my 3 most fav:
4xo1
4xo6
4x04
:)

Because characters, beside Merlin and Arthur, actually got to play a part for more than 5 seconds.

Part 2 wasn't as near as good, unfortunately, though.

1: 4x06
2: 4x03
3: 4x01
4: 4x05
5: 4x04
6: 4x12
7: 4x13
8: 4x02
9: 4x11
10:4x10
11:4x07
12:4x08
13:4x09

I think

only because Uther was still there - otherwise it was boring anyway

Fantastic! Absolutely perfect! There was nothing wrong with this episode in my opinion- from the writing to the story-line to the drama. The angst! Merlin has never taken such an ambitious turn. It was amazing.

and part 2

Either 'The Darkest Hour Part 1' 'A Servant of Two Masters' or 'The Sword in the Stone Part 2' :D All epic and the characters were so amazing in all of them!!!

The best Merlin episode ever in my opinion. It had angst, parts from the Legend and it was more mature than the rest. I miss more maturity from Merlin. I know it is a family show but still.
Bradley and Angel’s acting was superb.

Compeltely agree with everything said above! Melissa, Issie... Lancelot du Lac was the best episode of the whole show. Merlin could be resumed to it. For all the reasons and some more. It was legendary, epic, Santiago was amazing in this episode, so was Bradley and even Angel, it was so full of emotion and left me completely breathless and hungry for more. Only complaint I have, it should have been longer. Oh, and Lancelot shouldn't have died after such an amazing performance, but yes, amazing episode.

Top 5:

4x09
4x03
4x13
4x05
4x11

I haven't watched the last 3 episodes. I live in Australia so I haven't watched them.
I like Aithusa.

1,2,11,12,too....
But I can't help myself laughilg out loud because of this episode.

followed by 4x05 and 4x06 and 4x13.