Once Upon A Time: Regina and Drizella’s Intriguing Connection

Once Upon A Time has been delving into the pre-curse origins of the Hyperion Heights curse in its initial episodes. While some of these stories haven’t been particularly captivating, the tales of how some familiar characters found themselves in this new curse have been the more engaging narratives so far. Of course, some of the new characters have been better than others. This week’s episode uncovers a relationship that blossomed between Regina and Drizella in the new realm before the dark curse was cast. With Drizella being one of the most fascinating new characters and Regina being one of the most complex in the show’s history, “Wake Up Call” turned out to be one of their best episodes in the new era.

Drizella/Ivy: A Compelling New Character

In my previous review, I mentioned that Drizella/Ivy is one of the most intriguing new characters on the show, and Adelaide Kane’s portrayal is nothing short of masterful. I found her character captivating even before the show delved into her relationship with Regina, making her both sympathetic and transforming her into the primary antagonist. I also mentioned in my review last week that I was underwhelmed by Victoria as the primary antagonist, but it turns out that’s because she isn’t! Ivy feels very much like a Regina-like villain, who has the potential for redemption but clearly enjoys being wicked. Adelaide Kane was the perfect choice for the role, and she’s been absolutely phenomenal so far (no pun intended).

Regina: The Evolution of an Iconic Character

Then, of course, Once Upon A Time still has its oldies and goodies. Regina played such a prominent role early in the series, and she held on and evolved because Lana Parilla’s portrayal was masterful. Parilla brings a human element to the long-time caricature of the Evil Queen before realizing that she wants to be better and to have a happy ending. However, she still hasn’t really found her happy ending as Henry grows up and leaves town and after the devastating death of Robin Hood. So, while seeking it, she joins Henry in his new life and develops a kinship with Drizella, who she tries to prevent from turning into the new Evil Queen. That turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy, though, as Regina teaching her magic backfired spectacularly. Parilla played the good-guy, mentor, and mother-figure each with such a delicate nuance that she shows all of the sides of her character simultaneously. She and Adelaide Kane have strong chemistry and will make incredible opponents for one another as the show goes forward.

Additional Thoughts and Observations

Here are a few other thoughts:

• How long are Rumplestiltskin and Regina going to pretend to one another that they’re not awake? Could either be fun or annoying depending on how it’s executed.
• Earlier in the season, I noticed that Ivy/Drizella seemed to have much more chemistry with Henry than Jacinda/Cinderella did. This episode turned that on its head by establishing Ivy as the antagonist and illustrating stronger chemistry between Cinderella and Henry. I wish they’d done that part one episode sooner, but it still worked.

The stories Once Upon A Time has told this season have sometimes been inconsistent, but the stories centered on the older characters have been remarkably well executed. “Wake Up Call” was no exception. Lana Parilla and Adelaide Kane both gave strong performances in one of the best episodes of the Hyperion Heights era.

What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know!

Once Upon A Time airs Fridays at 8/7c on ABC