As I re-watched the first episode of BBC Merlin the other day, I was reminded that I first watched this episode June 21, 2009, along with countless other Americans when it originally aired in the US. I remember being mesmerized by the sweeping cinematography… and Colin Morgan. My exact words to my mother when he first appeared on my screen were, “ He is the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”
I remember being excited to finally see the show I had been waiting months to watch. The next Sunday I watched 1X02: Valiant, and the following Sunday, 1X03: The Mark of Nimueh. But by this time I wasn’t enjoying the show as much as I wanted to and thought about moving on to something else. But I decided to give The Adventures of Merlin one final chance.
But, for whatever reason, I did not watch 1X04: The Poisoned Chalice, the episode that would have ensured I never missed another episode of Merlin again, the episode that would have made certain that in future I watched the episodes as they aired in the UK, the episode that would have seen my heart shattering into a million pieces when I watched 5X12 and 5X13: The Diamond of the Day, parts 1&2.
As it was, I began anew December 26, 2012, and loved every single second. Even the finale. Yes, it was extremely sad and I shed many tears, but thanks to fandom, in which by this time I was fully immersed, I was fully aware how things ended.
So, in closing, I need to thank whatever made me unable to watch 1X04: The Poisoned Chalice (which is my favourite episode of Merlin). Yes, I did miss out on so much goodness, including fandom during those years, but my heart was given a reprieve. Had I seen 5X13 in real time, it would have devastated me. And yes, my Christmas would have been ruined.
I love you, BBC Merlin❤️


















