the show will probably not get renewed for a fifth season, or last very long if they do without Rumple stirring things up in Storybrooke.
No, the renewal is based on the total average for the entire Season, and TVByTheNumbers (an accurate ratings source and analyst site) has it listed as certain to be renewed. Also, Josh Dallas let it slip that they return to film in July. It’s Season 6 that is the question.
Josh Dallas said IF they get renewed for a season five. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they will. Personally, I’m kind of hoping that no dies. I really hate how OUAT has become so depressing and angsty this season. At least if Emma’s the one who “dies” or disappears we know that they would be obligated to resurrect her character, and OUAT would most likely get renewed for a fifth season by ABC because that would be a great twist, and the savior can’t stay dead. I can almost guarantee that ratings will go way down if Rumple and/or Regina are the ones to die this season because A&E would not be obligated to bring either of them back from the dead.