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Good news for fans of Merlin: the Beeb has commissioned a third season of the show. The announcement follows the success of the second series which has achieved good viewing figures, averaging around five million and peaking at over six.
It’s not yet certain which of the main characters will be back, presumably contracts have yet to be agreed with the actors.
The announcement of Merlin series three also suggests a cliffhanger ending to the current series. Johnny Capps of prodco Shine Television said:
After the thrilling finale of the current series audiences will be left wondering what happens next – and with so many of Merlin and Arthur’s adventures yet to unfold, we can’t wait to continue the story.
Sounds interesting – we’ll find out what it means when the final episode of this season airs in a fortnight on December 19th.
If you haven’t seen the advertising yet, just a quick heads up that season 2 of Merlin begins this coming Saturday, 19th September, at 6:40pm on BBC1. The show will be followed by “Merlin: Secrets and Magic” on BBC3 at 7:25.
The first episode of the new series is called The Curse of Cornelius Sigan and features Mackenzie Crook.
The BBC still hasn’t announced an exact date when the second series of Merlin will begin however there’s not long to wait. Check out this (all too short) Season 2 trailer:
With Merlin Series 2 currently in production, word has been leaking out about the special guest stars who’ll be joining the regular cast.
Mackenzie Crook is probably best known for his roles in The Office and the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. He is to appear as a “creepy” character attempting to usurp Merlin’s position at court.
Also on the guest list are Adrian Lester (Hustle and Bonekickers), Sarah Parish (Cutting It) and the great veteran actor Charles Dance as Aredian the witchfinder.
Johnny Capps of production company Shine TV said:
We’re thrilled to be producing another series of Merlin for the BBC. It’s going to be bigger, bolder and more action-packed than ever, with great new villains, white knuckle fight sequences and hilarious comic fun for the whole family to enjoy
Series two of Merlin will be broadcast this autumn, the BBC haven’t yet announced exact dates.
Another great episode from Julian Jones, this made for a good season ending and left me looking forward to series two.
The story looks at first like being another basic “slay the evil creature” plotline, however the Questing Beast turns out merely to be the spur to a series of events that unfold to a predictable ending via a couple of surprising twists. The Beast (which looked like something out of Primeval) is slain early (and rather too easily) but by then it’s done its work.
The characterisation was once again well done, with the story used to show the fatherly side of Uther, Merlin’s genuine affection for Arthur and the duplicity of the dragon. It also showed once again Merlin’s naivity – making a magical bargain without asking the price is a very, very bad idea.
Ah yes, magic. That’s what I want from Merlin, a climactic duel of sorcerors where we finally get to see Merlin’s true potential. Which is rather scary, epecially given his aforementioned naivity.
With Merlin Series 2 currently in production, word has been leaking out about the special guest stars who’ll be joining the regular cast.