Once Upon A Time, operating under shifted characters and its most interesting plot in several seasons, has given fans what might’ve been the best episode of the season so far. The shift of the heroes to villains and vice versa seems to have become complete, and the characters who have been around for some time grow more compelling by the day. The entirety of Season 5 so far has been a joy to watch, but this episode actually had me cheering by the end. OUT LOUD!
This week on Once Upon A Time: During the Camelot timeline, Merlin partners with Hook, Charming, and Belle to free Lancelot and Merida. Subsequently, Merida “kidnaps” Belle to assist her in rescuing her brothers. Merlin warns Emma about touching Excalibur, referencing the movie theater encounter from years ago. In the present timeline, Emma forces Merida after Belle, to push Rumplestiltskin into heroism. Emma tries to make a deal with Zelena. Charming, Snow, Hook, Regina, and Henry try to contact Merlin. Arthur’s nature is hinted at in present day.
As you can probably tell, this episode was jam-packed. But it certainly didn’t feel overstuffed or rushed. Even with the non-linear story that has become paramount to Once‘s storytelling, everything that they’re telling feels clear. In previous seasons, it could become unevenly paced in terms of tension versus reveal, and some episodes would simply tread water. “The Bear and the Bow” seemingly has several things that it wants to accomplish, and does so with relative ease, both exposing the proper amount of story and creating a compelling hour.
The six week flashbacks might be more important to the present day story than any that Once Upon A Time has used in the past. This week’s poses a particularly relevant example. Merida is definitely more of a side character in this particular story. So, the creators had to tell her backstory in a way that made sense with the “Dark One” story, and it went swimmingly. The present and past references to her becoming a giant bear were excellent, and the roles they played in the two stories proved essential. The two stories merged together to show the character of Belle, and in turn how she affected Rumplestiltskin to succumb to his inner heroism. Merida’s story was also compelling, but it served a greater purpose and was masterfully incorporated into the grand scheme.
Okay, by now you’re probably wondering what exactly it was that made me cheer out loud. It’s pretty obvious to me. When Rumple completed his heroic transformation, and he pulled Excalibur out of the stone, he honored his deal with Emma. Then, he told her she made one mistake: She turned him into a hero. When Emma scoffed and said this town was full of heroes that hadn’t figured out how to stop her, he turned into her ear and growled: “They’re. Not. Me.” That, of course, is when I audibly cheered. Rumplestiltskin, over five seasons, has has the most haphazard redemption attempts of anyone. “The Bear and the Bow” seems to have presented the real deal. He pulled Excalibur from the sword. If there’s going to be a redemption arc for one of the most mysterious and flawed characters on Once Upon A Time, it better be a good one. This one certainly appears to be headed in the right direction, and I’m extremely excited to find out where it leads.
This has been my favorite episode of Once Upon A Time in several seasons. Season 5 has been great, but it seems to top itself each time out. I couldn’t have asked for more, and only hope that the story continues its trajectory now that the creative mojo seems to be back.
What did you guys think of this week’s Once Upon A Time? Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know in the comments!
Once Upon A Time airs Sundays at 8/7c on ABC.
[Photo credit: Jack Rowand/ABC]
Follow Us
