Re-read all the OUAT Lightening Rounds from TV Guide, to see if I am misleading myself, hanging on to a ‘straw’ of hope. BUT the wavering only lasted less than a minute. It is only logical, that storytelling requires detours now and then to keep the storytelling interesting and the audience curious to see what happens next.
From Lightening Round # 6:
Even though Neal is engaged to Tamara (Sonequa Martin-Green), is there still hope for him and Emma?
Kitsis: This entire show is about hope. We would never suggest you lose it for anybody on this show.
Horowitz: There’s always hope on Once Upon a Time
From # 12:
“By killing Neal ( Michael Raymond-James), have you robbed Emma of a happy ending? Kitsis: Yes, and she will be miserable from here on out. No! We haven’t robbed anyone of anything. We’ve always said on this show that happy endings are something you have to work for. They don’t come overnight.”
and
“Is there a chance we could see a flash-forward on Once?
Horowitz: Probably not.
Kitsis: Never say never”
It’s the “never say never” ‘golden thread’ that I am holding onto.
I hope the writers found a way for Baelfire, while at his father’s castle, put together a protection spell for himself after he and Belle find the key to the Dark Ones’s Vault and after they overhear Zelena’s conversation with Lumiere.
We never saw Baelfire’s body recovered from the woods or put into a coffin. Call me a rosy eyed optimist, but I still have faith AE have a happy ending for the Swanfire family.
Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. Dr. Seuss