Episode One worked on almost every level.

It was absolutely terrible, on almost every level.

I give you Guenevere's first line...

"You can call me Gwen."

Very disappointing...

Traditionalists will hate it ! But I loved it ! Great fun and great entertainment - the dragon was awesome !

Can see it becoming essential viewing.

Much better than X FACTOR and the DRAGON v SIMON COWELL in the ratings is going to be fun to watch !

Well Pete I have to disagree; I was amused, entertained, felt there was just enough and not too much special effects, loved Wilson, loved Head, thought the young Merlin character was dishy yet mature - perfect casting - ditto Gwen (nice she's clearly mixed race); I felt, on one Episode, this was a triumph on every level and far, far better than the tired old X Factor (which I loved when it started all those centuries ago).

Maybe X FACTOR could try and find a shape shifting dragon for its panel ( or was Sharon cast in that role originally ) ?

Yes X FACTOR is over - Leona is their jewell in their crown and they should stick before it becomes a parody of itself. Great series to start with - but everything has its day/

MERLIN is certainly where I think the viewers will go now it has got off to such a good start. It can only get better - a HEROES actor is in it as well I believe.

Sam Wollaston in the Guardian today says it just about how I feel.

Second episode - the shield of snakes - and I'm still enjoying it.

Brilliant espisode 2 - real dragons and knights stuff - the traditionalists will have been pleased this week.

Getting better each time and next week's preview makes it look a corker.

Best new series on BBC TV for many years ( since the new Doctor Who in fact )