AT first I didnt' like the first couple eps of Merlin because of the changes you mention. But once they get into their season and quit with the creature of the week simplistic storylines, they actually do character episodes and explain why the people are the way they are and how they change into the legends of which we know. Their take is juvenielle, yes, and msot of the forums online are al screaming little girls who don't know Mordred from Adam, but I like the series, mature conflict eps that are akin to the issues of the myths.