Once Upon a Time 100th Episode Celebration: Top 10 Best Underrated Episodes

Posted in Once Upon a Time, Television Reviews by Marianne Paluso

Hello Oncers! As I said in this post here I will be celebrating Once Upon a Time reaching 100 episodes with a series of posts highlighting the best of our beloved show. This first one is the Best Underrated episodes. These are ones that are excellent and worthy of praise but episodes that often overlooked and rarely discussed, especially when speaking about the best of the series. Here are my top picks in underrated gems.

1.”The Shepherd” (Season 1, Episode 6)

The very first backstory for Charming/David’s character is also one of the best. As is often the case for his centrics and his character, David is underrated and overlooked, but “The Shepherd” is a wonderful episode. Touching and engaging, the present day drama explores the tension between David and Mary-Margaret wanting to be together, with David’s confusion, weakness and altered memories getting in the way, contrasted with Enchanted Forest David, thrust into a new life, finding his courage, and slaying a dragon. This episode also featured one of the show’s most unexpected twists (David has a half-brother named James who was slain in battle), and one of the sweetest relationships that is rarely talked about- David and his mother. The moment he must say goodbye to her is very moving, and overall this episode established what makes the real Prince Charming such an amazing character: that his goodness and integrity do not come from some idealized arcetype but rather from a very real and believable place.

2.”A Curious Thing” (Season 3, Episode 19)

Romantic, surprising and exciting, “A Curious Thing” came at a crucial point in the season before the arc came to a close. The tension and drama were high as our heroes try their best to discover Zelena’s plans and had to rescue Henry when Killian tried to protect him by helping him leave Storybrooke and they were attacked. When episodes always manage to bring unexpected and beautiful moments especially for many characters it’s a treat. We witnessed the amazing moment of Henry regaining his memories and belief thanks to the Storybook, Regina giving him true love’s kiss and breaking the curse, and a moment where Emma expressed that she felt she could not trust Killian. Sad as this last one was it was necessary to move Emma towards the end of the season when she realizes all he has done for her and opens her heart. Speaking of hearts, nothing was as romantic as one of the most beautiful moments ever for Snow and Charming. Not only was it poignant to see them physically share a heart but it was also touching seeing the shift and trust and friendship between the couple and Regina, and the unfailing believe expressed by Snow. She believed her heart was strong enough to be shared and her faith proved true when her husband’s life was restored, solidifying how strong true love really is.

3.”The Snow Queen” (Season 4, Episode 7)

Well-balanced and poignant, this backstory for Ingrid’s Snow Queen was one of the best ever for a villain on the show as we see her feel completely isolated and living her life in fear; and when she accidentally kills her sister, her devastation is so heartbreaking and there has rarely been a more sympathetic moment for any villain on the show. Ingrid’s fears of her powers parallel what many in Storybooke were going through most especially Emma’s whose powers go awry and Regina and Robin who could not deny their feelings for each other. And what this explored was the lovely theme that we should not be afraid of our feelings – there is no need to conceal and not feel. Be open and honest, do not be afraid, and when a loved one reaches out their hand, always take it.

4.”Red-handed” (Season 1, Episode 15)

Clever puns notwithstanding, Once Upon a Time has always been known for taking classic fairytales and turning them on their heads. This episode was the first twist that completely floored me. The original “Little Red Riding Hood” fairytale is a cautionary story to be leery of strangers and predators. So, Ruby being the wolf was a brilliant new spin, instead showcasing that theme again of finding out who we are and finding the courage to be true to that. Aesthetically gorgeous in flashbacks (her red cloak contrasted against the white snow is stunning), sweet in its establishing of the Red and Snow friendship, gripping in its mystery, and touching with Ruby and Granny finding love and understanding from each other, this episode is one of the most overlooked of the series.

5.”Siege Perilous” (Season 5, Episode 3)

Another Charming centric episode – a commonality on this list for the unappreciated character – what made this episode so great was not only the storylines involving David but also Emma, Killian, Robin, Snow and Arthur. As is often the case in episodes with David’s character, a prescient theme is showcased with poignant results, we are treated to exciting action sequences, and in the end David continues to live up to his princely name. As David and Arthur go on journeys in the past and the present we learn the timeless lesson that we must never give up even when we fail and that sometimes it’s continuing to fight after the failure that is the true measure of our character. Despite Arthur’s ulterior motives, David earned his seat at the Roundtable, as well as his hero status and Snow’s eyes because he continues to fight for his daughter. This theme applies to the poignant moments for Emma and Killian when she re-creates their first date and he uttered those heartbreaking words “I loved you.” But neither give up on each other and we see just how much their true selves mean to one another when he tells her that he liked her walls and being the one to bring them down. Lastly, the levity brought to the episode by the new friendship between Robin and Killian was fantastic and something I’d love to see continue.

6.”What Happened to Frederick” (Season 1, Episode 13)

One of the series’ most beautiful and iconic lines, and one of my personal favorites, is heard in this in episode that does what Season 1 so famously embodied: a flashback that demonstrated a truth about the story and character contrasted with present-day struggles due to the dark curse personas, all while Emma continues on her journey of belief. While we see the beginning of Emma’s friendship with August with talk beside a wishing well about magic, it importantly showed Emma skeptical but not closed off. And David’s journey to help reunite Abigail with her true love Frederick not only resulted in an amazing scene where a siren image of Snow tempts him until he overcomes this, but also a poignant one as he says he wants the real thing or nothing else. Here we witness one of the show’s most constant and romantic themes: “True Love isn’t easy, but it must be fought for. Because once you find it, it can never be replaced.”

7.”In the Name of the Brother” (Season 2, Episode 12)

In one of the most unexpected episodes of the series we finally saw a proper backstory for Dr. Whale – first hinted at in “The Doctor” – with the inspired and brilliant choice for his land to literally be in black and white. They create an evocative, noirish Victorian setting, and a heartbreaking tragedy of Victor Frankenstein, losing his brother and father because of his choices. And the result is fantastic! For an episode to be focused so heavily on a guest character,the story must be gripping and Whale’s tragic past, and present day triumphs thanks to the sweet, burgeoning friendship and understanding with Ruby, created one of the most unique episodes of the series. And who doesn’t love the tense back-and-forth between Emma and an injured Hook, from him calling her beautiful, despite being hit by a car, to their conversation in his hospital room where you see that she does not condone his actions but still has a hint of sympathy in her eyes. It was only the beginning.

8.”Dreamy” (Season 1, Episode 14)

The story behind how the grumpiest of dwarfs got his name is one of the sweetest, saddest, and most under-appreciated episodes of the series. For one thing, it was so delightfully inventive learning how dwarfs hatched from eggs as adults,were meant for one purpose, and given their names by the one that appears on their chosen pickax. Seeing that Grumpy was once “Dreamy” was surprising and seeing the sweet and unlikely love story with a fairy named Nova, and how they did not have a happy ending was actually pretty heartbreaking. A broken heart made him grumpy, but as we continue to witness the dynamic themes of identity, we see we are not defined by singular things. He may be “Grumpy,” but Leroy still has kindness in him as we see in the past and more importantly in the present, as not even the curse could stop his inherit goodness. Despite some grumbling, he helped the nuns, in particular Astrid (the fairy Nova) and Mary Margaret during the Miner’s Day festival. I hope that in the end Leroy and Astrid get their happy ending.

9.”We Are Both” (Season 2, Episode 2)

What makes this episode so great is its unique structure, development of relationships not often discussed or highlighted, and fantastic moments in that they bring forth one of the most constant and profound themes of the series. This is one of the few times Emma’s character is seen but for moment, so it would take a lot to make up for a favorite character not being on screen. But what we saw was engaging and poignant. These were some of Regina’s best flashbacks to her young and not evil self simply wanting to escape her mother’s plans while the allure and feel of magic put her on the first step towards a dark path. But in the present while we saw some similarities in Regina’s behavior, mirroring her mother in trying to get control Henry (this was crucial in her present learning how to be a better mom ), the main story was not hers but rather David’s as he dealt with town chaos, taking care of Henry, and tracking down Jefferson, determined to reach Snow and Emma. This different structure was refreshing as we see the sweet relationships developed between him and his grandson and his friend Ruby, two relationships that are wonderful but not often discussed. But it was his impassioned speech at the town line about how “we are both” that truly made the episode. It was a moving example of what the show always exemplifies about the human condition: we all have light and dark, moments of weakness and moments of strength, triumphs and mistakes; but it is remembering that and striving to be our best selves while accepting our flaws that make us who we are. And delivered by David, we, and the town, were inspired.

10.”Family Business” (Season 4 Episode 6)

This episode is perhaps my favorite of Belle’s adventures because it showcased new layers for her character and some of DeRavin’s best acting, not to mention giving the audience the necessary cues to see the inevitability of the rift between Belle and Rumple, as well as lovely quiet moments for Emma and Killian and Regina and Robin. Getting better upon multiple viewings, the rapport between Belle and Anna was natural and sweet. We expect Belle to always do the right thing, so seeing her have a moment where she did not – where she acted selfishly and someone suffered – made her more human, but also ever more likable when her guilt makes her work so hard to right her wrongs and be honest. Her worst fears reflected back in the Snow Queen’s mirror was so chilling it’s too bad we do not see this more characters. Lastly, moments of bravery for Belle and the quieter moments for the two couples may not have been earth shattering but were lovely in their simplicity: Robin unable to forget his love for Regina and her trying to do the right thing, Belle courageously realizing that sometimes we may must sacrifice everything to save those we love, and Emma discovering Ingrid saved things from her childhood while Killian provides the understanding shoulder as someone who knows wounds made when we are young can often linger. Such simple but profound truths delivered beautifully.

6Nov2015

Once Upon a Time: Season 5 Wish List

Posted in Once Upon a Time by Marianne Paluso

We all have so many things we hope to see not only on the current season of Once Upon a Time, but also the entire series. With the first half of Season 5A now complete I decided to compile my own wish list for the rest of this amazing season!! And you know what, even if I none of these happen, I will still be happy as this season really has been so fantastic. But of course there are always things we cannot help but wish for. Some of this is based on spoilers, including the sneak peak for episode 5×7 “Nimue” that was released yesterday, so be forewarned. Here is my top 10 wish list for Season 5:

Killian says “I Love You” to Emma: In the sneak peak released yesterday, Killian finally told Emma that he loved her and we smiled and cried tears of joy. He had told her he loved in so many ways before, but never used the word love with her. In this beautiful scene, that all changes as he gives her a ring and tells her if nothing else it is a reminder that she has “a piercing eyed, smoldering pirate who loves her.” And her smile when she finally hears those words is as glorious and bright as we have ever seen. But I would still love Killian to say those three words “I Love You” to Emma. We have never heard him utter those words to anybody on screen, and something tells me they may be saving it from an upcoming dramatic scene. Brace yourself for some epic romance folks!

In the meantime let’s relive this glorious moment all over again. And if you are like me , this won’t be the first time you’ve done so 😉

The Charmings call Killian “family”: Snow and David have already been showing their support of Emma and Killian’s relationship and his presence in the Storybrooke in general for a while now, but most of it has been silent support, expressing it through their actions. It would be lovely to hear them acknowledge more openly what he means to Emma, and even to them, but most of all, hearing them call him family would be so touching and meaningful, especially for someone who has lived for hundreds of years with no family of his own. Bonus points if one of them gives our dear captain a hug, because the only one who ever bestows this sweet gesture on him is Emma.

More bonding and teamwork amongst multiple characters: One of things I love is when the characters all work together or we get unique team ups in episodes. There has not been nearly enough Captain Charming lately, and I already love the newly formed Captain Hood friendship. And my heart always feels so full whenever Killian and Henry team up. I also loved the new group efforts we witnessed in “Dreamcatcher” and “The Bear and the Bow” of Killian, Regina, Robin and Belle & David, Killian, Merlin, Belle, Lancelot and Merida.. These groups sound amusing from the outside but their results are always golden in my eyes, so I hope we see these continue.

More scenes between Snow and Emma: In season 1 one of my favorite aspects was the friendship between Mary Margaret and Emma. Once the curse was broken the relationship changed as Snow went straight into mother mode. They have gone though lots of trials, and currently there has been few interactions between them. I hope to see some scenes between mother and daughter soon because they have such a special bond that deserves to be explored further.

A True Love’s Kiss for Emma and Killian: We know that Emma and Killian truly love each other but each time a True Love’s kiss has been attempted there has been something preventing it from working, none of which having to do with how deeply they feel for each other. While this is not needed to “prove” what they feel, I think these characters deserve an epic, magical moment like this.

Emma and Killian finally have “coffee”: If you are up on your lingo, then you know that Captain Swan “coffee” is a euphemism for the characters making love, and fans of their story have been waiting a LONG TIME to see them finally take that step in their relationship. And when it finally does happen I highly expect it to nearly break the internet. While I don’t see it happening until after Emma is freed from the darkness, I hope that once they make it through all of these trials, they will finally be able to have their moment and express their love for each other in this way. Given that this is a family friendly show, we cannot expect to see much and honestly that is fine. You can have a beautiful and sensual scene while still being subtle. I most hope to see them holding each other in their arms with adoring looks in their eyes. And if they can also fit in some time for some Netflix viewing of Back to the Future and The Princess Bride, I would smile for days.

More sweet and meaningful moments for Regina and Robin: “In The Price” their relationship was put front and center and we could see just how much the mean to each other. Seeing Regina willing to lay down her life for him was very powerful, while the dance their shared in Camelot was as sweet as can be and so well deserved after what that have gone through. While there have been less moments lately because understandably the focus should be on Emma as The Dark Swan, I hope to see more for these soulmates in the second half of the season especially, dealing with Zelena in mature way, and maybe even getting engaged or moving in together.

More unique backstories and character focused episodes: While I usually enjoy any and all backstories for our characters, some have become a bit repetitive. So I hope we see some more unique ones especially for characters who have had the least amount. As far as back stories, high on that list are Killian in his days in the Navy with his brother Liam, as well as his early days as a pirate, Emma’s adult life after jail, especially her time as bail bonds person, David as a shepherd, Belle before she met Rumple, Robin Hood and his supposed darker past, and the return of Bandit Snow.

Rumple stays on the heroic path: Even though Rumple has pulled Excalibur from the stone, it is going to take much more to be a true hero because it takes one than one heroic act. He needs to continue on the path of good and work to make up for his past deeds. He has just made that first step in the right direction. Although I do love him as a villain, ultimately I would like to see him work to be the kind of man Belle believes he can be. She deserves that!

A moment with all of our main characters together: I love the couples and unique groupings of characters but there are not often scenes where every character is involved. No matter the circumstance I would love some moments, or even a single scene, that involved everyone in a significant way because they each have something unique to offer. So please let’s see an epic scene with Emma, Killian, Snow, David, Regina, Robin, Rumple, Belle, Zelena, and Henry. While you’re at it, throw in some secondary characters, like the Dwarves, Granny, and Archie too. The season opened with a few moments like this, and it would be great to see more.

Honorable mentions:

Another Captain Swan Adventure: There have certainly been many moments for the princess and the pirate already this season, but it has been a while since they had a proper adventure together, with just the two of them as the main focus of the episode. Although they had some adventurous scenes in the Season 4 finale, they last time they had a more focused type of episode was actually the Season 3 finale “Snow Drifts/There is No Place Like Home” with “New York City Serenade” and “Tallahassee” being the other two. I think it is important to balance characters and screen time and I think they have done a good job of that so far, but it would make me happy if just one episode this season featured the kind of epic adventure we have seen for these two in the past.

The Return of Familiar Faces: We already know that many familiar faces are returning soon, namely Ruby and Mulan, as well as Cora, Pan, and Sidney for the 100th episode. But there are other characters I would love to see pop up again even more including: Liam, August, Ariel, Jefferson (that one is very unlikely though), Graham, Tink, Cruella, Blackbeard, and the Frozen characters.

A Captain Swan Wedding or Proposal: Yes, I know my list has lot of these two but it’s is hard to deny the beauty that their story brings to show. There has been so much wedding foreshadowing that it would be so fitting, and extremely beautiful if these two lovebirds tied the knot or got engaged by season’s end.

Henry working as the author: I loved seeing Henry get more involved in the storylines lately, the most he has been since Season 1. Now that he is the author, he is tasked with a great amount of responsibility. I know he broke his quill, but there has to be some way around that, where he can begin recording the stories he is witnessing right before his eyes. I just love the idea of him writing stories about his family: if I ever saw him writing about Emma breaking the first curse, her falling in love with a dashing pirate, his mom Regina slowly finding redemption and love again with Robin, or his grandparents Snow and Charming becoming parents again I think I would cry.

We see the moment Killian traded the Jolly Roger to Blackbeard for a magic bean: This one is probably the least likely to happen this season, so I guess this would be on my series wishlist. But it was such an important moment for his character, and I have ALWAYS wanted to see it played out on screen.

23Oct2015

Once Upon a Time: “The Broken Kingdom” Further Thoughts

Posted in Once Upon a Time, Television Reviews by Marianne Paluso

This week’s Further Thoughts are, like last week, a bit shorter as I was able to cover a lot in my Nerd Machine review. A lot of this is basically reliving the glorious moments of my favorite episode of Season 5 thus far. I loved every single moment!!

The Meadow Kiss:

I don’t think I will ever grow tired of watching or discussing this beautiful scene. It’s the most gorgeous, romantic, fairy tale perfect moment I have ever seen Once Upon a Time! I spoke a lot about the symbolism of the pink blossoms in my review, but I stumbled across this amazing post on tumblr which has some additional, and very apropos thoughts. Bravo to justalilblondemama for your research and thoughts!!

I am also reminded of a paper I wrote in college about the symbolic use of nature in Pride and Prejudice. In that I discussed when the characters are outdoors they are more free and honest with their feelings, as opposed to when they are inside where they are more repressed. This feels quite similar to the way this scene played out. Away from the confines of the castle she is able to breathe again. Outside, Emma is honest and able to share and trust Killian, helping quiet the darkness inside of her. Moreover, this further reiterates the difference between the ways the flowers are presented for Emma and Killian and Arthur and Guinevere. Inside the castle tower, Arthur creates a bouquet for Guinevere with the sands of Avalon and takes always her freedom to choose. Inside the castle she is living a repressed, false life. But for Emma and Killian they are outside in a glorious meadow created by nature, where they both are choosing to believe and trust in each other and their love. It is no wonder, this special moment garnered such stunning direction to match the beauty of what this means for this true love couple.

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Lovely Parallels:

Speaking of Pride and Prejudice, although the Captain Swan moment was unique and lovely, I could not help but be reminded of the scene from 2005 version with Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen, also known as one of the most resplendent films in history. The scene where Darcy walks across the meadow towards Elizabeth and the two share a romantic moment as the sun rises behind them is simply glorious, and when the sunlight was peaking through the trees behind Emma and Killian it was so reminiscent of the Darcy and Elizabeth moment. The sunlight represents love, renewal of feelings, and a promise of fidelity. The sun always rises each day, and the love for these couples remains as constant.

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This scene on the meadow was also reminiscent of another sweet, beautiful fairy tale like moment. When I watched the show with my Mom it was the first words out of her mouth. She said “It’s just like Pushing Daisies.” And she was right. Both pan to a felid of flowers as a couple shares a sweet romantic moment. I still miss this show every day.

The Look of Love:

Jennifer Morrison is such a remarkable actress for many reasons, one of these being her consistency. She does gestures and expressions consistently for Emma. Any time Emma is rendered speechless and her love is as clear as the look on her eyes, so gives an expression where you can see her try to say something but simply cannot, so she lets her eyes (and often her lips) do the taking. We have seen this many times, but was there any more beautiful than the one on this episode. Similar to Jennifer, Colin is also a brilliant and consistent actor with his portrayal of Killian, and I think we all swoon anytime he arches his eyebrow. This moment in particular is wonderful because it is a combination of recognition of what she means with her words “Now that we’re alone,” and love, as his affection for her is shining right there in his eyes.

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Unity in Speech:

Although they have done it before, this episode seemed to be the first time that both Emma and Killian used so much dialogue that referred to them as not only a united couple but one that has a future together. We can see that they are not only together (which we already know), but for the first time on both their parts that they want this to be forever. “We” can get back to the white picket fence life. I will never stop fighting for “us.” Emma and Killian are strong individuals but together they are unstoppable and more importantly they are united and joined by the bonds of love, and want to be forever!

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Gentle Affection and Passion:

One of things I have always loved about the development of the Captain Swan relationship has been the gentle, tender affection between the two as well as the intense passion they share. They are the ideal combination of the two, and what I find true is that you can see the passion they share in these gentle signs of affection. There were so many in the episode- his soft touch of her arm, the way she strokes his hand, the way they hold hands, the tilt of their heads to deepen their kiss, and finally the way Emma puts his arms round his neck, pulling him closer in that last final moment. All of these feel like they are saying “I love you so much and I always will. Let me hold you forever. I don’t ever want to let go.”

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The last moment especially makes me think of this beautiful quote:

“I asked him with my eyes to ask again yes and then he asked me would I yes to say yes my mountain flower and first I put my arms around him yes and drew him down to me so he could feel my breasts all perfume yes and his heart was going like mad and yes I said yes I will Yes.”- James Joyce

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Family Dynamics:

I just had to mention this adorable scene between Emma, Killian and Henry again. They are going to have such a cute family dynamic- heck they already do. Emma will be the supportive but cautious mother. Killian will be the playfully teasing “That’s my boy” kind of step dad. It’s all kinds of adorable and sweet and I hope we see more Captain Cobra Swan scenes in the future because they’re golden.

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Wedding Foreshadowing:

The wedding foreshadowing seems to be in overdrive this season, first with “The Price” and now in “The Broken Kingdom” and I do not believe we are reading too much into it. We are seeing things that are common marriage, wedding and happily ever after visuals and aspects. Emma and Killian ride off into the sunset, she is wearing a white dress and cloak with a long train, she holds a flower (while they are surrounded by flowers) while they kiss after promising to always fight for their future together. I think the question is not if Emma and Killian wed, it’s only a matter of when.

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“Hearts that beat as one”:

I found Arthur’s line to Snow and Charming about himself and Guinevere so interesting. He says, “You’re not the only couple whose hearts beat as one,” and it makes me wonder if this is a foreshadowing clue. We know that Snow and Charming share a heart, but we also know that what Arthur is claiming about him and his wife is far from the truth. And I doubt it will ever be the case. I wonder if it is a hint that Emma and Killian may end up sharing one. It is just interesting that we hear this line in the episode where Emma shares her burden with Killian and it helps her quiet the darkness. The love they share can defeat anything, it seems like the possibility that they may share a heart even more likely.

Lancelot’s Fate:

The fact that we have not seen Lancelot in Storybrooke is alarming and I hope his character has not died, mostly because I really love him. His love for Guinevere feels true as he was able to tell she was not herself and under a spell, something only a true love would be able to recognize. I already adored him because without his (and Ruth’s) actions Emma would never have been born. I hope nothing has happened to this gallant knight.

Is Arthur the rightful ruler of Camelot?:

What I find intriguing about Merlin’s prophecy that Arthur is the one to pull Excalibur from the stone and be the rightful ruler of Camelot, is that it is only from Arhur’s perspective. Right now we have only heard Merlin say his warning to Emma as a child. As far as his other prophecies they are all though Arthur. Did he misunderstand or assume things? Is Arthur even the rightful ruler? He is not acting very kingly because a true ruler would not have to use magic to fix his kingdom. Could Merlin’s prophecy be referring to somebody else?

8Oct2015

Once Upon a Time: “The Price” Further Thoughts

Posted in Once Upon a Time, Television Reviews by Marianne Paluso

This was one of my favorite episodes of the series ever, so it is only natural that I would have a lot of additional thoughts on top of my Nerd Machine review. This is somewhat speculative on some levels as well, so I hope you enjoy!!

-The Dark Swan’s Motivations and Behavior:

There are so many questions and mysteries surrounding Emma’s motivations. What happened in Camelot? Why did she bring them all back to Storybrooke and erase their memories? What exactly does the Dark Swan want and how is that reflected in her demeanor and behavior? She says she wants to punish those who failed her in Camelot and she is isolating herself from everyone except Killian and Henry. She wants to forge the dagger with Excalibur so she can do what all other Dark Ones failed to do- snuff out the light forever. The light they are always pulled towards filled with those they love and those that love them. But what would she gain by snuffing out this light? Ultimate power? Total darkness in the world, meaning complete isolation from love? That does not sound like something Emma would want, especially since as the Dark One, your qualities are simply amplified. Though the darkness can also twist things and lead to bad decisions. That is what makes Emma’s motivations so unclear and enigmatic. Some of her behavior can be analyzed, however, if you imagine all of her characteristics put under a microscope and magnified, the good and the bad ones. More importantly, I think her behavior is related to the way she grew up, her new responsibilities as the Savior, and her insecurities. And frankly much of this is empathetic. She grew up without a real home, so the house she takes up residence in is a beautiful, spacious Victorian complete with a white picket fence. It’s the type of idyllic home a young Emma would have dreamed of living in with a family that loved her. But inside the home lacks warmth. The tables only have two chairs, there are no photos on the walls, and in the end she is sitting alone in the dark at her kitchen table. Emma may have a house, but not a home.

Additionally, Emma has always been afraid of opening her heart because those she did so with left her, so she seems quite possessive of Killian.

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But her insecurities also come into play. She has often felt unloved and not good enough, so when Killian refused her advances, heartbroken his kiss did not work, she says it’s because this is who she is now, and does not understand why he can’t accept that. This is what makes the relationship between them so dramatic.

– The Push and Pull between Emma & Killian:

The push and pull between Captain Swan in this episode during the present day Storybrooke was set up so beautifully. They deeply, truly, and passionately love each other. There is no question about that. But when he tells her “this isn’t you” she is hurt, feeling like once again like she is not good enough. Of course this is not true. Killian loves Emma for who she is through and through. But there is bound to be this constant push and pull between them in this half of the season, because this is not the true Emma. She is in there, but the Dark One persona is overriding her. Belle understood why True Love’s kiss did not work with Rumple, but she still chose to be with him. She accepted him as the Dark One because she believed he could be that and a good man. While it’s important to accept those we love unconditionally, at the same time this did not help Rumple at all. No one would fault Belle, but true love should inspire us to be our best selves, and he only descended deeper into darkness. For Killian, he just wants the Emma he knows, to save her from the darkness. Obviously, this is a good thing, but she is hurt he isn’t accepting her as she is. The journey for Emma and Killian is sure to be somewhere in between these two states. Loving accepting each other as they are, but also inspiring each other to be their best selves- to be good people. In the end this kind of true love will be stronger than the darkness.

– The Emphasis on Hands & Isolation:

Once again hands proved significant, and for all of the characters. The moment Regina, Snow, David, Leroy, and Arthur all joined hands and fought off the fury we see the symbolism of hands united that has been prevalent on the show. Together they are stronger and can defeat anything.

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For Emma, we saw the beginning of her isolation from her loved ones with this emphasis on hands, and also significantly, paralleling where Killian once was. After she heals Robin we see her let go of Killian’s hand and leave him, a shot they made an effort to clearly show in frame.

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When she returns, she stands in the doorway, physically and symbolically separated from her loved ones, even at this early stage. It is so reminiscent of when Killian stood the doorway of the hospital room, looking in at the happy Charming family. In both cases, there is a separation from the family they care for, and a sadness because of it.

And just like when Killian stood alone across from Granny’s looking in at the Diner with sadness and longing in his eyes, at the end of this episode we see Emma do the same. That is the real Emma in that moment. This cannot be what she wants. And what was so heart wrenching in that moment was what Emma does with her hands. Not long ago, she was walking down the street, Killian’s hand entwined with hers. Now she isolated from him, so to fill this void, she clasps her hands together. She holds her own hand.

This is heartbreaking, but just the beginning of her journey. When she realizes this path of darkness will not lead her towards what she truly wants, she will reach out her hand towards light and love again.

– Passionate Kisses:

There was something so moving in the similarities between the two attempts at True Love’s Kiss. They really mirrored each other. Killian kissed Emma in Storybrooke, Emma kissed Killian in Camelot. Both were incredibly passionate, loving, and desperate attempts to destroy the darkness. And both times Killian pulled away out of concern and confusion. You feel both anguish and melancholy and love and hope in both kisses. And significantly, you don’t have two attempts (on top of Killian’s other attempt), if a truly successful one was not on the horizon. That would be cruel to both the characters and the audience, and while they do have moments that make us cry, they also believe in happy endings. Once Upon a Time is not a show about despair, but rather hope. Maybe it’s not just about choosing love over power. Perhaps it’s not just about destroying darkness but restoring love.

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– The Ball at Camelot:

The Ball was one of the loveliest gifts the show has ever bestowed upon us, and one of the most beautiful moments was seeing Emma hold Killian’s hook while they were dancing. He has always been a bit self conscious about it, going so far as to have his hand reattached for their first date. But to Emma it does not matter whether he has two hands or not. And that was clear as we see them dancing, her holding onto his hook with the same gentleness and natural ease as a hand. She loves him exactly the way he is.

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The way Robin and Regina danced was also so incredibly sweet. I liked seeing them have a moment lost in each other. There is not much else to say about the moment below except that it is absolutely adorable, and it also looks like it could be the actors simply laughing. Either way, it works, and it’s as cute as all get out.

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– Wedding Foreshadowing:

There has always been a great deal of wedding allusions and hints of foreshadowing for Emma and Killian, from them holding up rings to each other, to so often a wedding dress being visible in a storefront behind them in many scenes. You may say that is simply a coincidence, but they could have anything in these store windows. Why a wedding dress? I for one think nothing is by chance on this show.

Moreover, the way in which the Ball was filmed was like a beautiful prelude to what a wedding would look like for their characters. From Emma’s white lace dress that was so reminiscent of a wedding gown, to the smile on Killian’s face filed with all the love and amazement that a groom would express watching his bride walk down the aisle, it is impossible for me to believe this was not PURPOSEFULLY meant to resemble a wedding.

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-Does Killian have a connection to Camelot?:

Is Killian connected to this mystical realm? No I do not think he has any kind of obvious connection because I think he would be forthcoming about that. I do however, feel like there may be some kind of unexpected connection, even to him. There did seem to be a pull between him and Excalibur. Not only was he immediately drawn to the door leading to it, but in the promotional poster for the season (seen below in an uncompleted state where he is more visible), we see him not only very close to King Arthur, but he is holding a sword. To my recollection there are rarely any promotional images of him holding a blade. Is this a clue? Will he be the one Emma needs to pull Excalibur from the stone? But what would the price be for doing so? It is sure to be steep and Emma may not even fully understand it. The image of Rumple in her head hardly seems infallible and trustworthy. What if the price she would pay would be losing Killian?

– Henry & Violet:

True Love couples share the distinction of meeting each other multiple times, sometimes unaware of the fact. Emma and Killian hold the record at 4 first meetings, Regina and Robin have met 3 times, while Snow and David twice. Henry and his first crush Violet have now met each other twice and it was very similar to the way in which Regina and Robin did in Season 3, the conversation (song) making them feel as if it’s happened before. It is uncertain what the future hold for Violet’s character, but I hope whoever her family is decides to stay in Storybrooke, so Henry will not suffer the pangs of adolescent heartbreak.

– Arthur & Guinevere:

Before the season began I had the feeling that no one in Camelot could be fully trusted. While Arthur is not being completely truthful of altruistic about wanting to reunite the dagger with Excalibur and make it whole, he did earn some trust by standing with our heroes to help save Robin Hood. Of course that could still be a facade. But Guinevere on the other hand seems far more untrustworthy at the moment and her preoccupation with Excalibur is suspicious.

Screencap sources:

http://screencapped.net/tv/onceuponatime/index.php

http://genrecaps.net/onceuponatime/index.php?cat=9

http://c-odonoghue.com/pictures/