'Once Upon A Time' Season 4 Episode 8 & 9 'Smash The Mirror part 1 & 2' Review

You may notice that this review is formatted somewhat differently and that is because this was a two part episode and is technically two episodes but they were shown back to back and work better connected as one 2 hour episode. There were several highlights in this episode so i felt the best way to split them without doing highlights from part 1 and part 2 was to divide it into flashbacks and Storybrooke. 

Non Spoiler Review- These episodes were probably the best episodes so far in the 'Frozen' arc of episodes. They are centered on Elsa, Anna, Rumpelstiltskin, and Emma. I'm very excited for the midseason finale after these episodes.

*******There will be Spoilers from this point on*******

Highlights of the episode from flashbacks

 1. The Sorcerer's Apprentice offers a solution- I was very intrigued when it was revealed the sorcerer knew about Emma before even Rumpelstiltskin. I think he may turn out to be the author of the book who Regina is seeking. I also thought it was interesting that the Sorcerer's Apprentice was able to easily conjure a portal to the land without magic when it seemed like Rumpelstiltskin had so much trouble getting to Story Brooke.

 2. We learn the fate of those in Arendelle- We now know that everyone was frozen by the Snow Queen so they could still possibly be alive. I'm sure Elsa will somehow be returned to Arendelle by the end of the season.

 

3. Anna traps Elsa in urn- So we know that the Snow Queen was technically telling Elsa the truth about the urn but she kind of twisted the truth. I wonder when Elsa will regain her memories of this.

 4. Snow Queen casts Spell of Shattered Sight on Anna- So the Snow Queen was really behind putting Elsa in the urn so that way Elsa wouldn't be able to resist her.

Highlights of the episode from Storybrooke

 1. The Snow Queen casts Spell of Shattered Sight- So it looks like next week's mid season finale will be about another curse being cast in the town. it seems to be a recurring pattern since Season 2.

2. Rumple takes Hook's heart- I did not expect this, I'm sure that Rumple will use Hook for nefarious deeds until he has captured the magic he needs. I wonder what he will force Hook to do, and feel that that will be an important part of the rest of the season.

3. Rumple vs Snow Queen- it was great to see these two constantly one-upping each other. First, Rumple trapped Ingrid so he could take Emma's magic. Then when that failed and the trap wore off, Ingrid prepared her spell and made some evil friendship bracelets. I can't wait to see the end of this conflict.

4. Missing Page- While this wasn't as important to this episode, I think it will be more important for the second half of the season. I think the author used magic to put the alternate page in Robin's sack and I think we will continue to see missing pages appear.

5. Elsa helps Emma- It was interesting that Elsa was the one that helped fix Emma and not Henry because true love seems to always fix everything. I'm glad that Elsa is an important character and hope she will stay on the show. 

Promo

'Once Upon A Time' Season 4 Episode 4 'The Apprentice' Review

 Non Spoiler Review-  This episode is the best episode of the season so far and makes connection to 'Frozen that don't seem forced. This episode centers around Captain Hook, Rumpelstiltsken, and Anna so each of their character's is further developed. It also contains a Fantasia plot that seems to be the overarching plot of the season that contains more information regarding the Sorcerer's hat. I'm excited for the future of the season and what is yet to come after this episode!

*******There will be Spoilers from this point on*******

Highlights of the episode

1. Mr. Gold tricks Hook- It was very entertaining to see these two blackmail each other and Rumpelstilsken finally coming out on top with altered video evidence against Hook. It seems as though Rumple was right when he told Hook he shouldn't have tried to threaten his relationship with Belle. I think Rumpled will continue to force Hook to do favors for him, etc.

2. Anna outsmarts Rumpelstiltsken- In the Enchanted Forest Anna meets Rumpelstiltsken and makes a deal with him. I thought it was clever of Rumpelstiltsken to trick her into thinking about killing him but deciding against it thus facing evil and turning away from it then using her tears to charm his blade so that he is able to open the Sorcerer's hat. I thought it was even more clever when by chance Anna grabs Rumple's dagger and discovers she can use it to control him. She then makes the smart choice to force him to hand over the Sorcerer's hat, transport her to Arendelle, and prevent him from harming her or Elsa. Not bad for a girl that comes off as clumsy. 

3. Hook and Emma go on a date- It's about time this has happened on the show. The date even included a Lady in the Tramp reference. I'm glad that this has finally happened so Hook and Emma are finally an official item.

4. Sorcerers hat explained- This episode really serves as explaining why Rumpelstilsken wanted the hat, what the hat even does, and where it came from. The hat is used to take away other peoples magic, and Rumpelstiltsken desires to use it to free himself of the dagger's control. I think it will be the main overarching story of the season with Rumpelstiltsken once again seeking power. 

5. Hook harms Will Scarlet- I was very surprised by this and we now know Hook did this of his own free will his hand didn't actually alter his behavior. I wonder why the Knave kept quiet about it when Emma asked. He could have easily told her and Hook wouldn't actually do anything because it would harm his relationship with Emma. I feel like this secret will eventually be told to Emma though and end Hook and Emma's relationship.

Promo