Tag: curse

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 22 Series Finale: “A Second Chance”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 22 series finale last night, Regina gets it right when she says, “This isn’t an ending.  I hate endings because then your story’s done.”  She reminds us that our stories are far from over and it’s not exactly a new beginning, as Emma suggested, but really more of “a second chance.”  I have to say that this series finale was an emotional roller coaster for me, reminding me why I fell in love with this show in the first place and why it will always remain a favorite for me for years to come.  Please note major spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s series finale, “Leaving Storybrooke,” Alice and Robin try to find some help for their family and realize how complicated it is to explain time travel.  Meanwhile, Rumple and Nook try to break out of the snow globe and Regina desperately attempts to get through to alter-ego Henry before he does something he can never take back.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 22 series finale are:

5

“Our story was so short.  Doesn’t make it any less epic.”

Alter-ego Henry has a lot of bottled up anger and plans on taking it out on Regina.  He blames her for all of his problems and thinks that ending her life will bring him some kind of satisfaction.  Regina doesn’t give up and reminds him that in another realm she is his mother.  In a touching moment she says, “You’ve saved me.  Please let me save you now.”  Henry initially turns his mother away, leaving her alone in a prison cell.  While Regina is dreaming, Robin visits her, as he is always still in her heart.  She tells him how much she has missed him and explains she may be joining him.  Regina clearly remembers being a villain and starts to think that maybe this is what she deserves.  However, the goodness in her is articulated by Robin, who tells her that she was able to move her dark actions to the light and that was all because of her.  He tells her that “her life is proof that no one’s path is set,” foreshadowing some of the events to occur later on.  Robin provides Regina with the strength she needs when it seems like the world is against her.  When he tells her how epic their love was, I have to admit that the tears already started coming.  While it seems beyond unfair that these two cannot be together, Robin will always be in Regina’s heart, reminding her that her new path is one of goodness and love.

4

Mad Archer gets their happy ending.

While I was initially hesitant about all of the changes in season 7, Mad Archer always kept me smiling and cheering for them.  Alice and Robin are beyond adorable and their love is pure and innocent.  They have an undeniable friendship and will do anything to protect the other.  In an absolutely swoon-worthy moment, Robin asks Nook for his blessing to marry Alice and he happily agrees.  Nook’s heart is severely weakened from the curse, but Robin reassures him, “no matter what you are walking Alice down that aisle!”  While we don’t get to see the wedding for these two, I am hoping that a spin-off or special may be in their future?  If not, it is definitely something to consider as these two beautiful and courageous women turn browsing a bookstore into an adventure.  Who wouldn’t want to watch these two lovelies take on the world?  Either way, we know that they have earned their happily ever after and they are responsible for saving Nook and the others from the snow globe, proving that they can be quite resourceful and convincing.  Of course they do have an assist from the absolutely fabulous Zelena, who doesn’t turn away from an opportunity to take a Selfie or to help her daughter from the future.  While they may have unintentionally angered Grumpy after destroying his lunch, one can’t help but fall in love with these two, as they will stop at nothing to protect the ones they love.  Their awkwardness makes them that much more adorable, proving that these two are truly meant for one another.  Well deserved Mad Archer!

3

“We heard you needed some help.”

After breaking out of the snow globe, Henry rushes off to save his mother, Regina.  He runs into a little trouble on the way and is saved by his grandparents, Snow White and Prince Charming!  While I was expecting them to turn up sooner or later, I was squealing and cheering for two of my favorite characters.  Snow and Charming bring together a round table to discuss their plan of action and look around them to see friends who used to be enemies, a new generation, and new friends who remind them of old friends, allowing Nook to take his rightful place at the table.  They learn that Wish Rumple’s plan is to use alter-ego Henry’s emotions against him so that he can cast a spell that will trap every single hero in their own portal or prison of loneliness.  He tests the spell out on poor Blue who doesn’t even really get a chance to interrupt, but it’s clear that this fate ends with all of our favorite characters winding up alone.  Snow White explains that they need to remind everyone not to lose hope and that they just have to believe to succeed.  While Snow White is certainly keeping a positive attitude here, Wish Rumple is ready to unleash his spell on every hero who has ever gotten in his way.

2

“A weak coward will not be the Rumplestiltskin the world remembers.”

Rumple refuses to let Wish Rumple win.  As the portals are all opened, Regina finally gets through to alter-ego Henry and ends the initial threat.  However, Wish Rumple is not about to give up that easily.  Our Rumple explains that he has evolved and is ready to do what’s right.  He even calls Wish Rumple “crocodile!”  He knows that he will be giving up his chance to see Belle again, but is finally ready to embrace the goodness that has been trying to surface for so long.  It’s about time.  Rumple makes the ultimate sacrifice and rips out his own heart.  This destroys Wish Rumple and he gives his heart to Nook who is dying after holding on to Alice so she wouldn’t go through the portal.  The curse between Nook and Alice is broken and Nook is healed.  Earlier Rumple revealed to Nook, “you were the closest thing I ever had to a friend,” which is heartwarming enough, but when Rumple sacrifices his own heart to save his dear friend, his goodness has finally shined through.  Rumple is gone but not forgotten and Regina thanks him for saving them and whispers to him that he does deserve his happy ending.  Belle is waiting for Rumple in the afterlife and the reunion between these two is simply beautiful.  They share a kiss and fade away to their next adventure.  Even though Rumple is gone, his story will live on and he is not alone anymore.  Robin’s earlier words to Regina about no one’s path being set come true here, proving that the greatest of all villains can become a hero one can be proud of.

1

“I now crown you The Good Queen.”

After the threat with Wish Rumple is finally over, Regina recognizes that they still need to figure out how to get everyone back to their right time and place.  However, she suddenly has a better idea and realizes that they need to cast one more curse.  Only this time everyone will willingly offer up a small piece of their heart for it to work.  The magic can bring everyone together, allowing all of the realms to exist in Storybrooke.  Regina talks about Storybrooke being a secret place tucked away in a forgotten corner in Maine and that’s what fairy-tales are.  They are secretly tucked away under our bed or on our bookshelf and it’s up to us to dust them off and discover mystery and adventure with each new story.  All of the pages come together to make a true collection and to bring together our favorite characters, opening our eyes to the unimaginable.  They give us something to believe in and everyone believes in Regina right now after she is able to successfully bring them all together.  Regina is the new elected ruler to her surprise and everyone is here to support her.  The Evil Queen has truly become “The Good Queen.”  Emma rushes in fashionably late with Hook and their baby, Hope, bringing cheers to OUAT fans everywhere.  After Regina talks about this being “a second chance” rather than an ending, she brings us back to all of the moments that made us cheer, laugh, and cry.  She says, “I refuse to believe there won’t be more adventures, more love, more family, and yes there will be more loss because that’s just a part of life and in the end we can get past it all with hope.”  While she speaks these words that really resonate with all of us, we flash back to some of those pivotal moments in Once Upon a Time, providing us with the perfect blend of nostalgia and closure. 

The series ends with us leaving Storybrooke and takes a moment to pass by the yellow bug and some of our favorite places in town, but it’s not goodbye.  We can always go back to Storybrooke anytime we want.  Our favorite characters still have untold stories that will continue on as long as we keep believing in them and passing them on to the next generation.  We all need something to believe in and OUAT truly sparked this in all of us, immersing us in a world filled with endless possibilities.  No one’s story is set in stone and we all have the chance to spread goodness to those people we love and to those people who may have some trouble believing.  It’s up to us to never give up and to continue to believe in magic and love, which will keep us strong even when the days don’t shine as brightly.  Thank you Once Upon a Time for giving us fans seven years of magic that will never be forgotten.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below.  Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 21: “We Don’t Negotiate with Villains”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 21 last night, Henry talks about the importance of finding one’s happy ending the right way.  Unfortunately not everyone shares this belief, which we quickly learn during the first half of the series finale.  While sometimes patience, hope, and good deeds can be enough to fulfill our days, some characters are not able to overcome the overwhelming sense of defeat and loneliness within them.  Perhaps we all have the potential to become a villain, only we surround ourselves with people we love and things that make us happy to remind us to stay on a good path.  It’s hard not to be sympathetic to those who wander off the path, however, which can lead to darkness.  While these villains may not realize the damage that they are causing before it’s too late, it’s up to the heroes still existing to fight for good to prevail.  And it’s also important to know when to ask for help, as none of us are in this alone.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Homecoming,” wish Rumple pays Henry a visit and offers him a deal.  Meanwhile, Rogers/Nook promises Tilly/Alice that he will find a way for their own curse to be broken, Tiana/Sabine has doubts about her purpose, and Rumple takes on the greatest enemy he will ever face…himself.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 21 are:

5

Wish Rumple threatens Henry.

Just as the curse is broken and everyone’s memory is restored, it seems like our happy ending is right around the corner.  Only there is one more test that everyone must face in order to obtain it.  Henry is beyond happy to be reunited with his wife, Ella and his daughter, Lucy, but wish Rumple takes advantage of his love for them and traps them in the wish realm.  He threatens Henry and explains that he will destroy his family unless he retrieves the Dark One’s dagger and brings it to him.  Henry finds reinforcements when he goes to Regina, Rumple, and Nook for help.  Regina reminds him that “we don’t negotiate with villains” and talks about the importance of sticking by your family and protecting it no matter what.  They decide to go into the wish realm to save Ella and Lucy, using Alice’s cracked looking glass as a portal.  While they do not really know what to expect on the other side of the portal, they are ready to face whatever or whoever gets in their way, including some familiar faces.

4

Old friends and enemies return.

In wish realm, Henry and the others come across several familiar faces that will have OUAT fans everywhere cheering.  While the end of the show is near, it’s important that we look back on all of our past friends and enemies who have shaped the show and made it what it is today.  While Nook gets some help from our old friend, Ariel, other not so friendly faces are lurking behind the corner.  Peter Pan warns them as soon as they get to wish realm and Cruella holds on to her fur coat, but not her hair color unfortunately, as Henry later strips the black from her hair, which is the ink he needs for the Author’s Pen.  While we know more familiar faces will be surfacing in next week’s series finale, these characters are not to be forgotten, as they provide us with a reminder and a sense of nostalgia of the earlier days of Once Upon a Time.

3

Rumple vs Rumple.

Rumple decides to have a talk with himself.  He explains that he doesn’t want to force the dagger on an innocent and is happy to hand it over to him.  He thinks that wish Rumple could be the loophole he has been searching for all along.  But is he really ready to make a deal with his darker self?  Rumple explains that the one enemy he can never defeat is himself and is ready to get the happy ending he has been searching for.  However, Rumple has a trick up his sleeve, as he uses the squid ink Ariel gave them to trap him.  Rumple is ready to defeat his alter-ego, but Regina walks in and wish Rumple escapes.  While we know it can’t be that easy to defeat wish Rumple, it’s important that our Rumple is taking the necessary steps to finally do the right thing after repeating his mistakes over and over.  Rumple truly loves Belle but is willing to sacrifice reuniting with her if it means saving his family.  This transformation reminds us that it’s never too late to do the right thing and that having people in our lives who support us can make all the difference.

2

“None of my wishes came true.”

Like our version of Rumple, wish Rumple has not revealed his true intentions up front.  We learn that he has another agenda and it involves Henry.  Henry’s emotions are running high, as he is worried about the safety of his family, clouding his good judgment in the process.  He makes the rash decision to obtain the Author’s Pen and is warned by the author to use it to record, but not create.  Wish Rumple has been after the Author’s Pen this entire time and uses wish realm Henry as his instrument of destruction.  Even though our version of Henry turned down Rumple’s deal, wish realm Henry never had a single wish come true and is broken from this.  He is desperate enough to make a deal with wish Rumple and to rewrite history.  We know this can be extremely dangerous and it’s up to our favorite heroes to put a stop to this before all of their stories are rewritten.  After all, words are very powerful, but the intent behind them is what gives them their true meaning.

1

Tilly and Margot are ready to save the day.

Tilly/Alice gets a pain within her and recognizes immediately that something has gone terribly wrong.  She and Margot/Robin go to Tiana for help.  Tiana has been having doubts about her new role as a queen, but puts this aside when she stands in front of her people and asks them for help.  Her words are inspiring and remind us that you don’t always have to possess magic in order to make a difference.  Tiana’s words are enough and a magic bean is turned over to help Tilly and Margot get to their friends to save the day.  Only they need to make a quick stop first to get some help from some friends.  Next stop Storybrooke!  I am beyond excited for the conclusion of the series finale next week, especially since some of our favorite characters will be returning.  While it’s bitter sweet to see the ending finally arrive, I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds.  How about you?  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 20: “Home isn’t a Place. It’s the People in it”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 20 last night, Henry’s words really described what this series is all about.  “That’s the thing about stories.  They’re more than words.  They live inside of us.  They make us who we are.  And as long as someone believes that…there will be magic.”  When you think about Once Upon a Time as it draws close to the series finale next week, you immediately think about believing in the impossible.  The fairy tales we grew up with sparked our own imagination and creativity, shaping who we have become even if we don’t always see it.  Words can be more powerful than we realize, allowing our feelings and stories to come alive across the page.  Even when this series ends, the stories will live on, reminding us of the importance of taking a leap of faith when the world seems to be quite mad.  It provides us with an escape that can inspire hope, love, and adventure.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Is This Henry Mills?” Regina desperately tries to get Henry to believe again but is running out of ideas.  Meanwhile, Rogers/Nook and Rumple recruit Margot to help save Tilly before it is too late and the ultimate villain is revealed.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 20 are:

5

“Because I can be very convincing.”

While helping Jacinda and Lucy pack for their trip with Henry, Sabine/Tiana is worried about Drew.  After Lucy reveals that the back-pack is from Drew, she finds a tarot card hidden inside.  Lucy immediately knows that this means that Samdi/Dr. Facilier will have an idea about what’s going on.  Jacinda and Sabine/Tiana go to confront Dr. Facilier who has nothing to hide at this point, recognizing that magic is about to resurface again.  He opens the closet door and reveals Drew gagged and tied up and suggests that the ladies join him.  While we know that Dr. Facilier’s ultimate goal is to obtain the Dark One’s dagger, what does he have to gain by holding these characters captive?  Is it merely to prevent them from getting in the way or did he have something else in store for them?  It looks like we may never find out, as Dr. Facilier’s own fate is about to take a cruel twist.  I wonder if he saw that coming in the cards.

4

“I’ve got nothing left to lose so let’s do this.”

Even though Regina is having trouble getting Henry to believe again, she refuses to give up.  She turns down Gothel’s offer to join her coven and chooses the side of humanity, proving once again that the Evil Queen has shed its wickedness and has embraced what it truly means to be a hero.  Even though Regina does not have magic in this world, she is not about to let Gothel win.  She stands up to her and faces her, but is wounded after Gothel attacks her.  While Regina may not be the hero to take down Gothel, her will to stand against her is commendable.

3

“I’m not like you.  You chose hate.  But I choose love.”

After Tilly courageously joined Gothel’s coven to protect her father’s life, she is now under some type of trance, trapped by the magic she is channeling.  Rogers/Nook tells her that he will come back for her and save her and is ready to finally take a leap of faith.  Rumple reveals to him that it’s all real and Rogers/Nook is finally ready to accept this and listen.  When he asks who he is from the other realm, Rumple says, “All you need to know right now is that you’re a survivor…Captain.”  Rogers and Rumple seek out the help of Margot, desperately hoping that she can get through to Tilly before it is too late.  We learn that after each witch sacrifices all of their power to the spell, they turn into a tree in the eternal grove and it’s only a matter of time before Tilly starts growing roots of her own.  Margot tries to talk Tilly out of this, recognizing that perhaps she is just having a really bad day and “maybe we can turn it into a good one.”  Tilly refuses, however; and flings her in the air, shrinking her enemies into almost non-existence, as she remains trapped by the magic consuming her.  When the curse is ultimately broken, Margot and Tilly remember themselves as Robin and Alice…or “Tower Girl.”  When the words, “I told you we’d always know each other” are spoken, you can’t help feeling an overwhelming sense of warmth and love for these two characters.  Their love for one another is so pure and good, proving that real love can truly conquer all.  This reunion is put on hold, however; as Gothel still remains to be a threat.  Gothel tries to tell Alice that she is like her and will not be able to defeat her, but Alice has her father and Robin by her side.  She chooses love and turns Gothel into a tree, hoping that she can grow into something beautiful again and ultimately find peace.   The curse is broken and Alice can finally be reunited with her father again and with her true love, Robin.  Well deserved!

2

“Don’t you want to believe?”

During the episode, we flash to another timeline where young Henry Mills is approaching graduation and deciding on whether or not he should leave Storybrooke or stay behind with his mother, Regina.  Regina has some doubts about Henry leaving, but she puts her feelings aside because all she really wants is for him to be happy.  Grown up Henry is still having trouble believing, even after he witnesses all of the magic around him.  Regina tries a memory potion and even digs up the “Once Upon a Time” second book from Victoria’s grave, desperately trying to help him remember who he is and what he believes in.  Nothing happens after all of these attempts and it seems like Henry’s belief may really be gone forever, as he is unable to deal with the grief of losing the family he thought he had.  However, Henry is failing to realize that his family has been right in front of him this whole time.  Regina tries to tell him that the curse is not just a land without magic, but that they were brought to a different time, bringing time travel into the mix, and bringing me back to Lost once again.  Henry looks at the adoption papers Regina left with him and decides to take a very own leap of faith of his own by calling the phone number listed.  Lost fans everywhere will remember the memorable moment in the episode, “The Constant,” where Desmond makes a phone call to Penny that saves his life and helps him remember who he is.  The connection he had to his love, Penny was enough to bring him back.  In Once Upon a Time, Henry is about to experience something very similar.  When he calls, he speaks to his younger self and provides him with some really great advice.  The conversation causes his memories to come flashing back to him, as he finally remembers who he is.  After Gothel attacks Regina, Henry rushes to her side and kisses her forehead, breaking the curse for good in a beautiful moment.  It was true love’s kiss after all, but for the mother who sacrificed everything for him.  Magic is back and so are the memories that had been hidden away for so long.  Young Henry gets it absolutely right when he says that “Storybrooke will always be with me.”  Not just with you Henry, but with all of us and it’s hard not to shed some tears as we approach the very end.  However, even though it seems like our happy ending has finally arrived, there is one more twist left.

1

“Did you really think a wish realm could hold me?”

After the curse is broken, Rumple realizes that the dagger is gone and immediately jumps to the conclusion yet again that Dr. Facilier is responsible.  Rumple is finally starting to realize that he may not be able to get back to Belle and he wants to focus his energy on the family he has here.  He even hesitates and doesn’t kill Dr. Facilier when he has the chance and Dr. Facilier mocks him by telling him, “You’re a shadow of your former self.”  Who said that words could never hurt you?  Dr. Facilier is stabbed with the dagger and the Dark One is responsible.  Rumple will literally need to face himself and destroy the evil of the Dark One once and for all, but is he powerful enough to do so?  We know that some of our favorite characters will be returning for the series finale next week.  I am beyond excited and can’t wait to see how the story finally ends.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below.  Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 18: “The Guardian”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 18 last night, Rumple gives up his chance at true freedom to protect someone else from losing hers, proving that even he can show signs of a pure heart.  Well maybe not completely pure, but his love for Belle is certainly pointing his moral compass in the right direction.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Guardian,” Rumple tries to get to the bottom of Hansel/Nick’s mysterious death while Henry begins to question everything, desperately seeking something real and concrete.  Meanwhile, Regina pays Dr. Facilier/Samdi a visit and Tilly/Alice and Margot/Robin enjoy an adventurous first date.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 18 are:

5

Rumple crosses paths with Dr. Facilier in the past.

In this episode, we learn more about Rumple’s past.  He has still been trying to find a way to free him from the dagger so he can be with his true love, Belle but is running out of time.  Even though Belle is gone, he finds comfort in speaking to her and reveals his most vulnerable thoughts to her, clinging to a connection.  Rumple’s thoughts are interrupted when Dr. Facilier shows up, reminding us that these two are no strangers in Hyperion Heights.  Rumple and Dr. Facilier discuss how the new guardian must be “pure of heart” and that she will need to be tested if he ever wants to see Belle again.  Rumple approaches the potential guardian, Alice with a test, desperate to save himself no matter what the cost.  In present day, Rumple discovers Hansel/Nick’s body and knows that this was no accident.  He finds a voodoo pin on the floor and immediately blames Dr. Facilier.  When he discovers that the dagger has gone missing, he refuses to sit by and play by the rules.

4

Tilly/Alice and Margot/Robin go on a first date.

Undeniable sparks have been flying between Tilly and Margot as soon as Margot arrives in town.  Margot even tells her mother, Zelena/Kelly that she wants to stay behind because of the potential budding romance.  When Margot asks Tilly to join her for a day on the town, she means business, as she even comments that she is wearing lip gloss for the occasion.  After a sugar-rushed treat, Tilly opens up and decides to show Margot her world.  She brings her to a bookstore and tells her how much she loves it because she can go anywhere in the world without moving from this very spot.  After Tilly has a minor breakdown, Margot reminds her that she is there for it all, including the bad.  She gives Alice a bracelet similar to the ones she collected around the world and tells her, “This felt like an adventure to me.”

3

“Don’t make me ask you a third time.”

After Rumple discovers that the dagger is missing, he immediately blames Dr. Facilier and tells Regina about his concerns.  He asks Regina for the magic she got from Dr. Facilier but she reminds him that this is the only thing in the world she has to try and save her son and his grandson, Henry.  Regina tries to do what is right and confronts Dr. Facilier who admits to killing Hansel/Nick but not to taking the dagger.  Regina takes him at his word, but is she being blinded by her unresolved feelings for him?  Rumple refuses to trust him, however; and steals the magic from Regina.  Later on when he realizes his mistake, he explains to Regina that he did what he had to do.  Regina is beyond angry, however; and tells him that he hasn’t changed a bit and that she’s done with it.  She tells Rumple, “you and I…we’re through,” and it looks like she means it.

2

Rumple makes the right choice.

After testing Alice, she passes with flying colors and is about to take on the responsibility of being the new guardian.  Rumple has a change of heart, however; and stops her from doing this.  He explains to her that “immortality is just another tower” and he can’t do that to her.  This moment is touching and leads to one where even Nook thanks him for doing the right thing and shakes his hand.  Rumple promises Belle that he will find another way for them to find each other again and it looks like his decision brought him one step closer to that.  Even though it may not seem that way, Rumple’s decision to choose goodness will lead him to his happy ending.  Only it just might take a while to actually achieve it.  In present day, Tilly/Alice is hearing a buzzing in her head and shows Rumple that the dagger appeared in her bag.  Rumple knows that Tilly is the true guardian, previously thinking it could have been Anastasia, but takes the dagger back and hides it away for now.  Will Rumple make the same right choice now in Hyperion Heights?  We’ll have to stay tuned, but Rumple’s path toward redemption is not over just yet.

1

Henry questions everything.

Henry doesn’t know what to believe after seeing the medical blood test report.  He goes down to the station to talk more to Hansel/Nick, but is shocked to learn that he is dead.  He asks Nook/Rogers if he can look around Nick’s apartment, which is clearly breaking the law and tampering with evidence, but Nook agrees all the same.  Henry is not the only one questioning everything around him, as Nook/Rogers reveals that a medical report showed that Hansel/Nick was stabbed in the heart from the inside which is simply not possible.  He asks a very important question, “What the hell’s going on in this town?” but it looks like we will need to wait for him to find out more.  At the end of the episode, Henry shows the blood test results to Jacinda and tells her that he even called the hospital to confirm their authenticity.  Henry finally realizes that Lucy was right all along and blurts out, “I am her father.”  It looks like it will only be a matter of time before everyone wakes up and realizes that they are stuck within another curse, but will they be able to break it without consequences?  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 13: “Operation Hyacinth”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 13 last night, it’s true that love can be blind in more ways than one.  In an effort to help others and find the killer, “Nook” ignores the very person who needs his help the most…his daughter.  While it’s clear that “Nook” will need to follow his heart to get to the truth, perhaps he needs to open his eyes as well to the girl who has been practically pleading with him for help.  But will it be too late once he figures it out?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Knightfall,” we learn more about Alice growing up locked in the tower and sympathize with Nook’s desire to help her, which even causes him to turn to one of his greatest enemies to do so.  Meanwhile, Ivy/Drizella tries to pick up the pieces and truly change for the better, Henry leans on Regina’s shoulder for some guidance, and Lucy finally goes to see the one person who can help her save her father.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 13 are:

5

“The calm before the storm.”

In the beginning of the episode, we learn more about Alice’s childhood and get a glimpse into her loving relationship with her father, “Nook.”  Mother Gothel’s curse prevents Alice from leaving the tower, but “Nook” is not about to give up without trying.  We learn that Alice is the one who created his beloved painting and they exchange their chess pieces before “Nook” goes off to find a way to save her.  “Nook” refers to his daughter as “my little rook” and tells her that she is “the bravest girl he knows.”  One cannot help but sympathize with “Nook,” who wants nothing more than to free his daughter from this magical prison.  As a result, he turns to one of his greatest enemies, Rumpel and is ready to “make a deal.”  While we know that we cannot trust the outcomes of Rumpel’s deals, “Nook” has no other choice but to try and see it through, not knowing where else to turn.

4

“I think it’s time we had a little talk.”

In present time, Nook/Rogers and Rumpel are trying to figure out who the killer is and what he or she wants with these witches before someone else is harmed.  Mother Gothel/Eloise shows up with beyond perfect timing and is willing to help them as long as she can talk to Nook/Rogers alone.  Rumpel begrudgingly agrees but is never too far away, as he has the camera working at all times to ensure he doesn’t miss anything.  While it’s clear that Mother Gothel/Eloise cannot be trusted, she seems very much invested in trying to get Nook/Rogers to realize who he is.  But what does she get out of this in return?  While we don’t know her true intentions just yet, she is playing the part for now and seems somewhat willing to help them stop the killer.

3

“You will fail her again and again.”

After striking up a deal with Rumpel, “Nook” learns that he needs to retrieve “Maui’s Fish Hook,” bringing the Moana story-line into the mix.  “Nook” quickly learns that another pirate possesses the magical weapon, Captain Ahab who is from Melville’s classic tale, Moby Dick.  Captain Ahab clearly doesn’t seem willing to part with the weapon and “Nook” warns that “it’s a dangerous thing to call me old man.”  After gambling to win the magical object, Captain Ahab is not about to leave without getting to the bottom of this.  He follows “Nook” and realizes that he had no intention of killing Rumpel aka “The Dark One.”  Nook’s pride gets in his way as the two participate in a pistol duel that determines “Nook” to be the winner but not without a consequence in the process.  Mother Gothel anticipated that Nook’s pride would get in the way of his true mission and poisoned the bullet he was struck by, which created the magical curse that causes him great pain whenever Alice is near.  “Nook” doesn’t want to believe that he will “fail her again and again” as Mother Gothel suggests, but in present day, he is currently failing to see the cries of help from Tilly.  What is it going to take to wake “Nook” up so he can help his daughter in present time?  Will his pride continue to get in the way?  It seems like Mother Gothel is banking on this, but “Nook” still has time to follow his heart and put his pride aside to help Tilly.

2

“I think you could be the hero I need.”

After her mother, Victoria’s death, Ivy/Drizella is left alone to pick up the pieces.  Henry goes to visit her when she is cleaning out her mother’s office and Ivy/Drizella tries to make romantic advances toward him to deal with her grief.  Henry gently turns her down, but offers to still help her.  Ivy really is a “wounded bird” at this point in time, not knowing what to do with her life.  She finally realizes that her mother loved her all along and Henry suggests that she now try to make connections and amends with the rest of her family, which seems like a good starting point.  After having a heart-to-heart conversation with Jacinda that ends in a believable hug, Ivy/Drizella is ready to “be the best person she can be.”  The next step is to find her sister, Anastasia and Ivy/Drizella needs Henry’s help to do so.  Has Ivy really turned over a new leaf?  I’m hoping so, as we could really use her help to balance out the forces of good and evil.

1

“Operation Hyacinth.”

Just when it seemed like Henry and Jacinda were ready to share true love’s kiss, Lucy intervened when she found the page of the fairy-tale book that revealed that Henry would die if this were to happen.  Lucy now tells her mother that she no longer wants her to see Henry, which is clearly breaking her heart.  At the end of the episode, Lucy turns to the only person who can help her…Regina.  She tells Regina what is going on and shows her the page, learning that Regina is awake.  Regina is happy to help and tells her that when you save people, that “makes you a Mills.”  “Operation Hyacinth” is on and Regina and Lucy are ready to help give Henry and Jacinda the happy ending they deserve.  It’s about time!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 10 winter finale: You just need to believe

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 10 last night, I am wondering if every curse can really be broken.  True love’s kiss or belief in the impossible is not always enough.  Rather, sacrifices need to be made for the greater good.  But can our favorite characters from OUAT make these difficult choices?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, we learn about the moments leading up to the curse and how it was cast.  The power of the coven of 8 is introduced and an old friend is back to help.  Meanwhile, Rumpel enlists the help of Anastasia, Robin and Alice are revealed to be in love, and poor Lucy is still in a coma.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 10 are:

5

Zelena is back.

When Regina took Henry to San Francisco to enlist some help, fans were excited because we knew Zelena would be the one she goes to.  In Zelena’s new life, she is an exercise peddling instructor and even tells her class to fly like monkeys.  Zelena is hesitant about stepping out of her new life.  Regina uses MacCutcheon whiskey to bring back her memories.  Lost fans will be pleased once again with this Easter egg as Charles Widmore’s liquor of choice is getting quite a bit of screen time this season.  When Zelena remembers who she is, she confides to her sister that she is about to get married and enjoys her new life, complicating her choice.  Zelena ultimately decides to help her sister, but it is clear that she will want to return to the simple life she has come to know and love here in San Francisco.

4

Rumpel tries to help Anastasia unleash her magic.

Rumpel is convinced that Anastasia is the guardian and this will ultimately help him achieve his own destiny.  However, he recognizes that Ana is the only one who can save Lucy right now.  He lays out several knives on the table in front of her and explains that “all you have to do is tell me which one of these has magic.”  Lost fans will recall a similar conversation when Richard Alpert goes to visit John Locke as a child and lays out several items on a table and asks “which one of these items belongs to you already?” Whether this was intentional or just familiar, this scene allowed us to see exactly what Ana is capable of.  It is clear that she is overflowing with magic and is unsure how to control it all.  Will her powers be used for good or evil? 

3

Gothel proves to be a worthy foe.

Ana’s childish innocence gets in the way later when Drizella tries to trick her into giving away her magic.  However, Gothel double crosses her and gives Ana all of Drizella’s power, hoping to unleash the full force of the coven of 8.  The symbol of the coven of 8 has been surfacing all over the place, but it is clear that unleashing their dark magic will be a threat to our favorite OUAT characters.  Regina and Zelena are powerful witches, but can they defeat an entire coven?  Who else will be joining?  Once again, Gothel proves to be a worthy opponent and leaves viewers wondering what else she has in store for everyone.

2

Regina is the one who unleashed the curse.

When Regina and the others confront Gothel and Drizella, they prove they are going to fight for what they believe in and keep the curse from happening.  Regina challenges them asking, “You want a witch fight?  Happy to oblige!”  However, Drizella and Gothel anticipate this and capture Henry, poisoning him in the process.  The only cure for him is a land without magic.  To Regina’s horror, she realizes that she is left with the impossible choice of letting her son die or casting the curse herself to save him.  The good in Regina and the unconditional love she has for her son are weaknesses that Drizella and Gothel were counting on.  The other characters completely understand her decision and cling to each other, hoping that they can find each other again once the curse takes place.

1

“Every curse can be broken.  You just need to believe.”

Henry immediately leaves San Francisco when he learns that Lucy is in a coma.  He rushes to Jacinda’s side to comfort her.  When he is left alone with Lucy, he reads to her from his “Once Upon a Time” book and knows exactly which passage to start with.  His love for Lucy is clearly one of a father’s, even though he doesn’t realize it yet.  He will do anything to help her and even tells her that he will believe that he is her father in another world if she will just wake up.  He kisses her on the forehead but true love’s kiss is not enough here.  Lucy’s own beliefs had been shattered previously, preventing this magic from waking her up.  Regina later reveals that if the curse is broken, Henry will die, but if it remains, Lucy will be its victim.  Once again, this leaves Regina with an impossible choice.  How will she be able to choose between her son and her granddaughter?  Is there another way around this?  We will have to wait until new episodes return to find out, but if anyone can unearth a way, it’s Regina.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl