"The half cannot hate what makes it whole" O RLY? I sense that The Dragon is a rampant slasher.
All-in-all, Arthur is still a Grade A Arse. But, there is The Thing between Arthur and Merlin and it makes me happy. Clearly, they are meant for each other.
I've realised that Merlin does this shy, self-deprecating smile thing that I recognise - it's just like Clark on Smallville. And, really, this is a lot like Smallville, isn't it? A Prequel to an Epic, with Super-Rich, Important Daddy, who is an idiot and doesn't show much affection for Bit-Arsey, But Redeemable Son, who is inexplicably friends with a lower-class Boy With Super Secret Powers.
At least we know this story has a happy ending!