I think it's worth it. They do make do with what they have in terms of production, but I think seeing the new interpretations of Arthurian legend is worth watching Merlin be an idiot. (I kinda hate the dragon though. Oops.) It does get pretty slashy as time goes on. One of the other things that saves it is that Anthony Stewart Head as Uther and the guy playing Merlin's uncle are good actors and quite complex characters, which reflects well after the more bland Arthur and Merlin. Gwen's pretty cool too.