MRJ knows how to be sneaky. THey hired him on the down-low, they shot in NY, and in general, his costume is one that would blend in with crew pretty easily outside of the EF scenes. Those khaki pants and boots, throw a different coat or hat on him? Would they even notice him walking to set? We know for a fact there have been scenes shot where he was there and the “reports” neglected to mention him. We know people have watched episodes where they forget his part outright so no shock there. Everything is being filtered and reconstituted right now so while I do think the usual “Dude in Distress” may have some twists and plots for him, it may not be what those who underestimate him think it is.
I’m excited to see Neal have emotional scenes with Belle, Charming and Snow. Let’s hope there’s more to come in modern day, not just flashbacks.
“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?” -- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass