The real happy endings are lost, now they are bitter happy endings.
Yes, but the writers are trying to spin it as “happy endings aren’t always what you expect.” That line from 3×11 from the flashbacks of Snow and Charming was when the writers decided to hit the reset button in an attempt to write Neal out for the sake of Hook wooing Emma. I just want to cry with how the writers have botched up the original message of hope that good can win and that the mark of true love is sacrifice (which Neal demonstrated his entire life).
I really wish the writers would be honest about when they decided to kill Neal. Because you don’t (from a money standpoint) make someone a series regular if you know ahead of time that you are going to kill him 15 episodes in AFTER barely using him for the first 14.
Let’s see:
301: a nice amount of screen time
302: none
303: nice amount but not the focus
304: present day focus but no flashbacks
305: none
306: last scene
307: present day drama
308-311: in sporadically, a few scenes either with Emma and Regina or Rumple. A lot of quick moments. Did not get to hear final conversation with son.
312: a few REALLY GOOD scenes
313: one scene
314: none
315: death.
Does not compute