Merlin is a British fantasy-adventure comedy drama television programme, loosely based on the Arthurian legends regarding the close relations of Merlin and King Arthur. Created by Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy for the BBC, it was broadcast for five series on BBC One between 20 September 2008 and 24 December 2012. The programme starred Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Richard Wilson, Anthony Head and John Hurt. The programme is a reimagining of the legend, in which young warlock Merlin is sent to the kingdom of Camelot by his mother because of his "special gift". After saving Prince Arthur's life in the first episode, he becomes Arthur's manservant. Merlin soon learns that the reason for his gift is to protect Arthur, but Merlin must hide his powers because magic was banned in Camelot by Arthur's father, King Uther Pendragon, and those caught practising it are executed. Over the years and after several adventures together, Merlin and Arthur become trusted friends and companions, with the former doing his best to influence the latter into becoming the king he is destined to be. Merlin was nominated for several awards, winning the 2011 British Academy Television Award for best visual effects. Broadcasting rights were sold to over 180 countries.
The programme was conceived by Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps. The BBC had been keen on showing a drama based on the character of Merlin for some time. A year before the Shine series was initiated, writer and producer Chris Chibnall had been developing a project aimed at a BBC One Sunday night slot, but this was ultimately not commissioned.
Lady Helen: (about Arthur) Poor child. It can't have been easy to grow up without a mother.
Uther: No.
Uther: Hasn't been easy.
Lady Helen: I'm sure. Perhaps if you found someone? If you remarried? I'm sure you'd have…
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Gaius: What did your mother say to you about your gifts?
Merlin: That I was special.
Gaius: You are special. The likes of which I've never seen before.
Merlin: What do you mean?…
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Merlin: Hello? Gaius? (He spots Gaius standing and clears his throat. Gaius is startled and falls.)
Gaius: Whoa!
Gaius: What did you just do?
Merlin: Ehm.…
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Gaius: :(after Merlin uses magic to save him from a fall) Where did you study? Answer me!
Merlin: I've... I've never studied magic or been taught.
Gaius: Are you lying to me, boy?
Merlin: What do you want me to say?…
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Arthur: I warn you, I've been trained to kill since birth.
Merlin: Wow. And how long have you been training to be a prat?
Arthur: You can't address me like that.
Merlin: Sorry. How long have you been training to be a…
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Gwen: I saw what you did. It was so brave.
Merlin: It was stupid.
Gwen: Well, I'm glad you walked away. You weren't going to beat him.
Merlin: Oh, I could beat him.…
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