Hmmm. I think there have been a number of excellent episodes this season, especially the opening two-parter and His Father's Son. The tone has darkened, and mostly I think that's worked out well. I've enjoyed the dynamic between Merlin and Arthur. This is the first episode this season that I've really disliked, though there has been some background anger the whole time about Gwen being frequently sidelined and Morgana being The Evilest Evildoer that Ever Did Evil. Overall, I'm glad I'm watching, but it is a continuous source of frustration that it's not the show I wish it was.