by Andy Behbakht
Since this is my first Once review here on TVOvermind, I have to begin by saying that this season has been the series’ best so far. Season two had a lot of bumpy roads because of multiple storylines that perhaps didn’t connect as well to the main storyline as season one did. But now that they only have one focus, Neverland, the series has never been stronger.
I have never been more invested in Peter Pan than the Once version. Robbie Kay is funny as he’s nailing this role, despite the fact that this is a completely different take on the character.
So he can apparently super-speed or teleport (whatever that was), but can’t fly? I couldn’t help laughing a bit here because it reminded me of the ten year-wait we had to go through to see Clark Kent fly on Smallville. But right now it doesn’t matter a lot to me whether he is flying or not, all I want to see is more of this dark demonic take on Peter Pan.
This episode featured flashbacks of Hook’s origin and while I did enjoy it, it felt almost a bit too simple. I know that is the essence of every origin story, whether it’s for a superhero or a fairytale character, but this one felt too easy compared to other origin stories of other characters on this show.
I think that they did succeed with using a great parallel to the situation that Hook had to deal with in the present with Charming as well as the past with his brother. I hope this wasn’t the last of it, because I still think we have a lot left to learn about Hook.
I’m not totally devastated that Charming had to drink something that would heal him, but at the same time be stuck in Neverland forever because they will probably find a way out in the end. Would they really spilt Snow and Charming up? No, that’s crazy talk, because in the end, they will always find each other, right?
Emma had to make a hard decision in this episode to let Regina use one of the Lost Boys in an extreme way in order to find Henry. It was heartbreaking to see Snow cry because she had to witness her daughter make a dark decision through her nemesis.
I think it would have been interesting if they had done this in episode 6 or 7, but regardless, the story is moving forward and that is important. Season three is definitely the show’s darkest season and I think that is, surprisingly, why I’m so much more engaged with Once.
I have to say though, I kind of laughed at Regina’s mirror-walkie-talkie because I didn’t know whether it was magical (which it probably was) or not, but despite that, it’s good that Henry finally knows that they are there.
But he didn’t seem to be that excited now, did he? Henry is definitely turning into a Lost Boy or maybe he already is one, but that remains to be seen as we have only seen a few hints to his darker side.
I think it’s good that Henry is finally getting a bigger role in this show, even bigger than the one he had in season one. It gives us an opportunity to see more range in his acting, which is just getting better and better. I’m wondering what the end of this first half of the season will be like for him, if he will be completely dark by the end.
My only nitpick for this episode: the Emma/Hook kiss felt so forced and I still don’t understand the people who wants to see these two hooking up (worst pun ever) so hopefully we won’t see this happening again.
“Good Form” was a strong episode for what already is a solid season for this show, and judging on the trailer for the next episode, it looks like it will stay that way, however with perhaps a twist or two?
Once Upon a Time airs every Sunday night, 8/7c on ABC.
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