294 replies to this topic

[TWoP Tennison]

Hook and Cora face off with Emma and Mary Margaret in a race for the compass; Mr. Gold and Regina plan to kill anyone who enters the portal.

Mod Note:

Please remember to keep the discussion on topic. The thread moves quickly and it's not fair to your fellow posters to ask them to sift through off-topic discussion. Brief mentions of past episodes that are relevant to this one are fine, but take serious discussion the All Seasons thread. Speculation about future episodes and previews should go in the Speculation thread.

As always, please spell out names/places. "Mary Margaret" or "Mary" instead of "MM" for one example.

[BryrRoseA]

A very explain-y episode and a good one! 

We now know how Hook was able to rip out Aurora's heart. I liked the explanation and that they weren't trying to make Hook magical. It does seem a bit of a waste to use a one time trick like that on Aurora.

AND an explanation of why part of Fairy Tale survived.

I loved badass Emma: "Now let's go home!" That whole fight was pretty awesome, actually. Im seeing Cora's inability to rip Emma's heart as an homage to Harry Potter/Dumbledore. (I actually said " a power the dark one knows not" out loud. My husband was very confused). 

And a homecoming at the end! Awwww...I loved the reversal with Snow kissing Charming, all the dwarfs looking on. Such a cool twist. 

I really liked how many loose end were tied up but, of course there are always more! This episode felt like a nice half-season ended.

PS; I think I've seen it noted on other threads, but this episode really brought home for me how much paralleling they are doing between The Henry/Regina and Rumple/Bae storylines. It makes sense that Rump would constantly try to tempt and test Regina - he failed, so why shouldn't she?

Edited by BryrRoseA, Dec 2, 2012 @ 9:05 PM.

[gingercharm21]

I still feel really bad for Regina. She did the right thing in the end but she is still left out.

What the hell with Emma?! She's pure magic now? Does that mean she can cast magic? Is she like Sookie with her "precious fucking fairy vagina". There is no way she should've been able to even stand against Hook in that sword fight, come on. A damn pirate alive for centuries would wipe the floor with her.

Kid who plays Henry needs to learn how to cry properly or look sad.

One month really isn't that long to wait for the next episode.

Edited by gingercharm21, Dec 2, 2012 @ 9:06 PM.

[wirebiter]

Did anything happen after they were walking down the street to Granny's? My cable switched to the 9 oclock shows I was recording.

[brittania]

We now know how Hook was able to rip out Belle's heart. I liked the explanation and that they weren't trying to make Hook magical. It does seem a bit of a waste to use a one time trick like that on Belle.

You mean Aurora.

I really liked this episode a lot. I cried when they came out of the well and reunited, then cried again when Henry hugged Regina. I must admit that the first time I ever felt sorry for Regina was when they all left her to go to Granny's. They could have just invited her along.

[Senna]

I'm glad the journeying through Fairy Tale land plot is over. Lana Parilla was great this episode -- from Evil Queen to conflicted Regina and everything in between. Charming and Snow's reunion was quite sweet. Emma's new powers are intriguing -- I guess part of being the savior? (It took them waaaay too long to figure out the ink on the parchment was the ink they were looking for.)

I'm glad Aurora got her heart back, and part of me would like to see her and Mulan save Philip, but I don't see how that could be tied into the main plotline with all our mains back in Storybrooke.

For some reason, I'm not as excited after this episode as I was after last week's, but I guess that's just as well since the next episode won't be out until next year.

[brisbydog]

Did anything happen after they were walking down the street to Granny's? My cable switched to the 9 oclock shows I was recording.

Yes...we panned to the clock and then over it to the harbour where a pirate ship was seen heading into Storybrooke, manned by Hook and Cora

[Crimson Belle]

Did anything happen after they were walking down the street to Granny's? My cable switched to the 9 oclock shows I was recording.

Nothing much. Just Cora and Hook arriving in Storybrooke in Hook's ship.


And an awesome promo.

[stopeslite]

Jan. 6? Nooooo!!!!!

Well, they sped up the storytelling there, didn't they? I couldn't believe Henry didn't tug Regina along to go to dinner, but I guess they have to keep some conflict in Regina's life. If it were cut and dried her against Cora, that would be too simple. This way Cora can play on her rejection to try and bring her back to the dark side.

Seriously, Mulan and Aurora should have kissed at the end there.

[kennyab]

Seriously, Mulan and Aurora should have kissed at the end there.

No kidding. Mulan giving Aurora back her heart (after the loss of Philip), the whole "have you ever done this before" thing...that's some heavy subtext right there. Well played, show.

[Writing Wrongs]

That was a pretty awesome episode. I kinda felt sorry for Regina.

Geez, I was cringing when I thought Cora was gonna rip out Snow's heart and then Emma's. That was cool. I think Hook lost on purpose. He has a crush on Emma.

I was waiting for some Aurora/Mulan action there. lol

So Cora hid her heart? Interesting.

Edited by Writing Wrongs, Dec 2, 2012 @ 9:16 PM.

[Dani-Ellie]

Ho. Lee. Crap. I think I might still be recovering.

I had my cat on my lap when Cora went to rip out Snow's heart and then Emma pushed her out of the way. I jumped, cried, "No!" and needless to say, I no longer had a cat on my lap.

There were a metric crapton of answers in this episode. I love it. Very glad Aurora got her heart back, as I was more upset about the prospect of her not surviving than I really expected to be. And I cannot wait to see where they go with this Emma magic thing.

[Jupiter84]

Good episode. They answered so many questions then asked a bunch more. A lot of us was right about Rumple wanting to get locked up and how easy he fell into Cinderella's trap.

I felt so bad for Regina, even though she does deserves most of what she is getting back, but her reaction after the Charmings left was just sad and as usual Rumple knows what to say to pull her strings.

[ScarletPrincess]

"Your mom...she's a piece of work....you know that?" Ha ha!! I thought she was going to say "Your mom....she's a bitch." And yay!! Snow and Charming together!!

This episode was confusing. I had to rewind and rewatch. Looking forward to the recap.

[My Way]

I must admit that the first time I ever felt sorry for Regina was when they all left her to go to Granny's. They could have just invited her along.

The actress sold the hell out of it, but she needs a lot more redeeming before they're going to be inviting her along. Of course, everybody else just came and didn't feel the need to be invited...nobody specifically excluded her. If she had just come along she would have been there. She is asking too much to expect everybody laughing and joking with her this soon. She killed a bunch of people and cursed them all. She made a bad choice before Henry persuaded her to make a different one. I think Emma was quite nice to her. Baby steps, Regina.

My question is, what is Rumple getting out of this? Is he just trying to stir Regina up for shits and giggles or is this yet another master plan?

Aside from that, I really liked this episode! Finally, we've got them all back in storybrooke. A lot of the stuff people have been asking about was explained. Cora and Hook will be blowing into town sometime next year. I still want to know what's up with August, though!

[Fable]

Finally, Emma and Mary Margaret are back, thank goodness! I really liked this episode, and I’m really glad it didn’t end with some huge cliffhanger.

I love to hate Regina, but my heart just ached for her when Henry went off with the Charmings, after her selfless act to save them. The least they could have done was asked her along. Heartbreaking!

That said, it’s going to be a long 5 weeks. I can’t wait to see the havoc that is wreaked when Cora and Hook come to town.

[prodigalchicken]

So, what's the deal with Emma's heart? Is her heart even in her body or is someone hiding it for safety's sake? Or was that just some nifty magic?

[Funeris Nocturnum]

My question is, what is Rumple getting out of this? Is he just trying to stir Regina up for shits and giggles or is this yet another master plan?

It seemed more like he's rubbing it in her face for getting shut out when doing the good thing, while he gets a pass (and even commended) for doing the "evil" thing (which ironically would've gotten her raked over the coals once again had she gone through it).

[Devon Rose]

I am so glad the Fairytale storyline is over.

In general, I really like the episode. What was most interesting to me was the revelation that Cora wanted to come over to help Regina rather than take her revenge. Having her and Hook in Storybrooke should be good, I can't wait for it.

I must be heartless because I didn't feel bad for Regina at all. Gold plays her like a book everytime to get her to do what he wants her to do and she consistently falls for it.

[Taarn]

Just wanna say, CALLED IT! I said Cora was the Queen of Hearts the minute she showed up with that name (Cora = Coeur) and that heart-shaped ruby necklace.

I too despaired at the January 6th date - a whole month??

I actually felt sorry for Belle in the cell. If those hash marks are any indication, she was imprisoned a LONG time before the curse and unlike the 28 years where she was "asleep" and didn't really feel it, she got to endure every minute of her time in that tower. I don't know that it explains anything she does now but DANG, poor thing!

Poor Regina! Dammed if she did; damned if she didn't!

I have to say that they did a good job for a winter finale - tie up the stories (with happy endings even) and set up the whole spring season.

Edited by Taarn, Dec 2, 2012 @ 9:30 PM.

[Actionmage]

I couldn't believe Henry didn't tug Regina along to go to dinner, but I guess they have to keep some conflict in Regina's life.

Coming here to post along those lines; Henry could've said, "Regina too!" as it really was her that allowed Our Heroes to be reunited. Emma could've even waved her over with the group- it's just burgers at Granny's not a commitment to be civil forever and ever. I get there still needs to be tension, but while a burger doesn't a relationship make, neither does it mean all hostilities are gone. As the Ferengi say, "Once in awhile, declare peace. It confuses your enemies."

I was also among those pleased to know that Hook isn't willy-nilly magical. Amazingly handsome? Check. Non-magical by himself? Check.

I applaud the costume/hair/make-up crews and casting folks. It's such a pleasure seeing Barbara Hershey and Lana Parilla as mother-daughter and Bailee Madison as young Snow, as well as the ultraluxe gowns that Lana, in particular, and the other ladies wear. If they haven't recieved Emmy love, they need some this year. (Ms. Hershey in the Queen's gown and mask was insanely lovely. I sorta want her tiara/headress.)

The Dark One needs Emma to punch him in the mush. He just has to try to make misery.

At least Emma now understands why Regina turned out so twisted, or at least some. Not to sweep blame away, but understandng leads to effective help/solutions.

Hey, royal subjects? Leave the marrieds alone for the Big Kiss; you'll know if it works, I promise.

I hope we do peek in on Mulan and Aurora leading up to next season. I think it could be a neat tale. I am hopeful it really was Aurora's heart, but we're dealing with Cora and Hook. They made a specific scene of Cora mentioning that her heart isn't "where everyone else keeps theirs." And newsflash: Cora is cray-cray. Taking her daughter's assassination attempt as her needing her mom after all? Yikes! Delusional a bit?

Love that a masted freakin' ship is rollin' up to the harbor/harbour! Cora looked as if she owned the world already and Hook? His handspome self looked relaxed, imo. The sea air healed him? *g*

January 6? Such a short time still feels like a long way off. Hopefully, we'll get good, choice reruns until the new episodes roll.

[toddringersdry]

Oh shit. Henry/Emma scenes. Every time. Every time.

Hell, I’m starting to love both Aurora and Mulan. What’s happening to me?

I do not want to ship Emma with anyone but Hook’s “Good form” was really hot.

That is a great topic for discussion. I agree Snow. Let’s discuss. I hope they explain that with a realistic solution not just a Lily Potter love is the strongest magic of all! That’s true for the show yes but um you’re telling me none of the other people she tried to take the hearts from loved someone with all their heart.

Gold, why are you so dead set on Regina blocking out Emma?

Glad Regina listened to Henry but I don't really buy the whole Emma hug? What?

[MisterGlass]

It was a good episode, and I'm impressed at how many plotlines they managed to wrap up at one time without forcing it. It all fit neatly, with the added spectre of Hook's ship on the horizon for next year.

Cora's reveal as the Queen of Hearts was quite fun.

This is the first time I've actually felt an interest in Regina's redemption arc. I thought Lana Parilla played it quite well. Really, Regina should not see this as a rejection from Henry. He acknowledged how changed she is before everyone, and while I think it would have been more like him to invite her along, that hug was a real, genuine expression of emotion.

I'm not surprised by Rumple's needling though, as he is still upset about Belle, amongst other things. I see even Hook tried to take advantage of Belle. I hope in the future that Belle will really have the chance to stand up to some of these characters (without going evil, I hope).

I'm impressed that Rumple tried to apologize to Emma, and his conversation with Emma at the end about her potential powers leaves a lot of room for future development.

[Writing Wrongs]

It's kinda bugging me that they keep interchanging Storybrooke and Fairytale Land names. They all call Charming David. David calls her Snow, but Regina calls her Mary Margaret.

[Jennesis]

Hook showed Emma that dried bean husk necklace, right? I think he really did try to get Emma a way back to Storybrooke without being too obvious about it. Cora didn't even get the potential of having the old bean.

And I think he faked getting knocked out, because Emma knocking out Hook with that punch didn't seem feasible.

Edited by Jennesis, Dec 2, 2012 @ 9:35 PM.

[Devon Rose]

She is asking too much to expect everybody laughing and joking with her this soon. She killed a bunch of people and cursed them all. She made a bad choice before Henry persuaded her to make a different one. I think Emma was quite nice to her. Baby steps, Regina.

THIS! One act of good does not excuse all the bad acts that she's done. Nor should it change anything about how they feel about her.

[msstaceyu]

Another awesome episode. I'm just wondering since now that Cora and Hook are headed to Storybrooke, if we've seen the last of Mulan and Aurora or if they will also show their story along with the story in Storybrooke.

[gingercharm21]

The Charmings are really bordering close on becoming insufferable to me. So no one can remove Emma's heart why? Because she was born from true love. Really?! Are her parents the only couple in all of Fairytale Land that had true love? I don't think so. I understand Emma's the savior, but they don't need to make the Charming family the absolute best/ most special ever!! So all those people who had their hearts ripped out had parents who didn't love each other enough/ purely apparently.

Nor should it change anything about how they feel about her.

It should change the tiniest bit. Baby steps and all. If nothing changes and they keep stonewalling her, she'll try to terrorize them again thinking there's nothing left to lose.

Edited by gingercharm21, Dec 2, 2012 @ 9:38 PM.

[ParadoxLost]

Hook gave Emma that dried bean husk necklace, right? I think he really did try to get Emma a way back to Storybrooke without being too obvious about it. Cora didn't even get the potential of having the old bean.

No, he kept it. The last scene had Cora and Hook plotting to use the water to regenerate it and get to Storybrooke.

[Actionmage]

It's kinda bugging me that they keep interchanging Storybrooke and Fairytale Land names. They all call Charming David. David calls her Snow, but Regina calls her Mary Margaret.

Charming/David--Writer's shenannigans to keep the name secret, or (as mentioned before) His real name actually is David.

David calls his wife by her actual name (Snow), but her hated nemesis, Regina calls her by the depowered/disparaged name of Mary Margaret.

At least, that's my take.

eta: If we see more of Dr. Frankenstein, we'll see those who know about him call him Victor while others will probably just call him Dr. Whale. I think that Red is the least bothered by the names, answering to Red or Ruby, though she prefers Red. Which is fitting for the character that already had a dual nature.

Edited by Actionmage, Dec 2, 2012 @ 9:41 PM.