For the first time in a long time….I’m giving a 10/10 Rating. This was hands down the best Season 5 Episode for me….from beginning to end, and now a spark of hope has been lit that OUAT may just redeem themselves. To put it simply, I liked everything! Highlights: That Neal Scene!!!! AH! It was like both salt and medicine on the wound…I didn’t know whether to flip a table or hug my tv! Cora and Henry Sr.’s early and later bickering. Regina celebrating her birthday. Henry Sr. trying to talk some sense into Regina. The explanation of how Cora got Henry Sr. in the first place. Regina’s reunion with both Cora and Henry Sr. Rumple’s reunion with Peter Pan. Snow White meeting the Blind Witch who is oddly interesting. The Cruella De Vil Easter Egg. Henry Sr. telling Regina that he forgives her and that he would love her no matter what! Cora hugging Regina, and her attempt at giving sane motherly advice. Henry meeting Henry Sr., and his talk with Regina just before he crosses over! (This scene destroyed me!) The clock moving again. (Season 1 feels) And surprisingly, Hades being Hades…..this man is channeling him a lot better than I thought he would be able to do, so far he’s really great. Again best episode of Season 5 so far to me! Questions: Ok…these aren’t necessarily strong enough to be considered dislikes…but I just have to wonder. 1. If it only took Cora five seconds to snatch out Snow’s heart….why in the world did it take Regina years, and she still wasn’t able to do it? This is the biggest question! You had the magic mirror, you knew where she was at all times, why not just pop up, take the heart, and dip? Did Regina just secretly love the cat and mouse game she played with Snow or something?
If they wanted to go the deep physchological rout with the Queen vs Snow rivalry then yes, its common Villainy 101 to love the hunt more than the victory. But since i don’t trust the writers than my guess would be no.