This first edition of “Further Thoughts” for 5B is a little bit different as it will be an amalgam of many things. First off, there are some things that I didn’t have the proper space to discuss in my Nerd Machine review. Second, there were a few sections from that review I wanted to elaborate on with visual references. Third, which is something different, I’m speculating and theorizing on a few things. Lastly, before this half of the season began, ABC released some truly beautiful videos that I wanted to relive. Spoilers/speculation ahead so be fair warned.
-Emma and Killian’s House looks like Emma’s Nursery:
When I first watched the episode, I thought the fact that part of Emma’s nursery was in her and Killian’s house in the Underworld was really intriguing. At first I thought it was merely a reflection of Emma’s lost childhood. She never got to experience what her parents had planned for her so her nursery’s purpose was never fulfilled and has unfinished business. And while I still believe that is part of it, when I saw the episode stills and script tease for “The Brothers Jones,” it was confirmed in my mind that this nursery has multiple meanings.
This house was a representation of Emma and Killian’s future, so when he died that future and all its possibilities – including a family – perished as well. Whether it is something they discuss on screen in this upcoming episode or not, there is a specific point in the script to have Killian look at the nursery. In fact, the house is filled with child’s toys surrounding them in the living room and the kitchen. They are surrounded by representations of the family they could have. Perhaps this even means the family they are meant to have and will one day when his life is restored, because a life filled with love, and the product of that love, could very well be Killian’s unfinished business. This house and that future is theirs.
-True Love is Always Felt:
One of the most beautiful things Once Upon a Time has always emphasized is that true love is felt across barriers and realms. That love you feel can manifest in physical ways as if your heart and souls are truly connected. I spoke about this in my review.
“When you truly love someone, no distance or obstacle can ever sever that bond. There’s a profound connection between souls that can be felt in inexplicable ways. Killian knew that it was truly Emma who’d come for him because when you love someone you just know, and when they approach where Killian is being held, Emma clutches his ring, and a feeling of certainty comes over her. He is close. She can feel it.” – Expert from my review at The Nerd Machine
What I love is that this not only further establishes Emma and Killian’s love as being one that is so deep that it just fell on a spiritual level, but also that it parallels them, once again, to the show’s other epic love story – that of her parents Snow and Charming. When Snow ate the poison apple Charming could feel it. This is the parallel I dreamed of seeing because it’s poignant and beautiful and I’m so happy that Emma has found someone to share such a similar and profound connection with.
-Beautiful Symbolism:
I discussed in my review the exquisite symbolism of Emma rescuing Killian from falling into the River of Lost Souls. They were two people who were indeed lonely, lost souls until love brought light back into their lives. And Emma is definitely the light in Killian’s life. I am just astounded at this visual of the light of appearing on his face, combined with that look of love and adoration. Bravo to director Alrick Riley and director of photography Stephen Jackson for visually capturing such a beautifully significant, symbolic moment.
“But what was so stunning was the first look he gives her was one of relief, joy, and amazement. As she cradles his face that is bathed in darkness, suddenly the light appears on the single eye he can gaze upon her with. Light, and love, had returned to him, because Emma is the light in his life.”- Expert from my review at The Nerd Machine
-Part of the Charming Family:
One of the things I’ve wanted to see this season was Snow and David acknowledge and call Killian family. While that is still verbally yet to happen, much of what they are saying and doing shows that they do consider him family, and someone that will help with open arms. From David always staying on track with their mission of saving him, to Snow calling him a friend, it has been so wonderful to see this development. But the moment in “Devil’s Due” when they arrive to see him safe, David a beaming smile on his face, and Snow calling him by his name, showing sweet, genuine concern for his physical state like a mother, was so lovely and heartwarming. Now if only we could see one or both of them give their future son-in-law a hug!
-Regina and Snow Come Full Circle:
Something I did not have space to discuss in my review what a lovely moments between Regina and Snow where we truly see them come full circle in their relationship. The show began because Regina could not forgive Snow for Daniel’s death. But now so much has changed and I thought it was touching that it was the two of them that found Daniel’s grave together, happy to see that he’d moved on. The two of them are in a better place with each other so it’s fitting that Daniel is too. While at first the scene where Regina helped an ailing horse seemed random, I realized it was about bringing these characters full circle. Not only that Regina could show mercy and aid the animal she loves dearly and brought her so much joy when she was younger, but also to mirror where Snow and Regina first began, because when they first met Regina saved Snow on a runaway horse. We know things did not go well after this, but they’ve come back around and they are back to that sincere affection they felt when they first met.
-Cruella is Fabulous, Darling:
I don’t have much to say except that I love, love, love Victoria Smurift’s depiction of Cruella. From her voice, dry wit, and demeanor she is absolutely fabulous. And I laughed for days at this image.
-What’s Next for The Jones Brothers and Emma:
While I try not to speculate too much, when a highly anticipated episode is approaching I cannot help it and “The Brothers Jones” is sure to be a spectacular one. If you are curious about how I see things playing out look no further than anything written by qqueenofhades and hooks-and-feathers as I pretty much agree with their theories. But I also want to express my own thoughts and excitement, and build upon what they said. Let’s first look at the sneak peek for the episode.
(X)
It seems as if Liam looks uncomfortable at his brother’s praise of him and while I could play out in many ways, I suspect Emma’s lie detector is going off and she can sense that something is off. I do not believe Liam’s is a bad person, nor do I think he is wrong to be protective of his brother. I also feel for Emma because she knows how much Killian loves his brother. And therein lies the drama – drama that I believe will be resolved in moving ways. Besides Emma, there is no one Killian admires and loves it as much as Liam. He always says he is a far better man than he is. But like anyone, Liam is not perfect. He is a good but flawed man just like his younger brother.
In “Good Form” Liam says he should’ve listened to Killian. He was stubborn and suffered because of it. Perhaps Liam’s unfinished business is to listen to his brother, truly, and see that he is happy. This is something Killian has to learn as well. That his brother can be someone to admire but not because he’s this perfect being incapable of making a mistake, but because he can overcome them. And if there is a moment where Killian must make a choice between moving on brother or staying with Emma, as I suspect there will be, I will surely lose it. And Killian should not be thought of any less of for it. He has lived a long life, suffered so much pain and loss, and now has been mercilessly tortured. He’s broken. He’s tired. Considering moving on, even for a moment, doesn’t mean he loves Emma any less. He was ready to die when his wound from Excalibur opened. He was just happy knowing Emma would have a future. And he would never abandon her unless he felt she would be okay and happy. But this all has to be his choice. She has to give him the choice and be willing to let him go. Because deep down we know neither really wants to do that. They want to hold onto each other. What’s important is that it has to be their individual choices to do so. I just hope Liam moves on, reconciles any hard feelings with Emma, and Killian can see his brother at peace.
-Is Hades Threatened by Emma and Killian’s Love?
I wondered why Hades has been torturing Killian so severely even before our heroes arrived, and why he seems so hell-bent on punishing them, beyond the fact that they brought hope to the Underworld. I have a feeling that the true love between Emma and Killian is a great threat to Hades. Adam and Eddy hinted that Killian is a special soul to Hades, and we’ve seen how powerful Emma’s expressed true love can be when her True Love’s Kiss with Henry broke the curse in season one. Can you imagine how powerful the romantic true love for Emma could be? She is the Savior and I’ve always believed that Killian’s character was meant for great things. It’s why the characters were written as such an epic love story. True love is the most powerful magic of all and I truly believe that Emma and Killian’s love is meant to vanquish darkness.
-Go The Distance:
I love the movie Hercules especially the song “Go the Distance.” When I heard they were to do and Underworld arc I was so delighted. But when I really looked at the lyrics to the song, I was so amazed how much they could be related to Emma and Killian’s characters and relationship. Tell me this does not feel so reminiscent of them.
Where a hero’s welcome would be waiting for me
Where the crowds will cheer when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying, this is where I’m meant to be I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way if I can be strong
I know every mile, will be worth my while
When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
And a thousand years would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime but somehow I’ll see it throughAnd I won’t look back, I can go the distance
And I’ll stay on track, no, I won’t accept defeat
It’s an uphill slope but I won’t lose hope
‘Til I go the distance, and my journey is complete
But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero’s strength is measured by his heart
Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world, I will face its harms
I don’t care how far, I can go the distance
‘Til I find my hero’s welcome, waiting in your arms
I will search the world, I will face its harms
‘Til I find my hero’s welcome, waiting in your arms
And in “Devil’s Due” they are both heroes in back in each other’s arms.
During the night of the 100th episode celebration, ABC released this truly breathtaking video that relives the 100 heroes, villains, lands, adventure, and love in the first 100 episodes. Watching it I was brought to tears and left in awe. It’s videos like this that really demonstrate how remarkable Once Upon a Time really is. It’s a special show and it has changed my life.
This next video highlighted the beautiful and epic love story between Emma and Killian and I once again was brought to tears as their most significant moments (and many of my favorite ones) are highlighted to showcase the depth, brevity, and specialness of their love story. What is touching was what was said about their story “They are each other’s happy ending. Their love has lasted through it all…until now.” And then it asks “Will there love survive?” On a show like Once Upon a Time you do not pose a question like this unless the answer is yes. Of course their love can survive. True love after all can survive any distance or obstacle put in its path. Not even death can stop true love. The question is not if, but how. How will Emma and Killian’s love overcome this? The story is not yet complete, but this next chapter of my favorite fairy tale will no doubt prove that love can conquer all.
The Girly Nerd 