When I watched this about two week ago, I gave it a 7/10. Having seen it for a second time now, I’ll up it to a 7.5/10.
There’s a nice through-line all through the episode about the idea of transformation and whenever the show tries for a thesis statement, I’ll give it some applause. I like that Emma was a central focus of this episode (and probably season, which she should be). This was also the first time in forever that I wasn’t drastically horrified by Rumple and Belle. In fact, I think their conversation at the end was one of the strongest parts of episode.
However, the Wish Realm drives me absolutely batty. It’s all fluff and no sense or substance and they raise more questions than is necessary. I also continue to think that Robin’s return is unwarranted and poorly explained (so, Neal’s spirit couldn’t go into Wish Realm!Nealfire if only for the sake of Wish Realm!Henry???)
LIKED
–“The best fairy tales are about transformation.”
–Poor Gideon. I am actually quite interested to know what life was like with Grandma Black Fairy.
–Old, fat, drunk, incompetent Hook is my favorite kind.
–The dynamic between Rumple and Gideon is very very good. It brings Rumple’s character back to where he began (a desperate father) and Giles/Bobby have great chemistry (almost as good as MRJ and Bobby).
–Chisel vs sword. “Now we duel.”
–“A tree?” “A magic tree.” “Oh, well. Forgive me.”
–“I am fated to die. And I will die. But not today.”
–“We’re gonna switch to water.” “What for drinking??”
MIXED
–August being back is great and it’s nice to see that he didn’t completely shirk his duties but I’m not thrilled about Emma getting her last name from him. I would have much preferred if she came up with it on her own, a sign of that little tiny bit of hope she had left for a better life.
–Emma’s version of the Ugly Duckling resembles Emma story (Emma was ALWAYS Emma Swan, she just didn’t know it and it took finding her community to know that) more than August’s version so the fact that August’s version gets more weight bothers me a bit.
–Why on earth does Gideon believe that if he kills Emma he can be a Savior? That’s now how this works at all.
DISLIKED
–Robin’s soul went into Wish Realm!Robin?? What is that nonsense?
–Regina manages to either magically write a letter and poof out of the room OR hand write a letter and walk out the door without anyone noticing. See, little things like this bother me.
–Belle starved to death. Like the writers couldn’t think of *anything* in this land of possibilities for her other than death by starvation.
–There’s something a bit squicky and unsettling about Charming saying that they’ll give Belle one shot to save Gideon but “if it doesn’t work….” as if Gideon’s life is less important than Emma’s. Gideon may have been born (literally) yesterday but he’s still someone’s son.
–I’m sorry but no amount of belief makes you a master carpenter. You actually do need like…skills and experience. Also, time. August carved a wardrobe in a few hours that took Geppetto months.
–So why does Gideon wear the hood/cloak? I get that for the first half it was for mystery but why is he STILL wearing it?
–Stop. Breaking. The. Clock. Tower.