I've mentioned this before, but I suppose it bears saying again that practically since their inception it's been a tried and true plot twist on soaps to have enemies suddenly realize that under all that seething hate they've actually been in love with each other. However, more often than not the relationship never lasts because something eventually happens that breaks them up and 1) they become enemies again - sometimes even more bitter enemies, or 2) they decide to just remain friends. With[spoiler]Barnabas and Angelique in 1841,[/spoiler] all we got to see was the very beginning of the twist. But who knows how things would have played out had DS not ended when it did? I suspect alternative #1 because[spoiler]Barnabas and Angelique were just too fascinating on so many levels as enemies.[/spoiler]But we'll never know. But to me [spoiler]Barnabas confessing his love for Angelique never came as a surprise or the slightest bit out of character.[/spoiler]
As for Barnabas and Julia, I'm torn. I definitely enjoy them as friends (although, with friends like Barnabas, one isn't exactly on an equal playing field because he's never above resorting to grossly manipulative tactics when he's determined to get what he wants), but I also find them fascinating as enemies. DS came up with some great scenes during each phase of their relationship. And if truth be told, even when they're friends, it's not like their relationship is smooth sailing (with Barnabas, how could it ever be?).
The truth of the matter is that any relationship with Barnabas, regardless of who it is that's having it with him, is going to be complicated because he's such a complex and contradictory man. But that's also what makes him so fascinating. One may want to throttle him for any myriad of reasons, but he's never boring...
