ONCE - Once Upon a Time podcast

Reviews, theories, and talk about ABC's Once Upon a Time TV show

Child of the Moon – ONCE064

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Can Henry and Aurora communicate through the nightmare? Can Ruby/Red control her inner wolf? Will King George have his revenge on Prince Charming? We learn and discuss these answers and more from this episode of Once Upon a Time!

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(The following notes are AI-generated, thanks to Castmagic.)

Theories and Origins of Characters’ Transformations in ‘Child of the Moon’

Transformation stands at the very heart of ‘Once Upon a Time,’ and ‘Child of the Moon’ presents a labyrinthine exploration of metamorphosis—both literal and figurative. Our podcast peeled back the layers of character development, tracing the origins of enchanting and frequently tortuous transformations. From Granny’s harrowing shift into a werewolf, a fate intricately linked to Red’s grandfather, to the poignant tale of Red’s own lycanthropy, we combed through the folklore and ethical considerations embedded in their stories.

The episode provided fertile ground for theories, especially surrounding the wilful killing of Anita by Red. We ventured into suppositions that emphasized the role of spiky objects and the lore of silver—a theory held by Speaker A—adding a distinct metallic sharpness to the theme of transformation. On the emotional spectrum, the ambivalent longing of Red, desiring to align her human and wolf identities, was discussed in depth, fortified by Snow’s unwavering support and encouragement of Red’s dual essence.

Our conversation on transformations circled back to striking similarities between two moon necklaces—one from the Enchanted Forest, the other bestowed upon Henry by Gold in Storybrooke. We couldn’t help but speculate about the shared symbolism and whether it signified a more profound connection. Just as these artifacts bridged worlds and stories, so too does our analysis aim to tie mythology to the unfolding saga in Storybrooke, ever curious about the past that shapes the on-screen destinies.

Symbolism Uncovered: The 8:20 Clock and Its Fairy Tale Connections

The ‘Child of the Moon’ episode offered a visual enigma that piqued our curiosity—an unassuming clock at a diner frozen at 8:20. Observations of such details led us down rabbit holes of speculation and potential symbolism. Could this time stamp be a deliberate nod to a French hotel, famous in literature, or perhaps a more cryptic allusion to the fairy tale of Snow White and Rose Red? On the ONCE podcast, we explored these intriguing possibilities, opening a dialogue on the nuanced storytelling methods the show employs.

This particular curiosity about the clock became a centerpiece in our discussion, highlighting the rich intertextuality of ‘Once Upon a Time.’ Each minute detail might carry a story, a history, or a foreshadowing. The representation of mothers within this narrative fabric became another focal point. As we detailed the maternal figures’ presence and influence in the series, we highlighted how their legacies continued to cast shadows and illuminate paths for their kin, weaving a complex web of family ties.

Through the clock’s hands, frozen in time, and the pervasive maternal presence, the series made us ponder the constraints and freedoms of time—both in the literal sense and as a metaphor for the characters’ journeys. The narrative mastery of ‘Once Upon a Time’ has been to employ such symbols as both anchor points and springboards for theories like ours—enabling us to sink deep into the fables’ essence and spring forth with fresh interpretations and insights into Storybrooke’s magical realm.

Exploring the Role of Mothers and Their Influence in the Series

In ‘Child of the Moon,’ the undercurrent of maternal influence runs deep, much like the rivers that shape the valleys of our own reality. Our hosts and the ONCE podcast community examined the nuanced portrayals of motherhood within the tapestry of this episode. Mothers are depicted not merely as caregivers but as pivotal figures shaping destinies, exemplified by the potent role of Red’s mother, Anita. Her compelling portrayal raised striking conversations about the power of maternal guidance—or misguidance—especially when likened to a cult-like influence with vivid descriptions and a seductive, commercial-like allure.

Snow’s narrative thread is interlaced with the yearning for a maternal connection, with our hosts speculating on the audacious possibility of Snow and Aurora being sisters. This would add a profound dimension to Snow’s desires and further entangle the already rich array of relationships in the show. Our special appreciation for this aspect of ‘Once Upon a Time’ stems from its ability to add depth to the characters through the exploration of such familial bonds, no matter how confounding they may initially seem.

We didn’t just observe these maternal themes; we immersed ourselves in their underpinnings. By dissecting the relationships between Snow, Aurora, and their respective mothers, and examining the broader concept of guardianship in the series—from Granny to Anita—we aimed to understand how these figures impact the characters’ abilities to grapple with their nature and identity. The resounding question that circled our minds was: How do the powerful roles of mothers in ‘Once Upon a Time’ inform the characters’ trajectory and our understanding of heroism and sacrifice?

Red’s Struggle with Her Dual Nature: Human and Wolf

The duality of Red’s nature, as both human and wolf, serves as a core theme in our discussion on ‘Child of the Moon.’ We dissected Red’s internal battle, contemplating how the episode intricately portrays her desire to reconcile her two distinct identities. Our analysis pointed to Red’s enviable strength and the tragic beauty of her dual existence; she is at once the predator and the protector, the feared and the beloved. Through Speaker A and B’s deliberations, we uncovered Red’s determination to not only accept but embrace her wolfish side, a struggle that is met with Snow’s earnest encouragement.

Our hosts delved into the complexities of Red’s character—her transformation isn’t just a literal change into a werewolf but a metaphor for her growth as a person. We theorized that Red’s narrative provides insight into the larger themes of acceptance and the recognition of the self, prevalent throughout ‘Once Upon a Time.’ The push and pull between Red’s humanity and her lupine nature became a poignant subject in our conversation, inviting both empathy and intrigue from our listeners.

In tandem with Red’s personal journey, we also explored the external factors that influenced her, including Spencer’s suspicious activities and the symbolic red hood. Could it be Spencer who obtained the hood and set Red’s transformative curse into motion? This theory tugged at our narrative threads, combining character study with conjecture, as we endeavored to unravel the woven tapestry of Storybrooke’s enigmas, a tapestry as variegated and complex as Red’s own wolfish pelt.

The Significance of the Moon Necklace and Its Recurring Symbolism

As the hosts of the ONCE podcast, we reveled in the discovery of the moon necklace, a piece of jewelry bearing a weighty significance within the ‘Child of the Moon’ episode. This talisman’s recurring presence sparked an insightful debate about its symbolism across different realms in the series. We discussed the compelling parallels between the necklace seen in the Enchanted Forest and the one Gold gifted Henry in Storybrooke. The coalescence of these necklaces invited theories on time, connection, and perhaps even destiny.

Our dialogue ventured into the emblematic meaning behind these moon-shaped pendants. Does the moon represent a protector over those it embraces, or does it symbolize the tension between light and dark, humanity and beast? The hosts considered how the moon motif reflects upon the characters, especially its ties to werewolves and the transformative powers they possess. By tracing the necklaces’ journey across characters and episodes, we aimed to glean insights into the broader narrative at play.

Beyond the physical intricacies of the moon necklace, we touched upon the emotional ties it could represent. The parallels drawn between the necklaces provided us with an opportunity to contemplate their potential influence over the course of events in Storybrooke. It was a moment for us, as hosts, to engage in speculations that extended beyond mere aesthetics to wonder at the deeper connections within the once mystical, now increasingly tangible, realms of ‘Once Upon a Time.’

From Laughter to Peril: The Dwarves’ Discovery and David’s Dilemma

The whimsical outset of ‘Child of the Moon,’ characterized by the dwarves discovering fairy dust, belies the looming dangers and complex situations that soon unfold. In our latest ONCE podcast episode, we shared a hearty laugh over the humor-filled start of the Storybook segment. However, our discussion quickly steered towards the weight of responsibility as David finds himself entangled with a hat full of implications. We pondered the problematic scenario faced by Ruby, the affective she-wolf, as she dealt with the keys purportedly left out by David, sparking a town-wide issue.

The lighter aspects of the episode, including the dwarves’ antics and Astrid’s engagement with the diamonds and fairy dust, served to reinforce the narrative’s fantastical elements. Yet, they also provided a stark contrast to the darker themes we uncovered—such as Spencer’s machinations and Ruby’s predicament. This balance between humor and danger is a hallmark of ‘Once Upon a Time,’ deftly exemplified in this episode, and we enjoyed dissecting the ways in which these polar elements play together to shape Storybrooke’s fate.

David’s handling of the hat and the repercussions it brings forth offered up a slew of theories during our podcast discussion. We scrutinized King George’s potential awareness of the hat and its powers, as David’s possession of it raises many questions about the future of Storybrooke. Even as we struggled to contain our mirth over the dwarves, our conversation inevitably became shrouded in the mystique of the fairy dust they found, questioning how it might alter the fabric of the story we are so passionately invested in.

Between Dreams and Realities: Discussing Episode Conclusions and New Mysteries

Our examination of the ‘Child of the Moon’ episode on the ONCE podcast culminated in a fervent debate about the difference between dreams and reality, subjects that often intersect in enchanting ways in ‘Once Upon a Time.’ The last scene of the episode particularly ignited our curiosity as we witnessed a nightmare involving Henry, speaking to the broader implications for the series’ plotline. We dissected the various facets of this dream sequence, delving into the collective subconscious of the characters and their shared experiences within these dreamscapes.

The hosts mused over the questions raised and answered by the episode, from the enigmatic appearance of the dream room to Ruby’s newfound control over her wolf form. The identities glimpsed in Aurora and Henry’s dreams only added to the melange of mysteries we are eager to untangle. Speaker C reflected on our approach to piecing together the sprawling puzzle of Storybrooke’s drama, highlighting the thematic bedrock of controlling one’s own narrative—even when that narrative tiptoes along the boundaries of dreams and wakefulness.

In our closing thoughts, we considered the symbolic ramifications of the objects introduced into the storyline. We asked whether the object given by Gold to Henry held genuine magical properties or was simply a well-placed placebo. This led to further reflections on the absence of a price for such an item, a noteworthy departure from the typical ‘cost’ associated with magic in ‘Once Upon a Time.’ Our analysis drew upon a rich tapestry of lore and symbolism as we attempted to decipher the meaning behind Henry’s harrowing nightmare and the real-world implications his experience may have.

Important OUaT and podcast schedule

There will be no episode of Once Upon a Time on Sunday, November 18, so we’ll take the week off the podcast.So we’ll have a podcast on November 14, and then the next on November 25.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving, or take this chance to be thankful! Maybe tweet all of the cast and crew to thank them for their great job!

Upcoming costume contest

Create or wear a Once Upon a Time costume and send us pictures by November 15 for our upcoming costume contest!

Join us for the LIVE podcast!

  • Initial reactions on Sundays at 9:15 p.m. (EDT/GMT-4)—right after the Eastern and Central episode airing.
  • Full discussion, feedback, and live calls on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. (EDT/GMT-4).

On these dates, visit ONCEpodcast.com/live to watch and chat live.

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