1 Topic by WilliamDrakeMcGregor

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Topic: The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin

The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin
https://static.next-episode.net/tv-shows-images/huge/the-pendragon-cycle-rise-of-the-merlin.jpg

Showcases a retelling of the Arthurian legend set in a Roman-occupied Britain where barbarian invaders threaten to lay claim to the island.

First episode was quite the opener, really enjoyed it.
Some of the scenes felt a bit disconnected but nothing you can't figure out for yourself.

The two main characters are likeable and interesting.
Acting is solid, no complains there.

CGI...some of it looks really good and some very bad...not sure what is going on there....

▼Spoiler

I am not that familiar with the Arthur / Merlin story, only the basics.
Is it lore-accurate that The Lady of the Lake comes from Atlantis?

Speaking of Atlantis. Those Bullfighting scenes were awesome smile

Deserved more runtime:
Abbys | Dead Like Me | Devs | Firefly | Gangsta. | Jack of all Trades | Kevin (probably) saves the World | Lodge 49 | Mrs. Davis | NYC 22 | Powerless | Roadkill | Special Unit 2 | Stumptown | Surface | The Brave | The Crazy Ones | The Finder | The Middleman | Truth Seekers | Two Weeks to Live | Whiskey Cavalier

https://next-episode.net/user/WilliamDrakeMcGregor/

2 Reply by Phanlix

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Re: The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin

Man this plus the Robin Hood show that's out, some good content for those that love English historical fiction!

▼Spoiler

Uh, no. That's not cannon. The lady of the lake was a spirit of the land. Her giving the sword was akin to England itself bestowing it's blessing upon Arthur being king. Kinda one of them there literary devices or whatchamacallits. You nixed my enthusiasm for this show, massive Merlin fan that I am. I've read some Merlin adaptations that were really good despite changing the nature of some of the characters, but making her Atlantian sounds absolutely stupid. Sounds like this will be a hate watch show for me.

3 Reply by fassy (edited by fassy 2026-01-30 19:14:30)

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Re: The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin

Pretty solid. Not great, but solid. You definitely notice it wasn't a big budget production but done with some love.

▼Spoiler

Not sure what to think about the story and mixing so many things which do not make sense or introduced poorly, e.g. why Atlantis? Where are the "summerlands" supposed to be? I guess it is supposed to be Avalon? And why were the picts displayed as wild horrible kelts and killed other "old religion" English men?

But I just accept it. And as far as I read taken from the books and not an invention on Boreing (which by the way, I still find an hilarious name for someone making is life in entertainment)

4 Reply by WilliamDrakeMcGregor (edited by WilliamDrakeMcGregor 2026-02-04 18:56:29)

  • WilliamDrakeMcGregor
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Re: The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin

Gets more confusing with each episode.

Edit: As if there is an episode missing between 2 and 3...

Deserved more runtime:
Abbys | Dead Like Me | Devs | Firefly | Gangsta. | Jack of all Trades | Kevin (probably) saves the World | Lodge 49 | Mrs. Davis | NYC 22 | Powerless | Roadkill | Special Unit 2 | Stumptown | Surface | The Brave | The Crazy Ones | The Finder | The Middleman | Truth Seekers | Two Weeks to Live | Whiskey Cavalier

https://next-episode.net/user/WilliamDrakeMcGregor/

5 Reply by jimslim

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Re: The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin

I'm liking this so far. Wifeys read all the books, she likes it too.

6 Reply by ChiefRon

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Re: The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin

My AI says this show airs on Thursdays.