370 replies to this topic

[TWoP Tennison]

Cora and Regina try to overpower Mr. Gold; dark magic tempts Mary Margaret; Rumplestiltskin offers his services to Cora.

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I'm not locking the thread, in case something goes weird with the DST change, so please do not post here until the ep is over.

[BryrRoseA]

I have never been much for the Belle/Rumple ship, but dear God that was a moving phone call. "Sweetheart, I'm dying.." Gah!

I guess I am glad Snow has learned something about how to manipulate people after all of those years of being on the other end. Hey Regina, do this and your mother will love you and you'll be able to make a loving family for Henry. Way to hit at the soft spots.

I LOLd at Regina poofing Emma and Neal. "You two. Out of the way!" Cut to them in the forrest looking confused.

That actress (one of the Charmed girls?) did a great job as Younger Cora. This show has excellent casting directors!

[Tableau]

Justifiable homicide! And I'm sticking to it!

[irisheyes]

Wow, Snow, never knew you had it in you. Here I was thinking she was being a softie again, then BOOM! I will miss Barbara Hershey in this role. She was fantastic.

And, Snow, if you thought Regina hated you before, you ain't seen nothin' yet. I. cannot. wait.

[MisterGlass]

Excellent episode. The emotional scene between Rumple and Belle, then Rumple and Bae, made my eyes water. Cora's death was shocking but perfect. Oh, Snow!

Great acting by everybody!

[deb50]

Yeah, the phone call got to me. Not quite to the level of the famous Desmond/Penny phone call, but touching none the less.

Edited by deb50, Mar 10, 2013 @ 8:05 PM.

[Jupiter84]

So sad Cora never got to feel love for/from Regina and vice versa.

I love young Cora, I hope they find a way to bring Rose McGowen back, she did a great job. Now I'm wondering if Regina is Rumple's kid and Cora just lied about it.

[Devon Rose]

Now that is a reason to hate Snow White.

Having said that I still don't find Snow's actions all that dark given the alternative. It was clear that Cora was all about becoming the Dark One and that she was using Regina to help her do it.

Also, can I just say that I am so happy that Regina is NOT Rumple's daughter because that would have been too much.

[mustbekarma]

Damn. That was cold of Snow. I understand why Snow did it. The only way to get the heart back into Cora was via Regina. While I feel sorry for Regina, I don't empathize with her all that much. Regina chose her side. She chose evil, and so did Cora. While it was cruel, it was the only way to stop Cora. Snow could have just given Regina the heart sans curse, and maybe Cora would have changed. But maybe Cora wouldn't.

I get why Snow feels badly about her decision, but I don't condemn her for it. People have made way worse choices in this show, and killing an enemy who happened to be a mass murderer is just not one of the choices that even make the top 10.

I just loved Gold's conversations with Neal and Belle. My allergies were triggering during that time, for some strange reason. Sniff.

[Arline]

Holy crap! What an exciting (and weirdly-erotic) episode!

[xqueenfrostine]

GREAT episode. My favorite this season. Maybe even my favorite period. We've wanted to see Rumplestiltskin's traditional fairy tale Once-style for ages and this was no disappointment. The chemistry between Rumplestiltskin and Young Cora was crackling with energy. So much better than anything we've seen between he and Belle. I loved it. Made me so sad to see Cora go this episode. Crumple is a ship I could have gotten behind! Rumpbelle may have their sweet moments, and it obviously brings out the best in Rumple, but I find it equal parts creepy and boring to watch. I weep that we never got the chance to see what Cora and Rumple could have been like. They would have been a powerhouse of Win.

And holy shit Snow! While I agreed with many viewers that the writers were overplaying the killing Cora = evil, the means she took to get Cora's heart back into her body through Regina was darker than I expected from Snow. I don't know what else she could have done with the hand she was given, but still. I was glad she realized that such ruthlessness was not like her soon after ward. I don't think I could have handled a Dark Snow arc of episodes. Ginny Goodwin's Sweet is so much better than her Mean.

But my heart still broke for Cora and Regina in the end.

The only thing I didn't really care for in the episode is the age they made Princess Eva. She looked way too old to explain the visible age difference between Cora and Eva last week, and the age made her bullying far less understandable. You expect kids, even otherwise nice kids, to have moments of real brattiness at whatever tween age Snow was supposed to have been around the time her mother died. Tripping people on purpose in your late teens or or early twenties is something else. It makes me wonder how she grew up to be the woman we saw last week.

[Writing Wrongs]

Regina was a dumbass. She just saw Cora pick the dagger over her in the scuffle and yet she still does what her mother says.

Did Regina drive to the vault? I kept waiting for her to apparate. I hate the way they pick and choose when to use magic, like with last episode's digging.

Thank God Regina is not Rumpel's.

Yay, Snow! Way to manipulate.

[Chicken Wing]

You know, when I read that Rose McGowan was going to play young Cora, I was like "Whaa?" But she really does look like Barbara Hershey for some reason. Nice job. And I like that Cora is just a rotten person to the core, always was, and for no reason. No weird abusive magic-obsessed mother to explain her damaged soul like with Regina. Cora's just an angry bitch. Cool.

Regina's soft spot really, truly is her mother. Why else would she have so easily fallen for Snow's idea about putting Cora's heart back in her body? Find out if your mother really loves you? Like, what does that even have to do with the attempted murder going on down the street? Focus, Regina! But on the plus side, at least now, finally, after 40 years or whatever, Regina has a legitimate reason to hate Snow White. Yay!

David continues to be hilariously ineffectual as The Hero. He and Hook should collaborate on a song called "All We Do Is Get Knocked Unconscious (But We Look Cute Doing It)."

The only thing I didn't really care for in the episode is the age they made Princess Eva. She looked way too old to explain the visible age difference between Cora and Eva last week, and the age made her bullying far less understandable.

Seriously. When Cora objected that Eva was "a child," I was like, huh?

Edited by Chicken Wing, Mar 10, 2013 @ 8:13 PM.

[MDKNIGHT]

I know she's a villain and has had a bunch of chances but Lana plays Regina so well that I can't help feeling bad for her. She would have been so happy with a loving mother and a loving son. Now she has nothing but her vengence. I wouldn't feel as bad for her except I feel like Rumple gets to have everything (his son, his grandson, his magic, his power, and potentially his love back)without really having to give anything up. I didn't feel he really suffered to get to keep everything. I don't feel he's earned what he has.

[DrScheme]

Damn. That was cold of Snow. I understand why Snow did it. The only way to get the heart back into Cora was via Regina. While I feel sorry for Regina, I don't empathize with her all that much. Regina chose her side. She chose evil, and so did Cora. While it was cruel, it was the only way to stop Cora. Snow could have just given Regina the heart sans curse, and maybe Cora would have changed. But maybe Cora wouldn't.

I get why Snow feels badly about her decision, but I don't condemn her for it. People have made way worse choices in this show, and killing an enemy who happened to be a mass murderer is just not one of the choices that even make the top 10.

I watch this show for Regina and I have to say I agree with this. Perfectly played out by the writers.

Cora and Regina looked SO HAPPY. BH actually looked like a light switch had been turned on. Regina looked genuinely optimistic. And BAM!!!! I can see why Snow did what she did. Having Regina be the one to kill her own mother was cruel but there really was no other way. At the same time I can see why Regina's hatred of her will never abate now. And based on the promo it looks like Regina is so hungry for revenge that not even Henry's presence is going to stop her.

Should be REALLY good.

And also really enjoyed Cora's backstory.

I know she's a villain and has had a bunch of chances but Lana plays Regina so well that I can't help feeling bad for her. She would have been so happy with a loving mother and a loving son. Now she has nothing but her vengence. I wouldn't feel as bad for her except I feel like Rumple gets to have everything (his son, his grandson, his magic, his power, and potentially his love back)without really having to give anything up. I didn't feel he really suffered to get to keep everything. I don't feel he's earned what he has.

IA on your feelings on Regina. I always feel for her even when she makes her own bed.

He murdered his ex-wife and countless others. He's engineered things that have affected a world full of people but he's immune from Karma. You summed up my issue with Gold. Though i have to say I didn't think they had chemistry but that scene between he and Cora at the spinning wheel was chilling but in that scene laden with a kind of chemistry.

Edited by DrScheme, Mar 10, 2013 @ 8:16 PM.

[MisterGlass]

True, Cora was never someone who could be imprisoned, and she's already killed at least one person since coming to Storybrooke. She had to be killed to be stopped. But by using Regina as the weapon, Snow has done something genuinely hurtful. She used her own honest and caring persona too.

It was such a taught episode, with not a single slow scene. The flashbacks, which sometime seem unnecessary, were perfect here. The younger Cora had ferocity and ruthlessness before she ever met Rumple, all she needed was a little magic. Their eerie interactions made a great undercurrent to the action in the present.

And I once again appreciate Robert Carlyle's ability to show the different stages of Rumple during his long life. Rose McGowan really embodied young Cora.

[mustbekarma]

And I like that Cora is just a rotten person to the core, always was, and for no reason. No weird abusive magic-obsessed mother to explain her damaged soul like with Regina. Cora's just an angry bitch. Cool.

Cora was always angry with a lousy survival instinct. Don't yell at the king, girlfriend. The royals may have been dicks, but they had the power, and she didn't at the time. Cora then brags she can spin straw into gold. Really? I guess Regina does take after her mother. Both make lousy choices and blame others for them.

I kind of loved Henry's dad, just because he recognized Cora at the ball.

[Terpsichory]

Yeah! Cora's dead; I hope she stays dead. She was the worst actress on the show. But now I know why she was a one note actress; she had no heart!
Rose McGowan was great as young Cora. She had her mannerisms down pat. Good to see the back story. Cora choose evil.
Loved Rumple & Belle's phone call. That should restore her memories. But I thought young Cora & Rumple had much better chemistry!
Evil Snow... Could get interesting!

[Fable]

I’m not sure what to make of this episode It certainly was intense.

For starters, I am glad they didn’t really try to make Cora out to be sympathetic, but it irritated me that they made Princess Eva (who I assume went on to become Queen Eva) come off as such a snobbish bitch when just the last episode they tried to paint her as so pure of heart. Was that really necessary?

I don’t know how I feel about Cora dying though, I love the actress and the way she portrayed the character. I really enjoyed the back story between Rumpel and Cora though, and thought the actress who played young Cora was a good likeness.

One thing that distracted me, was the fact that Cora’s hair was red in the beginning of the episode but by the end it was brown. Did I imagine that?

I thought the exchanges between Rumpel and Belle, and then Rumpel and Bae played out nicely and were very touching.

[Senna]

Good episode; best one in a while, in my opinion.

As expected, Cora was the one to die. I liked her backstory; Rose McGowan was perfect for the role, and I'm glad they didn't try to make her too sympathetic. She had reason to be angry with the royalty (less with Eva of course, than the king who was going to have her put to death for telling a lie) and I liked her gumption, but the ambition that overruled everything else was there from the beginning. Also, so SO glad Regina is not Rumpel's daughter.

(As for Eva, I wonder if we'll have some flashbacks bridging how she went from a mean brat to Miss Sweetness-and-light.)

Rumpel was great all episode. The RumpelxBelle phone call was especially touching. I'd say Rumpel's taste in women has improved over the years; YMMV depending on how you see Belle, of course, but at least she doesn't seem likely to put a dagger in his heart.

I don't think Snow killing Cora is dark, but making Regina strike the blow unknowingly was a pretty backhanded way to do it; not Snow's style, certainly. Not going to argue Regina and Cora didn't deserve it, but I can see why Snow would feel conflicted afterward. And then again, being conflicted about doing something like that basically says she's not gone "dark."

[notwisconsin]

Regina's grandfathers were assholes.

[Solidify]

I liked how the writers made me feel sorry for Cora without going overboard. She was still a villain, even while young. Although the rich people were snobby and rude to her, she couldn't just laugh it off or let it go, she had to get revenge.

But Cora's father was perpetually lazy and looks like her entire family line is very fucked up. Poor Cora. "You would have been enough." and then BAM - dead.

Cora dying was a little surprising for me. I thought for sure it was going to be something like, Snow accidentally killing Ruby or Granny in the crossfire while trying to stab Cora. And then Henry would have to watch. So wow show, for surprising me.

[Digital Am]

What an episode! Wow!
I'm surprised it *was* Cora...I didn't think they'd kill her off yet...I wonder if we truly have seen the last of her...Like Mother, Like Daughter...
Regina's comin' for you Fairest of Them All....Watch yourself...

Wait, are we to conclude that Cora was Eva's sister in law? Eva was the Princess already, while Henry was the Prince (by being her brother?)

Oh Snow...I really didn't think you'd go through with it, and knew once you blew out the candle, that giving Cora's heart to Regina (ok the pleading to her) was a ruse...*Sigh*
Credit where credit is due, she certainly struggled with the decision, and tried to stop Regina at the last minute..Just nowhere near close time-wise...
(Rumple, you just suck. If you hurt Henry....)
More credit to the writers and Bae - "I'm still angry" but yeah...
And Emma's "You're family now....I'm gonna save you."

I'm *Very* glad they didn't go with screwing up the family tree anymore than they already had.
Had they done so...
Regina would have been:
Balefire's Paternal 1/2 Sister
Henry's Paternal 1/2 Aunt
Henry's Adoptive Mother
Henry's Step-Great Grandmother
(Yes, I figured it all out in the last commercial break...It was going to bother me immensely otherwise).

ITA with everyone who cannot *WAIT* until next week! Is it Sunday the 17th yet?
I'm also excited to read the recaplet and recap coming up.

Edited by Digital Am, Mar 10, 2013 @ 8:33 PM.

[Aut235]

The irony of Cora being killed by the candle she gave to Snow all those years ago. I don't blame Snow for her choice, there was no right answer and sometimes to be the hero you have to make the hard calls.

I really liked the casting of Rose McGowan as young Cora, she was spot on and I liked that she was driven and cold before she even met Rumple. We definitely know where Regina gets it from!

I did tear up during the phone call to Belle. That was so sweet, and I'm glad that Bae and Emma got to see that side of him. I love how complex his character his.

[stealinghome]

It was the wrong reaction to cheer wildly after Snow totally played Regina, right? Right? Actually, I was a fan of Snow's first plan: take control of Cora's heart and let Rumpel die. It was totally perfect. I doubt Henry has gotten so attached to Rumpel in the what, twelve hours he's known him as his grandpa that he wouldn't have gotten over it.

Otherwise, really nice episode, though I'm bummed that the whole young Cora thing was actually her loving Rumpel--I wanted her to be playing him the whole time. But it did make the end more poignant.

I LOLd at Regina poofing Emma and Neal. "You two. Out of the way!" Cut to them in the forrest looking confused.

Yeah, that was a nice touch of comic relief, though I'm not sure why it took Cora ten minutes to do what she and Regina did in ten seconds (get through the magic door)...or why she didn't just poof them all away at the first sign of resistance.

I guess I am glad Snow has learned something about how to manipulate people after all of those years of being on the other end. Hey Regina, do this and your mother will love you and you'll be able to make a loving family for Henry. Way to hit at the soft spots.

Yeah, that was really impressive. Regina got played bigtime. Go Snow!

The emotional scene between Rumple and Belle, then Rumple and Bae, made my eyes water.

Yeah, that was well done, even if Rumpel didn't deserve to have either moment. The way MRJ reverted to 14 years old when he said "I didn't think you'd go back on your deal" was really nice, and somehow I thought JM had some great body language overhearing (but pointedly not watching) both conversations.

Loved Daddy Charming giving Neal the eye all episode and being all watchful over Emma. He would totally string Neal up by his heels if Emma said to!

Also, can I just say that I am so happy that Regina is NOT Rumple's daughter because that would have been too much.

Oh God, co-signed. I was SO afraid.

But on the plus side, at least now, finally, after 40 years or whatever, Regina has a legitimate reason to hate Snow White.

Ha! There is this. I was actually thinking to myself "Well, Snow, if she's going to hate you forever regardless, might as well do some of the deeds she blames you for!"

Regina was a dumbass. She just saw Cora pick the dagger over her in the scuffle and yet she still does what her mother says.

But I think that moment was in her mind when she took Cora's heart back and put it back in Cora.

Rumpel really went into Seducer mode around Cora SUPER quickly, didn't he?

[HoneyB]

I don't think Snow had any good options. If Cora became The Dark One they were all pretty much dead. Cora would never let her get close enough to put her heart back in so manipulating Regina to do it was about all she could do. Rumple looked rather shocked when it happened. I don't think he thought Snow had it in her. I hope we don't get too much of Snow's guilt. She did what she had to do to save her family. I think the guilt will come because it looked like she kind of enjoyed sticking it to Regina for a minute or two.

I love the phone call withe Belle and the hand holding with Bae. Ir is rather ironic that Rumple ended up with the dark powers and the love of Belle and his son while Cora ended up without love and never enough power.

I also liked Emma telling Rumple he was family now. It will be interesting if he gets pulled to much to the dark side and throws it away.

Edited by HoneyB, Mar 10, 2013 @ 8:31 PM.

[Deirbhile]

Also, can I just say that I am so happy that Regina is NOT Rumple's daughter because that would have been too much.

I can't actually watch until tomorrow, but I was following on Twitter, and the tweet stream exploded for about three heart-stopping minutes with "OMG, he's Regina's father!"

So, so, SO happy that was not the case.

[Terpsichory]

I watched every episode, but I'm lost (no pun intended) What was Princess Eva's story last week?

[xqueenfrostine]

I know she's a villain and has had a bunch of chances but Lana plays Regina so well that I can't help feeling bad for her. She would have been so happy with a loving mother and a loving son. Now she has nothing but her vengence. I wouldn't feel as bad for her except I feel like Rumple gets to have everything (his son, his grandson, his magic, his power, and potentially his love back)without really having to give anything up. I didn't feel he really suffered to get to keep everything. I don't feel he's earned what he has.

I totally agree about Rumple. With Nealfire apparently on his way to forgiving him, it feels like he's gotten away scot free for all of the evil he's orchestrated in order to get him back. He's never had to pay the kind of price that other villains on this show do.

Cora and Regina looked SO HAPPY. BH actually looked like a light switch had been turned on. Regina looked genuinely optimistic. And BAM!!!! I can see why Snow did what she did. Having Regina be the one to kill her own mother was cruel but there really was no other way. At the same time I can see why Regina's hatred of her will never abate now. And based on the promo it looks like Regina is so hungry for revenge that not even Henry's presence is going to stop her.

Should be REALLY good.

Yes, Yes, Yes! While I love Snow, I also love Evil Regina! I can't want to see how Lana Parilla will glow playing her out as a villain with a sympathetic vendetta. Her arc this season has been rather meh, and now I'm so excited to see her get back on track. The rest of the season is shaping up to be awesome.

One thing that distracted me, was the fact that Cora’s hair was red in the beginning of the episode but by the end it was brown. Did I imagine that?

I think it's the lighting. Barbara Hershey has auburn hair which can often look brown or red depending on how much direct lighting hits it.

I watched every episode, but I'm lost (no pun intended) What was Princess Eva's story last week?

Princess Eva grew up to be Snow's mom.

Edited by xqueenfrostine, Mar 10, 2013 @ 8:30 PM.

[dananj]

Jupiter84 Regina is not Rumpies kid because if she was he would have been able to take Regina when she was born.

Rose McGowan did a great job as young Cora. I wonder if she watched Cora scenes in preparation for this role. Rumple is turning out to be a real ladies man. :P It's interesting that the two great loves after he became the Dark One were with two women who couldn't be any more opposites. Belle is one of the kindest and purest characters(probably a tie with Snow) and Cora, even with a heart, is one of the most calculating and manipulative characters. In his conversation with Belle, I think, it's shown that he loves Belle because she saw good in him and made him want to actually be better. In his interactions with Cora it seems he loved her because she loved him for who he really was, didn't expect him to change, and he didn't feel he needed to be ashamed of himself when he was with her. I think the fact that he loved them both gives a lot of depth and says so much about his character.