Camelot (TV series)

Camelot
Genre Historical drama
Sword and Sorcery
Created by Chris Chibnall
Michael Hirst
Developed by Chris Chibnall
Michael Hirst
Starring Joseph Fiennes
Jamie Campbell Bower
Tamsin Egerton
Claire Forlani
Peter Mooney
Clive Standen
Philip Winchester
Eva Green
Chipo Chung
Sinéad Cusack
Composer(s) Mychael Danna
Jeff Danna
Country of origin Ireland, Canada and United Kingdom[1]
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 10 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Michael Hirst
Chris Chibnall
Fred Fuchs
John Weber
James Flynn
Ann Thomopoulos
Craig Cegielski
Tim Headington
Graham King
Douglas Rae
Morgan O'Sullivan
Location(s) County Wicklow, Ireland
Cinematography Joel Ransom
Editor(s) Sidney Wolinshy
Steven O'Connell
Camera setup multiple-setup
Running time 60 minutes
Production company(s) Ecosse Films
GK-tv
Octagon Entertainment
World 2000 Entertainment
Starz Originals
Take 5 Productions
Release
Original network Starz (US)
Channel 4 (UK)
RTÉ (Ireland)
CBC (Canada)
Nine Network (Australia)
RTL (The Netherlands)
VIER (Belgium)
Original release 25 February (2011-02-25) – 10 June 2011 (2011-06-10)
External links
Website

Camelot is a 2011 historical-fantasy-drama television series which premiered on 1 April 2011. It was co-produced by the Starz cable network and GK-TV which began production during the summer of 2010.[2][3] The series, based on the Arthurian legend, was produced by Graham King, Morgan O'Sullivan and Michael Hirst.

A special preview showing of the pilot episode "Homecoming" was aired on Starz Friday night, 25 February 2011.[4] On 30 June 2011 Starz announced it was not going to order new seasons of Camelot, citing significant production challenges, predominantly scheduling conflicts with some members of the cast, including Joseph Fiennes, Jamie Campbell Bower and Eva Green.[5][6]

Plot

It is the late 5th century and Britain has been free of Roman rule for several decades. With King Uther's sudden death chaos threatens to engulf Britain. The sorcerer Merlin has visions of a dark future and installs the young and impetuous Arthur, Uther's unknown son and heir who has been raised as a commoner, as the new king. Merlin and Arthur install themselves in Castle Camelot with their allies, which include Arthur's biological mother Igraine, his foster brother Kay and loyal warriors Leontes, Gawain, Ulfius and Brastias. From Camelot, Arthur tries to build a new and better Britain, where people can live in peace.

Meanwhile, Arthur's cold and ambitious half-sister Morgan plots to take the crown from him. Banished by her father, King Uther, who was responsible for her mother's murder to put Arthur's mother on the throne, Morgan is responsible for Uther's death and wants to rule as his successor. Aided by her loyal maid Vivien and the devious nun Sybil, Morgan takes up residence in Uther's old castle, Castle Pendragon, from where she schemes against Arthur.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Recurring

Episodes

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date U.S. viewers
(million)
1"Homecoming"Ciaran DonnellyStory by: Michael Hirst & Chris Chibnall
Teleplay by: Chris Chibnall		February 25, 2011 (2011-02-25)1.13[7][lower-alpha 1]
The series begins with Morgan talking to her father, King Uther Pendragon. She offers him forgiveness for cheating on her mother and for sending her away for 15 years. Uther dismisses Morgan and says he no longer has a daughter. Morgan swears he will pay. Using magic to disguise herself as a servant girl, Morgan poisons Uther and promptly banishes his wife, Igraine, inviting her father's most powerful enemy, King Lot, to Castle Pendragon to formalise an alliance in the process. Merlin, Uther's most trusted adviser, finds a young man named Arthur, who has no direction in life. He tells Arthur that he is of royal blood and is the new king. Arthur has trouble believing this, but his adoptive parents tell him it is the truth. Merlin asks Arthur to go with him and find his destiny, and Arthur agrees, hoping to find answers about his past. Merlin, Arthur and his adoptive brother, Kay, travel to the abandoned fortress of Camelot — the future site of Arthur's leadership. Back at Uther's palace, Morgan hears of the "new king" and believes it is impossible and that she is the rightful heir. She decides to go to Camelot and see Arthur for herself. Arthur asks Merlin about his birth; Merlin tells him his father had an affair with an enemy's queen, and that it was he, Merlin, who arranged the tryst. The enemy's queen turns out to be Igraine, who is at Camelot and tells Arthur she has always loved him from afar. Morgan, along with King Lot, shows up at the castle and tells everyone that she is the only legitimate heir; Igraine confirms it is true. Morgan offers Arthur a way out of all this before anyone gets hurt. Arthur refuses, saying that he is the King now and that he is not giving up his throne. Morgan promises war and death to Arthur and to anyone who stands in her way. In order to demonstrate his power, King Lot has Arthur's foster mother brutally stabbed to death in front of him.
2"The Sword and the Crown"Ciaran DonnellyChris ChibnallApril 1, 2011 (2011-04-01)1.13[7]
Arthur meets Guinevere, the woman of his dreams. Morgana and King Lot conspire to attack Camelot and take the throne. Lot personally mortally wounds Arthur's legitimate father, but the dying father gets his revenge by stabbing Lot to death before dying. Merlin has Arthur reclaim the legacy sword in the stone, known here as the sword of Mars, to prove his worthiness as king. It is hinted at that Merlin has rigged the contest in advance so that only one who first pushes the sword in can then pull it out, while he suggests to Arthur that this is how to retrieve the sword. Merlin uses Arthur's success as propaganda to inspire loyalty to Arthur.
3"Guinevere"Jeremy PodeswaStory by: Chris Chibnall & Louise Fox
Teleplay by: Louise Fox		April 8, 2011 (2011-04-08)0.854[8]
As the episode opens, Guinevere's home is ransacked just before her wedding. She flees to Camelot to be protected by her husband-to-be, Leontes. Kay and Leontes seek out a trusted new warrior to join them. Arthur and Merlin accept an invitation to join Morgan at her castle for dinner. Arthur then meets up with Guinevere and they struggle with their relationship as she readies for her marriage to Leontes. Arthur has sex with Guinevere on the morning of her wedding to Leontes. Merlin suspects Arthur's infatuation with Guinevere. Arthur is forced to concede defeat in his pursuit of Guinevere.
4"Lady of the Lake"Jeremy PodeswaLouise Fox & Chris ChibnallApril 15, 2011 (2011-04-15)0.988[9]
Merlin sets off on a journey to find a sword suitable for a king by seeking out a legendary sword-maker, Caliburn, giving him details about Arthur's physique and fighting style to ensure that the sword is suited to him. After the sword is crafted, Merlin accidentally kills the sword-maker. His daughter, Excalibur, runs and rows out to the middle of a lake into which she plans to throw the sword as revenge. Merlin casts a spell causing the surface of the water to freeze and walks out to her. Losing her balance, Excalibur falls into the lake and drowns as the ice forms above her. In an attempt to save herself she uses the sword to punch a small hole through the ice, her hand emerging from the lake clutching it. Merlin takes the sword from her hand, but is unable to break through the ice layer to save her. Merlin lies to Arthur about how he obtained the sword, which he names Excalibur in honour of the sword-maker's daughter. Merlin's deceptive account resembles the traditional Arthurian legend of "Lady of the Lake". A conversation with Guinevere changes Arthur and he begins to assert his power by sparring with Leontes. Arthur is frustrated that he can't be with Guinevere, and, in his grief, neglects his duties towards his warriors.
5"Justice"Stefan SchwartzSarah Phelps & Terry CafollaApril 29, 2011 (2011-04-29)0.985[10]
Arthur intervenes in a murder investigation convinced that the killer may have had an honourable motive. Arthur tries to establish the rule of law and begins a trial. Morgan tries to cultivate political favour by promoting herself as a champion of justice while framing a local mercenary for the beating of the nun (Sybil) who raised her. Morgan then slits the mercenary's throat in front of her followers.
6"Three Journeys"Stefan SchwartzChris ChibnallMay 6, 2011 (2011-05-06)0.730[11]
This episode interweaves three stories: Guinevere's journey to her parent's home where her father is dying, accompanied by Arthur, Kay's journey (at the behest of Merlin) to his deceased father's home to retrieve his library, and a woman who comes to Morgan for justice claiming that the nun Sybil caused the death of her daughter as result of deliberately setting fire to the convent. Morgan decides to punish Sybil for her negligence by burning her hand in order to maintain an impression of impartial justice, but dismisses the allegations of witchcraft against her mentor, both because Sybil's magic is benign and to cover her own dark powers.
7"The Long Night"Mikael SalomonSteven LightfootMay 13, 2011 (2011-05-13)0.845[12]
Morgan invites Arthur and his regiment of soldiers over for an evening's entertainment and an overnight stay. During this time, she sets up a series of intrigues and hoaxes which include a faked attack on the castle, which many believe is by a former rival of Uther. At the end of the episode, Morgan has shape-shifted to look like Igraine and rides back to Camelot with Arthur in Igraine's form. Meanwhile Igraine is manacled in a dungeon.
8"Igraine"Michelle MacLarenStory by: Chris Chibnall & Louise Fox
Teleplay by: Chris Chibnall & Steven Lightfoot		May 20, 2011 (2011-05-20)0.712[13]
Igraine is held prisoner at Morgan's castle, Pendragon, while Morgana, magically disguised as Igraine, roams the halls of Camelot plotting intrigue. As Igraine, she reveals to Leontes that Arthur had a tryst with Guinevere in the morning before their wedding and has sex with Merlin. At Camelot she is also approached by an orphan Redwald, who clearly knows and loves Igraine. That night the spell starts wearing off, and Redwald sees her face change briefly. Trying to stop him getting help, Morgan accidentally causes him to fall off a wall and die. The next day Merlin ses his clothes are ripped and realises someone knows what happened. The real Igraine eventually escapes Morgan's castle after killing a guard who raped her in exchange for her release, and travels back to Camelot only to run into Morgan, still in Igraine's form.
9"The Battle of Bardon Pass" Mikael SalomonLouise Fox & Chris ChibnallJune 3, 2011 (2011-06-03)1.00[14]
Morgan convinces Igraine that she is just hallucinating and escapes Camelot now in her (Morgan's) form. When Merlin and Igraine confront Morgan at her castle about this, she and her followers arrest them. She then anonymously stages a raid at Bardon Pass, hoping that Arthur will be inadequate to stop it, positioning her to become acknowledged as the better ruler of Camelot, and proceeds to travel to Camelot with her new prisoners, Merlin and Igraine. Leontes confronts Guinevere about her relationship to Arthur, and then confronts Arthur about it. During the battle Kay is shot by an arrow, becoming in desperate need of medical attention. Arthur and his friends realize that the only way that they will succeed is if one of them stays behind. Arthur volunteers, and his friends depart the battle grounds, and Arthur prepares for a full out battle to the death with Morgan's army.
10"Reckoning" Mikael Salomon & Stefan SchwartzTerry Cafolla & Chris ChibnallJune 10, 2011 (2011-06-10)1.03[15]
Morgan's plan to overthrow Arthur is exposed. Leontes dies protecting Arthur at Bardon Pass, and tells him to treasure Guinevere. Morgan claims Arthur has died, after which Sybil says she should be Queen, which the people agree with. Morgan stabs Igraine, claiming she got her banished, though Igraine claims she sent her away as Uther wanted to kill her. Arthur returns at her coronation and reveals one of her men, who claims she was behind it. However, the nun Sybil takes credit for Morgan's treasonous schemes, claiming she planned everything and Morgan knew nothing about it. Igraine dies in a tearful Merlin's arms. Sybil is executed, and while the public accepts this story, Arthur and Merlin are not deceived. Arthur strips Morgan of the name and banner of Pendragon and says her castle is no longer protected. Morgan visits Sybil's grave and, upon hearing a voice telling her to bear a child, disguises herself as Guinevere and has sex with Arthur.
Notes
  1. ↑ Ratings for the "Sneak Preview" on February 25, 2011 are not available, so ratings for the official premiere on April 1, 2011 are listed instead.

Production

In October 2010, Camelot was the first series to get the green light from Starz since Chris Albrecht took over as President and CEO of the company.[16] With the announcement of plans for the series, Albrecht said that "The story of Arthur isn't history, it's mythology, and Camelot isn't a place but an idea of hope that has resonated at different times throughout history."[16] Launched in January 2010, GK-TV is the television division of GK Films, headed by Oscar-winning producer Graham King and Tim Headington.[17] King called the series "a perfect choice as GK-TV's maiden project," given the company's mandate for "producing compelling cinematic quality programming for television."[16] The series idea is attributed to the U.K.'s Ecosse Films, and an "early incarnation" was set up at Showtime in 2008,[16] with that network announcing plans for the series in conjunction with BBC.[18]

The cast assembled at Ardmore Studios in Ireland in June–July 2010 to begin "principal photography" for the series, which was created as an Irish-Canadian coproduction.[1] After the Ireland filming, post-production and visual effects took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The cost was estimated at around $7 million per episode.[19] Starz retained U.S. rights, including digital and home entertainment distribution, Take 5 Productions owned distribution rights in Canada, and GK-TV for the rest of the world.[20]

Chris Chibnall, known for television series including Life on Mars and Torchwood, was showrunner and head writer for the show, which was engineered by Executive Producers Morgan O'Sullivan of Octagon in Ireland and John Weber of Take 5 Productions in Canada. Other executive producers included Academy Award-winner Graham King, Timothy Headington of GK Films, Craig Cegielski of GK-TV, James Flynn of Octagon, Douglas Rae of UK's Ecosse Films, Fred Fuchs, Michael Hirst and Anne Thomopoulos.[20] Chibnall was no newcomer to the legend of Camelot, having previously been in charge of developing a series about Merlin in 2005 for BBC. However, despite several scripts being written, BBC Head of Drama Jane Tranter eventually decided not to green-light the project,[21] although it later emerged, without Chibnall's involvement, as Merlin (2008–2012). Executive producer Morgan O'Sullivan also had experience with the story through his involvement with the 2004 film King Arthur.[22]

Publicity releases noted the series would consist of ten episodes that would "redefine the classic medieval tale of King Arthur."[23] Advance descriptions of the series described it as having "sex, sword-fighting, magic, comedy".[24] According to a tongue-in-cheek comment by star Joseph Fiennes, it should be watched for another reason: "Because it's not a musical."[24]

Head writer Chris Chibnall stated that every era needs its own version of the story of Camelot[25] and that this version would include strong currents of politics and romance in an adult drama: "The amazing thing about Camelot is you can talk about political pursuits and it's all about the romance. It's all about the passion. It's all about great ideals compromised by falling in love with the wrong person."[26] Chibnall also stated that the story had a special relevance for today's world because it dealt with the promise of world leaders to create a better world, and then trying to carry through on their promises.

The series used well-known stories and legends about King Arthur, including Le Morte d'Arthur[27] "but those only provided a starting point". The goal of the producers was to create episodes that "weave historical authenticity into a telling of the Arthur legends that is relatable to contemporary audiences".[20] The relationship between Merlin (Fiennes) and Arthur (Campbell Bower) was central to the show. Fiennes has joked that he thinks "of Merlin as a sort of cross between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Donald Rumsfeld," referring to Kenobi's mentoring qualities and Rumsfeld's political agendas.[26] Fiennes described Merlin as a "...sort of tutor. He's a father figure. He's a brutal headmaster. He's got to give this boy all of the tools to be king in a ruthless world, and he has to do it in a very short space of time. So there's a lot of 'cruel to be kind.'"[26]

While the first season was limited to ten episodes, the producers indicated that if the response to the show were strong, they had plans for "several additional seasons".[28] It was announced on 30 June 2011, that Camelot would not be returning for a second season and US network Starz had ruled out production for 2011.[29]

Promotion

Promotional poster, showing Jamie Campbell Bower as Arthur and Eva Green as Morgan

Starz invested in a number of initiatives to promote the series, including the advance airing of the first episode (scheduled for normal broadcast on 1 April 2011) on 25 February 2011, following the series finale of that network's successful series, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena.[4][30] That episode, "Homecoming", was subsequently posted on the special series website created by Starz, where it could be streamed for home viewing.

In addition to a meeting with film critics to talk about the show,[26] individual interviews with the writer and a number of cast members[31] have been conducted, a Facebook page has been created, and many of the stars have been blogging[32] and tweeting[33] about the show's progress during and after the filming. Additionally, special short video trailers and behind-the-scenes video teasers were also posted online.[34] The upcoming series was also advertised online in a "Starz Originals" video, promoting both current and future original series.[35]

Starz also released a poster showing Arthur and Morgan[36] and a series of promotional photos. In addition to the official promotions, fans created a website to include news and images of the upcoming series.[37]

Reception

Advance publicity for the series was positive, as evidenced by the comments of Maureen Ryan, who writes the "Stay Tuned" column for TVSquad.com.[38] Other critics were also comparing the series to the upcoming HBO series, Game of Thrones.[39] Critic James Hibberd refers to both shows as "swords 'n' sorcery epics", with a "quest for the kingship as the central storyline" – but adds the comment that there is no reason to choose one over the other, implying that viewers might be able to enjoy both.[39] Hibberd adds the one-word description, "fleshy", to describe the new Starz show.[39] One website used the phrase, "Starz makes Camelot sexy again."[40] A critic for the Daily Inquirer wrote, "I watched the sneak preview and it looks like Starz has another hit on their hands",[41] and a New York Times article has called the series "An Arthur worthy of the modern ages."[42] On the KFOG morning show Tim Goodman, The Hollywood Reporter's Chief Television Critic, called Camelot "a lightweight version of Game of Thrones" and "almost more like a guilty pleasure".[43][44]

Camelot received a score of 58 on Metacritic. Negative reviews included Time magazine saying, "Even on the level of it's-just-entertainment, Camelot is exceedingly silly",[45] and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette saying, "it's a lot less graphic than Starz's ultra-sexy, ultra-violent Spartacus franchise. Dramatically, Camelot also pales in comparison. It's dull and talky and its first three episodes offer few surprises in storytelling."[46]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Turner, Mimi. "Eva Green, Joseph Fiennes to Present New Irish-Canadian Drama 'Camelot' to Buyers at MipTV". The Hollywood Reporter.
  2. ↑ Gorman, Bill (20 December 2010). "Starz Sets April 1st Premiere Date For "Camelot," A New Take On The Timeless Tale Of King Arthur,". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
  3. ↑ "Press Room - Camelot". Starz. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  4. 1 2 ComicBookResources.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  5. ↑ Matt Webb Mitovich (2011-06-30). "Starz Cancels Camelot, Citing 'Production Challenges'". TVLine. Retrieved 2013-02-08.
  6. ↑ Twitter, retrieved 30 June 2011.
  7. 1 2 Friday Cable Ratings: Starz Crowned King Of 'Camelot,' Bests Syfy's 'Merlin' in Demo + 'Friday Night Smackdown,' NBA and More
  8. ↑ Seidman, Robert (April 12, 2011). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Merlin' Dethrones 'Camelot'; Plus 'Friday Night Smackdown,' 'Say Yes To The Dress' and More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  9. ↑ Seidman, Robert (April 18, 2011). "Friday Cable Ratings: History's "American Restoration" Leads Demo; Disney's "Lemonade Mouth" Tops Viewing + "Sanctuary," "Smackdown" and More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 18, 2011.
  10. ↑ Gorman, Bill (May 2, 2011). "Friday Cable Ratings: NBA Leads Night + NFL Draft, "American Restoration," "Camelot," "Real Time," "Smackdown" & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
  11. ↑ Yanan, Travis (May 10, 2011). "Friday 05/06/11 Final Cable Ratings". TravisYanan Watched TV. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  12. ↑ Seidman, Robert (May 16, 2011). "Friday Cable Ratings: Thunder/Grizzlies Leads Night + 'American Restoration,' 'Friday Night Smackdown!' and More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
  13. ↑ Douglas Pucci [sonofthebronx] (June 7, 2011). "@TVbytheNumbers @Seidman From 5/20/2011 Starz's Camelot: 0.5 HH, 712k viewers, 0.3 A18-49" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  14. ↑ Gorman, Bill (June 7, 2011). "Cable Top 25: 'Pawn Stars,' 'SpongeBob,' 'WWE RAW' Top Weekly Cable Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
  15. ↑ Gorman, Bill (June 14, 2011). "Cable Top 25: 'iCarly iParty,' 'Pawn Stars,' 'American Pickers' Top Weekly Cable Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Hollywood Reporter.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  17. ↑ PRNewswire.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  18. ↑ TheTVremote.com, retrieved 27 February 2011.
  19. ↑ Chozick, Amy (23 July 2010). "Small Screens, Big Budgets". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
  20. 1 2 3 About-camelot.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  21. ↑ "News". Dreamwatch. Titan Magazines (137). January 2006.
  22. ↑ Screenrant.com, retrieved 2 March 2011.
  23. ↑ EclipseMagazine.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  24. 1 2 TvSquad.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  25. ↑ DailyUpdateNews.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  26. 1 2 3 4 TheTorchOnline.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  27. ↑ MovieWeb.com, retrieved 27 February 2011.
  28. ↑ Craveonline.com, retrieved 27 February 2011.
  29. ↑ iftn.ie, retrieved 30 June 2011.
  30. ↑ Entertainment.gather.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  31. ↑ Eva Green interview, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  32. ↑ Tamsin-egerton.org, retrieved 27 February 2011.
  33. ↑ Twitter.com, retrieved 27 February 2011.
  34. ↑ Screenrant.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  35. ↑ YouTube.com, retrieved 26 February 2011
  36. ↑ Sidereel.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  37. ↑ Camelotfans.wordpress.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  38. ↑ TVSquad.com, Stay Tuned, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  39. 1 2 3 InsideTV.ew.com, retrieved 27 February 2011.
  40. ↑ Trendhunter.com, retrieved 27 February 2011.
  41. ↑ Daily Inquirer online, retrieved 27 February 2011.
  42. ↑ NYTimes.com, retrieved 26 February 2011.
  43. ↑ "Camelot" (MP3). Retrieved 9 May 2011.
  44. ↑ "Camelot" (MP3). Retrieved 9 May 2011.
  45. ↑ "Camelot". Tunedin.blogs.time.com. 1 April 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2011.
  46. ↑ Owen, Rob (1 April 2011). "Tuned In: Famous family dramas debut". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

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