Starting off, we find ourselves in a predicament. The cross marking Pan’s camp keeps moving on the magic map (almost expected considering it’s a ‘magic map’…). Henry’s up for target practice which I think is very like jury duty, with more poisoned arrows whizzing around. Once Upon a Time is back for Week 3.
This episode finds us spread far and between with action from Neverland, the Enchanted Forrest AND more flashbacks to fill in even more of those pesky blanks in the story. Buckled in? Good – off we go!
Needless to say he was unsuccessful in this task. Emma (Jennifer Morrison) is trapped in Neverland with Peter Pan (Robbie Kay) and the only reason she’d be there is if Pan took Henry... Neverland is a well-known holiday destination so maybe she just wanted a break from all of this saviour business. She wishes, I’m sure!
Particularly when the Tinkerbell debate rises up – will the fairy save the day or do nothing? Regina and Tink have complicated history (who doesn’t in this show?). It all starts with flashbacks to Regina’s magic lessons and how she spirals further into darkness. Following the death of her true love, thanks to her mother and Snow White’s intervention, she has been left with a simmering rage and no options. A young Tinkerbell (Rose McIver) acts as her conscience and best girlfriend, trying to get her back out and about and looking for a new soul mate. It’s nice to know there are plenty of second chances out there...
‘You need love Regina’. (And a big hug and some chocolate.)
The Blue Fairy injures Tink further with the worst offence of fairies:
‘I no longer believe in you’
It’s understandable then that Tinkerbell is holding a grudge. On the approach to Tink’s treehouse Regina takes a step back and sends the others ahead. But she is stunned by poppy dust thrown in her face by the estranged fairy. After Regina rips out her own heart and a knife is brought into the equation, the pair form a shakey truce. Tink won’t kill Regina, but she won’t help her either. And she has no pixie dust, so Prince Charming’s mortal wound won’t be healed in the very near future
Jumping back to the Enchanted Forrest Neal is still firm in his resolve to get to Neverland, and with the unveiling of Robin Hood’s son, Roland, a new plan is set in motion. Use Pan’s shadow to hitch a ride to Neverland. This was quite possibly the tensest moment in my Once Upon A Time watching days. The words to summon the shadow are ‘I believe’.
AND THE SHADOW COMES!!!
I was shaking. Robin grabbed Roland, Mulan had to slice off part of the boy’s sleeve to release the shadow’s grip and Neal takes a flying leap to get to Neverland. He arrives with a bump in a bush to be greeted by Felix, Pan’s Right-hand Lost Boy.
Mulan (Jamie Chung) is offered a place in Robin Hood’s band, but following all the talk of second chances and love she bows out to return to Phillip and Aurora. She arrives at the castle, full of hope and what-ifs. Aurora (Sarah Bolger) is thrilled to see her, desperate to know of her adventures, but she also has news. She and Phillip are expecting their first baby. Mulan, filled with conflicting emotions about the baby and her own feelings, then backtracks and decides to join Robin’s Merry Men
Also, a second unveil appears in the form of the owner of the lion tattoo… it’s Robin Hood! Who saw that one coming?!
There was a lot going on in this episode (as ever). Is this the end of Charming, poisoned incurable wound and all…? Is Roland the new Henry? Are the Darlings going to make a dramatic return to Neverland? Emma and Neal… will things return to the pre-Henry days or will Hook get in the way?
Keep watching!
P.S. (I do believe in fairies! There I said it!)
P.P.S I have never used the word believe so many times in my life…