The TV series is loosely based on the story of Wizard Merlin and King Arthur of Camelot. Shine Producers Julian Murphy and Johnny Caps got the idea from Smallville where the series is about how Clark Kent became Superman. In the series, Arthur is still a prince of Camelot while Merlin is just starting to learn Magic and is still long way to become the greatest wizard in the world. Arthur’s father, Uther is the king and Magic is banned in Camelot. Morgana, Merlin’s arch enemy, is king Uther’s former ward.

Since Magic is banned in Camelot, Merlin has to hide his abilities. There are only a few who knows his abilities. One of these people is Gaius, Merlin’s uncle and Camelot’s court physician. He is also a former sorcerer. The dragon Kilgharrah, is another person who knows about Merlin’s secret. Kilgharrah told Merlin that his and Arthur’s destiny are entwined. He is tasked to watch over Arthur until he becomes the king of Camelot. Lancelot is another person who eventually learned about Merlin’s secret though he has not told anyone about it. In the Arthurian legend, Lancelot would become Arthur’s first knight and would be a rival to Guinevere’s affection.

In the series, Morgana’s Magic is just starting to awaken. Afraid of being discovered, she grew bitter towards King Uther’s and his approach to anything that has anything to do with Magic. She eventually would learn about her sister (Morgause) existence. In the beginning of the third season, she started to plotted the demise of Camelot with the help of Morgause. But their plans failed thanks to Merlin

The series is a refreshing alternative to shows that are based on modern times. Another series which is also based on a medieval like timeline is Legend of the seeker. Unfortunately the series was cancelled. The series is worth the watch since you can’t wait for events to unfold. We do know that the Arthur would eventually become king, Merlin would become a great wizard and Morgana would be the greatest foe of Merlin. But waiting for it to happen is what makes the series fun to watch. Although I hope that they learn from Smallville’s mistake. The problem with that series is that they are making the viewers wait for Clark to eventually fly longer than they should. I hope it doesn’t take a couple more seasons for Merlin to become a great wizard.