Ok, so I’m one of the folks that does not believe Rumple’s going to die at the end of this season…or next season. I also don’t believe this is the end of Rumbelle.
I do think they’re setting Rumple up to be the next big bad. Rumple has been lost since Bae’s death. And I think what we’ve seen is the beginning of that spiral – not really dealing with his son’s death, promising to avenge his death when Bae very likely would never want that, and the entire demise of Rumbelle. Rumple’s obsessed with power and magic, but he is still a very weak individual – his choice to become the Dark One, his chosing his magic over Belle numerous times have shown us that. But though he’s close right now, I think he hasn’t quite hit rock bottom yet. That is what I think the writers are setting us up for. I’m thinking Rumple doesn’t die, but he does lose his magic and power. I think, for Rumple, that’s a fate worse than death.
I think Rumple’s redemption arc really hasn’t even started. I think we’ve seen some good progress with characters like Hook and Regina, but for every step forward Rumple takes, he’s still taking 2 steps back. So I think Rumple needs to truly redeem himself before Rumbelle has a chance, but I do think, once Rumple hits that bottom and finally faces himself without the magic and power that’s corrupted him for so long, Belle will be there to help him find his way. We saw Belle finally having to come to terms with the fact that Rumple has done bad things, when she is the one directly affected by his actions. And we saw Belle walk away, but the scene in the store left me feeling like Belle is ready to see Rumple for who he really is, not who she wants him or believes he can be. And now that she’s maybe looking at him and their relationship a little more rationally and realistically, she can actually give Rumple the help she felt she was giving when she continued to almost blindly have faith in him.
So, that’s my thoughts in a not-so-nutshell. And I’m hoping my headcannon proves right because that’s the Rumbelle I would love to see! (And since I’m one who personally loves Rumple when he’s at his worst, and thinks Belle deserved better until she finally fought back, therefore couldn’t really get completely behind Rumbelle, that’s saying a lot!)