Cora is busy in this episode; as soon as she handles Gold, she sets her sights on her daughter Regina (Lana Parrilla), manipulating her into giving dear old Mom a second chance. Both Regina and Gold have so much to lose that Cora walks through them both like butter. (And I still don't trust that Cora's kiss is just a kiss, and Gold's expression suggests that she imparts to him something other than lip gloss; he looks horrified.)
The other part of the story is a continuation (or a prequel, I guess) of "The Doctor," which tells Dr. Whale's Tale. Like so many others in Once Upon a Time, Dr. Whale/Dr. Frankenstein's story involves a troubled parent-child relationship. Victor is a disappointment to his father, who sees no use in his science. Again we see the Rumple-Whale conflict between magic and science, with Whale coming to the conclusion that like magic, science too comes with a cost.
Of course, the cost of science can be the loss of magic in our lives. When everything can be explained in the mundane terms of blood and flesh and bones and chromosomes, the world can so easily lose its sense of wonder. Although I'm not sure that's what writer Jane Espenson was going for in this terrific episode and "The Doctor," it certainly resonates with me and something I think about a lot.
This is a fabulous episode, one of the season's strongest. All of the main characters have important roles to play in different story threads.
I loved the richness and texture afforded by the high-definition black and white rendering of Frankenstein's story. Adding Rumplestiltskin in very majestic red (loved that costume) was a nice touch, and since Rumple is not from Whale's Gothic horror movie world, Rumple's fanciful (and colorful) attire makes sense.
Resident werewolf Red (Meghan Ory) and Whale together make a great couple. Both troubled and slightly dangerous, with monster reputations to boot, it's nice to see them drawing comfort from each other. Anyone else raise an eyebrows (or spit out whatever you were drinking) when Ruby tells Whale she ate her boyfriend? (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, never mind.)
I have to wonder about that wrist watch Whale took off the Greg Mendel. Is it simply a trigger for a bad memory, or does that watch signify something else to the good doctor? Is it something Whale has recognized from another time or place? As Henry wonders, realizing that Frankenstein is no fairytale character (and not in his book), who else, from what other fantasy lands live amongst them? And are that watch and the Pennsylvania license plates a clue? What do you think, O wise readers?
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Article comments
1 - Betsy
Hmm, my comment was rejected. Barbara, you basically said everything I had said about Rumbelle.
Jane was trying to be reassuring on twitter. I had asked her about the fact that Rumbelle love is so deep that it doesn't really need a physical object as a symbol - which she pretty much agreed with. Maybe they are trying to move beyond the chipped cup? It's very very clear that their love for each other is extraordinary and so perhaps now that Belle is alive and back, the chipped cup is looked at as an artifact of the past when they have their entire lives and future to look forward to?
Gold, as some blogger mentioned tonight, was really on the verge of having a complete breakdown - like with Mo in Skin Deep. The difference is that it's a living Belle who has been zapped into some sort of blank slate, who not just doesn't remember him, but has no clue about anything. Because he has such a deep-seated hatred of himself and because it's Belle who has believed in him for so long, he now has lost his anchor. He wasn't kidding when he said in the car that he'd be lost without her. I think it's really interesting that he would remove himself from the situation beause he doesn't trust himself to behave appropriately. I think it's very realistic - and I for one have acted that way before.
I really think that threat was made not because he was going to act on it but because he has no other way of ensuring Belle's protection and he had to make it perfectly clear what he expected. The Charmings are the only one he can count on.
2 - Betsy
Oh and what I love is that for all of Gold's eternal love for Bae, it's very clear that his love for Belle is as strong. It's really beautiful when you think about it.
Getting out of Dodge was the right move, but Gold truly needs someone to take his part, to reassure Belle and to let her know that he loves her.....he's not someone she should be frightened of.
3 - WML
I loved it when Gold told the Charmings to make sure that Belle is alright or he'll kill them all. My question is - what did Gold see in the Oculus (or whatever you call that orb), Does he know who Bae is or just where he is? Three weeks to ponder the question and answer.
4 - WML
And based on the previews, it seems entirely possible that Charming is Jack. After all, he did live with his mother in a farm. The OUAT people did say that we'll learn Charming's real name this season.
5 - Betsy
Honestly, I need this break to recuperate, lol.
One more thing: Maybe being needed instead of always needing will make Gold feel better about himself. Emilie DID say Gold would be Belle's rock. She needs him now, more than ever.
6 - barbara barnett
More thoughts: 1) Rumple needs to get out of town because he fears Cora. 2) He makes his warning to the gang because he fears either Hook or Cora (or even Regina, though less likely) will harm Belle 2) The look on Gold's face when Cora kisses him: horror. Cold dread.
7 - WML
Only Rumple is immortal; both Cora and Regina are ordinary humans. I wonder if Rumple brought the knife with him. After all, if Cora or Hook found the knife in Storybrooke while he is away, that would be big trouble for Rumple.
I wonder what a Whalewolf will sound like. The Ruby/Whale coupling would be an unexpected surprise.
It will be interesting to see what genealogical lines Charming actually belongs to. He is, of course, the doppelganger of King George's deceased son. Why is that? Oh, and it would be another pleasant surprise if Charming is indeed Jack.
Yeah, I fell bad for Gold, but I've been missing the not so good side of him. Now we get to see how much Belle really means to Gold, as far as making him a better human being. And we have to watch another courtship between Emilie and RC, as Gold struggles to have Belle fall in love with him again. It's obvious that Gold has found his true love. I hope the romance is a multi episode arc. Only through suffering will Gold's soul be truly redeemed.
It would be interesting if Bae first recognizes his father, punches him in anger for abandoning him. And have Emma help Gold up, only to see Neal standing over them. And for Neal/Emma to have their own spat, with Emma asking Neal why he abandoned her and their child Henry. Since Henry is supposed to be traveling with them, the family reunion will be interesting to watch, no matter how it happens. I wonder how Gold and Henry would react to their newfound relationship.
Barbara Hershey is deliciously creepy and conniving! Will she be staying beyond season 2? And finally, Hook is beginning to fit the storylines.
The after winter break episodes have been terrific.
I would not mind more Whale. David Anders is terrific. I like Grumpy too. It's great to have this dynamic in Storybrooke. It appears that many in the town would rather stay in the town - Emma, Snow, Belle (I think), Rumple (maybe), Red. Let's see how this goes.
8 - Sharon
That kiss from Cora has some kind of malice intended, indeed. Something that would scare Rumple, is really scary. I wonder if leaving SB will cause some complications brought by that kiss? Maybe he will lose his powers and become weak, or die if he stays away too long? Darn! And I have to wait three weeks now!
9 - Sharon
WML's comment reminds me that I have been wondering if Bae is grown up or is still a child. Although it would be cool if he is Neal, who's to say that Rumple designed the curse to include the 28 years; that when Emma arrives is the time that Bae had arrived in this world. With this show I am expecting some twists, so I am not placing any bets!
10 - barbara barnett
Thanks everyone for your comments. Lots of good ideas. I have also liked these post-break episodes a lot. Back to business and in storybrooke. Excellent. There are so many possibilities now with Cora (especially) and to a lesser extent with Hook in the mix. I also am excited about 1) Ruby and Whale 2) The relationship between Emma and Rumple and many other storylines.
11 - Sherry
They showed the knife last season when August was pretending to be Rumple's son, right?
One thing I was thinking about is why Henry was unable to figure out who Mr. Gold was during the first season. They never really went back to that - other than he eventually figured it out. It made me wonder how much Rumplestiltskin was in the book, if at all. And if he wasn't really, why?
I think they are leading up to some very interesting events.
I was sad about the tea cup. I wouldn't call myself a shipper, but I do like their relationship. Even though they don't need a physical symbol of their love, it's still hard to lose something of sentimental value, especially in that way. Right now there is no spark between them at all. No residual feelings on her part.
I'm not a shipper, but I was sad about the tea cup. If
12 - barbara barnett
Sherry. Interesting points. Right now between R and B it's all his passion and love for her. Unrequited now, but...
13 - Sherry
Oops, I thought I had deleted that last line, I changed my train of thought!
14 - WML
Barbara, that was an interesting talk with Jane earlier tonight. Someone had a question about why Frankenstein's world is in black and white. I would think that the story is being told from Dr. Whale's point of view - and it's a story that he'd rather forget. Sometimes, we paint our histories in black and white, remembering either the very best or worst of what happened, especially when we would rather forget much of it. My guess is as soon as Whale begins to forgive himself, maybe even as the story of Frankenstein evolves, the world may be transformed. But then again, just a speculation.
I wonder what the Belle/Bae/Rumple relationship will be like once they are all in Storybrooke. It would be even more interesting if Neil is Bae, how Rumple's relationships with Snow, Charming, Emma, Henry would evolve. Seems to me that he'll have a lot to deal with in the future, then we add Hook, Cora and Regina to the mix. I think RC will have ample time to shine as the great actor that he is. So much to look forward to.
15 - WML
I really hope Gold is not Regina's father.
The new cast announcements don't really point to anyone being Bae aside from Neal, and photos from future episodes don't show anyone new (yet), so the likelihood of Neal being Bae is growing, but with OUAT, you never know.
Did I say that the more Barbara Hershey, the better? She's a good actress, she and Lana Parilla definitely play off each other quite well, and she make's Gold nervous. Plus she is able to play Hook and Rumple/Gold quite well. More Cora, please!
16 - Joanna Celeste
I love your review of this series! I read it religiously. Thanks so much for all your details and insider info.
17 - barbara barnett
You are very welcome!