'Once Upon A Time' Season 5 Episode 3 'Siege Perilous' Review

Non Spoiler Review- A decent episode of 'Once Upon A Time' compared to the previous two episodes this season. The episode focuses on David in both the flashbacks and main story and actually made him a slightly more interesting character, which I think has been lacking from his character for awhile. I also liked the few reveals and twists in the episode that were very interesting. The story of the episode was fairly generic though so I hope next week's episode will have more drama. 

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

Highlights of the episode 

1. Emma awakens Gold- A big twist was seeing Emma awaken Gold from his sleep and telling him that he is currently neither good nor evil and that she will make him a hero so that he can lift Excalibur for her. I really liked this twist because Gold is my favorite character so to see him get more screen time is great! I can't wait to see the outcome of this subplot.

2. Arther is a villain- Another big twist that I actually liked was the reveal that King Arther is actually a villain and  has other plans.   This is revealed in a flashback when lancelot tells Snow about the twisted man and is further supported by his actions in the current story when he asks a man to poison himself ignorer to prevent Regina, David, and Snow from learning about his true intentions.   I really like this because it allows for another villain aside from Emma as the Dark One and I'm curious to learn of his plans for Storybrooke. 

3. David joins the Knights of the Round Table- A interesting plot point was to see David added to the Knights of the Round Table and i'm curious to learn if he did so to manipulate David and have a stronger pull over him to possibly gain the Dark One's dagger.

4. Emma and Hook- When Emma asked Hook to meet her I feared she was planning to manipulate him to lift Excalibur but we learned by the end of the episode that was not her intention but she needed Hook's sword to awaken Gold. I hope their relationship will find a way to continue because I enjoy the characters together.

5. Regina threatens Zelena- A scene I particularly enjoyed was one between Regina and Zelena whee she tells her the child will survive but she can't promise the same for Zelena. I was glad to see Zelena get a little bit more screen time this week and hopefully this trend will continue because i like the character and every scene she's in.

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 5 Episode 1 'The Dark Swan' Review

Non Spoiler Review- A very interesting episode that felt very brief but filled with drama. I enjoyed seeing some characters spotlighted that had been somewhat pushed aside last season and new characters and ideas introduced to the show. This episode had a great cliffhanger ending that was very shocking and I'm interested to learn what happened in flashbacks. Overall, it was a a very solid premiere episode. 

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

Highlights of the episode 

1. The ending- The ending was very shocking and filled with surprises like that something happened in Camelot that made Emma fully dark, that Emma has the dagger, and this information should be revealed in flashbacks throughout the season similarly to Season 3 where we learned of how the Witch cursed Storybook, etc.

2. Merida- The actress who was cast to play Merida was cast perfectly. She not only looked the part but really seemed to do quite well with portraying the character. It was very exciting to see Merida onscreen and I hope to see more of her throughout the season. 

3. Zelena goes crazy- Zelena managed to manipulate Hook into allowing her to escape her prison and she creates a portal to go to Oz but Regina quickly incapacitates her with another bracelet that restricts her magical abilities and corrects the portal to send them to Camelot. It was great to see Zelena being wicked again and to watch her cut off her hand to remove the bracelet and reattach it with magic was so creepy and it worked perfectly. I hope to see her have an increased role throughout this season. 

4. Emma's inner conflict- A very interesting concept introduced was learning that the Dark One has something along the lines of a multiple personality disorder. Emma was having Rumpelstiltskin as a voice in her mind trying to convince her to go down the dark path while Emma was trying to fight it and try her hardest to remain good. I think this is an interesting dynamic and really a great use for Rumpelstiltskin in the show. 

5. Belle's Rose- It was a fun little nod to see Belle receive a rose which is very reminiscent of the rose from 'Beauty and The Beast'. 

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 4 Episode 21 'Mother' Review

Non Spoiler Review- This episode was really focused on mothers and the relationships between mothers and their children. I think the show did this because this episode premiered a week before Mother's Day and the mother theme really fit in quite nicely with the over-arcing story. Overall this was a great episode with plenty of great character moments and a huge surprise. 

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

Highlights of the episode 

1. Author is writing a new story- The big surprising cliffhanger this week is that the author finally has everything he needs. He now plans on writing a book where the heroes lose and villains win, based on the promos it seems that the villains are heroes and the heroes are villains. I'm unsure of how morally grey characters will fit into this (ie. Captain Hook, Regina, and Emma) because they exhibit qualities of both at times. 

2. Regina takes Lily's blood- It was assumed that Gold needed darkened Savior blood to get the magic ink to work but we learn that Lily makes a good substitute as Regina slits her wrist and takes her blood. I didn;t see this coming and assumed they would have to convert Emma but Regina found a shortcut. This then results in lily turning into a dragon just like her mother. 

3. Regina realizes she what her happy ending really is- Regina realizes she is what stands between herself and her happy ending. Her happy ending is feeling at home and she realizes she doesn't need to punish Zelena. I liked this as a step forward for Regina because Regina has grown to become one of my favorite characters on the show and she only gets better and more interesting each week.

4. Emma forgives Snow- Emma finally forgives Snow when she realizes that they were looking out for her best interests. I think this was a big step forward for Emma's character as she comes to forgiveness which seems to always be quite difficult for her.

5. Mother Daughter reunion- Maleficent comforts Lily and tells Lily she wants to be a part of her life after the dragon escapade and Lily realizes she's telling the truth and the two accept one another. I wonder how long this happy ending will last though given what is coming in the season finale. 

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 4 Episode 20 'Lily' Review

Non Spoiler Review- Sorry for the late review I realized after posting a wek of reviews I had forgotten 'Once Upon A Time'. This episode was a very interesting episode of 'Once Upon A Time' that is filled with surprises and a great performance from Jennifer Morrison where she plays a conflicted Emma Swan in this episode.

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

Highlights of the episode 

1. Zelena is pregnant- One of the big plot twists was the reveal that Zelena is pregnant with Robin's child. This puts Robin in an interesting predicament as he can't just abandon Zelena and his child because it's the wrong thing to do and at the same time puts Regina in an awkward position. I'm curious what Regina will do to counter this.

2. Lily knows about the Enchanted Forest- One surprise I didn't see coming was the revelation that Lily already knows about the Enchanted Forest, etc. It was even more surprising to learn that the Apprentice informed her of everything in a flashback. I'm very interested to see what trouble she will cause in Storybrooke.

3. Emma spares Lily- This moment really determined Emma's fate and thanks to Regina she chose the lighter path and I don't think Emma will become evil but she was very close in this moment because she could have killed Lily or helped her and chose the heroic option.

4. Gold returns Belle's heart- A very touching moment in this episode is when Gold works with Will Scarlet to steal back Belle's heart and Rumple returns it to Belle in person. Gold basically tells Belle to stay with Scarlet because he is the better man and that Gold 's heart is too dark. I'm curious to see what Belle will choose.

5. Emma's past further explored- I enjoy seeing flashbacks that reveal more about Emma's life as a foster kid, etc. because we don't know much about her past so it's always nice to learn more about a character's background. 

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 4 Episode 18 'Heart of Gold' Review

Non Spoiler Review- This episode focuses more on flashbacks and fills in the time which Gold, Robin, and Robin's family left Storybook and were in New York. It also provides another flashback to Robin becoming who he is today and why he has the moral code he has, etc. A very interesting episode with several plot twists that look to pay off for the rest of the season. Overall another great episode of 'Once Upon a Time'. 

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

Highlights of the episode 

1. Zelena is alive- The big twist was the reveal that when Gold "killed" Zelena she didn't die but went back in time and ended up killing Marion and posing as her using magic. So the entire time the Marion that was brought back was Zelena. Selena plans on attacking what Regina loves most; Robin Hood. So she is using Robin's feelings for Marion against Regina. I think it's an interesting plan and I'm glad to see Zelena back.

2. Gold blackmails Regina- Gold reveals to Regina he is working with Zelena and she will kill Robin of Regina falls out of line. He wants to use Regina to help guide Emma towards becoming evil. I find Gold's plot to be very interesting and can't wait to see how it plays out.

3. Gold enlists the Author- Gold finds the author before the good guys and convinces the author to help Gold in his evil scheme. It seems that Gold has everything about his plan in motion and everything is in his favor because he has the author, the remaining Queens of Darkness, Zelena, and control over Regina.

4. Flashbacks- It was interesting to learn what happened to Gold, Robin, and Robin's family while they were in New York. I especially liked the subplot of saving Gild's heart which lead to the revelation that Selena is indeed alive. I hope for more flashback like this to help fill in gaps in the timeline.

5. Robin gains a moral code- It was interesting to see Robin gain the moral code where he steals to help the unfortunate and for the better good, etc.

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 3 Episode 21 & 22 'Snow Drifts' & 'There's No Place Like Home' Season Finale Review

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

Top 5 Moments 

5.Star Wars and Back to the Future references-I couldn't control myself from cracking up when Emma posed as Princess Leia from Star Wars and King Midas' ball and  I also loved the Marty McFly reference.
4. Emma and Hook go back in time-I loved how they went back and altered everything and had to repair everything that they ruined in the Enchanted Forest.
3. All of the couples on the show have an endearing moment- Hook and Emma finally had another kiss, Rumple and Belle were married, Robin and Regina had a great moment before going inside Granny's diner, and Snow and Charming named their child after Neil. These were all great moments in the episode where each couple had the spotlight.
2.Emma brings back Robin's wife- I was so frustrated when it was revealed Emma had saved Robin's wife because it meant that Regina and Robin Hood's relationship was basically over and I was just warming up to Regina this season and now she's mad at Emma and will probably become a villain of some sort again.
1.The reveal of Elsa- This was the biggest shock of the episode and I feel that it was a good move since Frozen has been so successful and I enjoyed it quite a bit and I'm glad that my favorite character from Frozen, Elsa, will be on OUAT I just hope they don't add Olaf, because I dont feel like it would fit with the show.

'Once Upon A Time' Season 3 Episode 20 'Kansas'

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

Top 5 Moments 

5. Zelena easily takes the baby- I thought it was great how Zelena just walked in the hospital and put everyone to sleep or froze those who stood in her way. She did it with so much ease and showed she didn't care about anyone who stood against her. 

4. Zelena gets rid of Dorothy-  It was great they found a way to incorporate Dorothy in the show and stayed true to the WoOz. I liked how the witch faked her death by water and pretended to be the wizard and sent Dorothy away with the shoes. I also liked that she just banished Glinda so noone would stand in her way.

3. Rumple proposes to Belle- This was the biggest shock of the episode but I believe Rumple mainly did it to reassure Belle she could trust him and make her think she had the dagger but none the less it was a heart touching moment.

2. Regina saves the day-I have really grown to love Regina this season and am so glad shes a hero now but I'm curious as to who the shows next villain will be with Zelena dead, etc. I was kind of getting sick of Emma always saving the day and glad to see another character in the spotlight.

1. Rumple kills Zelena- I enjoyed this scene for multiple reasons; first Rumple tricked Belle and held on to his dagger and lied to her, second he avenged his sons death and I was so glad this happened due to the way Zelena treated him while she had the dagger, and third it set up for the next episode somehow reactivating the time portal. I also loved that Rumple still has darkness in him despite sacrificing himself, etc.

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 3 Episode 19 'A Curious Thing'

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

Top 5 Moments 

5. Glinda- I was glad they were able to add another Oz character and hopefully she returns sometime in the future.

4. Regina unable to go in the door to see Glinda-I thought this scene was hilarious because Regina was too dark to enter the door and it only frustrated her.

3. We see insane Rumple in the Enchanted Forest- I liked how even though Rumple was confused he was still able to help Snow and the gang. 

2. Neil breaks out to deliver message to Hook- Glad to see him back even though it was in the Enchanted Forest at least he appeared in another episode and we know how Hook got the message. 

1. Regina breaks the curse- I have grown to actually like Regina's character this season and I was glad they had someone else break a curse besides Emma amd that Regina is a hero now.

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 3 Episode 18 'Bleeding Through' Review

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

This was one of the less interesting episodes in this Wicked Witch arc of episodes this season but still enjoyable to watch. It was unfortunate to see Robin forced to hand over Regina's heart because his son was threatened and even worse that Rumple had to make such threats.  I thought the Cora backstory was somewhat unnecessary and a slightly boring especially since the character is dead already but it answered the question of why Zelena was abandoned and I doubt Zelena going back in time will be able to change that. I liked that Rumple used the brains Zelena requires to cleverly attempt to retrieve his dagger from Zelena by kissing her. I also liked that he turned down her offer because he is aware that Neil sacrificed himself so Rumple could help stop Zelena. Another thing I enjoyed was that at the end Regina finally kisses Robin. That was a great progression of her character showing she actually cares about someone other than Henry.

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 3 Episode 17 'The Jolly Roger' Review

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

This was a great episode that did a great job of spotlighting Hook the past few episodes have spotlighted specific characters and related the events that occurred in the Enchanted Forest the previous year to the present day. Hook is among my favorite characters on the show besides Rumple, Emma, Henry, and Regina. Anyways I was glad to see a Hook focused episode again since we have only had 2 episodes centered on Hook this season. It was great to see what he was up to after abandoning the Charmings. I liked that they also brought back Ariel in this episode and was surprised to discover that Ariel was actually Zelena in disguise who cursed Hook. It was tragic to learn that now if Hook ever kisses Emma she will lose her magic and Hook was faced with a choice to continue trying to 'hook' up with her(like my play on words lol) or push himself away to keep her safe. The tragic part of the episode was when everyone was eating at Granny's and Hook had to observe through his spyglass. I loved the fight between him and Blackbeard on the Jolly Roger and I thought it was intriguing that they brought Blackbeard into the show considering that he's not really a fairy tale or anything but glad to see new characters. It was sad to see Hook chose his ship over reuniting Ariel with Eric but atleast he was guilty regarding his decision. Overall a great episode of the season. The promo for the episode below is an episode that has already aired by the time this review was published.  

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 3 Episode 16 'It's Not Easy Being Green' Review

First of all I'm sorry for getting behind on reviews for 2 weeks. I will be doing non recap reviews from now on just discussing key parts of the episode and what my favorite moments were might start a top 5 moments type of thing but we'll see.

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

I really enjoyed this episode because we learned more of the Wicked Witch's origin and why she's jealous of Regina, etc. I also really liked the showdown between the sisters. My favorite part of the duel was when Zelena realized that Regina didn't have her heart. Overall a great episode it was heartbreaking to see StoryBrooke bury Neil and Henry be unaware of who his father was yet help bury him and to see Rumple forced into his cage unable to participate in the burial.  Rumple must be devastated that he gave his life for Neil only for Neil to sacrifice himself to  bring back Rumple. I was glad they gave Walsh a larger role by making him more than a flying monkey making him The Wizard of Oz who tricked Zelena into believing he was magic just like Wicked and Wizard of Oz, etc. I'm glad they were able to bring that character into the show. I also liked that Regina finally entrusted Robin with her heart showing the two are getting closer. The promo for the episode below is an episode that has already aired by the time this review was published.  

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 3 Episode 15 'Quiet Minds' Review

This has to be the saddest episode of Once Upon a time ever. There was another picture I would have rather used than the one above but I couldn't find what I wanted so oh well. I highly recommend that if you haven't watched this episode you don't read past the spoiler section because you will regret it. This was by far the best Wicked witch  arc episode so far. 

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

Enchanted Forest 1 year ago 

The episode begins with Neil and Belle going back to Rumpelstiltskin's castle to find a way to bring Rumple back.  While looking in Rumple's Library they discover a talking candlestick, Lumiere, who tells them he will help them if Rumple frees him from his present state. Speaking of which I loved the visual effects used to create Lumiere it's much better  and looks cooler than the Disney version of the character. Belle asks why she had never seen Lumiere before and he says he is asleep as long as the candle isn't lit. He says Rumple trapped him do Belle says Rumple has changed and would free him. He directs them to a bookcase where they find a thick book and when opening it they find a key to the vault of the Dark One. He then agrees to assist them and guide them there. Belle puts out the candle and they go to prepare for the journey as Zelena appears relighting Lumiere and letting him know he did well fooling them. He begs to be freed but Zelena tells him to watch his tone.

On the way to the vault, they discuss Rumple's sacrifice and Belle says she isn't surprised due to how much effort he put in to trying to find Neil. Neil says he would do the same for Henry. They find a clearing of snow in the forest and light Lumiere. Lumiere tells Neil how to access the vault and he clears the snow and find the keyhole. They ask Lumiere if  he is sure and he says of course because he had been in the candle for over 200 years then Belle knows he was lying because the library has only existed for 30 years. Lumiere admits the Wicked Witch put him up to it so she could control Rumpelstiltskin with the Dark One's dagger. Belle then becomes apprehensive of whether or not they should revive Rumple. Neil says the risks don't matter they should continue. Belle then tells him not to make the same mistake as his father. He does it anyway and puts the key in the vault burning the symbol onto his hand. The vault door opens and black liquid comes out and something comes out as Belle screams "Rumple!".

Neil then collapses and Rumple rushes towards him. Zelena appears and says he should learn from his dad's mistakes. Rumple is furious with Zelena since bringing back Rumple meant Neil would die and his son was tricked. So Rumple has to chose to either hold onto his dagger that controls him or his son. This time he learns from his mistake and picks his son. He drops the dagger and Zelena snatches it. Rumple basically absorbs Neil into himself to keep Neil alive. This is what made him so crazy and explains what all of the voices in his head were. Zelena then orders Rumple to kill Belle and he tries to resist as Lumiere blows flames around Zelena giving Belle time to run. Belle snatches the candle and leaves.    

Storybrooke Present day

Emma runs up to Granny’s and bangs on the door. The group is meeting and try to figure out if Gold is still alive. Hook says that Neil had talked about getting his Dad back when they were in the Enchanted Forest. Emma says they don't even know if Neil is alive. Regina says they have bigger problems like why the Wicked Witch had him. Mary Margaret says they need to talk to Gold. Regina says she’s going to search the farmhouse for clues and Emma tells her to be careful.

Zelena has the dagger and summons the Dark One. She’s upset that it doesn't seem to to be working. She tells her monkeys to find the Dark One. Gold runs through the woods at top speed. Belle asks Emma how it’s possible that Rumple is alive. They ask Belle for a clue in the shop and to keep an eye out for him because he would likely come to her. Hook says he'll stay and help since he’s good at research and can protect her if the witch comes. Belle reminds them he’s tried to kill her before but he says this is his chance to make up for it. Mary wants to help hunt because she’s the best tracker but David says Zelena told her to rest. She agrees.

Belle and Hook work in the shop and she hears someone is banging at the door and she thinks it’s Rumple but it’s Neil. He crumples to the floor unconscious. Meanwhile Emma comes into the apartment with food for Henry. He mocks the bagel and she reminds him they're not in NYC anymore. She asks if he wants to go fishing with Leroy while she works. He tells her she knows something is up with this town with all the old friends she’s never mentioned. Emma makes excuses but he’s not having it. He tells her to come clean or he wants to go back to New York. She gets a call and says she has to go. Emma admits something is up but asks him to trust her for now. Henry agrees and she heads out.

Emma rushes into the hospital as Neil is coming to. It seems like he has also lost the last year. They tell him they think Gold is back and he gets upset. They see a triangle symbol burned into his hand and he has no clue what it is. He asks for a moment with Emma and the others leave. He tells her he’s glad she’s there and can remember him. He asks when he can see Henry and she hesitates then tells him that Henry has no memories of his old life or Neil. She says that all he knows is that his Dad let her go to jail and never came back. Neil wants to get his memories back and Emma says that Henry was really happy and she thinks maybe it’s better that he doesn't get his memories back.

Zelena comes to see Mary and wants her to relax. She pours her orange juice and tells her that babies eat less closer to delivery and she may be closer  to having the baby than she suspects. Zelena tells her she heard about the wicked witch and Mary says she wishes she could help more. Zelena tells her she’s working hard making new life and tells her to drink up and she does. The baby begins moving and Zelena touches her belly and says it works every time. She tells her she won't let her have the baby without her.

Robin meets up with Regina at the farmhouse. He shoots an arrow and she catches it out of the air. He apologizes and says he thought she was the wicked witch and she says she thought he was a flying monkey. He calls her your majesty and begs to keep his head. She says she heard of him and calls him a  thief and he reminds her she was known as the evil queen. Regina says the wicked witch seems to be long gone and he says he will partner her in the search and she tells him to stay out of her way. He agrees and she asks if they met before and he says he wouldn't forget meeting her.

Neil stares at the scar. Hook comes in and brings him some green jello. Neil asks why he got stuck with him and he says Emma didn't want him running loose. He thanks Hook for getting Emma the message to come back.  Neil  thinks he’s done some dark magic to bring his father back. Neil says he’s got to get out there and make things right for his Dad and son. Hook surprises Neil by stepping forward and hugging him tightly. Neil asks what that’s for and Hook says when he looks at him, he often sees the boy that he spent so much time with rather than the man he’s now become. Hook reminds him he looked after him as a child and Neil says he hasn't forgotten. Hook tells him he'll give him 10 minutes head start before he tells the others he’s gone.

David asks Emma about Neil and she tells him she isn't so sure she wants Henry to get his memories back. David asks if she’s planning on going back to NYC after the curse is broken. She admits it’s tempting. They hear someone screaming and they run up and see Gold. He’s holding his head and crying out in pain. He says there are too many voices in his head. A flying monkey swoops down and David attacks it with his sword and then tells Emma to protect Gold who has run off. She pulls out her gun and runs after Gold while David battles the monkey.

Regina and Robin check the farmhouse and she says there’s nothing of use in the bottles they found. She tells him to be patient. Robin tells her he’s heard about evil queen stories and he says she sees more bold and audacious than evil. She tells him the name served her well because fear is an effective tool. He comes closer and asks her if a bottle he found is magical. She tells him it’s a love and strength potion of sorts – she tells him it’s whiskey. He grabs glasses and pours them a drink. He tells her that they've lost a year, survived a curse and more and deserve it. She sees a tattoo on his wrist and recalls it’s the same one that was on the man who Tink said was her happily ever after. She freaks out and leaves the farmhouse.

Neil finds Emma in the woods and she tells him his Dad is roaming the woods alive but crazy. Emma says he seemed like he wanted to tell her about the witch but couldn’t. She agrees to let him hunt with her. Emma tells Neil that Henry has friends at school and she had a boyfriend. He asks if it was serious and she says he proposed then turned into a flying monkey. Neil laughs and she says she almost married a monster from Oz and he tells her he has almost married an evil minion of his grandfather’s Peter Pan. He tells her wants her happy even if it’s not with him. She tells him they were happy once. Belle calls and tells her that the symbol on Neil’s hand is to a key that opens the vault of the Dark One. She thinks Neil resurrected him but if Neil did that he should be dead right now. He collapses to the ground and Emma asks what he did. His face changes and we see Gold. Emma tells Neil that she thinks his Dad is inside him. Neil tells her to use her magic and separate him and his Dad but she’s worried he'll die. He begs her to do it to save her and Henry and she takes his hands. Suddenly Gold is there but Neil is lying on the floor. She holds him in her arms and Neil tells her to tell him who’s the witch. Gold says it’s Zelena and he tells her she wants what she doesn’t have. She asks if Gold can save him and he says it’s too late. She tells him she wants Henry to see him and he tells her to tell him that he was a good father and gives her the necklace he had saved. Emma cries and he tells her he'll watch over them. He tells her to promise they'll both be happy and she holds him as they cry. Gold says he can fix it but Neil says he can’t. He thanks his father for showing what it means to make a true sacrifice. He says it’s about saving the ones you love and says it’s his turn now. He tells his father he loves him and Gold tells him he loves him too and then he’s gone. Gold and Emma are both devastated. Gold kisses his son’s hand and closes his eyes. Emma sits in stunned silence.

Emma and David bust in looking for Zelena. Mary says she’s in the bathroom. David pulls his sword and Emma her gun and they kick the door in. Zelena made an escape and Emma says they have to call Regina to put a protection spell on the apartment. They tells her that Zelena is the wicked witch. She tells her Gold told her and that Neil is gone. Mary holds her and says she’s sorry.

Zelena finds Gold in the woods with Neil’s body and tells him it’s ill-timed. Gold says Neil sacrificed himself so he could tell the savior who she is. He tells her it’s just a matter of time before they come for her. He lunges for her but she has the Dark One’s knife to hold him back. She tells him controlling him is very entertaining and he tells her she'll never be able to get closer to any of them now. Zelena says that no longer matters since she has him and his beautiful brain. She tells him to be a good boy and get back in his cage. He goes back to the farmhouse, back down the stairs and locks himself in the cage. He calls his son’s name.

Regina watches Robin play with his son and is grief stricken again over the loss of Henry. Mary and David come into the shop and Belle hugs Mary as they cry. Emma goes to find Henry and she’s in tears.  She asks how fishing was and he says it’s awesome and they should fish more when they go back home. He sees she’s upset and she sits him down and tells him that she hasn't been honest with him about the case and the town.

She tells him the person that needed help was his father. She says some bad people wanted to hurt his father and she says she was too late to save him and he’s gone. She tells him he was a good man and would have been a great father. She tells him he was a hero and Henry say she wishes he would have known him and she says he did but he says that doesn't make sense. Henry asks what happened to the person that did it and she says they got away but she’s going to find them.

Overview

Overall this episode was one of the best this season and it was heart breaking to see Rumple and Emma watch Neil die. So far my favorite episodes have been Nasty Habits, Good Form, Think Lovely THoughts, Save Henry, and Going Home. I liked these episodes because a majority of them were centered around my favorite characters. I think it was a shame that Neil died before he Henry gained his memories because now Henrry still doesn't know exactly who his father is. I also once again found a WoOz reference/easter egg. in the last episode I theorized that David was the Lion because he lost his courage, in this episode Zelena tells Rumple she needs him for his brains making him the Scarecrow. I'm curious who the tinman will be but we'll see soon. 

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'Once Upon A Time' Season 3 Episode 14 'The Tower' Review

This was one of the more interesting episodes of the second half of episodes that have come so far. If Charming is you're favorite character you're in luck because this episode is really centered around David.

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

Enchanted Forest 1 year ago

This episode begins with a night mare David has back in the Enchanted Forest where he finds the nursery he made for Emma and is curious how it is still there Emma then appears and asks for a dance since she never learned how and supposedly is sucked into the closet portal thing. He then wakes up realizing it was all a dream and Snow tells him she is pregnant. David heads to the stables to drink where he finds Robin Hood, who has some golden arrows from Regina for helping her. As he tells Robin about his nightmares, Robin tells David about the Night root which is able to rid you of your fears and David sets off in search of it. 

David comes across the Night Root and hears someone calling for help from a nearby tower. He approaches the tower and climbs it to find Rapunzel,who also came for the night root but after using it she was forced into the tower by a hooded figure. The hooded figure then appears and climbs the tower as David prepares to confront it. The figure knocks out David briefly and approaches Rapunzel. As David comes to, he realizes the figure is Rapunzel since she ate the night root. Her fear was of ruling the kingdom in place of her brother. As Charming tackles the other Rapunzel out the window he hangs on a ledge as the figure grabs Rapunzel's hair. He tells Rapunzel to cut her hair in order to overcome this fear and defeat herself. She listens and the figure vanishes and they both climb down.Charming then reunites her with her parents and he confesses to snow about his fear of being a father. She then has the corny line that they'll do it together. 

Storybrooke Present day

Back in Storybrooke Zelena goes back to where she is keeping Rumple and we learn he is in fact a little cuckoo after being brought back to life hopefully this will be explained in next weeks episode. Rumple is spinning straw into gold while talking to himself before  she goes in the cage and shaves rumple with the Dark One's blade that's how she controls him.  She tells him she learned from shaving her father I'm curious who her father will be since her mother is Cora. Anyways this scene was a little creepy as she accidentally cuts him and keeps his blood. She then visits Belle at Mr. Gold's shop and asks Belle if she is Mrs. Gold to which Belle responds that no she is not and that Mr. Gold is dead. Zelena tells Belle she is going to be Snow's midwife so when Belle goes to get something for her, Zelena uses magic to freeze her and takes something from Rumple's safe using the blood to open it. 

Meanwhile in Snow and Charming's apartment they discuss  finding out  more about who the witch is and what she looks like in Storybrooke. As they discuss things Regina recommends that she take Henry to get some ice cream. Emma reminds her that Henry doesn't remember who she is and they split up. Hook, Emma, and David head to Regina's office for clues and find berries that grow in the forest so Hook and Emma head there as Charming has to go back to the apartment to meet the midwife.  When Charming arrives Zelena is talking with Snow and offers to make tea. She makes tea and puts the night root she stole in David's cup. David drinks the tea and goes out to the Forest for more clues. 

Once he arrives Emma and Hook are gone and the hooded figure appears and David calls Emma thinking he found the witch. The figure attacks and they fight when he takes off the hood seeing the figure was him.

Emma and Hook are already there investigating when they discover a trail to the house where she is keeping Rumple. Emma, knowing about hiding out, reccomend they check out the storm cellar(where Rumple is). Hook is against it afraid of what creatures the witch has in there. So they call Regina for backup and she sees a missed call from David.

Meanwhile David's sword is broken and as he is choked Emma pulls up in her car and he realizes he can be a good parent and confronts his fear stabbing the figure. Then his sword disappeared in green smoke. Emma, Hook, and Regina appear and Regina explains that his courage transferrred into the sword when he defeated his fears and that now the Witch must have it. 

 They all head back to the storm cellar, where all the locks are broken. They enter the cellar and discover the spindle and golden straw realizing Rumple is alive! 

 Overall I enjoyed this episode and had an epiphany that David represents the Cowardly Lion in Once Upon a Time since he lost his courage and in the next few episodes a character will lose their heart and brain. I'm betting on Hook and Neil and that Emma will represent Dorothy. I cant wait to see what the witch has planned.  Here's the preview to next weeks episode that appears to focus on Rumple.

Promo

'Once Upon A Time' Season 3 Episode 13 'Witch Hunt' Review

This was a great episode that answered as many questions as it created. Sorry for being a day or two late but I haven't had time to sit down and write a review. I feel that this episode managed to properly showcase the Wicked Witch and her band of Flying Monkeys. Onto the review.  

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

Enchanted Forest 1 year ago

It picks up where the last episode left off in this setting of the Enchanted Forest 1 year ago. The Storybrookians are preparing to take the castle back. But before they can attack they must wait for that  protection spell to be broken. This is where Regina is able to be spotlighted,  she volunteers to enter the castle through  tunnels that  run below it, then switch off the spell so that everyone else can ride in. Regina refuses to let anyone join her in this task but when she arrives at the Tunnel's entrance Robin Hood appears telling the the queen he owes her for protecting Robin's  son, Roland, during a flying monkey attack earlier that day. Regina eventually agrees still unaware he is the man with the lion tattoo she is destined to fall in love with.

So the two ridicule each other through the tunnel, avoiding Regina's booby traps. Throughout this the two learn a lot about each other.  Robin learns that Regina lost her son, and  Regina learns that Robin's wife died. Regina stumbles upon the entrance alarmed that somebody's been rummaging around in her mother's crypt ,a room that was sealed by what she thought to be unbreakable blood magic. As they make their way in the castle Robin Discovers the real reason Regina wanted to go to the castle. Regina then uses magic to keep Robin from moving so he will be unable to stop her from using the sleeping curse. She planned to dose herself with a sleeping curse as soon as she removes the castle's protective spell. She does this so maybe Henry will awaken her with true love's kiss although it would probably be Robin Hood who awakens her.

So she shuts off the protection spell and prepares to prick herself with the needle that will enact the spell but is interrupted by the Wicked Witch, who engages Regina revealing that  she really is Cora's daughter, was trained by Rumpelstiltskin and that her name is Zelena. This was kinda tragic to me since I am a fan of Wicked and in Wicked her name is Elphaba but oh well at least it's original. And  Regina blatantly says  "That's impossible. You're green." and  Zelena reacts to her reaction saying, "And you're rude." This is the hilarious villainess banter I'm looking forward too. Zelena then hops onto a broomstick and flies away. 

Regina goes to find Robin, excited with the promise of a new enemy. She explains to him that she won't be cursing herself after all, because she's finally found the one thing she's been missing  "Someone to destroy."

Storybrooke Present day

Back in Storybrooke, Henry meets David and Snow at Granny's diner. But he doesn't recognize either of them so Snow says she was  Emma's cell mate. Henry also sees Regina but doesn’t recognize her either. Emma then questions Regina about the curse and Regina assures Emma that she didn't cast the curse, as it’s resulted in so much pain for her. Meanwhile Storybrooke citizens are freaking out because once again, something horrible is happening any time somebody approaches the town's limits. Last time, crossing over the line meant losing your memory; this time, it means being carted off by a flying monkey.  Emma then calls a town meeting regarding the curse, and everyone instantly assumes that Regina is responsible for the curse. Regina then freaks out and uses her magic to escape, Thankfully, we learn that Regina and Emma are just pretending to fight.Meanwhile Snow is back at Granny's diner freaking out about rare baby ailments when a stranger who happens to  be named Zelena calms her down. **wink**wink**.  Zelena tells Snow she is a midwife and says she would love to help Snow and her baby.  

Regina and Emma then develop a plan to smoke out the person who caused the curse. Though Regina fails to replicate the memory restoration potion Hook gave Emma, they both manage to convince everybody that Regina's efforts to make said potion were actually successful to lure the real curse-er to Regina's office.

Emma and Regina's master plan works. However, Zelena  escapes from Regina's office in a cloud of green smoke. They both are still unaware of her identity though. despite the room's magical protections.What they don't know, of course, is that Zelena's is keeping a resurrected, weirder-than-usual Rumpelstiltskin. 

This was the best part of the episode for me since Rumpelstiltskin is my favorite character and I'm excited to see him back on the show. I'm curious I he only has his memories from the enchanted forest based on the way he acted. We will just have to see soon. This season I have also grown to like Regina and I feel this episode showcased one of her best performances I consider her best performance that won me over the 'Save Henry' episode regardless I actually care for her character now. I just can't wait for this next series of episodes this season and to discover what happened to Neal.