That article is so true!
Once has become CS focussed to the point that everyone else has become secondary characters. It’s no coincidence that the shows drop in quality began once CS became canon and started taking over the show.
I think half the trouble is that, whereas we’ve seen Regina and Rumple earn their redemption (with varying results), Hook’s has just been handed to him on a silver platter. He didn’t earn it, he feels no remorse for his past actions, it’s all an act to get Emma’s pity and to get in her pants. IMO Dark One Hook was the real Hook coming out to play. He confessed that he likes Emma’s wall up so that HE can be the ones to break them down. CS is all about Hook’s self-gratification. Hook is now Once’s creator’s pet.
Snowing are now Hook’s cheerleaders. Emma, who used to be a “strong” independent woman who didn’t take crap from anybody, has not only been reduced to a prize to be one but has now turned into a selfish petulant fawning child who can’t see the bigger picture at all. She is now dependent on Hook to make her feel loved and capable, she completely ignores her family including her son in favour of Hook unless they can help her in some way eg going to the underworld to rescue him.
Every other character has been reduced to supporting cast in the great “love” story of CS including Regina and Rumple. Regina’s purpose is now to give pep talks to Emma whilst Rumple is there to serve as an antagonist to Hook’s “hero”.
Hook has been forced into that ill-fitting role just through fan popularity and as a result ALL characters have suffered. Poor Belle’s purpose is now to be deceived by Rumple at every opportunity “because he’s evil”. However, he shows more care and concern for her than any of the other heroes combined. They only use her for information but don’t give a crap about her well-being or feelings or even treat her as an actual person.
CS is slowly killing the show.
All magic comes with a price!
Keeper of Felix