Also, this show does not regularly past the Bechdel test anymore either. Sure, it does at times. The characters talk about the bad guy of the moment, but even that is passing the test at the absolutely lowest of bars. In Season 1, Emma and Regina regularly talked about Henry, about what it means to be a parent, about Emma being sheriff, about Mary Margaret being in jail, about Henry’s counseling, about Emma’s past and what it would mean if that was found out, and all sorts of things happening in the town from week to week. Many things that had nothing to do with a man because there was no man. Graham was like one episode. I think Emma found out Regina was sleeping with him and he died in the next episode. Snow and Emma did talk about David, but they regularly talked about Henry, Regina, Mary Margaret being in jail, and Emma’s past. There were whole multi episode arcs between the female character that were about other things.
That rarely happens now. Emma and Snow talk about Hook. When Belle talks to Emma or Regina, it is about Rumpel. When Regina talks to Zelena or Snow it is about Robin. There are other things going on in those conversations, but the point many times is something to do with what is going on with their romantic relationship. Emma and Regina are the only female characters that regularly have conversations about things other then their love interest.
No one has to accept the show for what it is; this show is too problematic on too many levels to accept it. I can accept that Emma and Hook are dating, but when Hook continues to do problematic things with Emma and Henry and just general evil, it is going to get brought up. It isn’t like Hook is just a good person and a good boyfriend now. Also, just because this season is a little tiny bit better the 3b, 4 and 5 does not make it good. Especially because it was built upon the backs of that bad writing.