I was flabbergasted at the end of this week’s episode of Once Upon a Time. As much as I had been rooting for Mary Margaret and David to get together, I still honestly didn’t believe it would happen any time soon. Boy, was I wrong. By the end of this week’s episode, the pair were kissing in the middle of a public street.
This week’s Once Upon a Time brought Mary Margaret and David to the forefront. The will-they-won’t-they business was bound to get tired after awhile and, I have to admit, I was afraid the episode would just be frustrating. For nearly 55 minutes, the episode taunted and teased the audience. But then it delivered big time.
As it turns out, Mary Margaret hadn’t really been following her own advice about staying away from David. She was just being more subtle (stalkerish) about the whole situation. She would head over to Granny’s diner at 7:15 a.m. every morning to catch a glimpse of David while he came in from his morning coffee. Later, at the drug store, Mary Margaret was in for a shock when she bumped into Kathryn and spotted a pregnancy test in her shopping basket.
After finding a trapped dove in the forest, Mary Margaret decided to venture back into the woods to return the bird to its flock. David wanted to go with her, but remembering her encounter with Kathryn, Mary Margaret told him he didn’t need to come. Of course, he didn’t bother listening to her, which was good news for her because he managed to save her from falling off a cliff. As a storm approached, the two sought shelter in an abandoned cabin in the woods. While there, they both admitted they had feelings for one another and seemed poised to kiss. But Mary Margaret pulled away and told David that Kathryn might be pregnant. Once again, we were left to believe that the pair would remain separated, especially after they both seemed ready to let go of their 7:15 a.m. stalking activities. But when they met up again at Granny’s, David told Mary Margaret that his wife wasn’t pregnant and the pair kissed as Regina watched on.
Meanwhile, the B-story on this week’s Once Upon a Time revolved around the mysterious stranger who had ridden into town at the end of the previous episode. Regina was deeply suspicious after she saw him talking to Henry and told Emma to look into him. Emma did and wanted to know what was in the box he was carrying. As it turns out, it was simply an old typewriter. Mr. Stranger declared himself a writer. A lot of people speculated that he was the grown-up version of the boy who found baby Emma on the side of the road. But knowing he’s a writer, let’s speculate on the possibility that he actually wrote the fairytale book that Henry has. What do you think about that? It might justify why he’s in Storybrooke considering strangers aren’t supposed to come to the town. If he’s connected to the people in town because he wrote the book about their lives, then maybe that explains the situation. That’s my theory for now.
While the Once Upon a Time super-couple-in-training in Storybrooke seemed to get a bit of a happy ending, the fairytale super-couple-in-training went entirely in the opposite direction. As it turns out, Snow White’s been hiding in the woods since escaping the Queen after her father’s death. She comes across Red Riding Hood (who finally got some screen time!), who announced that Charming’s wedding to Abigail would happen in a matter of days. Desperate to mend her broken heart over Charming, Snow went searching for Rumpelstiltskin on Red’s suggestion.
After meeting the creepy magic man, Snow obtained a potion that was supposed to make her forget all about Charming (and all Rumple wanted in exchange was a lock of Snow’s hair). In his castle, King George continued to push Charming to forget about this other woman who supposedly “held his heart” and to marry Abigail in order to save the kingdom. But Charming just couldn’t let it go and wrote a letter to Snow, expressing his feelings. She received the letter just before she was going to drink the potion and headed to the castle to meet him instead. Unfortunately, she was captured and thrown into the dungeon. But that was also her opportunity to meet Grumpy, who was also imprisoned after being falsely accused. You have to love the twists on the classic stories that the Once Upon a Time writers deliver.
Fortunately, one of the heretofore unknown dwarfs – Stealthy – helped the two escape, but he was killed a few moments later. Grumpy nearly died as well until Snow arrived on the scene. King George ordered her to tell Charming she had never loved him, otherwise he would kill him. To save his life, Snow went through with it. Later, the dwarfs met up with her and took her home with them. Despite wanting to take the potion, Grumpy told her not to do it and not to forget Charming.
It seemed like all hope was lost – even though we know how the story ends. Charming surprised everyone by calling off his wedding and riding out to find Snow. While Grumpy arrived home with the good news about the cancelled wedding, Snow was simply confused as to who he was talking about. Because, as you see, she had taken the potion. Yikes. That’s the Once Upon a Time writers for you – giving in Storybrooke and taking in the fairytale world.
This was a great episode of Once Upon a Time. Alan Dale is always a pleasure to watch as King George and is appropriately menacing. Charming was wonderful and heroic, although it’s sad to know that Snow took the potion after all. I’m thrilled the show finally gave a proper introduction to the dwarfs. But what can come next for Mary Margaret and David? There’s no way Regina will stand for the two of them being together. And out of everyone in town at this point, I sort of get the feeling that David is closest to remembering his fairytale life. More than the other Storybrooke residents, he seems pulled between two lives…the fake life that Regina created and his real life – and love – with Snow/Mary Margaret.
A few final thoughts:
-What is Rumple planning on doing with Snow’s hair?
-What exactly is the history between Red and Snow? In this episode Snow curiously said to Red “I helped you when no one else would.” Interesting, right? I hope we get to see Red’s story soon. She’s a character that has gotten so little screen time in the fairytale world and in Storybrooke.
-Do you think that Charming waking Snow with a kiss from the Queen’s poisonous apple is the next time the pair see each other? Or do you think there’s more to come with them, even if Snow apparently no longer remembers him thanks to Rumple’s potion?
-The scene that really struck me in tonight’s episode lasted only a few minutes and came at the very beginning. While Henry was talking to the mysterious stranger, Regina came out of her house and appeared very concerned. That scene was probably the most genuine concern Regina has showed for Henry since the show began. She’s usually bossing him around or getting angry with him about something and we’ve never really witnessed Regina as a caring mother (at least, in my opinion). I really liked the opening scene for showing us that.
A new episode of Once Upon a Time will air on January 29. You can watch a trailer for the episode here and browse through photos here.
Follow Us
While I think that Regina does care for Henry, I'm pretty sure her concern in that early scene was much more about the fact that someone new had entered her town – more in happening in Storybrooke that she isn't controlling (like the clock moving forward and Mary Margaret/Snow getting close to David/Charming). I think her concern was horror that the curse is breaking down, more than that someone was talking to Henry.
Normally I'd agree with you, because she's pretty standoffish or angry towards Henry whenever something happens that she doesn't like (like him hanging out with Emma or something strange happening in town). But this scene felt sort of different for me. She seemed curious about who Henry was talking to – for sure – but she also seemed very concerned FOR Henry. I don't know, that's just how it played out for me.
I am so confused. Did Snow drink the potion before or after she ate the apple? They have to end up together because they had Emma later on. So surely Snow gets her memory back even tho she drank the potion.
She drank the potion before eating the apple. And yes, they obviously do end up together, but clearly the show is throwing a few more problems their way before they can get married. At some point, she'll eat the apple, fall asleep and then get awoken by Charming's kiss. We're just not sure whether she remembers him again before or after that particular scene from the pilot happens.
I LOVED tonights episode… Who am I kidding.. I love EVERY episode. But tonights ending was amazing. @ Steph- it was before she ate the apple. She just now began staying with the dwarfs… I am guessing the apple should be coming soon tho. I doubt next week tho. They usually put a couple diffrent stories between Snow and Prince Charming.. @ Eliza- I completely agree about where Reginas concern lied… She is way more worried about the town an curse then Henry. She even used him as the excuse to make Emma find out more info… Knowing Emmas concern lies in Henry. I cant wait to see more of Red tho- it was nice to see her as her BEAUTIFUL self and not all “made up” with all that dark makeup. I barely recognized her lol. Cant wait till next week… This show is never a disappointment
i've been having a lot of mixed emotions over all this. although i'm happy to see david and mary get together and concerned that snow took the potion and now doesnt remember charming, i'm also worried that charming lost interest in securing his mother's safety because the ass of a king said that if he doesnt marr abigal he will kill her and take away her farm. i'm happy about mary and david getting together but i hate to sound like i want charming to be a "mama's boy" as some people would call it. am i the only one who's concerned that charming completly either forgot or lost interest in making sure that his mother is safe from harm if he goes to snow? i'm also wondering if the writers forgot about her or something as well. again i'm happy that mary and david got back together. i'm just a little concerned about the safety of charming's mother. will the king actually kill her if charming remains with snow white. again not that i dont want snow and charming to be together. i hope everyone remembers the shephard episode. ;)
Next weeks episode is called "Fruit from the poisonous tree" so im guessing that the apple scene might come next week? i am so in love with this show… its the best show ive watched in a long time it keeps you guessing the characters are great in both worlds an they did a great job with keeping them close to there fairytale characters an its also something that you are glued to the tv so you dont miss a moment an lose track of the storyline….great job once upon a time writers
The 2nd thing Rumple said to Snow (after offering to buy her boat) was: "You really ARE the fairest of them all." Then, he only asked for hair in exchange for the potion. Think about it…the Evil Queen had obviously struck a deal w/ Rumple to get a lock of hair for some sort of upcoming potion or spell. What did Rumple say about all magic needing to be personalized when he concocted Snow's "Eternal Sunshine" juice? Now, I'll be interested in seeing if Red was somehow involved in getting Snow to Rumple for one of our players, or if it was just a happy coincidence for Rumple.
The 7 Dwarves obviously come after both the trolls and the huntsman, if we're at all sticking to fairy tale chronology. The poison apple would be yet to come. Perhaps the lock of hair is necessary to "personalize" the apple?
nah. I think the apple was already magic when Hansel & Gretel stole it from the Blind Witch. And, no, I don't think Rumple and the Evil Queen are completely in cohoots w/one another on anything. Just certain aspects when it suits and benefits one or the other. In the end, since both are really in essence power hungry, they are at odds w/one another. Those in power and possess and actively seek it out power usually end up fighting for dominance not teaming up w/one another. That's just how power works and let's face it, both Rumple and the Evil Queen are really all about being on top and the most powerful. all their issues and atrocious acts all lead back to POWER. They aren't buddy buddy and working together. No way. Rumple also didn't say all magic needs to be personalized. He said "No two LOVES are exactly alike. We must make this PERSONAL." (I have a Season Pass for the show on ITunes. I rewatched the scene to make sure that was right.)
I felt like Emma knew Mr. Stranger by the way she was talking to him. Very bossy, like he was an old flame, didn't even ask him his name. Could he be Henry's father?
gee can this show get any better. simplty the best
agree this is one of the best shows on TV. LOVE Red/RUBY in both worlds, but especially liked that she and Snow were friends in fairytale. I think Snow may have helped Red get away from the big bad wolf. She was beautiful as Red; and I do wish she would get more story time and I'm looking forward to her story (Both in fairy tale and storybrook). (gotta love that play: Story brook; story book!).
Second part: I love the chemistry between MM: Snow/ David: charming, but was a little disappointed that David and Kathryn had actually comsumated the marriage; it seems like they were going to take things slowly; but less than a month later she's worried she's pregnant? The time lines just don't make sense: Emma keeps saying she's only been in town for a month, but ? It has to be longer
I still think Rumplestiltskin / Mr. Gold is a good guy.
Maybe the stranger is a writer, but maybe was inspired by finding Emma by the side of the road? Or could he be Mr. Gold's son who somehow got banished out of Stonybrook? If he was the writer of Henry's book; how does he know the fairytale story but is out of town?
And lastly, this show reminds me a lot of LOST in AUSTEN a british T>V series (movie) available on Netflix. A character goes through this portal and switches places with Elizabeth Bennett. The book characters had no idea they were part of book. Cute movie.
This is a great show, but they need to utilize
Robert Carlyle more. I too think that he is a good guy, and is the mastermind who is pulling the strings. I hope they write a romance for him as I think that would really spice up the show, and it would be a shame not to, as he is such a sexy man.
I too can’t wait to see Red’s story.
Loved this episode. There has been a lot of speculation about who the stranger is. My thoughts are the timeline of him being Mr. Golds son = FAIL. Rump became magic rump when his son was a boy. Magic rump then creates jimminy cricket when Japedo was a boy…so Mr. Golds son is at least as old as Japedo if not old and dead already…i think Golds son will end up being someone's dad…maybe Snow's? Anyway my theory is that the stranger is Pinoccio…where is he. Japedo's current time character (don't remember his name) said that him and his wife never had any children. In Fairy tale land Japedo and his son were working on the wardrobe…i think Pinnocio hid in the wardrobe and came through with Emma…28 years have passed and he knew the prediction and the stories. So he is probably the author of Henry's book as well.