Merlin series 1
| Merlin series 1 | |
|---|---|
| Series 1 | |
 Complete DVD set box art | |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC |
| Original release | 20 September – 13 December 2008 |
| Series chronology | |
Series one of Merlin, a British fantasy television series, began on 20 September 2008 and ended on 13 December 2008. Regular cast members for the first series include Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Anthony Head, Richard Wilson, and John Hurt as the voice of the Great Dragon. The first series contained thirteen episodes, with 7.15 million tuning into the premier and 6.27 for the series finale.
Series 1 was the only series to be comprised completely of stand-alone episodes.
Before the series finale, the BBC confirmed that the series was renewed for a further 13 episode second series. Series two premiered on 19 September 2009.
Plot
Merlin, Arthur and Camelot must work together to protect the great kingdom against dark sorcery. But Merlin faces a tough challenge in hiding his dark secret from his best friends. Because the only way to fight magic... is with magic.
Cast
Starring
- Colin Morgan as Merlin
- Bradley James as Arthur
- Angel Coulby as Gwen
- Katie McGrath as Morgana
- Anthony Head as Uther Pendragon
- Richard Wilson as Gaius
- John Hurt as the Great Dragon (voice)
Recurring
- Michelle Ryan as Nimueh
- Michael Cronin as Geoffrey of Monmouth
- David Durham as Tom
- Caroline Faber as Hunith
Guest stars
- Eve Myles as Lady Helen/Mary Collins
- Will Mellor as Valiant
- Julian Rhind-Tutt as Edwin
- Clive Russell as Bayard
- Santiago Cabrera as Lancelot
- Kenneth Cranham as Aulfric
- Holliday Grainger as Sophia
- Asa Butterfield as Mordred
- Alexander Siddig as Kanen
- Joe Dempsie as Will
- Frank Finlay as Anhora
- Cal MacAninch as Tauren
- Ed Coleman as Morris
Episodes
| No. overall |
No. for series |
Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (million)[1] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "The Dragon's Call" | James Hawes | Julian Jones | 20 September 2008 | 7.15 |
| 2 | 2 | "Valiant" | James Hawes | Howard Overman | 27 September 2008 | 5.40 |
| 3 | 3 | "The Mark of Nimueh" | James Hawes | Julian Jones | 4 October 2008 | 6.30 |
| 4 | 4 | "The Poisoned Chalice" | Ed Fraiman | Ben Vanstone | 11 October 2008 | 6.48 |
| 5 | 5 | "Lancelot" | Ed Fraiman | Jake Michie | 18 October 2008 | 5.37 |
| 6 | 6 | "A Remedy to Cure All Ills" | Ed Fraiman | Julian Jones | 25 October 2008 | 6.00 |
| 7 | 7 | "The Gates of Avalon" | Jeremy Webb | Ben Vanstone | 1 November 2008 | 6.45 |
| 8 | 8 | "The Beginning of the End" | Jeremy Webb | Howard Overman | 8 November 2008 | 6.25 |
| 9 | 9 | "Excalibur" | Jeremy Webb | Julian Jones | 15 November 2008 | 6.47 |
| 10 | 10 | "The Moment of Truth" | David Moore | Julian Jones | 22 November 2008 | 7.03 |
| 11 | 11 | "The Labyrinth of Gedref" | Stuart Orme | Howard Overman | 29 November 2008 | 6.71 |
| 12 | 12 | "To Kill the King" | Stuart Orme | Jake Michie | 6 December 2008 | 6.31 |
| 13 | 13 | "Le Morte d'Arthur" | David Moore | Julian Jones | 13 December 2008 | 6.27 |