Good point…but I think you have to put it in context…you mentioned that these characters are in our world…but are they really? Or are they living in some kind of cross-land that happens to inhabit our world? Meaning – even in Kansas (I think) they mentioned the sheriff’s office’s security was on beta (hehehe) but they have other modern day technologies, like cell phones…the clothes are somewhat modern but Rumple and Regina’s cars are not…only what? 3 of them can cross the town line without losing their memories? So…while they are technically here, I don’t know that our laws/ethics completely apply…I think in EF, if you truly are repentant, you are technically redeemed…so therefore, I think I give a little more leeway to the villains, provided they are ACTUALLY repentant and redeemed.
Ah, think about this: even if they are in some sort of cross-land doesn’t that mean that the reality and fantasy should be given equal weight? I cannot dismiss an act of violence because a fairy tale character did it, but condemn a non-fairy tale character for doing the same thing simply because “not mythic.” It’s segregation. This is like super extreme but follow me: how long until the non-fairy tale characters are rounded up for being inferior and put into ghettos? Everyone is equal under the law unless we want to start saying that some people are more entitled to privilege than others.
n regard to lies of omission…Belle is kind of off on her own…but in regard to Robin and Emma – yes, each relationship needs to confront a major issue. Personally, I feel Regina’s almost-killing Marian is more difficult to overcome for obvious reasons….Hook’s actions regarding Ariel aren’t pretty but in the end, she did find Eric and I admit, I can justify his choosing his ship over some girl he just met….(and yes, conceding the CS/Hook goggles are on when I say that so I know there are lots of arguments against the same! No ill feelings toward any anti-Hookers or CSers! No tears from our Keymaster intended!!! 🙂 )
Let’s just stay with this in the general sense then because all three relationships at present have the “what happens if the lie is discovered” aspect at play.
Option 1.A
Belle learns that Rumple killed Zelena and decides she doesn’t care. @Jenna_B said, and others like @Myril and @Gaultheria have said in this thread that makes her equally guilty and “bad” as Rumple who committed the actual crime.
Option 1.B
Belle learns that Rumple killed Zelena and leaves Rumple because he lied and clearly hasn’t changed. This is obviously the better option. But what happens if she goes back, is it one more strike and your out? How many strikes? How many mistakes before Rumple’s a lost cause?
Option 2. A
Emma learns that during the lost year, Hook killed Blackbeard for his ship and decides she doesn’t care. How can we, on the one hand, condemn Belle for not caring and place equal culpability at her door, but not do the same with Emma? Granted, Hook and Emma were not in a relationship, but should Emma not care at all that the man she’s dating (and whom she lets her son hang out with) has murdered someone very recently? (yes, this works with regards to Emma and Henry with Rumple too…but that’s a thread for another day, coming eventually…)
Option 2.B
Pretty much the exact same thing, only replace Belle with Emma and Rumple with Hook.
Option 3.A
Robin learns that Regina killed Marian in an aborted timeline and that the only reason Marian is not dead now is because of Emma. Further, he learns that Regina is going after Marian again (and possibly Emma for “ruining” her happy ending). Robin decides he doesn’t care, cause soul mates. Again, how can we lay equal culpability at Belle’s door for not caring, but not have it carry over in this situation?
Option 3.B
You know the drill.
My overarching point is not to bash any single ship but rather to help show something we all know which is our shipping bias. But more than that, once again, what the HECK IS THE MORAL OF ONCE UPON A TIME WHEN IT COMES TO LOVE AND ROMANCE?!?!?!??!?! *RG is tired*