EW 10/27 – Robert Carlyle reacts to that Belle twist

The RumBelle story has come to an end — for now.

During Friday’s episode of Once Upon a Time, viewers finally found out what had become of Belle (Emilie de Ravin) and Rumple (Robert Carlyle) before the latter ended up in Hyperion Heights.

Long story short: They did get their happy ending, traveling the world together with their son, Gideon (Giles Matthey), before Rumple confessed to searching out a way to get rid of the Dark One dagger so he could be mortal and live out his days with Belle. Over time, Belle discovered a prophecy that sent them to the edge of the realms, where time basically stands still. Unfortunately, Belle continued to age in a heartbreaking Up-esque montage that showed their beautiful life together.

On her deathbed, Belle reveals to Rumple that she purposefully misinterpreted the prophecy — it’s actually her death that will show Rumple the path that will eventually free him from being the Dark One. Belle peacefully passes on, while Rumple sets out to find the mysterious Guardian that will set him free, allowing him to be reunited with Belle.

While the episode marks the end for de Ravin, who did not return for the rebooted seventh season as a series regular, it’s a fitting and beautiful ending for the couple — one that could possibly have an epilogue, should Rumple find the Guardian and be reunited with the woman who turned him from beast to man.

Read more here: http://ew.com/tv/2017/10/27/once-upon-a-time-belle-dead-robert-carlyle/