ONCE - Once Upon a Time podcast

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

The Cricket Game – ONCE072

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Jiminy Cricket (The Cricket Game-2x10)

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

We miss the presence of our co-host Jeremy, who couldn’t join us due to scheduling conflicts. Nevertheless, we press on to bring you an in-depth look at the riveting narratives and character arcs that keep us all spellbound. We also recount our recent experience at the New Media Expo and Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, expressing gratitude for meeting fellow fans and creators despite not winning the entertainment award at the Podcast Awards.

As we delve into the events of Storybrooke and beyond, we’re reminded of the shared journey we’ve undertaken with the characters of ‘Once Upon a Time.’ Each episode reveals new layers and raises fresh questions about the nature of good and evil, the impact of past choices, and the possibilities of future redemption. With a nod to the show’s title, we embark on a podcast episode that aims to find the truth hidden within the tales of Storybrooke and the Enchanted Forest.

The Privacy Paradox: Emma & Nate’s Embarrassing Intrusion

The walls of Storybrooke are thin, making privacy a prized yet scarce commodity, as evidenced by the awkward incident involving Emma and Nate. We, the hosts, touch on the uncomfortable scenario where these two characters were discovered in bed at an inopportune noon hour by the young Henry, whose innocent eyes were subject to a sight meant for closed doors. This mishap sparks a conversation about the boundary between public and private spaces within the apartments of Storybrooke.

Amidst our discourse on personal spaces, we reflect on the show’s commitment to maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. The unintentional voyeurism courtesy of the town’s housing layout becomes a point of humor, albeit a cautious one, as we acknowledge the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the show for our listeners of all ages. It’s essential to respect the clean content that families have come to appreciate in both ‘Once Upon a Time’ and our podcast, even as we dissect the more adult themes present within the narrative.

Transitioning smoothly from this domestic blunder, we segue into the overarching theme of the TV show, specifically the characters’ poignant saying, ‘I Will Always Find You.’ This line, emblematic of the determined spirit shared between the heroes and heroines, sets the stage for a deeper analysis of the bonds that link the characters across realms and situations. Emma and Nate’s private moment becomes a springboard to explore the complex relationships and emotional underpinning that drive the series forward.

The Sentiment of ‘I Will Always Find You’ and Character Connection

This powerful sentiment, ‘I Will Always Find You,’ resonates as a core theme throughout ‘Once Upon a Time,’ reflecting the deep connections and enduring bonds between the characters. In our podcast discussion, we examine how this phrase, emblematic of hopeful determination, mirrors the relentless pursuit of love and happiness against all odds. We specifically look at the heartfelt narrative of Emma and Nate, hoping that their recent separation is not a permanent estrangement within this fairy-tale tapestry.

The endearing use of different names for each other by the characters marks not only their varied experiences but also their profound bond through thick and thin. As hosts, we theorize about the characters finding their home—be it in Storybrooke or a potential return to the Enchanted Forest—symbolizing their quest for belonging and identity. This leads us into a deeper dialogue about what ‘home’ truly means within the context of the show and the importance of a sanctuary for each character’s growth and happiness.

In our discussion, we don’t overlook Regina’s evolving dynamic with Emma. We ponder over Regina’s change in behavior—once characterized by coldness, now showing signs of growing tenderness. This noticeable shift parallels the transformation seen in her interactions with others in Storybrooke, suggesting an internal struggle and possibly her journey towards redemption. Our conversation draws to a poignant close with observations about Regina feeling excluded at a party, shedding light on the contrasting experiences of inclusion and isolation that characters face within their community.

Regina’s Growing Tenderness and Exclusion

Regina’s transition from antagonist to a figure capable of compassion is a focal point of this podcast episode. We delve into her evolving persona, which has shown glimpses of tenderness, especially towards Emma. Recognizing this change raises questions about Regina’s potential for redemption and whether her past is too formidable a shadow for her to escape. The observation of her leaving a party, feeling left out, hints at her continued search for acceptance and the internal conflict she endures.

As we dissect Regina’s character development further, we discuss the conundrum Regina faces with her father’s actions. We ponder his apology for not protecting her and debate its implications—was he referencing protection from Kora’s negative influence or something more profound? Through our discussion, we expose the intricacies of their relationship and consider his true feelings of guilt in the wider scope of Regina’s life story, marked by manipulation and betrayal.

This episode doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker themes of the show, such as Snow’s attempt to save Regina, despite the latter’s history of evil deeds. Our hosts scrutinize Snow’s unwavering belief in Regina’s capacity for change and her defense of Regina in the face of community judgment. Through the lens of redemption and personal growth, we highlight the struggles and triumphs that Regina experiences as she tries to amend her ways in Storybrooke, juxtaposed against her rejection of change in the Enchanted Forest.

The Importance of Ink: Rumple’s Imprisonment & Regina’s Father

The narrative complexity of ‘Once Upon a Time’ takes a turn with the imprisonment of Rumple and the pivotal role of ink in his capture. We, the hosts of ONCE podcast, delve deep into the significance of this plot point, emphasizing the strategic use of ink to bind the otherwise uncontainable power of Rumple. Our discussion takes us through the touching yet tense moments involving Regina’s father’s apology, leading us to speculate on his true intent and feeling of guilt—whether it stems from failing to protect Regina from Kora’s influence or the complexities of his paternal duties.

Snow, the ever-hopeful protagonist, finds herself wrestling with the decision to save Regina or surrender to the overwhelming evidence of her malevolent past. Our analysis confronts Snow’s steadfast belief in Regina’s redeemable nature, boldly challenging the skepticism presented by other characters. This theme of redemption and change is contrasted with Regina’s prior refusals to turn away from her dark path, demonstrating the show’s layered exploration of good and evil.

The focus shifts to the subtle yet significant clues, such as Rumple’s souvenir from the courtyard, which fuels debate and theorizing among us hosts. These seemingly small details help us connect the dots within the larger narrative, uncovering hidden motivations and revealing the intricate web of character intersections. Through this, we emphasize the meticulous craftsmanship of the show’s writers in sustaining suspense and deepening character arcs.

Snow’s Belief in Redemption and the Symbolism in Regina’s Wardrobe

The character of Snow White stands as a beacon of hope and belief in the power of redemption throughout ‘Once Upon a Time.’ In this episode of the ONCE podcast, we take a moment to admire Snow’s unwavering conviction, which is exemplified when she advocates for Regina’s potential transformation. Snow’s outlook instills in the narrative an underlying current of optimism, fostering the notion that even those with tarted legacies can find a path towards light and forgiveness.

Alongside the thematic discussions, we shine a light on the more tangible details within the show, such as the symbolism found in Regina’s choice of attire. We speculate on the implication of her dress color in a particular scene and ponder whether it represents a shadowing of her internal journey or an external perception shift. This conversation extends to viewers’ reactions and the writers’ intentions behind these wardrobe decisions.

Taking advantage of the lighter moments, we recall a humorous interaction between characters on the show that is rare but appreciated. We juxtapose these instances against the dramatic entrances of Hook and Cora, drawing attention to Cora’s Mary Poppins-esque appearance that brings both whimsy and foreboding to the scene. Such contrast represents the dual nature of ‘Once Upon a Time’—a story that weaves together levity with depth, making it a rich tapestry for us to unravel episode after episode.

Debating Magic and Power: Dream Catchers, Swans, and Crows

Magic and power course through the veins of ‘Once Upon a Time,’ often highlighted by conspicuous symbols like dream catchers, swans, and crows. During our podcast, we dissect these elements, starting with the dream catcher’s recurrence throughout the series. We engage in a riveting debate on its significance, especially regarding Emma’s past with Neil and the mysterious undertone it brings to the narrative. Through this lens, the dream catcher becomes a catalyst for theorizing Emma’s untapped powers and her dynamic with other characters.

Attention is then directed towards the enigmatic presence of the swans in a scene involving Hook. It is this attention to detail that makes the storytelling of ‘Once Upon a Time’ alluring; the deliberate placement of two swans in one shot and only one in the next draws us to speculate about the symbolism behind these creatures. Tied intrinsically to Emma Swan’s character, we ponder the possibility of an intimate connection between Hook and Emma, as well as the freedom the swans signify, which Hook craves from Cora’s control.

Our conversation doesn’t stop there—we also delve into the soundscape of Storybrooke, particularly the meaningful addition of crows in the background while Regina is in the process of reformation. This subtlety in production adds another layer of depth to the show as we theorize about the absence and presence of these birds, ultimately linking them to the larger themes of transformation and perception. It’s details like these that we love to uncover and discuss, providing a richer understanding of the show’s universe.

Voiceovers, Promotions, and Listener Feedback

Aside from our in-depth discussions about ‘Once Upon a Time,’ we also take time to focus on the more personal aspects of podcasting. In this episode, we reveal our own aspirations, with Speaker A expressing a willingness to turn a ‘bad voice’ into profitable voiceover work for trailers. Speaker B suggests that a deep voice may well have been an asset for such opportunities, hinting at the unseen potential that lies within us all.

We then transition to promotions for ONCE podcast, sharing our excitement and encouragement for listeners to join our ever-growing community. The enthusiasm radiates as we give shout-outs to our faithful followers on our website and Twitter accounts, inviting them to dive deeper into the world of ‘Once Upon a Time’ with us. Speaker D even provides a tantalizing glimpse into future ONCE podcast episodes by sharing spoilers and casting news, much to the delight of our eager audience.

But it’s not just about us—the voices of our listeners matter deeply. We conclude the promotional segment by thanking them for their insightful feedback, whether it be through email, website comments, forums, or the iTunes reviews section. The global reach of our podcast is a testament to the connection we share with fans around the world, creating a community that revels in the magic of storytelling and the power of shared narratives.

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