I generally enjoyed this episode, though like others, I’m not crazy about the Charming/Hook duo. But it was still surprisingly well done.
Liked:
The flashbacks were well done, and actually helped develop Charming’s character. If nothing else, I’m just relieved that we’re not running in pursuit of the latest animal, vegetal, or mineral magical artifact of the week, in whatever half-baked random realm. In comparison to that, Ye Olde EF is so vastly preferable.
I enjoyed the Regina/Robin subplot, and the fact that it’s Snow Regina confides in. These two have really come far.
It was nice to see Dark One Rumple in all his morally gray glory. Except for the “sometimes maybe we’ll all see our sons” line, which felt strangely “direct audience address” to me and stating the obvious. I know DO Rumple is extremely theatrical, but that was a bit odd. Extra points though for Rumple #doingtherumple.
I think I am happy that King George isn’t a desiccated corpse forgotten in one of the mine shafts… Maybe?
The Pleasure Island + Pinocchio stuff was aesthetically well done
Mixed/Disliked
I sympathize with Zelena’s freak out, sort of — I have no idea how to think about genetics and paternity relative to Wish!Robin either. Still, when she’s not the designated snarky one, I find her character to be insufferably strident.
So, I had expected Hook to be Robert’s killer, and I actually appreciated the way he was so casual about it. But it’s still super squeaky. I hope the show deals with it beyond simply this standing as an impediment to his proposal — I mean, doesn’t this involve other people? Like Henry? And David? And Snow?