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Once Upon a Time: The Thing You Love Most

“I just want to be happy.”

Strong characterization and teasingly brilliant plot development helped to keep the ‘second episode curse’ firmly at bay during "The Thing You Love Most". All of the positive aspects from the pilot were still present during this episode and it was just as entertaining. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, that’s for sure.

Everything about Once Upon a Time screams potential disaster, but so far, it just works. They’ve cleverly avoided the major work of getting Emma to believe Henry’s story; she believes that he believes. One of the best parts of this episode was the family ties that were established between not only Emma and Henry, but between Emma and Snow. I really think she believes a lot more of what Henry is telling her than she lets on; how telling was her reaction to Mary’s fairytale identity?

As fair as supreme villains go, Regina is as strong as they come. This episode outlined her motives and what happened to turn her into such an evil woman masterfully. Her sacrifice was so painful to watch, and though it's easy to hate her, I still feel like the series has painted her so skilfully since it's hard not to pity her either. I really love all her interactions with all of the other residents, too; her power is so evident during those confrontations, particularly with the weaker ones. With her place in the series now perfectly defined, things can only go up from here. Also, I started to see some major longevity in the series; once she meets her end I think it’s obvious who may become a major player... Regina and Emma's rivalry was pretty amazing too; I'm really starting to fall for Emma as the hero of the story.

I still love how they tackle the fairytale world. All of those sequences are so well done and though they’re a little corny, they work so well in this context. The entirety of the Queen and Witch’s meeting flawless, and seeing Kristen Van Bauer was definitely a bonus, she’s amazing. I also love all the little hints to the greater story throughout; the poison apple thing was quite cute.

I think I’m in love. I don’t remember liking a series this much in the beginning since Heroes. Although, we all know how that ended up... Uh-oh...

Plus

I really like the big intro sequence; very cinematic and fitting.

Did anyone else get major Lord of the Rings flashbacks during that fight between Regina and Maleficent? (ie: Saruman and Gandalf, circa Fellowship. Is my inner nerd showing?!)

Little Henry doesn’t appear to be too popular among fans, but I think he’s the cutest thing ever.

That final scene between Regina and Mr Gold was telling, wasn’t it? I wonder what exactly he knows about this world, he seems aware of the curse...

He Said, She Said

Regina: “She’s a con woman. She’s trying to learn about us in order to take advantage of us. That’s why she’s sticking around. I’m sorry.”
Henry: “No, you’re not.”
Regina: “I know you think otherwise, but all I’m doing is trying to protect you.”

Regina: “The only comfort for me is Snow White’s suffering.”
Maleficent: “Well it’s her wedding night; I doubt she’s suffering right now.”

Regina: “I just want to be happy.”
Henry: “You can be. Of this I’m sure.”

Mr Gold: “'Henry.' Did I ever tell you what a lovely name that was? However did you pick it?

3.5 out of 4 evil witches.

Previously posted at PandaTV.

3 comments:

  1. If the first episode hooked me, the second episode tied me to a chair and made sure I wasn't going to stop watching anytime soon. I liked this episode every bit as much as the first, and I'd give it a firm four.

    You sound quite worried that it might go downhill at some point, and it might still in season 2. But having finally seen all of season 1 I can say with certainty that the show didn't lose my attention once. This is easily my favourite show in a long while, and probably my favourite show currently running. And I include Game of Thrones in that, which I do love as well.

    The Queen vs Witch fight was fantastic, and I sorta wish we could have had more magic vs magic fights in the show. That would probably strain the budget too much though.

    I totally agree with you, Henry is adorable. I just want to take him home and hug him. And that didn't sound so creepy in my head. It helps that he's actually right about what's going on in Storybrooke.

    I better shut up now, I've rambled on for way too long. But really, I so love this show to bits. The plot, the characters, the setting, it's all just great stuff.

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  2. The show is awesome it gets repetitive a bit during season 4s beginning BUT picks up again........but now it's just ugggh

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  3. I'm late to the party and needed something new to watch. I agree with Alice that ep 2 has absolutely addicted.

    I can't tell if Rumple/Mr. Gold is good or bad, and I like it that way.

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