I also don't think "From the people that brought you 'Hex' ..." is exactly in the plus column).

Saje | August 29, 11:03 CET

I think the trailer actually looked quite fun, and Tony is in it, so I'm sure to give this a chance.

the Groosalugg | August 29, 11:09 CET

(must admit though, it reminds me of the recent 'Robin Hood' effort which I couldn't get more than 15 minutes into before switching off
Saje | August 29, 11:03 CET

OMG, saje and I agree on something! The gods themselves do tremble.

Shey | August 29, 11:17 CET

Well the sun even shines on a dog's arse occasionally ;). Or maybe an hour ago I loved 'Robin Hood' and the gods just planted that idea in my head to fuck with us, they're gods, that's just the sort of thing they might do.

Saje | August 29, 12:07 CET

T.H. White didn't make up the idea that Merlin was frozen, rather than dead, in his cave or that Arthur had gone "into the west" and would return, rather than being just dead. So the legends were already screwing with the natural order of things before he got ahold of them.

At least this isn't being done by Scifi, right? Right?

dreamlogic | August 29, 12:22 CET

I'm so can't wait to see this. It's got everyone I love in it!
Plus Gaz, WooHooo!!!!!! :D :D
I'll be tuning in.

spike_lover | August 29, 12:27 CET

So the legends were already screwing with the natural order of things before he got ahold of them.

As with all legends there're various versions so I don't even know what "natural order" would mean in that context, they've been added to and changed through the centuries and in the telling.

But it's Arthur that sleeps in most of the versions (of that version ;) that i've heard of, ready to awaken and light Britain's darkest hour (there're several places claiming to be where he lies - even one in the Scottish borders) so maybe White did indeed play around with that aspect.

And anyway, I only mentioned the idea of Merlin being born at the end of time and living backwards getting younger, as far as I know that's unique to TH White (which is why I said it ;).

Saje | August 29, 12:52 CET

Did anyone see the mini-series that was released a while ago with Isabella Rossellini and Sam Neill?

Boy, did I?! I’ve watched this original Merlin mini-series as a kid so many times, and I never got sick of it. Speaking of the actors in it, Martin Short’s character Frik is so well-written and acted; it blew me a way every time. I think I kinda had a tiny crush on him too... ;)

You know, as much as I love Tony (and I will check this out for him) every time I hear about Arthur and Merlin my mind goes to the unfinished story in Gargoyles where Arthur Pendragon was woken from his long sleep in Avalon and is now on a journey to find his old friend Merlin. *sigh* I miss that verse. *pokes comics*

Mirage | August 29, 12:59 CET

Camelot 3000 is worth checking out if you're looking for a different comic book take on the Arthur legend.

Simon | August 29, 13:02 CET

If I could spell Eric Cartman's laugh i'd be typing it right now.
Looks almost as bad as R Hood, but a lot more fun.
I mean come on, we're all going to be sitting there thinking 'I Don't Beee....' etc. Sorry but my personal standards prevent me from finishing the quote.

Interesting that Gaz didn't speak in the trailer. That's just going to be too funny!

Did I see Dr McCartney in there too?

ZodKneelsFirst | August 29, 13:04 CET

we're all going to be sitting there thinking 'I Don't Beee....'

Go on though Ted, sure 'n' i'd bet he loves it when folk say that to him ;).

Saje | August 29, 13:07 CET

Saje, sometimes you scare me with how in my head you are.

ZodKneelsFirst | August 29, 13:16 CET

*Twilight Zone music* ;).

Saje | August 29, 13:39 CET

The clip was good, but who knows? I don't have the expensive cable anymore to watch this, unfortunately.

Tonya J | August 29, 14:03 CET

"Until they realize there is no room for magic in my kingdom, there is but one sentence I can pass."

I wasn't the only one flashing to a "Tabula Rasa" place when I heard that, was I?

GILES: "Magic's all balderdash and chicanery!"

BAFfler | August 29, 14:17 CET

Wonder if they'll have Tony in full armour mounting Igraine, like in John Boorman's Excalibur.

Caroline | August 29, 14:29 CET

Did anyone see the mini-series that was released a while ago with Isabella Rossellini and Sam Neill? That pretty much epitomised this kind of thing for me I think.

I liked that mini-series much more than I like most recent re-imaginings of this story.

Sunfire | August 29, 15:25 CET

Wonder if they'll have Tony in full armour mounting Igraine, like in John Boorman's Excalibur.

I knew it was John Boorman that directed 'Excalibur' but i've just discovered that it was Katrine Boorman that played Igraine. His daughter. Something about that is just downright unsettlin'.

Saje | August 29, 15:38 CET

Boy, did I?! I’ve watched this original Merlin mini-series as a kid so many times, and I never got sick of it. Speaking of the actors in it, Martin Short’s character Frik is so well-written and acted; it blew me a way every time. I think I kinda had a tiny crush on him too... ;)

I loved it. Did have a fantastic cast... Miranda Richardson is so awesome as Mab.

Vortigun | August 29, 15:45 CET

I'm showing my age and U.S.-ness here, but when I read, "for anyone who has ever wanted to see Tony Head wearing a crown," my first thought was, "Oh, has he been eating margarine?" :)

Shapenew | August 29, 16:16 CET

Caroline, one can only hope ... oh, did I say that? WHAT! :-0

Tonya J | August 29, 16:21 CET

Have they announced a way for those of us in the United States to watch it?

NickWinters | August 29, 16:52 CET

we're all going to be sitting there thinking 'I Don't Beee....'

I wasn't thinking that during "The Empty Child". Much to my own surprise.

spooforbrains | August 29, 16:52 CET

@NickWinters: NBC have purchased it.

spooforbrains | August 29, 16:53 CET

I wasn't thinking that during "The Empty Child". Much to my own surprise.

There's plenty of good evidence for World War II though, personally I totally believe it.

Saje | August 29, 16:57 CET

I'm lost. I was assuming that the reference was to the fact that Richard Wilson is in it, his catchphrase (as Victor Meldrew) being "I don't belieeeeeve it", and that it would be difficult to separate his role in this from his Victor Meldrew persona. Did I miss the point? (If I'm missing a joke somewhere, take pity on me, it's 5pm on Friday)

spooforbrains | August 29, 17:30 CET

I knew it was John Boorman that directed 'Excalibur' but i've just discovered that it was Katrine Boorman that played Igraine. His daughter. Something about that is just downright unsettlin'.

I didn't know that. Wow.

I do know someone who knows John Boorman well enough to have had an argument with him. Must ask about the daughter.

Topic... Tony's accent in this clip. There's the luvvie lisp again ;-)

Caroline | August 29, 17:56 CET

we're all going to be sitting there thinking 'I Don't Beee....'

I wasn't thinking that during "The Empty Child". Much to my own surprise.

No, nor me.
He was a bit more sober in that.
And he wasn't wearing a ludicrous wig!

And spoof, you totally understood the original (a-hand e-hextremely amusing ahm) reference. Saje is making a meta-joke.

Overreached himself I think.

ZodKneelsFirst | August 29, 18:13 CET

Yep, that was a tad too meta (mea culpa spooforbrains ;) but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for ?

(and in my own defence, it was 5 pm on a Friday when I posted it ;)

Saje | August 29, 18:41 CET

Well, I personally think it looks amusing enough, and I'm sure I'll watch it. I'm always a sucker for these sorts of things.

Aurra | August 29, 22:32 CET

Well, I've already seen Tony in a crown (and velvet), so I don't much mind that the vid won't play for me.

And...sorry, but I liked Hex. A patient @an eye clinic I used to work at gave me his DVDs & I really wish there'd been more to the series. It had some rough spots, sure, but I liked the characters & the main plot. The ghost was a cool twist.

According to Tony's site Canada, the States & Australia will all air "Merlin." Everyone has their own version of the legend, it seems. I think it's cool that it's still being re-envisioned.

ShadowQuest | August 29, 23:31 CET

I don't have a clue what that means, but I'm going to assume that, previous exchanges leaning toward a different interpretation, it isn't as insulting as it sounds.
And just disengage, since this never ends well.

Shey | August 30, 15:24 CET

Y'know Google can often help when you come across an expression you don't understand. I specifically picked an American expression (OK, except for 'arse') to avoid confusion. Fuck it, whatever, so much for rebuilding bridges.

Saje | August 30, 15:48 CET

I actually understood that saying without ever having heard it before. I'm from California so I don't know southern colloquialisms and sayings. Sometimes it's just better to say stranger things have happened and let it go at that. Here's another saying, which I love, that I picked up from The Outlaw Josey Wales:

Senator: There's a saying, Fletcher: To the victor belongs the spoils.

Fletcher: There's another saying, Senator: Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining.

Tonya J | August 30, 20:19 CET

Agreed, if it's just communication you're after it's better to use the simplest, clearest language possible. But where's the fun in that ? Isn't a playful approach to and love of language one of the bedrocks of Whedon fandom ?

And just to head one possible implication off at the pass BTW Tonya J (clearly the South shall rise again, at least where manners of speech are concerned ;), i'm not pissing on anyone and then claiming it's rain, the simple fact is I make an effort not to piss on anyone full stop cos what's the point ? What's gained except unhappiness and the sum total of petty bullshit in the world rising by a point (like it needs any more) ? And anyway, there's no need for veiled insults when we have so many wonderful unveiled ones available ;).

Saje | August 30, 21:45 CET

I'd never heard of the dog's arse expression either, although I took it mean something similar to Marwood's "Even a stopped clock is right twice a day" from Withnail & I . . . But I'm not sure where all the bad feeling is coming from here. Saje's choice of expression was colorful, but I'm pretty sure it meant only "it's rare, but even we two can agree on something". No cause for any animosity. Go back to your homes.

SoddingNancyTribe | August 30, 21:52 CET

Oh, my quote had nothing to do with what Saje said. I was just trying to break up that tension by saying I got it, though I'd never heard of it before. One had nothin' to do with the other. I've loved that Josey Wales dialogue ever since I've heard it and just wanted to share. All misunderstandings now averted, Cap'n.

[ edited by Tonya J on 2008-08-30 21:56 ]

[ edited by Tonya J on 2008-08-30 21:57 ]

Tonya J | August 30, 21:56 CET

Aha, so you're saying you hate the South and don't want it to rise again, is that it, eh, eh ? ;-)

I took it mean something similar to Marwood's "Even a stopped clock is right twice a day" from Withnail & I ...

That was, in fact, my first choice but then (and in retrospect, this is actually pretty funny ;) I didn't use it because I thought Shey might think I was calling her a stopped (i.e. useless) clock (and mainly, cos I also knew it from 'Withnail and I', I assumed it might be chiefly British). Think I maybe have too much faith in the power of the smiley to show when things are meant in good humour.

And I suspect the animosity's spilling over from other threads BTW SNT which is a bit out of order really, this poor wee Merlin thread's done nothing to deserve it, sorry.

Saje | August 30, 22:19 CET

I emailed you, Saje, but I am very sorry I confused the issue and worded that post so poorly. I'm more than a bit stressed and upset about our upcoming Presidential election here in the states and my mind isn't what it should be.

Tonya J | August 30, 22:41 CET

Ah no worries, I deliberately made that crack about the South and manners of speech to show no hard feelings either way ;) - makes the point quite neatly I guess, anything can be misinterpreted given the right frame of mind.

Saje | August 30, 23:11 CET

I am from the south, and I had to look that one up.

Sunfire | August 30, 23:14 CET

Yep, Sunfire, I don't think that's from the south. Maybe it's from the middle? One of those plain states, like Missouri or somethin'. *chews of piece of wheat* Damn foreinrs don't know much about the southrn true blue blood. Or corn bread, for that matter.

No problems here, Saje. How 'bout I fix us up some fried okra and we can shoot the shit out on the porch. :)

korkster | August 31, 02:19 CET

I am from the south, and I had to look that one up.
Sunfire | August 30, 23:14 CET

Glad I'm not the only one who'd never heard the expression before, and had to look it up. The U.S. is a very big place, I'd never heard the expression "that dog don't hunt", until Bill Clinton used it.

BTW Sunfire, I used your quote because it was the shortest, absolutely no malefic intent involved. ;-)

OT: I'm a sucker for Arthurian stuff & will no doubt give this one a try. Although I'll probably be disappointed, no one has ever done it really well, IMO. Although John Boorman came very close.

Shey | September 01, 13:25 CET

Nevermind. Not worth the candle.

[ edited by Saje on 2008-09-01 13:34 ]

Saje | September 01, 13:33 CET

Nevermind. Not worth the candle.

And still I detect the "plunk" of dripping wax. :)

Shey | September 01, 13:47 CET

OK, just to kill this thing dead - why not look it up before your snippy response ? Wouldn't that make more sense, generally be nicer and probably take the same length of time if not less ?

Saje | September 01, 13:53 CET

As "snippy responses" go, I thought mine was rather mild, and decidedly brief.
And, um .... what makes more sense to you, doesn't necessarily make more sense to someone else.

Dead enough? I'm guessing not nearly, since it doesn't involve you having the last word.

Wouldn't it make more sense and generally be nicer to go back over the posts that started this shit and notice that what really pissed me off was being accused of calling you a liar, which I in no way, shape or form, ever said or implied.
Call me on something I actually said, and I'll respond with anything from "sorry, didn't mean to offend" to "fuck off, it was obviously IMO" (although I'd word it a bit more politely, I'd get my point across).
But accuse me of saying/implying something I did not ever say or imply and yeah, I'm likely to remain snippy.

Logging off now, so take a deep breath and maybe think about the fact that you aren't always right about everything.

Shey | September 01, 14:19 CET

Dead enough? I'm guessing not nearly, since it doesn't involve you having the last word.

That's actually quite clever since it precludes me from even responding to your accusations without seeming like I have to have the last word. Well done, you're not so great with facts but you certainly rhetoric the best. Yay you.

It's also a great way of muddying the waters and avoiding a perfectly sensible question, to wit: why take the time to post a response saying you don't understand something when surely the time would be better spent trying to understand that something ?

Just out of some kind of nursed resentment due to a careless reading of a previous post of mine it would now seem (careful readers would probably note the "possibly" and the explanation which followed in another post). And i'd hazard a guess that most people probably wouldn't let it fester for three weeks.

Wouldn't it make more sense and generally be nicer to go back over the posts that started this shit and notice that what really pissed me off was being accused of calling you a liar, which I in no way, shape or form, ever said or implied.
Call me on something I actually said ...

That the irony of this is lost on you would be funny in another situation, as it is it's just a bit pathetic. Hint: you're the one accusing me of saying something I didn't (both now and in your original post - in an entirely separate thread. From three weeks ago - that "started this shit" as you put it, remember your initial offensive accusation that I was being passive-aggressive ? Possibly not, you seem uncommonly able to "forget" facts that don't suit your case).

Feel free to have the last word tomorrow or whenever BTW because i'm done with this stupidity and done with you also Shey. I responded to you with the intent of extending an olive branch after a previous disagreement and you've chosen to see it as a weapon, personally I think that says more about you than me but that's just my opinion of course - I accept that I can't know your internal state.

(and if people choose to see this as creeping last wordism I wouldn't blame you but I just can't have lies spread about me on a public forum without responding)

Saje | September 01, 16:07 CET

Watching a feud emerge out of nowhere from miscommunication and sore feelings can be train-wreckingly compelling but, seriously, I think this one is done here. If you continue to poke at one another here you two are in danger of having your posts deleted and your membership suspended. Take it to e-mail (or, if that's already been tried, just stop reacting to one another in this room). Thanks.

SoddingNancyTribe | September 01, 17:59 CET

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