If the writers had wanted to tell a really bold story, then they would have left Rumple stay dead (don’t hate me),
As someone who has adored Rumple since the first moment we saw him, I’d have been totally OK with him staying dead because it was a beautiful way for them to end that character’s arc, showing him finally get to the point where he could do the selfless thing for the sake of the town and his son. All of those options you suggested would indeed classify as a bold storyline, so much missed opportunity for compelling storytelling.
Exactly. I’ve been a huge Rumple fan since the start and I would have been okay with his death but it made narrative sense.
[adrotate group="5"]
"He was a lot of things to me" "The only conclusion was love"