And there is no show after S5, at least if we’re looking at ratings and predictions for forthcoming season ratings. S5 is most likely (I’d say about 85% sure here) the end. And even how they are presenting this arc’s story as the ultimate way to fill in a lot of the blanks and really tear apart what it means to be a hero or a villain. A lot of this story this season isn’t just “story of the arc” it’s “story of the show” and is being presented as a big wrap up, or at least the biggest heave ho before they do two smaller arcs in S5 and then bow out. And if A and E and ABC know that, then they don’t have to consider how the loss of RC affects the show and its ratings anymore. They can be a bit devil may care because it’s the end. They can bring in someone new for a short arc (Jafar seems like the biggest option and theory right now) and then end the show after that arc is done.
This exactly. If they’re assured of a series ending Season 5, then they can let go of Bobby. They won’t be a slave to ratings because they’re committed. ABC/Disney has them do Aladdin, something they’ve already touched on in Wonderland and want to do anyway, to coincide with it’s re-release. It’s a multi-platform promotion, and then they have the freedom to end the series how they want for 5b. From a business and ratings standpoint, Robert Carlyle is not required. My view is they bring back Naveen Andrews (who has a big name on tv of his own) and with Lana and the others they won’t have to worry about the void made by Rumple’s demise.
Heck, I even expect if Rumple dies that Bobby may come back intermittently to do flashbacks. Not on a weekly basis, but he could still do his past role part time, he’s still getting air time and drawing viewers and everyone is happy (except viewers).
Keeper of Rumplestiltskin's and Neal's spears and war paint and crystal ball.