i watched it last night, and i did like it, although it wasn't my favorite episode. it's hard to beat ep 10 for blatant slashiness, but ep 11 had its fair share, albeit a bit subtler. i also thought it started out slow and got better by the end.

i thought it was interesting that it was the first time Merlin seriously disagreed with Arthur's behavior; usually when they argue it has a very bantering air about it, but this time Merlin was truly disappointed in Arthur. and it was so important to him that Arthur come around in his thinking, and he was so delighted when Arthur did see the light and accepted responsibility and worked on fixing the situation.

and the poison cup scene was, of course, awesome. Arthur was awesome in it, with his "I'm glad you're here, Merlin" (awwwww!) and his "you never cease to surprise me." i really liked the acting job Bradley did as Arthur in that scene; for instance, right before he drinks the poison (when he says that great, classic line "you know me, Merlin, I never listen to you!") he gets a nervous but determined air that so perfectly shows as "I am psyching myself up to do this crazy but noble thing. whoops, can't think about it too much!"

yeah, so overall i definitely liked it. *goes to rewatch key scenes. again.* -- S