Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 15: “Operation Bromance”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 15 last night, it’s important to remember that even if you have made mistakes all throughout your life, it’s never too late to do something good to help tip the scale.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Sisterhood,” we learn about how Ivy/Drizella joined the coven and how she crossed paths with another fairy-tale favorite, Gretel.  Meanwhile, Regina and Lucy take a break from “Operation Hyacinth” to bring “Operation Bromance” into the mix to help cheer up Henry at “Flynn’s Arcade,” straight out of the film, Tron.  Doctor Facilier continues to work on earning the trust of those around him, but not without making a dangerous enemy in the process and the masked killer is finally revealed.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 15 are:

5

“Your clandestine boyfriend…when were you going to tell me about this?”

After learning that Doctor Facilier is after the Dark One’s dagger, Regina needed to decide whether or not to involve Rumpel.  She does tell him what’s going on, but it’s clear that Rumpel is not pleased that she waited so long.  After all, Rumpel always knows more about keeping secrets than anyone else.  Rumpel gets a lead on Anastasia and explains to Regina that they need to find her before Ivy does to prevent her power from being unleashed into the wrong hands.  Even though Doctor Facilier is working very hard to win over the trust of Regina, Rumpel trusts him about as far as he can throw him.  The two come face to face and a new rivalry has emerged:  Rumpel vs Facilier, who will win?

4

“Operation Bromance is a go.”

Lucy confides in Regina that she feels awful about keeping her mother and father apart, but Regina assures her that she is doing the right thing until they can figure out a way to break the curse without harming Henry.  While Jacinda has Lucy to cheer her up, Lucy is worried about her father, Henry.  Thus creating, “Operation Bromance.”  Back in the world prior to the curse, Regina explains that Henry’s two best friends were Nook/Rogers and Jack/Nick.  Lucy strategically texts them all to get them down to “Flynn’s Arcade” in an effort to provide Henry with some much needed fun.  Henry is not initially pleased saying, “she literally texted me into the friend zone,” but Lucy has good intentions.  After a while, Henry begins to relax and have a good time with his friends, making “Operation Bromance” a success, until he makes wagers about who will walk through the door next.

3

“The next girl who walks through the door, I’m going to ask her out.”

In walks Jacinda, as if straight out of a cheesy romantic comedy flick that makes you cry even though you’ll never admit it.  The lighting is just right, her hair has just the right amount of bounce, and she smiles at Henry so brilliantly that you can practically see stars in their eyes.  Fate has brought these two crazy kids together again and the begin talking about odds and chances, proving that you make your own luck, but sometimes destiny has a funny way of not letting go until nature runs the right course.  While it’s great to see this moment between Jacinda and Henry, it’s dangerous for them to be together until Regina and Lucy can break the curse.  But will they be too late?

2

“I guess you underestimated the power of sisterhood.”

Just as Ivy/Drizella has announced that she will make amends and do good, temptation comes her way several times throughout the episode, making her choices that much more important.  She initially turns down Gothel’s deal and takes a stand against her, refusing to make the same mistake she did when she killed Gretel to join the coven.  Even though Ivy/Drizella is standing alone, she needs to stay strong in order to survive.  However, this becomes difficult when the killer targets her next.  Luckily, her pepper spray and stiletto heel provide just the right amount of back-up to get away, but Ivy/Drizella is clearly feeling vulnerable now that she knows her life is in immediate danger.  With perfect timing, Doctor Facilier approaches her and offers her up a deal.  He explains that she can use a magic bean to escape to another realm, but she will need to sacrifice her sister, Anastasia to do so.  Doctor Facilier tries to manipulate her decision by explaining that Ana will die either way, but at least she can survive in one outcome.  Ivy/Drizella is able to bring Anastasia to her with the help of a lighted lantern but makes the horrible decision to choose herself over her sister.  The tables turn quickly, however; as Gothel wakes Anastasia up and puts sister against sister.  Ivy/Drizella has made numerous mistakes just like her mother, Victoria and now she has one final chance to do something right.  She drops her weapon and the two sisters choose their bond over revenge, spoiling Gothel’s plan.  It took you long enough Ivy/Drizella, but we’re happy to see you finally get it right.

1

Intentions are revealed.

Even though Ivy/Drizella has left this realm with her sister, she did not have the key to breaking Henry’s curse, which leaves Regina in the same mess she was in before.  Doctor Facilier approaches her and explains that he merely left the two sisters so they could find each other and tapped into Ana’s magic when they re-formed their bond.  Regina is still skeptical at this point of Doctor Facilier’s motives, but he gives her the magic as a gift so that she can use it to find a way to save her son.  Regina tries not to let her feelings get in the way as she asks what the price is of accepting this gift.  Doctor Facilier charmingly explains that “the only price is your smile,” but it seems a little bit too cliché if you ask me.  While Doctor Facilier may have Regina fooled for now, Rumpel is not about to let him just take his dagger.  While all of this is going on, the masked killer is finally revealed to be…..Jack/Nick.  But why?  What does he have to gain here?  Who will he target next?  Stay tuned to find out!

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 14: “The Girl in the Tower”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 14 last night, the words of Lewis Carroll seem more than appropriate, reminding us that all the best people are mad and I completely agree.  One can really sympathize with Tilly/Alice who feels invisible in the world around her, desperately trying to find someone to connect to.  Whether it be to Nook or an unconventional silent friend, Tilly/Alice is hanging on by a thread and desperately needs someone to believe in her.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Girl in the Tower,” we learn how Alice is able to break free from the tower with the help of a giant troll and we see the first time that she meets Robin.  Meanwhile, Rogers/Nook puts everything on the line to help Tilly, Ivy/Drizella takes off to find her sister, Regina and Lucy put “operation hyacinth” into motion, and Zelena tries to find out what her sister is hiding.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 14 are:

5

Ivy/Drizella goes to find Ana.

While it appears that Ivy/Drizella is finally trying to do the right thing, no one said that this would be an easy task.  Ivy/Drizella is learning that and realizes she needs to go and find her sister, Anastasia on her own and continue to make amends.  She confides to Henry that she wishes she had met him before and maybe she would have made better choices as a result.  While Ivy/Drizella cannot go back and change the path she took, it’s not too late for her to break off into a new one that could lead her to good.  However, after seeing the preview for next week’s episode, it looks like she may not be ready to help Regina, so is this goodness short-lived?

4

“Nobin” and “Tower Girl.”

While we know that there is a romance between Alice and Robin at some point in time, we get a glimpse into their very own “meet cute.”  Robin points an arrow at Alice, who is spying on her father, Nook from afar.  After Robin reveals the reasoning behind Nook’s new nickname, Alice playfully suggests that they call her “Nobin.”  “Yea don’t call me that,” Robin says, clearly not a fan of her new nickname.  In return, she calls Alice “Tower Girl,” and the two head off to find the troll that is destroying villages.  Alice tries to defend the troll and explains that he is her friend, but Robin is determined to prove that she can live up to the legend of her father.

3

“Sometimes you just have to look up and face your problems.”

After getting captured, Robin escapes to go kill the troll and Alice follows quickly behind, proving that she can improvise with a hairpin as well.  Just as Robin is about to take the shot, Alice intervenes to protect her friend.  Robin turns on the men she came there with and explains that she would “rather be a troll lover than fight beside a bully like you.”  Robin makes the right call and chooses friendship over pride.  The famous “yellow bug” car makes a cameo appearance as well, bringing fans back to the days of Emma Swan.  Robin and Alice try and stop the troll and Alice realizes that she created him during her loneliness.  She is able to successfully turn him back into a statue, now understanding what true freedom means.  Robin has now returned to Hyperion Heights in present day and she meets Tilly who is in desperate need of some advice.  Robin tells her that “sometimes you just have to look up and face your problems,” before revealing that she is reading “Alice in Wonderland,” which is her favorite book.  Tilly takes her advice literally and realizes that the troll statue has a camera hidden in his eye, providing her with the alibi she needed to prove her innocence.

2

Rogers/Nook tries to help Tilly/Alice.

After last week’s episode, it seemed like Nook would never be able to see the blaring clue right in front of him that Tilly/Alice is his daughter.  While he still has not realized this, Rogers/Nook finally makes the right decision and tries to help Tilly.  He hides her out at Henry’s apartment and tells her, “I believe you now.”  Even after Tilly discovers that no one in the town remembers her and the pieces of hair show up in her backpack, Rogers/Nook does not abandon her.  He continues to help her and at the end of the episode, he asks Tilly to stay with him, which is beyond heart-warming.

1

Step 1 of “Operation Hyacinth.”

While Lucy doesn’t seem thrilled about the idea of “walky-talkies,” she is ready to go to work and help Regina find out what Doctor Facilier is doing in town.  Initially, Regina keeps this from Zelena, however; and takes Doctor Facilier on a decoy date while Lucy breaks in to see what she can find.  Zelena interrupts the date and asks her sister why she is lying to her.  Regina explains what is going on and tries to warn Lucy who is able to get out in just the nick of time, but not before finding the tarot cards revealing the death card.  Doctor Facilier proves that he is not easily fooled and drops by Regina’s place with Lucy’s hat.  He tells her that he is here for The Dark One’s dagger and shows Regina her own fortune cards, revealing that love is still a possibility for her.  But at what cost?  Regina finally tells Zelena everything, including about her feelings for Doctor Facilier.  When Robin comes in to see her mother, Zelena hates that they have to lie to her and Regina tells her, “welcome to the club sis.”  While Regina was able to get some important information out of Doctor Facilier, is he being completely truthful with her?  Will Regina tell Rumpel what is going on?  Stay tuned to find out!

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 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 12: “H Town”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 12 last night, I wish I could get the opportunity to listen in on Henry’s full podcast, “H Town.”  While he carefully unravels a mystery for his listeners, he is spot on when he asks the relevant question:  “what could possibly happen next?”  When one door closes on OUAT, fans know that several more are about to open, bringing new faces to town and dangerous enemies as well.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “A Taste of the Heights,” we finally learn more about Sabine/Tiana’s past, which introduces us to new characters like Doctor Facilier and Prince Naveen.   Meanwhile, Rumpel finally throws his hat in the ring to uncover the mystery behind Lucy’s doctor’s death, Henry finds out about the mix tape Jacinda made him, and Regina’s jaded past catches up to her.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 12 are:

5

Welcome back Rumpel!

So even though Rumpel has been in most of the episodes this season, it seems like he has been taking a back seat to the drama, which seems uncharacteristic and suspicious.  Well that’s all about to change and it’s about time.  Rumpel begins investigating the death of Lucy’s doctor and doesn’t believe for one second that it is pure coincidence that she died at the exact moment that Victoria did.  He loops in Hook or “Nook” and explains that the lock of hair could mean that there is an evil in town extending past Eloise/Mother Gothel.  Our two favorite detectives interview Hilda who runs a bakery.  What’s her best seller?  Gingerbread of course, which Rumpel points out, is really out of season.  Hilda is blind and is clearly the witch from Hansel and Gretel.  While initially it seems like she might know more than she is letting on, she is then attacked and a lock of her hair goes missing as well.  Is this the work of Doctor Facilier?  Seems likely when we think about voodoo magic, but we know that Rumpel and Nook are on the case.

4

“Food Truck Queen of the Heights.”

So I was thrilled that we finally got the opportunity in this episode to really get a glimpse at Sabine/Tiana’s back story.  It really was perfect timing since Dr. Facilier and Prince Naveen have also conveniently shown up in town, now that Victoria is dead.  While Tiana/Sabine recognizes that she is a perfectionist, she’s used to putting on a “one woman show,” as Naveen/Drew reminds her.  Tiana always puts her people first in her past and tries to do what is right.  In her present, she is quite nervous about her food truck debut and is heartbroken when the cop tells her she can’t debut at the event because she is missing her safety permit.  While she initially blames Naveen/Drew, he does the right thing to win her trust and gives her his own safety permit.  Swoon!  While this seems to be bringing these two back together again, Doctor Facilier/Mr. Samdi shows up and tells Naveen that he did a good job winning her trust.  Is Naveen/Drew really out for himself or will he do the right thing and be true to Tiana/Sabine?

3

“The dark one in denim.  How quaint.”

Zelena was absolutely hilarious in this moment and I couldn’t help chuckling myself.  While Rumpel may not have the best fashion sense, he is vital to bringing down the new threat in the Heights.  When Rumpel approaches Regina and Zelena, Regina is initially angry because she tried to bring Rumpel into the fold much earlier.  However, she recognizes that he might be the key to them saving Henry.  They put two and two together and realize that someone is killing witches.  This means that the threat is nowhere near over and it also means that Regina and Zelena are in danger themselves.  Will they be able to stop this new threat before it’s too late?

2

“Word on the street is you made me a mix tape.”

While I can’t really buy Henry using the phrase, “word on the street,” this moment is absolutely adorable between him and Jacinda.  Lucy is now awake and it seems like Henry and Jacinda’s romance can finally begin or begin again.  Lucy is beyond excited and they invite Henry over for a game night.  Lucy confides to Henry that it’s all real and that her grandmother, Victoria showed her the book.  While she doesn’t know where the book is now, she is convinced that true’s love kiss will break the curse.  However, Lucy finds a missing page of the book which reveals the truth that the kiss will end Henry’s life.  She quickly intervenes just in the nick of time and stops the kiss from happening.  Now that Lucy knows the truth, who will she turn to for help?  Will Henry and Jacinda ever be able to get their happily ever after?

1

Regina’s past is revealed.

While it seems apparent that Doctor Facilier could be the evil threat everyone is talking about, I was shocked to learn that Regina had a romantic past with him.  At the end of the episode, Regina pays him a visit and says, “You think you can just waltz into my town and pretend you’re cursed.”  She asks him what he is here for, which is something we are all wondering, but Doctor Facilier does not appear to be intimidated by his former flame, Regina.  Big mistake Doctor Facilier.  If there is anything I know for sure, it’s that you don’t mess with Regina Mills!

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

You can now follow me on Twitter as well! https://twitter.com/TV_Fanatic_Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 11: Love is Stronger than Magic

So I am thrilled that ABC’s Once Upon a Time has finally returned from its long winter hiatus, bringing us new episodes.  While it was recently announced that this will be the final season for OUAT, it really gives the show the opportunity to sum up its new story line.  When fan-favorite characters left the show and we found out about that season 7 would focus on a new story with only some of our favorite characters still sprinkled in to keep us hooked…pun intended, I had some doubts about how much longer the series would last for.  Now that we know the series is ending, however; this could actually be a great thing.  Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore this show and will miss it, but I’d rather see it go out strong than continue to grasp at straws and unconvincing story-lines just to be able to produce new episodes.  Either way, I’m looking forward to see how it all ends and I hope the Lost Easter eggs keep coming!  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Secret Garden,” Zelena learns a hard lesson about parenting from Hook, Henry refuses to sit by without trying to help Lucy, and Regina opens her heart to her sister.  Meanwhile, Mother Gothel has her own agenda and Victoria/Lady Tremaine makes the ultimate sacrifice.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 11 are:

5

Lost Easter Egg:  The Apollo Bar.

So my top 5 moments would not be complete if I didn’t dedicate one to our favorite candy bar, the Apollo Bar.  For those of you who are Lost fans like myself, I am sure you jumped out of your chair with this Easter egg.  While the Apollo Bar has made appearances before on OUAT, I was thrilled that it was actually in a hospital vending machine this time.  In Lost, Jack is seen getting an Apollo Bar from the hospital vending machine and fans swooned over the “vending machine scene” featuring Juliet and Sawyer reuniting in the series finale.  It was great to see our favorite candy bar make another appearance, keeping fans satisfied with a much needed sugar rush.

4

“Test me too.”

After watching the mid-season finale of OUAT, it was clear that Henry was in great pain over Lucy’s condition.  While he hasn’t made the connection yet that he is her real father, he is not about to just sit around and pray that she gets better.  When Lucy’s parents are blood tested, Henry asks the doctor to test him too.  While she explains that the match would be much higher if he was blood related to Lucy, Henry is willing to try anything, even if there is the slightest chance that he could help her.  Little does he know, his test results prove that he is a match to Lucy, bringing to light his relation to her.  When the doctor looks over the results, an unknown threat poisons her and takes the results along with a lock of her hair.  While we don’t know who is behind this just yet, I’m thinking that Rumpel has to be involved somehow.  We’ll have to stay tuned to find out more, however.

3

“We’re going to do it together.”

We’ve seen so many ups and downs for our favorite sisters, Zelena and Regina, but it looks like Regina is ready to put all of their differences aside for good.  When she suggests that they team up to take down Mother Gothel and help Lucy and Henry, Regina suggests that they do it together.  Zelena says “wicked and evil,” but Regina corrects her with “no…sisters.”  These two are a powerful force and now that they have truly embraced their sisterly bond, there will be no stopping them.  Mother Gothel is no match for them, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy to take her down.  When Mother Gothel approaches Zelena, she asks her to bring her the resurrection amulet, but Zelena immediately recognizes that there will be a catch.  Mother Gothel will certainly not go down without a fight, but let’s hope Zelena and Regina’s bond doesn’t shatter like the sign of their bar.  They need to stick together and fight the good fight.

2

“Piss off Nook.”

Zelena finds an unlikely source of help in Hook…or “nook.”  She comically comments on how she forgets that there are two Hooks and gives him her new nickname, meaning “new Hook.”  Zelena is distraught over her daughter, Robin’s decision to go to Mother Gothel to learn about magic, but Hook reminds her not to give up.  He tells her that love is stronger than magic and he is absolutely right.  Even though Zelena initially claims that “I don’t need a parenting lesson from a pirate,” she quickly realizes that her unconditional love for her daughter is the only thing that can save her.  Hook tells Zelena that her love for her daughter makes her “so daring, so brave, so utterly fearless,” and I can’t think of a better description for our former wicked witch.  Zelena is able to save Robin by taking her place as the sacrifice, allowing Robin to truly see that her mother cares for her.  It looks like Zelena has found a calling far greater than ultimate magic and power.  Good thing she had Hook…or Nook along to help her see it.

1

Victoria/Lady Tremaine redeems herself.

While it initially seemed like Victoria/Lady Tremaine was a villain without a soul, we now get to see her walls come down, as she finally does the right thing.  She has a lot to make up for and even tries to come clean to Anastasia with all of her horrible deeds.  The truth hurts, but Victoria knows that she needs to make amends, especially after what she did to Lucy.  She refuses to let Mother Gothel keep her held captive, using her Louis Vuitton shoe to get her out of the well.  Who said that fashion couldn’t be useful?  When the power of the resurrection amulet is unleashed, Victoria quickly learns that the sacrifice is now her other daughter, Ivy/Drizella.  Victoria makes the same decision as Zelena and takes the place of her daughter, sacrificing herself in the process to save her.  This act of kindness and unconditional love is truly touching.  Even though one cannot deny all of the horrible things Victoria has done in the past, her sacrifice shows her daughter that love can conquer evil.  Let’s hope that this is enough to bring Ivy/Drizella to the side of good.  We’re going to need all the help we can get against Mother Gothel.

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

Ranking my top 5 One True Pairings on Television: Ships that will make you Swoon

Happy Valentine’s Day TV fans!  When it comes to defining what makes a OTP (one true pairing) on television, what comes to mind?  Is it the passionate and fiery moments between these two characters or is it more about an everlasting love that stands the test of time?  Whether it involves sacrifice and heartbreak or compromise and understanding, there are some couples on television who truly encompass the essence of love.

It’s rare to find that happy ending that we read about in fairy-tales, but these OTPs are not for lack of trying.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch any of these series yet.  Please also note that sitcoms were not included for today’s list.  My top 5 One True Pairings on television are:

5

Veronica & Logan from Veronica Mars.

Veronica and Logan 2 14

Logan: “I thought our story was epic, you know you and me?”

Veronica:  “Epic how?”

Logan:  “Spanning years and continents.  Lives ruined, bloodshed.  EPIC…”

Although Veronica Mars only lasted for three seasons, it still gave fans plenty of time to ship Veronica and Logan.  While the beginning of the series focuses on her feelings for her former love, Duncan, Veronica also seems to initially despise Logan.  On the surface, Logan is selfish and cruel, refusing to apologize for his actions.  When Veronica and Logan team up later on in season one, you cannot deny the sparks flying between these two.  Logan lets his guard down for Veronica and they fall in love with each other.

These two do not ride off into the sunset, however; as they are in for their fair share of ups and downs.  At the end of the season one cliffhanger, fans are not sure who is on the other side of the door for Veronica when she says, “I was hoping it would be you.”  Once season 2 premieres, we learn that it was Logan waiting for her on the other end, but she is now dating Duncan to make things even more complicated.  Even when Veronica and Logan are not together, Logan clearly cares about Veronica more than anyone else.  He constantly proves his love for her and defends her honor, not caring about the consequences.

While Logan may initially lack the stability that Veronica ultimately needs, his love for her is unchanging.  At the end of the series, Logan and Veronica are not back together, leaving fans disappointed.  However, when the Veronica Mars film was released years later, Veronica and Logan finally got the happy ending they deserved.  It was worth the wait!

4

Piper & Leo from Charmed.

Piper and Leo 2 14

“Leo, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.  I was afraid that you were too good to be true, that maybe I didn’t deserve someone so pure and beautiful and loving as you are…Leo I was born to love you and I always will.”

At the beginning of the Charmed series, the blossoming relationship between Piper and Leo is delightful and real.  Piper’s sister, Phoebe even initially competes with her to win Leo’s affection, but it’s always been clear where Leo’s heart lies.  As Piper’s white lighter, it is forbidden for them to be together, but they cannot deny their connection.  Piper and Leo have been through so much together and Leo is even ripped away from her by the elders during their first attempt at a wedding.

Ultimately, Piper and Leo are meant for each other.  However, they go through quite a lot on the way and are tested constantly.  Piper and Leo have two beautiful sons, Wyatt and Chris, and form a beautiful family together, constantly trying to keep this priority above all others.  While Piper is known for her quick temper, Leo balances her out and always keeps her calm.  When they are apart, it’s truly heartbreaking, as fans recognize the selfless love these two have for one another.

Piper and Leo do get their happy ending and keep their friendship and love strong in the process.  There is something so believable and undeniable between Piper and Leo, still holding the test of time and reminding us what true love is all about.

3

Emma & Hook from Once Upon a Time.

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When I win your heart, Emma, and I will win it. It will not be because of any trickery. It will be because you want me. 

When the devilishly handsome Captain Hook sailed into our hearts on OUAT, he initially was out for revenge.  While Hook innocently flirted with Emma from the start, his love for her allowed him to grow as a character and to learn from his wicked past.  Hook was always used to taking the easy way out and making decisions based on how well it suited him.

Emma changed this perspective, however; proving that he could be a selfless man.  When Hook realized his strong feelings for Emma, he even backed down and explained that she should be with Neal so that Henry could have his family all together.  Hook truly loved Emma at this point, but was willing to sacrifice this so that she could find happiness.  Later, when they did end up together, Emma’s power became too great and evil corrupted her heart.  The only thing that could bring her back to goodness was Hook’s love for her.

Emma and Hook had one of the most beautiful relationships on television and their wedding at the end of season 6 was touching and heart-warming.  Hook’s love for Emma transformed him from a villain into a hero one can be proud of, who will never stop fighting for the one he loves.  Now that’s a fairy-tale ending!

2

Buffy & Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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Angel:  “This isn’t some fairy-tale.  When I kiss you…you don’t wake up from a deep sleep and live happily ever after.”

Buffy:  “No, when you kiss me, I wanna die.”

This list would not be complete without including Buffy and Angel.  Known as the vampire cursed with a soul, Angel is initially used to being on his own, lurking in the shadows and staying clear of human connections.  When he crosses paths with Buffy, he realizes that he has a chance to turn his destiny around and do some good.  However, he falls in love with her along the way.

Buffy and Angel’s love is touching and romantic initially, making fans everywhere swoon this ship.  When Buffy and Angel consummate their love, he experiences a moment of true happiness and the curse is broken, freeing his soul in the process.  As a result of this, Angelus is released, the pure vampire killer with no remorse or guilt and he begins torturing Buffy and her friends.  Buffy is completely heart-broken but she proves her strength when she goes up against Angel, knowing that she must defeat him to protect the world.  She recognizes that the good man she came to know and love is gone, leaving only a shell of a monster behind.  After Buffy sacrifices Angel, he returns from Hell with his soul intact but their relationship is so complicated and shattered at this point.  They love each other but they know that they can’t get too close because of the consequences.

They try out being friends and the villainous vampire, Spike even points out that they can never be friends because their love for one another is messy and passionate.  At the end of season 3, Buffy and Angel part ways as Angel leaves the show for his spin-off, but not before he shows up at her prom to dance with her one last time, reminding her that he will always be there for her.

Although Buffy and Angel do not end up together and have other relationships along the way, they both recognize how much they truly care for one another.  They have a love that transcends romance, understanding that even though they are apart; they are always together on some level.

Some honorable mentions before revealing my favorite OTP are:

  • Blair & Chuck from Gossip Girl
  • Brenda & Dylan from Beverly Hills, 90210
  • Michael & Sara from Prison Break
  • Maggie & Glenn from The Walking Dead
  • Octavia & Lincoln from the 100
  • Piper & Alex from Orange is the New Black
  • Kev & V from Shameless
  • Ian & Mickey from Shameless
  • Seth & Summer from The OC
  • Damon & Elena from The Vampire Diaries
  • Phoebe & Cole from Charmed
  • Buffy & Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
  • Desmond & Penny from Lost
  • Sawyer & Juliet from Lost
  • Mike & Susan from Desperate Housewives
  • Tara & Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
  • Clarke and Lexa from The 100
  • Sookie & Eric from True Blood
  • Nathan & Haley from One Tree Hill
  • Alice & Robin from Once Upon a Time
  • Cheryl & Toni from Riverdale

1

Sun & Jin from Lost.

Sun and Jin 2 14

“I was going to leave you.  I was going to get away…but you made me change my mind.”

My all-time favorite OTP has to go to Sun & Jin from Lost.  For me, Sun and Jin have a love that is very different from other characters on television.  This is mostly because their love is the most real.  Their love isn’t perfect and there are times where they do temporarily give up on one another and forget about why they fell in love in the first place.  But this is what makes their love so important.  Real love isn’t out of a fairy-tale; although I’m sure we would like it to be.  Real love is about compromise and accepting that we will make mistakes along the way.

Sun has an affair with another man and even contemplates leaving Jin and running away at the airport.  However, Jin shows her that he is holding a small white flower, just like when they first met and she changes her mind.  It breaks Jin’s heart when he finds out that Sun speaks English, representing another lie she kept from him for so long.   Both Sun and Jin are looking to prove themselves to the other, only to later realize that their love is enough.  The fact that they are able to forgive each other for mistakes they made before, shows the viewer what true love is all about.  Sun and Jin truly find themselves together as a couple and learn to love each other more than they thought possible.

After they are separated numerous times, they are finally reunited, not realizing that it will be short-lived.  Right after they are reunited, Sun gets pinned under metal in the sinking submarine and Jin is unable to free her.  Sun demands that he go and save himself, but Jin won’t leave her.  He will never leave her again.  Their death is one of the saddest for me to watch on television and the image of them holding hands under water as they take their last breaths, proves that they will never be apart again.

I hope you enjoyed my list and feel free to post your own comments and thoughts about some of your favorite OTPs on television.  Thanks for reading!  Happy Valentine’s Day!

**Don’t miss out on My Bloody Valentine’s Week book promotion for The Search for Alice!  It will be on sale for 99 cents from 2/11/19-2/17-19 and free with Kindle Unlimited! 

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice 2 14

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice is available here!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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 TV Bad Boys Redeemed by Love: “I’m a Complex Guy, Sweetheart.”

Happy Friday TV viewers!  When you think of your favorite male hero on television, what comes to mind?  Are you thinking about the selfless actions they make to help those in need?  Perhaps, they become so good at playing the “hero” that we forget about the anti-hero who has just as much charm and more intrigue.  While the good guy typically saves the day and gets the girl, what about our favorite bad boys who lurk in darkness and mystery?  Being a “bad boy,” isn’t enough, however; as the hero will ultimately sweep in to make things right.  For today’s topic, I am specifically looking at bad boys from television who are redeemed by love and transform into a more realistic hero we can root for as a result.  These “bad boys” are nowhere near perfect and continue to make mistakes along the way, but that’s why they are so entertaining to watch.  While a hero may sometimes feel destined for greatness, our favorite bad boys were initially looking out for themselves and possessed their own agenda.  This changes drastically, however; when they fall in love with the right person who brings out the best in them and reveals an unlikely hero in the process.  Please note some spoilers are ahead.  My top 5 TV Bad Boys redeemed by love are: 

5

Cole Turner from Charmed.

Cole 1 5

“I was dead before I met you.  I was born the day you loved me.  And my love for you will keep me alive…forever.” (Cole’s letter to Phoebe from Charmed)

When Cole was first introduced on Charmed, he was revealed to be a demon who was half-human, posing as a lawyer.  His plan was to get Phoebe to fall for him so that he could worm his way into the Halliwell house to steal their powerful spell-book, “The Book of Shadows.”  Seemed like a solid plan, until Cole fell madly in love with Phoebe.  Cole had the tall, dark, and handsome role down pat, as he used his charm to get what he desired.  What separated him from other “bad boys,” was his vulnerability for Phoebe.  Even when he was the source of all evil, his love for her still allowed him to embrace goodness inside him that he thought was long gone.  Over the seasons, Cole and Phoebe’s love was epic and messy, ending in heart-break and tragedy.  Even though Cole overcame his demonic side on more than one occasion and came back from the dead repeatedly, their love did not ultimately win out to the dismay of fans everywhere.  Phoebe even commented that “it wasn’t meant to be,” but the uncertainty in her voices suggested otherwise.  While Phoebe ended up finding several new romantic loves later on in the show, none of them compared to her passionate love for Cole.

4

Killian Jones aka Captain Hook from Once Upon a Time.

Hook 1 5

“When I win your heart Emma, and I will win it. It won’t be because of any trickery.”  (Hook to Emma in OUAT)

When the devilishly handsome Captain Hook sailed into our hearts on OUAT, he initially was out for revenge against the “crocodile,” otherwise known as Mr. Gold/Rumpel.  While Hook innocently flirted with Emma from the start, his love for her allowed him to grow as a character and to learn from his wicked past.  More importantly, he transformed from a classic fairy-tale villain into one of our favorite anti-heroes.  Hook was always used to taking the easy way out and making decisions based on how well it suited him.  Emma changed this perspective, however; proving that he could be a selfless man.  When Hook realized his strong feelings for Emma, he even backed down and explained that she should be with Neal so that Henry could have his family all together.  Hook truly loved Emma at this point, but was willing to sacrifice this so that she could find happiness.  Later, when they did end up together, Emma’s power became too great and evil corrupted her heart.  The only thing that could bring her back to goodness was Hook’s love for her.  Emma and Hook had one of the most beautiful relationships on television, but Hook’s growth into a hero is what made him truly stand out.

3

Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries.

damon 1 5

“I don’t mind being the bad guy.  I make all the life and death decisions while you’re busy dealing with collateral damage.” (Damon to Stefan in The Vampire Diaries)

This list would not be complete without Damon Salvatore.  He embraced the role of the bad brother, refusing to apologize for what he was and how he acted.  Unlike Stefan, Damon was reckless and dangerous.  He also possessed a magnetic quality about him that just reeled in the ladies with barely any effort.  Damon’s initial mission was to free his love Katherine from a tomb, however; he soon realized that Katherine was not the epic love he thought she was.  Damon’s jealousy for Elena and Stefan’s relationship reached new heights at this point, but he quickly realized that his feelings involved more than envy.  He grew fond of Elena and fell in love with her, which quickly tamed the vampire beast within.  Damon didn’t lose his “bad boy” charm, but put Elena before everything else, truly learning what sacrifice means.  While the love triangle between Elena and the Salvatore brothers became complicated, Elena eventually followed her heart straight to Damon, allowing her own darkness to reach the surface as well.

2

Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

spike 1 5

“What can I tell you baby?  I’ve always been bad.” (Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

I have to admit it was extremely difficult for me to choose between my top 1 and 2 picks for this category.  After all, Spike was the very epitome of the bad boy redeemed by love.  Like Damon, Spike was a soulless vampire, only interested in power and his deranged and misguided love for Drusilla.  Over the seasons, Spike proved to be a worthy foe of Buffy, constantly coming up with ways to stop her while having a little bit of fun in the process.  In season 4, Spike is captured by a military order experimenting on supernatural creatures and a chip is placed in his brain which prevented him from harming anyone.  While this brought on quite of bit of laughs, Spike eventually became a sort of honorary member of the Scoobies, trying to bring down evil, but still holding on to his own agenda to destroy the slayer one day.  Like the other bad boys on this list, Spike was redeemed by his love for Buffy.  What makes this love so special, however; was the fact that Spike still did not have a soul when he fell in love with Buffy.  Sure he had the chip in his brain, but his thoughts and desires were the same as they had always been.  Spike grew into an anti-hero that we rooted for above others because he learned how to get in touch with his humanity, with having literally no humanity within him.  In season 5, he sets off to kill Buffy and finds her crying on the porch after she has learned about her mother’s illness.  Spike puts aside his anger and sits on the porch next to her, offering his support without any hidden agenda.  He revealed how much he truly cared for Buffy, as his feelings only grew stronger and stronger.  Spike eventually came to realize that Buffy may never love him the way he wanted her to, but accepted this, realizing his destiny to be an unlikely hero for good.

1

James Ford…aka Sawyer from Lost.

Sawyer 1 5

“I’m a complex guy, sweetheart.” (Sawyer to Kate in Lost)

So my number one pick for best TV bad boy redeemed by love has to go to the charismatic and hilarious, Sawyer.  When the survivors of Flight 815 crash on the island, Sawyer was revealed to be a con-man with a jaded past.  He quickly shifted into survival mode, hoarding many of the supplies for himself.  Sawyer wanted everyone to hate him, mostly because he didn’t feel like he was worthy of the love and compassion of others.  He even put together several schemes, putting the Losties against each other and making deals that only benefited him.  While Jack represented the good hero we came to know and adore, Sawyer proved to be an unlikely hero as well.  In season 3, Sawyer returned to the Losties after being captured by the others and the survivors looked to him as their leader.  Sawyer showed some promising signs of change, attempting to help out and to protect his love, Kate in the process.  He also began to reveal signs of selfless behavior, jumping off the chopper so that Kate and the others could be rescued.  While this seemed like a heroic gesture, Sawyer was still running away from his destiny.  When Kate and the oceanic six said goodbye to the island, Sawyer was left behind with Juliet, Jin, and Miles.  In episode, “LaFleur,” Sawyer put his con-man skills to good use and saved the day, convincing the Dharma Initiative to let them stay with them for a while.  Juliet wanted to get on the sub and leave, but he asked her to stay with him.  “Who’s going to get my back?” he asked, revealing the first real spark between them.  It took traveling back in time for Sawyer to finally embrace the goodness that was there all along.  His love for Juliet was pure and selfless, but he was no longer running away from himself or his feelings.  Sawyer was finally ready to settle down and lead a simple life with the love of his life.  The bad boy was truly redeemed, proving that love can help point our moral compass in the right direction.

I hope you enjoyed the list and please feel free to post your thoughts and comments below on some of your favorite TV bad boys redeemed by love.  Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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 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

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 9: Step-mother role reversal

As the snow begins to trickle down here in New York, I am anxious for a relaxing day of TV watching.  How about you?  After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 9 last night, I am wondering just how many sleeping curses need to occur before someone finds a way of preventing this from happening in the first place.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, we learn quite a lot about Lady Tremaine’s back-story, while Regina and Henry are still off in San Francisco.  Jacinda is thrilled to have Lucy back in her life, but lets her emotions get the best of her when she falls onto Nick’s lips.  Meanwhile, Ivy/Drizella continues to try to thwart her mother’s plan, while Rumpel reveals to Hook the reason behind his recent actions.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 9 are:

5

Lady Tremaine is revealed to be Rapunzel.  After we learned that Alice is Hook’s daughter, I wasn’t sure there would be any more surprises so soon, but Rapunzel’s story has been re-written quite a bit in the process.  While I was very interested to find out more about Lady Tremaine and how she came to be this way, this revelation seemed slightly forced, however.  In the Rapunzel fairy-tale, we don’t know very much about her other than that she was a baby paying for the mistakes of her parents who stole from the witch’s garden.  Her identity is stifled by her circumstances, being trapped in a tower waiting for someone to rescue her.  I did enjoy the twist of Rapunzel taking matters into her own hands to save herself, rather than waiting for a prince to appear to save the day.  I am just not so sure that this connection between Lady Tremaine and Rapunzel is that convincing but I’m willing to keep an open mind.

4

Lady Tremaine makes a deal with Rumpel.  Lady Tremaine lays all of her cards on the table and seeks out assistance from our favorite schemer, Rumpel.  Rumpel doesn’t bother keeping up with appearances here, calling Lady Tremaine out as “Rapunzel” and agreeing to help her with Anastasia because Lady Tremaine has information on the guardian.  We know that Rumpel is focused completely on finding his way back to Belle and the guardian is the key, but at what cost?

3

Hook does some investigating.  Hook is tired of getting the run around and takes matters into his own hands to find out the truth.  He shows off some Nancy Drew-like skills when he pulls the fire alarm so that the locked door will open.  Hook finds files that Rumpel has on everyone, pulling at his curiosity even further.  When he confronts Rumpel to get to the bottom of this, Rumpel reveals that everything he is doing is to try and find his wife.  Hook empathizes with this and puts differences aside to help him find Lucy but to no avail.

2

Step-mother role reversal.  While I was slightly disappointed that Lady Tremaine was Rapunzel, I thought it was very clever to switch up the roles to have Ella’s mother be the other woman stepping into her family’s lives to replace her.  Traditionally, Lady Tremaine has always been very jealous of Cinderella because she had her father’s love and in this version, this jealousy is still very present but stemming from something else.  Rapunzel gives into revenge and temptation and does send Ella’s mother away with black magic, but her husband still cares very much for his wife’s daughter, Ella.  When Ella and Anastasia are playing on the ice, it tragically breaks and her husband can only save one.  To Rapunzel’s horror, he saves Ella, but she is not to give up just yet.  She tricks Gothel and promises Anastasia that she will find a way to be with her again.  While Rapunzel makes it clear how important family is, this idea becomes distorted when she puts her family above the well-being of others and the greater good, refusing to apologize for it.

1

Lady Tremaine destroys Lucy’s innocence to free Anastasia.  Lucy is thrilled to be reunited with her mother and when Lady Tremaine gives her back her fairy-tale book, it appears that she is trying to make amends.  However, she demonstrates her wickedness by showing Lucy the video of Jacinda and Nick kissing, destroying Lucy’s idea of a perfect family with her, Jacinda, and Henry.  Lucy’s belief is shattered at this point, leaving her questioning everything.  When a tear is released, this is the key to waking up Anastasia.  However, once Anastasia wakes up, Lucy immediately falls asleep taking her place.  Hopefully it’s up to Regina, Henry, and Zelena to return and save the day.  But are they are a match for the ruthlessness of Lady Tremaine? 

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

“Once Upon a Time” Ranking the top 5 moments from Season 7 episode 7: Who is in San Francisco?

ABC’s Once upon a Time, season 7 episode 7, is filled with surprises and unexpected twists and turns.  After watching the two hour episode last night, it left me with even more questions.  Please note that spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  It looks like Hook may find his happy ending after all with an unexpected bond that not even a poison heart can break.  Speaking of hearts, Regina/Roni may not have left hers in San Francisco, so who is she going after for help?  My top five moments from Once upon a Time, season 7 episode 7 are:

5) Henry & Ella/Jacinda get trapped together in a net.  This scene was pure magic for me and actually showed me the spark between these two which has been blaringly missing from the prior episodes.  It brought me back to when Prince Charming caught Snow White in a net, bringing together these destined soul mates in an adorable meet cute.  It also reminded me of ABC’s Lost, when Jack and Kate get stuck in a net together much like Henry and Ella. It was a nice way for the writers to give fans a sense of nostalgia and ignite a much needed connection between Henry and Ella/Jacinda.

4) Mother Gothel proves she is a villain to watch.  I was excited to see the introduction of Rapunzel into the world of OUAT, only to find out that it was the witch, Gothel in disguise.  She plays on Hook’s weakness who is a fool for love, only to use him to give birth to a magical child with her blood so that she may leave the tower.  When Hook/Detective Rogers frees her as Eloise Gardner, she reveals that Ivy/Drizella and Lady Tremaine may not be the main villains we thought they were.  Gothel is done hiding in the shadows and is about to show the world what she is capable of.

3) Jacinda and Lucy are re-united.  I was so sympathetic with Jacinda when Lucy was taken away from her and she revealed her own insecurities as a mother when she admits that she waived her parental rights and let Lucy go with her grandmother voluntarily.  A new romantic interest is introduced into the mix as well when Lucy’s father, Nick/Jack, comes back into their lives to help with the case.  While Jacinda claims she has no feelings for Nick, it makes us wonder if this is another threat to the bond between her and Henry.  Jacinda does ultimately get Lucy back and Lucy accepts her mother with open arms.

2) Hook’s daughter is revealed to be…Alice!  The introduction of Hook’s child was a surprise for me but I thought it gave him a real chance to be selfless and to raise his baby after she was abandoned by her mother, Gothel.  I thought it was especially touching when he sang her a lullaby, revealing his own need to have some form of connection in the world.  Alice’s story was already very interesting to me, different from the other versions of Alice who were introduced previously on Once Upon a Time.  This gives Alice a new purpose and hope for Hook to find his own happily ever after.

1) Who is in San Francisco? The episode ends with Regina/Roni going off to San Francisco to get some help to take down the villains and wake everyone up.  After Rumpel rejects her proposal to team up and continues on as if he does not remember who he is, Regina/Roni realizes that she will need to recruit help from somewhere else.  So who is in San Francisco?  I am banking on Zelena but we will have to wait and see.

I hope you enjoyed and please feel free to post your comments and theories below.  OUAT may be on a break for the next few weeks, but let’s keep the theories coming!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl