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There is just something magical about British television, I can't quite put my finger on it.

Some of my most favorite shows have been aired by the BBC with everything like "Doctor Who," "Torchwood," and even the cult classic "Are You Being Served?"

"Merlin," however, is the network's most ambitious project yet. And before a single frame was filmed, the series got pickups from all over the world, including one sight-unseen from NBC, which will begin airing the show as a summer series beginning June 21 at 8 p.m. ET.

I had a chance to see the first two episodes of "Merlin," which will air this Sunday and June 28, called "The Dragon's Call" and "Valiant."

I have to say that I love Camelot. Quite a bit. I know it's some French district, but you can never tell through the medieval style that puts a lot of the renaissance festivals visited by "Stargate SG-1" to shame.

And I love the idea of exploring the early relationship between Merlin and Arthur using two strong actors, Colin Morgan and Bradley James. You don't need do scraggly beard or a pointed cap to be the world's most famous wizard, and it's great to get a rather fresh take on a practically ancient legend.

But in the end, the series still feels way too ... archetypical. I honestly can't think of a word better than that. The king, played by "Buffy the Vampire Slayer's" Anthony Head, looks exactly like the king we would find in children's movies and "Mister Roger's Neighborhood." The almost cartoonish take on knights and such just doesn't impress me.

I guess I'm more for the realistic approach, not the fantasy approach. And to me, the strongest realism we get is from the most unnatural of characters: Merlin and his interactions with the town doctor Gaius (Richard Wilson). Why can't we do sort of a "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" take where it doesn't have to look like it stepped out of a 1950s film?

Not that the approach ruins "Merlin" in any way. The writing and the acting definitely make up for all of that a hundred times over, but audiences have become more accustomed to dark characters. And while "Merlin" is great for a family audience, it needs to engage an adult audience as well.

NBC has really struggled this past season, and a summer series could be a great vehicle to lead to better success this fall. I do think "Merlin" has a chance to do it. It's put in a respectable timeslot and has at least been noticed by the NBC brass enough to promote it.

But then again, viewers aren't as intrigued with genre shows as they used to be, and "Merlin" just might be too much like their father's King Arthur legend to notice.

I hope not. The show has some great qualities and even better potential, and it's worth giving it a chance.

What Worked

Merlin himself works. I always applaud a story characterization that encourages people to be who they are no matter what the consequences are.

There are a lot of people who might draw some allegories between Merlin's closeted magic, and many young people's closeted sexuality, and that could be a fair comparison to make. But even today, we live in a world where self-expression is only OK when it agrees with the majority, and there should be nothing holding down individuality.

So it's nice to see that theme come through.

I also like this Morgana, played by Katie McGrath. She doesn't do a whole lot in the first two episodes of "Merlin," but you know something is up with her. And I can't wait to find out what it is.

Definitely give this series a chance, but be sure to also demand less monster of the week and more continuous story.

What Didn't Work

If the producers think introducing more of a procedural, "monster of the week" format is the way to go with "Merlin," it's going to be hard to keep interest.

Merlin somehow becomes Arthur's protector, and the first two episodes bring in a new bad guy (the first being played by Eve Myles of "Torchwood" fame).

Nothing wrong with self-contained stories, but there is only so many times Arthur's life can be put in mortal danger before it gets a tad ridiculous, and "Merlin" really needs a strong B story line to prevent us from being bogged down in procedure.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Merlin" stars Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Richard Wilson, Anthony Head, Angel Coulby, Katie McGrath and John Hurt.

"The Dragon's Call" was written by Julian Jones and directed by James Hawes. "Valiant" was written by Howard Overman and directed by Hawes.

"Merlin" premieres June 21 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, and will air in that timeslot through its complete first season run.