I’ve also been wondering why AE & Co would spend creative energy to create such a rich character as Baelfire, have him travel from one world to another, and not take advantage of the unlimited stories available to the OUAT writers of Baelfire’s adventures. BTW I like typing BAELFIRE!
That is why I feel so strongly…IMO… that the OUAT writers had to change direction and made the decision, for future storytelling, to focus on Baelfire. He is the reason for the curse as RG rightly reminds us.
Baelfire adopted the name “Neal Cassiday” to fit in the PDW. The writers could only go so far to evoke the depth of this character, known as ” Neal” to Emma.
Such a wealth of stories could fit beautifully into the OUAT fairytale of romance and timeless legends. After all, the writers have introduced their take on Robin Hood, Oz, Camelot to name a few.
If Rumple’s character was merged as the Beast from “Beauty and the Beast” and as the Crocodile, perhaps the OUAT writers now are able to explore Baelfire’s adventures and incorporate his character with other fairytale personalties. Just an hypothesis.
May I also comment again how the OUAT writers are trying to steer the interactions between Emma and Hook. IMO, it’s a deflection nothing more, and to milk the adoration of the ‘tween thinking mentality of some of the fans, who watch commercials.
I too think Emma and Hook would make great friends.
Swanfire will be revived, rekindled, restored, I just know it :o)
Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. Dr. Seuss