All magic comes with a price. Once Upon A Time (along with many other shows rooted in supernatural mythology) has been driving home this point since day one. Unabashed magic with no checks and balances would leave for a horribly lopsided universe and, subsequently, an unexciting series. However, Once does not have this problem. The series has maintained this mythology for some time and now it’s finally at the forefront. “The Price,” somewhat obviously, deals with the pain of paying a price for magic, and how the fallout affects the characters and the show.
This week on Once Upon A Time: Life in Storybrooke resumes as the rag-tag band of heroes tries to piece together what happened in Camelot, while King Arthur and many members of his kingdom turn up in Storybrooke. A creature comes to town, seeking Robin Hood’s life as payment. Hook looks for a way to save Emma from the darkness she’s embraced. In flashbacks, Regina leads Arthur and Camelot to believe she is the savior, but one person does not believe her.
There is a lot happening on this show. Sometimes, it’s impossible to process all of it so quickly after watching an episode. But when I finish watching an episode of Season 5 (so far), I have this immensely satisfied feeling. The show feels very much like its old self, to which I quickly became addicted. Sure, the DNA of the series has changed (that happens after five years), but it feels new and old all at once, and I’m definitely picking up what the writers are putting down.
I really like Jennifer Morrison. She’s been a big hook for me in this show. She’s one of the reasons I didn’t quit watching a couple seasons back, and I think she’s an incredibly talented actress. (Since I’m new to reviewing this show, I will be including tidbits like this from time to time). Leading with that, I think it was an excellent creative decision to make Emma the Dark One. While I love Morrison, Emma’s “conflicted hero” could get a little tired at times. Now that we see her having embraced the darkness, it adds a whole new layer to the character, and it’s a change I can absolutely get excited about. Of course, I want Snow, David, and the rest of them to save her eventually. It just wouldn’t feel right if she stays evil forever.
On the other side of the same coin, a couple of other really smart decisions are Regina trying to be the savior, and Hook desperate to save the one he loves from the darkness. Traditionally, Hook and Regina are villains, and they’ve had two of the longest redemptive journeys on the show. Having the two of them fight for good, while Emma is dark, creates this really interesting dynamic on Once Upon A Time. One of Once‘s greatest strengths is blurring the line between good and evil, and “The Price” perfectly illustrates how that will (seemingly) progress in the long term. Also, aren’t Lana Parilla and Colin O’Donoghue wonderful? I feel like they don’t get enough credit.
I’m really a fan of the inclusion of the dwarves at center stage. The more supporting characters we see this season, the better the narrative will be supported. More please! That’s all I have to say about that.
The only part I didn’t like was the whole bit with Robin Hood and saving his life. Now, I can buy that the combined life forces of Arthur, Regina, Snow White, Charming, and Leroy were enough to save his life. However, I would really like to see that price actually paid in a way that alters the show’s DNA. I don’t think that Robin Hood should die (I’m quite a fan of that character and Sean Maguire, actually), but something more should’ve happened there. To date, there have only been a few losses to Once that have really stuck. Sheriff Graham. Neal. Lancelot’s death appears to have stuck. I love the main characters as much as the next fanboy, but I would still like to see the stakes a little higher. I would like to officially register this as a minor complaint, as I mostly really enjoy the show.
“The Price” proved to be a strong follow up to the Season 5 premiere. It continued to establish the new status quo for the series, gave little hints on what happened in Camelot, and further blurred the line between good and evil. Once‘s new direction is paying off, and I’m sure that it will continue.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know in the comments!
Once Upon A Time airs Sundays at 8/7c on ABC.
[Photo via ABC]
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