I read that in 3×21-3×22, A&E wanted to bring back the huntsman for a guest appearance. He would’ve appeared in the past as one of Regina’s guards. Emma would’ve seen him and had a longing glance from afar as she remembered Graham, yet wouldn’t have approached him. At this point, since we can’t have Neal back, I would’ve been more than happy to have seen Emma bring Graham, rather than Marian, back with her to the future. If only the actor who played Graham could be brought back on a full-time basis. I was a fan of Emma and Graham, long before I ever imagined Emma and Baelfire had a love connection. Their relationship had all sorts of potential.
And just think, Graham could be there pissed at Regina for having killed him, instead of Marian being pissed at Regina for having killed her. And Robin could still be caught in the middle, it’s just that the other side of the argument, instead of being from his wife, is from the (albeit former, though he’d probably get the job back if he were alive again) Sheriff. Robin Hood vs a Sheriff is classic story telling right there! Emma would still be caught in the middle of the situation too. It’d essentially be what they’re actually doing, but better. (It’s so frustrating when the AU is better than canon.)
Also, I daresay I’d have been OK with Gremma happening even if Neal were still alive. Graham was a good guy, he saved both of Emma’s parents in the past, without any reward (on the contrary), just because it was the right thing to do. He and Emma both had issues with feeling, and they have a magical kiss to build on. As long as Neal and Emma were still BFFs, I coulda been good with Gremma (even if my ideal would still have been SF together) because Graham was a standup guy, and I reckon Neal woulda liked him too.
But if Emma’s heart gets frozen and….well, I think you all know where I’m going with that. I don’t know how I’m going to feel about that….I really don’t.
If they wanna stay true to the theme of the movie, it should be Emma’s sibling that saves her from the frozen heart situation. Which would make me sob for many and varied reasons.