Call it what you will, but I think the show took a nosedive in S3b. For me, the last good episode was probably Going Home. I could’ve been satisfied with that episode being the entire series finale.
Absolutely agree. I thought that episode was so well done. And it really truly felt like a series finale. As far as jumping the shark is concerned, I think season 4A fits that description the best. However, I think I’m one of the few people who enjoyed the frozen arc. So while it may have “jumped the shark,” I thought it was actually well done in how they were able to twist the frozen story, recreate a villain from the stories that frozen didn’t use, and then make us feel sorry for her when we found out what her true intentions were. And I enjoyed the ending because we never really had gotten a villain sacrifice themselves like that (other than Rumple I guess). It proved that although the Snow Queen was a terrible person, once she got what she wanted (unconditional love from her sisters), she saved everyone and sacrificed herself. And the scene with her running with her sisters again was heart breaking. Plus they foreshadowed everything with the note Elsa’s parents sent overboard, and I think they also incorporated Rumple very well into the arc. The frozen arc fit with the ouat universe. It left some characters in the dust, and it was a huge attempt at ratings, but I actually enjoyed the arc and enjoyed Elizabeth Mitchell a lot.
So although they jumped shark, I think it was rather successful. I enjoyed it way more than season 4b. At least there was resolution in 4a with a definitive ending. What we got in 4b and 5a was unfinished and inconsistent storytelling.
I, for the most part, enjoyed both season 4 arcs. It was character derailment/misuse that bothered me (especially Rumpel and Will, respectively). The whole Zelena thing bothered me. Also, as a Swanfire fan, I was not fond of the CS stuff, obviously.
3B and 5A, on the other hand… They had their moments (505, for example, I enjoyed).
But I definitely agree with this, although I’m pretty sure this would qualify as averting jumping the shark, in our opinions.
According to TVTropes, many factors can contribute to jumping the shark, not necessarily a ratings-grab stunt. Some highlights (my notes in boldface, emphasis in italics):
A popular character (Nealfire) is removed from the show, or even killed off. Especially true if the method of removal is unsatisfying or mean-spirited. This can be considered a single-character form of The Firefly Effect. The standard candidate for this treatment is the heart/the chick, who will usually also be an introverted, quiet, and relatively pacifistic character; who the executives will want to replace with a character (Hook) who is Hotter and Sexier and easier for the writers to develop ideas for, and probably also an actor who has greater artistic ability.
An existing character evolves in a way that flattens rather than enriches them, or which contradicts prior depictions of said character. This can have the effect of alienating fans.
A character becomes a Creator’s Pet or a Canon Sue.
A Breakout Character gets too much screentime. While it pleases fans most of the time, it will sometimes make the show less creative. (Accusations of show becoming “Once Upon a Hook”)
A jarring rise/decline in the sliding scale of villain threat (Zelena), unless it’s written well and/or used for comedic purposes, such as a big bad trying to take over the local 7-11 being usurped by one bent on destroying the galaxy.
The plot is resolved with one too many plot twists or retcons which are inconsistent with the overall narrative, poorly executed, or are just plain stupid, turning the audience away.
A major plot point is apparently resolved only to be immediately unresolved—over and over again. (Rumpel keeps being pulled back to the Darkness)
Too many continuity errors.
A Romance Arc overtakes the series; a non-romance plotline key to the story is shelved in favor of focusing on the couple. (Accusations of show becoming “Once Upon a Captain Swan”)
All of this before the article begins listing gimmicks.