Cursed: Die Auserwählte

This show is obviously not trying to be one thing, or retell a story you know. It is trying to invent something new and create its own universe, albeit derived from existing material. I guess they made a mistake by borrowing familiar names. If everyone had been called something different I don't see how most of these negative reviews would be valid. I think it's good enough to keep watching, though it didn't hook me at first. If you go in with an open mindset and remember the show is trying to be playful with its namesakes and not butcher them, you might enjoy it.

***EDIT: I have revised my score after 7 episodes. Keep watching, it's rather gripping and there are some great actors here, known and new.. ***

Black Arthur? Why not. Nimuë of Arthurs age? hmmm Fey lore? Nice! Arthur a thief and cutthroat? Could work.

But: This show tries to contain so many stories it doesn't do right by any. The only decent idea was having Merlin be a bitter man. Then there's all the names: Igraine, Morgane le Fey, Ector and Bors... But Morgane is not a Fey, Nimuë is. Ector and Bors aren't even related. Hell, Uther Pendragon, father of Arthur and Morgane isn't related to either in this series!

It's like they used only the names of this beautiful legend, pulling them out of a hat every time they needed a new character. Worst. Ever. Adaptation.

About the bad dialogues spoken by good actors: read the other reviews.

There was a lot of promise here. Just having Floki (Skarsgard from Vikings) play a version of Merlin you have not seen before ... well as they say in Greece, that is all the money. Which is high praise, in case it does not translate as well as I think it does.

Having said that, the show is not just about Merlin. We do have more of the Arthurian legend ... well retold! You have people/names that you probably recognize ... but you will not really recognize the side of them as they are portrayed here. Unfortunately a lot of times the show remains bland and a bit vague in certain respects. And while it does not seem to hold back any punches ... it does resolve and use a lot of cliches. Which is a shame all things considering.

What is a shame for sure, especially for those amongst you who actually loved this way more than I ultimately did (and I wanted to love it more): there will be no season 2. And with so many characters future being ... not fully told or resolved ... you might not be too happy about the cliffhangers and the open questions this leaves you with.

That being said, it does have really good production values and it does look good (and is quite violent, more than some may like I reckon). Acting is good and if the "woke" and inclusive mentality of it all does not bother you, you will have a lot to discover.

I was reluctant to give this a go. A lot of these reviews seem to be people who are crying over the lore. It's messed up for real but it's an alternative spin, it's something different.

It's a decent ride. I agree it doesn't know what it wants to be, it goes from some good action and fantasy to teenager love affair / empowerment frequently. Teething issues are to be expected and I hope it finds a good balance in new seasons. Some CGI good, some not so good.

I enjoyed this overall. If you're into fantasy TV and want a light hearted casual watch then this is a really good bet. If you're hardcore into lore and hate change, or you're expecting an epic in the GoT category, then don't bother. But do give it more than a couple of episodes.

Reading all those negative reviews made me want to say something positive. It's very simple: I like it. It's not perfect, but it entertains me. And that's that. Good day!