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Agreed Phee. On both points.
We just started S3 with my roommate, and last night as I was watching, I kept looking for the things I had missed, clues that pointed towards where we now know the story ends up. But no – just get Mulan & Robin Hood encouraging him to go get his family, go tell him he loves them, go get his second chance. All of that to make his second chance “Go back to your own personal he**, retrieve your kid, watch another ;(&?;$@! curse take your family away, go Uncharacteristically Dark, die.”
All this for a kid who just. wanted. a. family. It was right there – within his grasp – and then he said, “Screw it all, I’m gonna go über-dark like my Papa, despite the fact that I have JUST BEEN TOLD it is exactly what a Wicked Witch wants me to do. I know I’ve been waiting 300 years for my family, but meh, out of patience now.”
W. T. F?!
I am guessing I’ll finish out the season, hoping against hope that my one of my hunches are right and they have an out clause built into the storyline. But honestly… how do we hope for Emma to have a happy ending? Just like Neal, all she wants is a home, a family. And just like Neal, she keeps getting soooo close only to have it ripped away, time and again.
Hey Emma! Here’s a guy who actually loves you and wants a home with you – nevermind. He’s out, enjoy prison! Hey Emma! How about a kid? No, nevermind, probably not a good plan, should probably send him away. Hey Emma! Remember that kid? He’s back and wants you as his family. You just have to break this curse – good job, oh, darn it, hat portal! Hey Emma! Ok ok. We’ll cut you a break. Remember that guy, the first person who ever made you feel valued in your whole life? You can have him back – well sort of – if you don’t mind facing all of your pain, and also, sharing him. Hey Emma! Ok ok, you don’t have to share, he does love only you but now he’s dead… and you get relive all of that mashed-down pain all over again. At least you have your parents to help you through this time… which is great because your kid has gone to Darkest Place Ever. Hope you enjoy your family vacation! Hey Emma. Psyche, that guy is still alive, better unpack your pain again! Did I mention that also, your Mom wants a Replacement Kid? Oh and that your kid’s psychotic great-grandfather is trying to murder him? Hey Emma, ok, you can have your kid back, AND that guy – except no, nevermind, The Curse again & everyone goes zap. But you get to keep the kid this time! Enjoy parenting with no support! Hey, Emma… we know this has all really sucked, but here’s a nice guy for you, in your new life. He’ll treat you well, take you to dinner, hit it off with your son… and then turn into a psychotic flying monkey, because, Another Curse.
Hey Emma? It’s cool, it means you get your family back. It’s Mom, Dad, Replacement Kid… but where DID that guy go, the one person who first loved you for you? Ooh, wait, we found him. Except wait, nevermind, he’s actually his evil resurrected Dad, and in order to fix this, you’re gonna have to be a participant in his death. But it’s cool, Emma. He’ll die in your arms and you can finally have True Wuv. See look, it’s a necklace. And a dead guy. Who spent his life sacrificing for EVERYONE around him, and then got left in the woods to rot. But it’s cool, Emma, The Kid doesn’t remember his Dad, so at least you can spare him that pain. Or talk gibberish to him. One of the two.
Believe in happy endings? Hope, love, second chances? Until I typed that out, I didn’t realize how awful it was – and how a show that preaches hope provides anything but. It’s not just about Neal. If he can’t get his happy ending, I don’t trust that anyone can.
Life sucks, and then you die. That’s our modern fairy tale.
(Forgive me as I go weep myself to sleep for these two fictional people… who represent so many other broken, lost boys and girls… thanks for reminding me they have no chance, A&E. It’s cool, it’s just a TV show.)
Cause this story needs some mending & a better happy ending...