The first half of the season our villains faced redemption. But after redemption comes forgiveness from others. I think this second half we will see our characters reversing roles, one learning empathy for the other.
In Neal’s case, he will be living the nightmare his father lived, being separated from his son. Neal will learn and live what his father felt. Loneliness, desperation, and guilt. Though it wasn’t his fault he is separated from Henry, Neal will feel guilty that he didn’t do more.
Through his journey, Neal will truely empathize with his father’s desperation to do anything to find his son. Through empathy, Neal will finally understand and genuinely forgive Rumple.
It’s a real possibility that Henry, having altered memories will accuse Neal of abandoning him and Emma just as Neal blamed Rumple. Not knowing the whole story, Neal didn’t understand why his father could never go through that portal with him.
Will Neal be tempted to go against his belief that magic is wrong? YES! Just as he was tempted to use it before, he will use it again. Blood magic. NOT dark magic. I think Neal will most definitely use magic.
Reversal of Roles will be both heartbreaking and lovely. I’m looking foreword to seeing how it plays out.
Interesting that Neal will also be reversing roles with Emma. Imagine his unspoken heartbreak when he learns Emma has moved on and learned to love again, via Walsh. Just like Emma was similarly crushed to learn Neal had moved on with Tamara.