The “coward” shout gives a whole new context to Belle’s “coward” accusation. Can you imagine what it would feel like to go through centuries of life with your last memory of your only child being his shouting “coward” at you–and then to have the only other person you’ve loved make the same accusation as she’s walking out of your life forever? I have a son stationed overseas. Once a year we see each other, and we’re both careful to be sure our parting words are words of love because we realize we may not see each other again.
Which brings me to my least favorite–most painful– part of the episode. When Gold began his apology and August wouldn’t look him in the eye, I realized August had been conning Gold. When my son walks in after a year apart, darn tootin’ I’m looking at him for as long as I can before he leaves again. There was nothing August could say that would convince me he was justified in continuing with the con game once Gold asked for forgiveness.
On the plus side, I was thrilled by Gold ‘s confession. I have hope that this is the first step toward reformation for him (once he recovers from his anger at August.)