@SK – great summary of everything. Right now with the evidence we have it indicates that Neal is dead. Would be happy to be proven wrong but that’s it really.
@Sarah_TN – I know what you’re saying about A&E wanting to surprise us, but at the same time, hiding Neal away in studios until the end of the season? Not fighting with everyone? Not spending time with his son? Not going after Emma? It’s WAAAAY fishy to me. Most fans don’t keep track of filming and will be COMPLETELY blindsighted by this death. Honestly, right now, all signs point to Neal, and as you say, both Hook and Belle, the other two likely candidates to die, will have backstory in season 4. And A&E have already said that when this character is dead – he won’t be appearing again I believe.
I’m actually quite numb to this spoiler now, not happy about it but not that sad anymore either. It just is. I’m actually glad they released it early.
Keeper of Captain Swan's first kiss