To be honest, Onyx, no – I don’t think it has to be one or the other. I’d prefer no core death, frankly. I think it’s a little silly to resolve a triangle that way. BUT if we have MO322, then we still have the spoiler of doom to account for, since Neal’s won’t be the death in question. So that leaves seven other potential players, and both canvas-wise and story-wise, Hook makes the most sense. And if he is the one to go, I think it will be in a redemptive fashion – likely sacrificing himself for part or all of the SF family. (Whether it’s as a result of his “love” for Emma, to make up for past wrongdoings toward Bae, or what – take your pick.)
I don’t necessarily mean a literal Hook-for-Neal trade, but rather, that one will die while the other returns in 321/322.
Cause this story needs some mending & a better happy ending...