Merlin

Stephen Fry has voiced his concerns over the television shows coming out of Britain being too childish.

The actor made his comments after delivering his BAFTA lecture recently, saying that although there are some good programmes on British television, they are more suitable for children.

“If I wanted to be angry… I would say infantilism’s the problem,” he said. “The number of times I turn on the television and I think, ‘Gosh, children’s television’s gone on, that’s a really good art documentary… Oh my God, it’s nine o’clock in the evening. This is for grown ups?’ It’s just shocking.”

“The only drama the BBC will boast about are Merlin and Doctor Who, which are fine but they’re children’s programmes,” he said. “They’re not for adults. And they’re very good children’s programmes, don’t get me wrong, they’re wonderfully written… but they’re not for adults.

“They are like a chicken nugget. Every now and again we all like it. Every now and again. But if you are an adult you want something surprising, savoury, sharp, unusual, cosmopolitan, alien, challenging, complex, ambiguous, possibly even slightly disturbing and wrong.”

Source: Digital Spy

6.30pm Sunday, June 13 on Ten

When a mysterious warrior challenges Arthur to a duel, no one could possibly predict the devas-tating chain of events that is set in motion – least of all the young Prince himself. But Arthur andMerlin soon find themselves on a strange quest at the behest of the beautiful Morgause (EmiliaFox). Through her, Arthur discovers a dark secret which could bring about the downfall of thekingdom.

6.30pm Sunday, June 6 on Ten

Uther is determined to wipe out magic in Camelot once and for all, and this time no one is beyondsuspicion. He summons the most dreaded witchfinder in the land, Aredian, a terrifying man whowill stop at nothing to uncover sorcery.

6.30pm Sunday, May 30 on Ten

In the second installment of this two-part episode, the newly crowned Queen Catrina (Sarah Par-ish) settles in as Camelot’s first lady. As her true troll nature surfaces, her influence over Utherincreases and the repercussions are felt throughout the kingdom.When Catrina accuses Merlin of stealing, he is driven into hiding. Forced to sneak around the cas-tle, Merlin must find a way to expose Catrina’s true form without getting caught – and beheaded!But even if he succeeds, will this be enough to break her powerful magic? Or will Camelot bestuck with a troll as a Queen forever?

6.30pm Sunday, May 23 on Ten

The first episode of this exciting two part episode sees Uther captivated by his latest guest, thebeautiful Lady Catrina (Sarah Parish). Arthur is appalled by his father’s flirting but Merlin’s waryfor a different reason – he suspects she is really a troll!Catrina and her strange servant Jonas (Adam Godley) are welcomed into the heart of Camelot andit is up to Merlin to prove she’s a monster and save Uther from ruin. Unfortunately, Catrina has hersights set on a far greater prize than the King’s heart.Can Merlin overcome her powerful troll magic before it’s too late?

6.30pm Sunday, May 16 on Ten

Gwen is mistaken for Morgana and is kidnapped by the savage outlaw Hengist (James Cosmo).Uther refuses to pay her ransom so Arthur defies his father, heading out into dangerous enemyterritory to fight for Gwen’s freedom. Later, Merlin suspects Arthur’s devotion to Gwen is morethan just that of a prince to one of his subjects.How will Arthur react when he finds Gwen is not alone in Hengist’s castle? She and Lancelot (SantiagoCabrera) have found each other again, and powerful feelings have been rekindled.

6.30pm SUNDAY, MAY 9 on Ten

Series 2, Episode 3 When morgana’s nightmares spill into waking hours she becomes terrified that she has magic.Gaius insists otherwise in an effort to keep her out of danger but merlin finds it impossible tostand quietly by and watch his friend suffer. He knows from experience just how frightened andalone morgana feels. He knows she needs the truth.Against all Gaius’ warnings, and with uther more paranoid about sorcery than ever before,merlin risks everything to put morgana in touch with the druids and get her the help she needs.But uther assumes morgana has been kidnapped and will stop at nothing to have her returnedto Camelot.Unless merlin can bring morgana home in time, dozens of suspected witches, warlocks anddruids will lose their lives. and he and morgana might be among them.

6.30pm Sunday, May 2 on Ten

Season 2, Episode 2Merlin helps Arthur disguise his identity to enter a jousting tournament, little knowing that adeadly assassin has arrived in Camelot to kill the Prince. Arthur is determined to win Camelot’sjousting tournament on his own merit, so with Merlin and Gwen’s help he goes undercover as anordinary man. But Arthur’s in for a shock when Gwen challenges him to give up his spoilt, loftyways.Will Arthur be able to shake the habits of a lifetime as easily as he did his princely robes? Andwhy does he care so much what Gwen thinks anyway? While Arthur’s distracted, the bountyhunter Myror (Adrian Lester) arrives in Camelot, intent on killing him. Can Merlin save the princefrom the most deadly assassin in the land?

If you are one of the many who missed the season two premiere of Merlin last Sunday on Ten, then you will get the chance to catch up this Sunday at 12 midday.

The first episode aired on Sunday April 25 – right in the middle of a long weekend – which pushed its ratings well down on what the show was seeing in 2009. Not even Masterchef and Underbelly – the two biggest shows on TV at the moment – were immuned to the public hloiday effect with both seeing ratings about 25% down on their averages so far.

Merlin encore – Sunday May 2, 12 midday.

Merlin new episodes air at 6.30pm Sundays on Ten

6.30pm Sunday, April 25 on Ten

THE CURSE OF CORNELIUSSeason 2, Episode 1Deep beneath Camelot an ancient evil stirs and Merlin must risk his very soul to save the kingdomfrom destruction. New servant, Cedric (Mackenzie Crook), muscles in on Merlin’s positionas Arthur’s right-hand-man and turns the prince against his loyal friend. Merlin is convinced theslippery newcomer is up to something and he’s right – Cedric is a conman and a thief who’s aftera magnificent jewel recently unearthed in a tomb far beneath Camelot. Little does Cedric know,his precious prize is more dangerous than he could possibly imagine.Camelot has never been more vulnerable but how can Merlin make things right when, thanks toCedric, he might have lost Arthur’s friendship for good? Merlin faces the prospect of turning to thecreature he swore he’d never trust again – The Great Dragon.