level 12
Bradley James: We’re nodding our heads. I think what they have always managed to do, what the writers and creators have always managed to do provide surprises in the way they have told familiar stories.That continues with series five. That’s very important because for us that was very necessary to keep it fresh, remaining an enjoyable experience.
Tony Tellado: What is it like knowing that season five is the last season and that you don’t need to go back next year and shoot.
Katie McGrath: It’s actually not as bad as you think it is.We were always aware that we would do five series. Our executives had a five year plan. They had arced out all the characters. We knew before we were able to tell everybody. It isn’t as much a surprise as maybe we let out earlier.It’s still hard. It’s still going to be hard next year when March comes around and we’re supposed to be in Cardiff and it doesn’t happen.I think I’ll be very sad.
Colin Morgan: It’s been an epic journey. From the begining we were new actors enbarking on a new adventure. To come to the end of a five year journey in which we were challenged and pushed to the extremes. I’ve gone on the adventures that the characters have gone on themselves from their humble beginings to becoming more powerful along the way. We finished on a high on the series and it feels like it’s the right time.Tony Tellado: Without giving away any spoilers what does the finale hold ?
Katie McGrath: It’s a giant motorcross race. (Laughter) with all the characters.
Colin Morgan: Along the equator.
They all laugh.
Tony Tellado: Well my money is on Merlin (Colin Morgan). I know you can’t say anything but I had to ask.
Katie McGrath: You’d be remiss if you didn’t ask it.
Tony Tellado: One of the things that happens this year is that Modred comes back in Arthur’s Bane which starts Season (Series 5) Can you tell us what happens, no spoilers of course. It’s a two parter to kick off the season.
Katie McGrath: For Morgana it’s a very important thing the return of Modred. It’s an important meeting and relationship for season 5 for Morgana. That in the first two episodes is a pivotal point for her.
Tony Tellado: What has it been like for all of you about the fan reaction the series has gotten
Katie McGrath: I have yet to have a negative experience with the fans. So I feel very lucky that we have such funny and creative fans. Fans from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, countries and walks of life. It’s amazing when you go out to meet them in large groups and you can see how far Merlin has spread and how many different people’s lives Merlin has touched.Bradley used the word earlier that It’s humbling that this little show that you made about magic has touched so many people’s lives.
Colin Morgan: Very much the same thing. You start to understand that people watch the show for very different reasons. Kids watch it because they are throughly enthralled by it. Adults who view it as form of escapisim. Somebody in hospital who for them this is the only outlet that they can watch during the day and get a form of happiness as they go through a difficult situation. We find out about these personal stories from the fan letters that we get. You start to realize, yes this is a show that you’ve been working on but it means a lot of different things to a lot of different people.
Listen to this interview on Sci-Fi Talk Time Capsule Episode 87
Much More to Come with an interview with Katie McGrath
Special thanks to Freemantle Media. Merlin returns for season five on the SyFy Channel.
All images
(c) FremantleMedia Enterprises and Shine Ltd.
