I think that is the problem with many of the episodes. The story is great, but always rushed. The writers try to fit too much in one episode, and it ends up not feeling as effective as it could have been had they stretched it out to two or three episodes. 🙂
This episode is one of my favorites given that much time went to Neal and Emma, both of whom were just wonderful together. They both are accepting of one another, and both kept each other alive and safe, while still maintaining a playfulness with each other.
The other couples are great, but these two just had a natural, loving, playful feeling. The angst between them wasn’t about them themselves–it was about Emma’s role in the curse. I think that is why I love them and think about them a bit more than of Belle and Rumpelstiltskin. They both of people that are damaged and want love, and when they find that love, they hold onto it. 🙂