Actors: Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Anthony Head, Katie McGrath, Richard Wilson
Number of discs: 5
Studio: BBC
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Run Time: 571 minutes
Continues the solid work of the first two seasons
The BBC’s Merlin has been a solid hit in the UK and a staple of SyFy’s Friday night line-up for its past two seasons. And while I have nothing against the show, I have to admit it’s not one that’s made my DVR’s season pass list.
Luckily, we live in the era of season box-sets.
Merlin: The Third Season allows you to either catch up with the series or to revisit this pivotal season of the show.
The third season of Merlin continues to build on the solid work done in the first two. The third season kicks off where season two left off, looking at whether Morgana has gone evil and the implications that could have for Camelot. Morgana’s descent into evil is chronicled over the course of the season and a lot of the better moments come watching her character continue to evolve. The season is highlighted by the two-part premiere and the two-part finale. However, be warned that if you’re coming in without having season the end of season two, you may be a bit lost. You may need to find an on-line summary of season two or pick up the season two box set to help get caught-up.
This five disc set features all thirteen episodes on the first four discs. Fans will find commentaries on the first three installments and the final three installments of the year. Each commentary is a nice balance of cast and crew, giving fans a behind the scenes look at this fan favorite.
The fifth disc is packed with extras including a season three “making of” documentary and a clip from the Comic Con panel. Of the two, the Comic Con panel is by far the more entertaining and interesting. The making of documentary tries to cover too much in too short of a time to be truly effective.
If you’re a Merlin fan, odds are you’re going to need this set for your collection. If you’re looking for a solid and entertaining fantasy series that’s suitable for the entire family, Merlin ably fits the bill. It’s easy to see why this show has generated such a loyal and passionate fan base.
