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I agree completely with JML:
The only measure of Regina’s “redemption” is whether she reacts differently to the same sort of occurrence that caused her to become the Evil Queen in the first season. If she reacts the same way, she really hasn’t changed at all. If she suffers the pain and becomes stronger for it (in a healthy way), we will see some virtue coming through. I have a feeling, especially since she used “White Magic” just recently, that she won’t revert back to the murderous queen.
Regina will not revert to being evil but there will be plenty of dramatic tension between Regina and Emma. I also agree with obisgirl that Henry and/or Snow will play peacemaker as well as helping Emma deal with guilt and Regina deal with bitterness. Ultimately, both of them will realize that preventing Regina from murdering one more person was a GOOD thing, not only for Marian but also for Regina. Imagine if Robin and Regina had gotten engaged and then Robin somehow discovered that Regina was the one who had killed Marian!
I hope they don’t kill Marian but instead show Regina becoming able to be happy that Robin and Roland were reunited with Marian. Furthermore, I’m still not convinced that Robin was really the guy in the tavern that Tink showed her. Remember we never saw his face. Just how common are those lion tattoos in the Enchanted Forest? Regina’s relationship with Robin may have been an important stepping stone in that it showed her she CAN have romance but more importantly it will show that she can forgive both Emma and Robin. Accepting that good can come out of a situation in which she was hurt, instead of seeing only her own pain, will be a huge step forward for her. She’s been willing to sacrifice her life for Henry, both directly and by saving people who were important to him. Now, being willing to sacrifice her own happiness for Robin and his family will be the final step in her redemption. So maybe Robin will be key to Regina’s future happiness not by being in a relationship with her but by making it possible for her to grow so that she can find a relationship with someone else.