So the latest Rumbelle teaser today made me wonder, should Belle forgive Rumple? What are everyone’s thoughts on this? Myself, I think Belle’s forgiveness should be hard-fought. It’s not just her forgiveness, her trust in Rumple is broken as well and it’s difficult to maintain a relationship (any kind of relationship) without trust. Other question, is Rumple deserving of Belle’s forgiveness?
Answer to both questions: no More complicated answer: It would be a bold decision on the part of A and E to show that sometimes “true love” is not enough. That true love is not some magical cure all against law, justice, common sense, and morality. I know it’s a show but the onus should be on ONCE to try and show that, indeed, there are some things you cannot come back from. Rumple broke her heart, broke her trust, and *hurt* other people with no consideration to anyone but himself. I don’t care that it’s “a fairy tale” putting them back together after all that leaves a rancid taste in mouth when millions of women are trapped in abusive and troubling relationships and feel like they can’t get out. A and E should really try to be “bold” and say that no–you have a choice. You can choose to not go back. You can choose to understand that love does not save the freaking day.
I really, truly hope that this is the case for Belle and Rumple. At this point, I don’t think Rumple is deserving of a happy ending at all.
I also would like to see Belle stand on her own as well. I think Belle can be a powerful and strong character on her own, given the opportunity. Plus, I think it would send a strong message if she doesn’t go back to Rumple at all. I think if she does go back to him, it negates what she did at the town line and then, she really is a doormat for Rumple. That he can get away with anything and she’d take him back. For whatever.
Personally, I think the only acceptable way she should forgive him is if he willingly gives up his curse. No cleaving, no holding onto his DO powers. Flat out curse removal…mortal, ordinary man. I have a feeling his opal ring is tied to the reason TLK doesn’t work with them, but what do I know. (And TLK does work in Storybrooke because Snow kissed Charming awake in Season 2).
This is nice in theory but power is Rumple’s true love. I think it’ll be very difficult for him to let go of that altogether. I think he still thinks that he can still have it all and that’s what the quest for the author will be about for him. He wants Belle and he still wants the power and thinks he can have both. He’s still making the same mistakes and hasn’t learned anything.