I still say having everyone think Neal is dead for 5 episodes then having him come back only to kill him off for real sounds really dumb. It also undercuts Rumple’s whole sacrifice at the end of 311. Frankly, I think having Neal die would be REALLY depressing. He’s the reason behind the entire Dark Curse, the catalyst for all the events of the series.
I’m NOT saying they won’t or can’t go in this direction- really anyone is fair game. The writers have all the power. It’s just from my perspective at the moment, I cannot see how that would be a good choice for the story. If we get Rumple back only to have him lose Bae again…I shudder to think. And poor Henry- losing his father all over again? That’s terrible!