Jefferson (The Mad Hatter, played by Sebastian Stan) reunites with his daughter on the urging of Henry (Jared Gilmore), whose own mother seems now lost to him. But not all parental (and step-parental) relationships in Once Upon a Time Land are sweet; some are actually quite toxic as evidenced by the vengeful King George, who has, it seems, had found his way to Storybrooke with nearly everyone else, and has now discovered Charming. I'm not sure that this will be a very pleasant reunion.
And of course, there's Cora, Regina's viper of a mother. She's still stuck in the wasteland, but, now out of prison, she seeks a way to get into Storybrooke. She will undoubtedly track close behind Emma, Snow, Mulan and Aurora, hoping to tag along when they finally find a way to cross back into modern times.
With the focus on Snow, Emma and three new characters, there was little time for Regina, and no time at all to see what Rumple (Robert Carlyle) and Belle (Emilie de Ravin) are up to; the reunited lovers are nowhere to be seen, and that's truly unfortunate. The story always has some really snap particularly when he's around, whether as Rumple (the most manic character) or as Gold (the edgiest character). And with Regina's (Lana Parrilla) screen time also minimal this week, the snap that really makes Once Upon a Time rock was missing big time.
But never fear! If you caught the preview for next week’s episode, I’m betting you’re as breathless with anticipation as I am for “Crocodile.” We will finally learn the circumstances that led to Rumple’s wife Milah leaving him (bet it has something to do with Captain Hook!), as well as checking in on how Mr. Gold and Belle are faring these days, and it doesn’t look very good. A couple of images from next week's episode to tide you over 'till then:
Once Upon a Time airs Sundays at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.
Photos courtesy of ABC Medianet
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Article comments
1 - Oncer
I think it is a bit unfair to say that Rumpelstiltskin is the only reason that the show comes to life. There was plenty of wonderfully touching or heartbreaking moments in this weeks episode--the moment where Snow White is poisoned by King George and Ruth giving her life for Snow White's happiness. And how about Snow White and Emma--they had wonderful moments together.
2 - barbara barnett
I didn't say that, Oncer. I agree there were some excellent moments, but there is something missing when Rumple is absent completely and Regina is mostly AWOL. They do bring a lot of snap to the show.
3 - Oncer
I agree with you that they do bring an element, but having them in every single episode does get tiring after a while. The heart of the show is them, but also the Charming family, as well. We both know how manipulative and cunning they are. Frankly, I think one of the improvements of second season is that the other characters are getting more of a chance to shine.
4 - Agitron
As excellent as Gennifer Goodwin's acting was this episode, I still missed Rober Carlyle. He has an emotional depth that goes far beyond what is scripted. This week made me realize I don't think I would watch the show if he wasn't on it. Mulan is painfully wooden. The villains are lacking subtlety and nuance. Did they really have to spell out King George's motivations? How many knew Cora was Lancelot before it was revealed? I did. Maybe it has to do with the multi-cast short screentime that character development seems rushed (or that Jane Espenson wasn't the writer this episode).The ogres were a hoot, though, was that a nod to Harryhausen?
5 - Sherry
I agree that the show was missing something this week. I personally think Rumple and Regina should have had more screen time - well at least some for Rumple. I was actually thinking the opposite of Oncer - too many new characters is not giving anyone the chance to shine. Where is Hopper, the dwarves? Dr. Whale? Red? I want to see what those characters are doing, and how they are dealing with everything.
6 - barbara barnett
Sherry--I agree with you. We've barely gotten to know these characters in the first season, and now there are several more. I like the adding of new characters, but not at the expense of some of the most compelling in the story.
By the way, I'm interviewing Jessy Schram (Cinderella) Thursday.
7 - smkearns46
the characters with limited qualities, all or mostly good and all or mostly evil come off flat. characters with a thorough mixture of those opposites are much more vivid and serve as a heightening agent for the others to play off from. what i'm saying is that without rumple to add some liveliness, the show is rather dull. he reminds me of greg house.