Ep 1. The Dragon's Call

Merlin is a fantasy drama television series that tells the story of the young Merlin and his adventures in the kingdom of King Arthur. Season 1 episode 1 "The Dragon's Call" begins with a brief introduction of the legendary kingdom of Camelot and the magical world it is set in. The opening sequence gives viewers a glimpse of the mythical creatures and the medieval world with its grand castles and vast landscapes.

In the first episode, we are introduced to the young Merlin, who is sent by his mother to live with a man named Gaius in Camelot. Merlin is portrayed as a young boy with extraordinary abilities and magical powers. However, these abilities are not yet fully developed, and he struggles to keep them under control.

Upon his arrival in Camelot, Merlin hears a dragon's voice calling to him. He follows the voice and finds himself in a dark cave where he encounters a dragon. The dragon, who identifies himself as Kilgharrah, tells Merlin that he has a destiny to fulfill and that he must protect Arthur, who is to become the future king of Camelot. The dragon also informs him about the ongoing war between magic and King Uther Pendragon, who has banned all sorcery in the kingdom, and warns him about the dangers of revealing his magical abilities.

Merlin quickly learns that magic is strictly forbidden in Camelot. He meets Prince Arthur, who is shown as arrogant and unlikable. Arthur tests Merlin's abilities and mocks him for his lack of physical strength and combat skills. In contrast, Merlin is shown as quick-witted, intelligent, and resourceful, with a natural talent for magic. However, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles in his quest to protect Arthur and fulfill his destiny.

During his stay in Camelot, Merlin becomes friends with a young servant girl, Gwen, who helps him learn the customs and traditions of the kingdom. He also meets Morgana, the king's ward, who is portrayed as a strong-willed, independent woman who supports the fight against the king's tyranny.

Throughout the episode, we see the tension between King Uther and the magical community. The king is shown as intolerant of all forms of magic, and he orders the execution of an innocent man whom he accuses of using sorcery. This incident leads to some characters, including Morgana, to speak out against the king's treatment of magic.

"The Dragon's Call" sets the tone for the entire series and introduces the main characters and themes. The episode is well-crafted with stunning visual effects and picturesque locations. The performances of the cast are excellent, with Colin Morgan delivering a compelling portrayal of the youthful Merlin. The opening episode captures the essence of a magical world while showcasing the political unrest in Camelot. It proves to be a promising start to an intriguing story that keeps viewers hooked from the very beginning.

In summary, "The Dragon's Call" is a must-watch for anyone who loves fantasy drama and is curious about the legend of King Arthur and his knights. It's a captivating tale that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, leaving them eager for the next chapter in Merlin's journey.