Once Upon A Time - Kansas

This is super late, I know. I haven't had time. So this will go up today and the finale recap will go up on the 20th (first empty date in my schedule). Let's finish up this season.

Storybrooke - Present

Snow is being rushed to the hospital. Snowflake is coming! Snowflake is coming!

Rumple is spinning straw into gold, like crazy. Zelena stops him and turns the gold into a replica of a brain. So she didn't need his actual brain. That's good. She says that she just needs one more ingredient and that's Snow and Charming's baby.

Oz - Flashback

Zelena is watching Regina's training and is getting grouchy and is obviously jealous of Regina. As she's pouting, Glinda comes into the Wizard's room. Zelena asks who she is and goes to attack. Glinda tells Zelena that she is there as a friend. Glinda is happy that Zelena turned Walsh into a monkey. She said it'll do him some good for being a trickster. She tells Zelena that she has a lot of power, and that she knows Zelena wants to change the past, but it's not possible. She beseeches Zelena to come meet her 'real sisters'. I bet these are the other witches  - East, South, and North.

Storybrooke - Present

Zelena is having Rumple dig something. Rumple tells her that she's going to fail basically. Zelena says she is certain she can do anything with the right ingredients. Rumple tells her that no matter what she changes in the past, she'll always be WHO she is, and that's a fate worse than anything basically. Zelena laughs at him. I really don't like her.

Emma is putting a protection spell around the hospital room. Hook comes up and says that he wants to help. Emma tells him that he and his cursed lips can get lost basically. She says if he wanted to help he would have told her. He says it would have been a death sentence for Henry if he shared that info. She tells him it's up to HER to protect Henry not him. She's wants to end this now, today. As she storming off Charming stops her. He tells her that she doesn't have to do this alone. Emma says that he has to stay with Snow. Charming agrees and tells her to take Hook. Is Charming insane? Hook needs to not have his lips anywhere near Emma's magic. Charming insists even after Emma asks the same question I just did. Charming says he understands why Hook did what he did. Emma says that of course he does because Charming knows all about secrets and lies. I like spunky Emma. In the end she takes Hook with her. Emma's magic will be gone before the end of the episode, I bet. Emma goes to say goodbye to Henry who trusts that she's totally got this. I love how proud he is of her here. So cute. Regina tells Emma that she'll keep Henry safe. Emma is determined, and I want her to kick Zelena's ass.

Henry is looking for apartments because he totally thinks they are staying in Storybrooke. It's sad that Emma wants to take him away from his family. He's talking to Archie about it, and Archie asks him to talk to Emma about it. Does Archie know Emma wants to leave? Interesting. It's a nice throw back to the therapy sessions they had together too.

Emma and Hook are having the same conversation they keep having. Emma says she wants to go back to New York. Her and Henry were happy. Hook tells her it wasn't real, and that she can't run from her family. Hook wants to know what Henry thinks of all this. She points out that she is his mother and she knows what is best for Henry. Hook says that she is using Henry as an excuse. She doesn't want to admit that she can see a happy future in Storybrooke. Emma snarks "Let me guess, with you?" and Zelena interrupts calling them 'adorable'. Emma tells Zelena that next time she wants to take her powers way that Zelena might try enchanting the lips of someone Emma would actually kiss (LOVE!). Zelena offers her a deal - she can get rid of the magic that she can't wait to run away from, or let Hook die. She has Rumple dunk Hook in a thing of water and hold him under.

Oz - Flashback 

Glinda and Zelena arrive at the 'heart of Oz' and Glinda introduces the other witches. Each witch has a specialty it seems, and Glinda tells Zelena that they are stronger together. Zelena assumes they are going to help her change the past, since they want to help her. Glinda says no. She offers her the remaining seat at the table. The seat of the West. West represents innocence Glinda explains. Zelena scoffs that she is not fit for the job as she's 'wicked'. Glinda says that she can choose to be good, and innocence reborn is just as powerful. Zelena thinks it's easier said than done. The other witches want Glinda to Zelena about the prophecy. Glinda relents. She tells Zelena about a protector that will arrive by cyclone who will protect them from a great evil. They think it's Zelena. Glinda urges her to let go of her past and embrace her destiny.

Storybrooke - Present

Emma pulls  Hook out of the water. She's understandably upset, and tries to revive him. She eventually gives in and does mouth to mouth. So there goes her magic. The curse works. So does that mean they are not true love? Shouldn't true love break any curse? Either way she saves Hook, and he realizes what happened and is horrified. At least he feels bad.

Oz - Flashback

Zelena is back at the Wizard's place. She checks in on Regina one more time, and tells her that she's 'over her'. Glinda appears and tells her that was nicely done. She gives Glinda a pendant that is pure white. She tells Zelena that it will harness and protect her power. If she looses the pendant she also looses her powers, but it'll help her grow as long as she wears it. It means she's one of the 'sisters' now. The pendant allows the green envy that has literally covered her skin to disappear. She thanks Glinda, but Glinda says it was all Zelena and that she let go of her envy. Sigh, this is so nice, and could have been good for Zelena. I wonder what happened to mess it all up. Dorothy I bet.

Storybrooke - Present

Zelena and Rumple are headed into the hospital. Grumpy goes running to warn everyone. Robin and the merry men are making a valiant stand to stop her, but she easily overtakes them with her magic. I hope Robin is back next season. I really like him. Belle tries to stand up to her, and tries to talk to Rumple. Zelena does something to Belle that makes her fall, and she snarls at Rumple that his choice in women has gone down hill. Heck no! Belle is the best. She's way too good and kind for Rumple. He's lucky to have her.

Regina sends Henry and Archie to go hide. She tries to stand up to Zelena, but is knocked on her butt for her trouble.

Oz - Flashback

Glinda and Zelena are outside when another cyclone appears. They go to investigate as they see something inside it. It's Dorothy. Zelena is going to be jealous of Dorothy I bet, since she might be mistaken for the saviour in the cyclone. They question Dorothy about where she's from. She mentions Kansas. Glinda tells her that if she survived that storm that she must be special. Tells Dorothy that everyone will be excited to meet her. Zelena half halfheartedly agrees.

Storybrooke - Present

Snow is in the last stages of delivering the baby. The lights flicker a bit (just like when Henry was born! Product of true love, baby) as the baby comes out. It's a boy! Awww. A little Prince. It's extra sweet because soon Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin will be welcoming a baby of their own. As soon as they get to hold the baby Zelena walks in, and freezes both Snow and Charming to steal the baby. She magics herself out of there with the baby as Snow starts to cry. GO SAVE YOUR SON CHARMING!

Oz - Flashback

Everyone is fussing over Dorothy, and Zelena is obviously jealous. Glinda realizes this and looks concerned. She goes to talk to Zelena. Zelena turns to show her that she's beginning to turn green with envy again. Glinda wants to know why Zelena is jealous of Dorothy. Zelena mentions they ways that Dorothy is superior to her, but it's all in Zelena's head. She points out that Dorothy is the saviour and is meant to banish the greatest evil. Zelena thinks that is her. Glinda tells her that it's what ZELENA thinks it means. She warns Zelena that it could be a self fulfilling prophecy and if she believes it she could become exactly that.

Storybrooke - Present

Charming jumps into action and goes after Zelena. Regina tells David to calm down. That he's going to get himself killed. Henry begs Regina to not let Charming get hurt. Emma walks in. Charming tells her that Zelena took her brother. Emma obviously feels guilty that she couldn't stop Zelena. Emma tells them that Zelena took her magic. Regina wants to know HOW that happened. Emma says it doesn't matter, and that they have to find another way to stop Zelena. Henry says that Regina could do it. She used light magic when she broke the curse by kissing Henry's forehead, so she should be able to do again. Henry gives the best pep talks. He rallies Regina and she's ready to kiss Zelena's butt after a show of support from Robin and the rest. Henry finishes it off by saying he believes in her, so she should believe in herself. Again, Henry is the best at pep talks.

Oz - Flashback

Zelena confronts Dorothy. Tells her that she's going to make sure Dorothy can't hurt her. Zelena goes after Dorothy with a fireball. Dorothy gets scared and throws a bucket of water at her. Zelena begins to melt until there is nothing left. Dorothy calls for Glinda in a panic as she feels bad. She keeps insisting it was 'just water'. Glinda looks at it as Dorothy is the one from the prophecy, and welcomes Dorothy to the sisterhood of witches. Dorothy says she wants to go home. Glinda tells Dorothy that only the wizard can do that, and he's now back to being a normal person since all Zelena's magic should be undone. They head off down the yellow brick road to find the wizard. As they head off, we see that Zelena is still very much alive and well.

Storybrooke - Present

Zelena puts the baby on the large symbol that her and Rumple carved into the ground. She tells Rumple that she is going to change time, and that he will choose her. Rumple says he will not, and that he'll find her no matter where she goes in time, and kill her.

As she begins to perform the spell Emma and the gang enter. Charming tells her that she hasn't won yet, and we see the baby's life force start to leave it's body. Regina enters and tells Zelena that she needs to stop. They are not going to let her succeed. Rumple is tossing everyone like they weigh nothing as Regina tries to get the pendant. Zelena is not concerned since Regina is just as dark as she is. Regina tells her she's wrong, and she channels some pretty impressive light magic and manages to get the pendant off of Zelena. The spell stops, and the baby is fine. So Zelena has no magic now! The baby is fine! The monkeys are back to being human (the ones not dead, obviously). Rumple wants to kill Zelena now. Regina is not having it though because she's all good now. Rumple wants vengeance for his son. Regina reminds him that heroes do not kill. Zelena scoffs at this, and Regina replies that today she is in fact a hero.

Oz - Flashback

Dorothy and Glinda arrive at the Wizard's place. Dorothy asks him if he can get her home. The Wizard agrees since Dorothy did free him from the witches' magic. He gives her the silver slippers and tells her how to get home (click your heels three times). Dorothy goes home. Glinda thanks him for his help, and tells him to show his true self. Its' revealed that it was Zelena. She is fully green, and her pendant is too. Zelena is determined to change her past. Glinda is just as determined to stop her. Zelena threatens to send her out of Oz and to the Enchanted Forest. Glinda begs her to reconsider and try to be 'good'. Zelena just says goodbye and sends Glinda off to her banishment. No surprise, since we knew she was banished.

Storybrooke - Present

They've locked her in a cell? Seriously, that's it? If she gets out and gets her magic back. I am thinking the should have let Rumple deal with her.

Zelena actually asks Regina to kill her and put her out of her misery. Regina says that she understands Zelena much more than Zelena thinks. They do have a lot in common. They both wanted things in life and both felt they didn't get what they deserved. Regina points out that if she succeeded in killing she would never have gotten Henry. She tells Zelena that she is giving her a second chance, and she implores her to take it. She reminds Zelena that evil isn't born, it's made. She urges Zelena to create a new destiny or else Regina will really crush her heart. Regina leaves to put the pendant somewhere safe (thank you!). Regina locks it up in her heart vault. That's a solid plan I guess.

Rumple and Belle reunion! This makes me happy. Basically the best part of the episode right now. They are super cute. Belle sees the good in him. Rumple doesn't understand why she continues to support him. Belle says it's because she loves him. She hands him the dark one dagger (which Regina gave her. Character growth people). Belle wants to give it to him because she believes in him. She asks him to promise her that he won't go after Zelena though. Rumple agrees because it means she trusts him. He wants to show that he trusts her just as much and asks her to hold onto the dagger for him. He asks her to marry him! Belle, of course, says yes. It's perfect and sweet! I can't wait for the wedding. She really will be Mrs Gold.

Charming brings the baby back to Snow, and it's a perfect family moment. Emma looking only proudly full of smiles. Hook and Emma have a moment where they celebrate that they won. He thanks her for saving him. He apologizes about her taking her powers away, and she says it's okay. She won't need them in New York. She calls to Henry and asks if he wants to meet his Uncle. Very cute family moment.

We see Rumple go to Zelena's cage. Oh, Rumple. Please tell me you're there just to talk. Zelena points out that Rumple can't kill her because Regina has the dagger. Rumple reveals that Regina gave Belle the dagger. Zelena surmises that Belle wants her dead. Rumple says no, actually she doesn't. He also reveals that Belle only THINKS she has the dagger. He gave her a fake. Oh, that proposal is less romantic now because he's a lying liar who lies. I hate this. If Belle find out she will not be happy. Rumple goes into the cage, and Zelena is practically begging him to not kill her. She asks why. He says that he is doing it for his son. He promised Neal that he would avenge his death. I will be the first to admit that Neal wouldn't want this. He would want Rumple to be a better man. Rumple turns Zelena into ceramic and breaks her into tiny pieces. I can't even be happy about this, because it is going to cause a rift between Rumple, and Belle. It's going to make Regina angry. Sigh.

We see her disappear, and that her death unleashes the magic from the pendant in Regina's vault, and triggers the spell she was trying to cast. The portal into the past is open! Back in time we go!

Season finale next week. Gotta say I am looking forward to this season being over. Lingering questions - Where are Philip and Aurora? I hope not dead. What is baby Snowflake's name? Will Emma get her magic back? Hopefully the finale answers some of these.

Once Upon A Time - A Curious Thing

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

Regina is not impressed that Snow and Charming want to announce their pregnancy NOW. She sneers that there is a wicked witch on the loose. Charming seems to think it'll rally their people. As they are discussing this a distraught Belle comes up. She's going to tell them about Neal's death right? *sniff* Belle does tell them about Neal's death and that Rumple is back. Regina's gleeful "Rumple's alive?" is contrasted with Snow's melancholy "Neal's dead?". I totally get that Regina is excited to have someone help her with the witch though. Belle admits that she is unsure about either of these things (Rumple being alive, Neal being dead) because Rumple absorbed Neal and it's confusing. She tells them about Zelena getting the dagger which, as expected, does not go over well.

Aurora says that perhaps now is not the time to announce the pregnancy. She's hiding something major. Snow scoffs that they have to do it. They don't want to give into fear, and they want to give their people hope. Charming points out that they don't know what Zelena wants. Aurora says that they do know, and what she wants is Snow's baby. Philip and Aurora tell them that Zelena threatened their baby if they didn't tell her when Snow and the rest showed up. Zelena told them that Snow's baby will be important. They apologize for their part in all this just as the witch herself shows up. She claims that she makes good on her promises and turns Philip and Aurora into monkeys! What the heck, Zelena. I hate her.

Snow tells Zelena to stay away from her baby, which gets her frozen. Charming tells Zelena to stay away from his wife, and that results in him being frozen. Regina is quick to point out that this is really between them, which (as you guessed) gets her frozen. That leaves Belle left unfrozen. Zelena creepily goes to check on Snow's baby. Tells her it'll work out quite nicely, and for Snow to take care of the baby, as she'll be back for the happy day. UGH!

8 MONTHS LATER STILL IN ENCHANTED FOREST

Grumpy comes to give a report. They can't find anything to destroy the witch with. Snow laments that it is happening again. She's pregnant and someone is threatening her child. Regina says that to be fair she was really threatening Snow herself, everyone else was just in the way. Grumpy wants to know why everyone forgave Regina. She says it's because she's helping. Regina asks them how they had a head start on her last curse. They said it was because Rumple warned them. Regina wants to get Rumple and have him help. Grumpy is not part of this plan that involves sneaking into the Dark One's castle where the witch currently is ("the name is Grumpy, not stupid"). Snow says it's the only way. Regina realizes that Belle might know a way in since she lived there. Belle says she doesn't. Robin Hood offers that he does, as he broke in before. Regina is hilarious here and wants to know why they are listening to Robin because "he's a thief". Oh Regina, you'll be playing kissy face with him soon enough. They bicker and it's awesome. She snips that he shouldn't still be there. He snips back that he's there to save her ass, and tells her about the deadly traps at Rumple's castle. Regina snarls that her magic is way more powerful than any traps. Yup, 100 percent shipping them. Snow puts her foot down and says Robin is coming, end of discussion.

Storybrooke - Present

More kissytimes for Robin and Regina. She wants to know what he sees in her. He says that it's the same thing she sees in him - a second chance. He tells her that she's "quite a good kisser" she shoots back that he should 'just wait until she has her heart back'. Oh, these two. SO FREAKING CUTE. He wants to know what not having a heart is like. Regina tries to explain, but says it's difficult. Robin offers to let her 'use his heart for the both of them'. Henry walks in on them kissing, and it's awkward. Regina is sad that Henry doesn't remember her, and as she's leaving to go help everyone Robin kisses her one last time.

Regina shows up at the Charming's house. Snow quips that if she didn't know any better she'd think Regina was smitten. Regina tosses back "if I didn't know any better I'd swear Hagen Daz was smitten with your stomach'. Regina is the queen of one liners this episode because when Emma asks if they should wait for Hook, Regina says she doesn't have time to wait for the 'handless wonder'. Regina wants to destroy her sister. Emma wants to know why they were brought back to Storybrooke. What was the point. Regina thinks what they should be asking is HOW because Zelena had to give up the thing you love most. I am calling it. Hook cast this curse. He destroyed the Jolly Rodger in order to enact it. It was not Zelena. She doesn't love anything, except maybe Rumple, and Regina points this out. Emma is like "You didn't love much either Regina, and you manged". Charming points out that maybe it was necessity because they discovered a way to stop her during the missing year. Fair point, Charming. Totally plausible. Snow agrees and they realize that they need to break this curse and says it's good that they have the saviour. Emma says that all she had to do last time was kiss Henry and believe in magic. Regina says that it's HENRY. Henry has to believe. Emma doesn't seem into it, but Regina wants to do it. Regina asks what made Emma start to believe. Emma says it was the book Henry had. Regina says it's what got Henry to believe originally too, and wants to get him the book again. She seems happy he will remember her. Emma says that Henry remembering may not be a gift. Henry's gone through a lot (and LOST  HIS FATHER!). Regina says that there are good things too. Snow agrees with Regina, and Emma relents. I am excited we are going to see the book again!

Zelena is meeting someone. A car drives up. Oh, just Rumple who has Hook in the trunk of the car. Why does Zelena have a rose? She pushes Hook about not kissing Emma yet. She tells him that she he has until Snow's baby is born to kiss Emma or she's going to start killing people. She'll start with Henry. She throws the rose on top of Hook and tell him that if he doesn't kiss Emma soon, the next rose will be for Henry's grave. YOU KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF HENRY! Zelena really wants Emma's magic gone. She must be able to do something that Zelena needs not to happen.

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

Robin and Regina are still bickering. It's kind of hilarious. They get into the castle and find Rumple spinning straw. He's insane, and speaking in riddles. Rumple says he was so much better when he was dead, and mentions having two minds (*sniff* Neal). Snow asks for his help and Rumple says 'round and round the circle of time racing towards the finish line'. I think it'll end in a race between Emma and Zelena to see who will get to Ava first. I think Rumple is honestly telling them what they need to do. Belle wants to try to reach him by talking to him. She goes to talk to him (and I am sure I am going to cry). She holds his hand and asks how to stop Zelena and he replies by telling her to get 'light magic' (AKA Good Witch of the South). He says that she was banished 'north of the dark forest'. Snow asks how they will find her and Rumple clams up and pulls his hand way from Belle. THIS IS WHY YOU LET BELLE DO THE TALKING, SNOW! Robert Carlyle must have LOVED these scenes. He's totally stealing them.

Storybrooke - Present

Charming says that Belle does not have the book in the shop after getting off the phone. Snow tells them the story of how the book first showed up. Regina wants to go check Snow's closet. Emma goes to check on Henry who is with Grumpy. Henry gets mad. Wants some answers. He wants to know if this is all about Neal's death. Henry calls her out, says she's been lying to him this whole time. Emma tells him that she is his mother, and she knows best. Oh, Emma. Henry is not going to like this. As predicted, he asks for Emma's keys since he would like his video game if he's 'going to be a prisoner'.  My mind immediately jumps to Neal telling Emma that she could have just asked for the keys when she stole the yellow bug with him in it. *sniff*. Snow's face when Emma yelled at Henry though - she's totally disappointed (as is Regina). I don't believe for one second Henry is going to sit there and behave. This is Henry. He does go back to the room, but leaves and hops into Emma's car. Hook catches him and asks where he is going. Henry admits he's going home. Hook says he can't let Henry do that since Henry can't drive. He tells Henry that he has a better way to get out of Storybrooke. Hook, DO NOT help Henry run away. Or do, because Emma will not talk to you ever again (never mind kiss you).

Back at the Charming's everyone is looking for the book with no luck. Snow finds it after searching something Emma just looked through. Regina immediately looks through the book to see whose heart Zelena crushed. Snow and Emma talk, because Emma isn't herself right now. Emma admits she doesn't want this for Henry. Snow asks if Emma is really leaving after Zelena is defeated. Emma says yes, she's taking Henry back to New York. Snow figures out that is why Emma didn't find the book. She doesn't want Henry to get his memories back. Emma says she'll do it to break the curse, but she wants it to be easier on Henry. Snow tells her that New York wasn't home because Emma forgot about them. Emma looks sad.

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

Regina does not appreciate Snow and Charming's cuteness. They find a door at the edge of the dark forest. Snow realizes it matches the riddles Rumple was telling them. She opens the door and walks through, Charming quickly follows. Regina tries, but cannot because she is not pure of heart.

Snow and Charming meet The Good Witch of the South. She tells them Regina couldn't enter because her heart is full of vengeance. Only good witches can pass through. Snow is quick to point out that she's not a witch. Glinda says that she knows who Snow is, and she is pure (plus she's carrying a second pure heart with the baby and all, so that's extra special). Glinda reminds me of Jennifer Morrison. They look a little similar. They ask her for help with Zelena. Apparently Glinda was once friends with Zelena. She tried to prevent her from going dark, but failed. Glinda tells them that she gave Zelena a pendant to help control her magic, and her power now resides in it. They have to remove Zelena's pendant but only the person with the strongest light magic can accomplish this. My money is on Emma being that person. Oh, yup. Glinda says it's created from true love. Snow puts it together. They need Emma. Charming points out she's not in this land. Glinda says that's too bad basically. Snow is quick to point out that there is a way. Did Snow cast this curse?! That would be insane. Charming doesn't want her to do this, but Snow says they must. What would Snow have sacrificed though?

Regina thinks Snow is insane. Regina says she can't enact it because it would mean killing Henry. Snow says there has to be another way. Regina points out she wouldn't have killed her father if there were another way. Charming starts bringing up portals, beans, etc. Regina shuts them down. Says that when she cast the curse to bring them all back to the Enchanted Forest, it created a wall that prevents them from going back. The dark curse really is the only way. Charming says that Snow can cast it. She can kill him, using his heart. Snow tells him that she needs him, and the baby needs him, so no. They will find another way.

Storybrooke - Present

Emma realizes Henry is gone. Regina wants to do a locator spell. Emma's quicker and checks out the GPS location on Henry's phone. He's at the docks.

Hook is introducing Henry to Smee (who immediately asks out Peter Pan because of the movie). So Hook's plan is to get Henry out of Storybrooke so Zelena can't kill him? I get the sentiment, but Emma is still going to be pissed (so is Regina). Henry is totally okay with them stealing a boat if it means getting him back to New York. Flying monkeys come and they run to the boat house. Hook sends Henry and Smee out the back while h e goes after the monkeys. Hook shoots one. OMG THEY ARE KILLING PHILLIP AND AURORA! STOP! Emma and the gang show up and help to kill more monkeys (stop murdering the dwarves). Henry is freaked out and wants answers. Emma promises it'll make sense soon. She is going to tell him the truth. She asks if Henry trusts her. She tells him to believe in magic. She tells him that it's more than just a book. Henry says he believes in her and takes the book from Emma. It makes Henry remember EVERYTHING. He calls both Regina and Emma mom and I start to cry as everyone is hugging. Regina tells Emma to go ahead and break the curse. Emma goes to kiss Henry but Zelena shows up and magics him over to herself. She asks her wants to say goodbye to Henry first. Henry wants to know who she is. She tells Henry to call her Auntie Zelena. Regina is like 'Enough of this already' and goes to walk towards Zelena but gets zapped with magic. Emma tells Zelena that Henry had nothing to do with this. Zelena tells Emma not to blame her. It's Hook's fault for failing her. Emma wants to know what Zelena is talking about. Zelena says that Hook knew the price of him failing (meaning Henry's death). As Zelena starts to choke Henry, Emma uses some powerful magic to burn Zelena causing her to release Henry. He runs to Emma, and Zelena snarls that they should enjoy this moment together and promises that they don't have many left. Henry runs over to Regina who is knocked out.

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

They made the potion and now they need the heart to complete the curse. Charming tells Snow that she has to do this. He needs her to think of the baby. Charming is giving some pretty speech about how the baby will know him because of Snow (Shut up, Charming). They have a really heartbreaking goodbye. I am crying even though I know this doesn't happen. Regina is going to take his heart away and Snow is going to crush it. Regina actually rips it out. Snow tells Charming she loves him, more than anything. He tells her to crush his heart. Tears are streaming down my face and this doesn't even happen. WHAT? SHE CRUSHES IT? WHAT?! How is Charming alive in present day?! WHAT?! Zelena shows up now, and pretty much wrecks the potion. She tells them that Charming died for nothing. Regina says it can't be stopped when Snow starts to panic that Charming died for nothing. Zelena admits she cant stop it, but can spice it up a bit. She adds the memory element to the potion so they forget everything. She tells Snow that she won't even remember Charming's sacrifice, and they won't be able to stop her because they'll be too busy trying to piece it all together. She tells Regina to pay attention because "this is how you take away a happy ending". Ugh, Zelena is the worst, Charming's not dead though. We know this. What happened? Regina, do something.

Storybrooke - Present

Henry is screaming at Regina to wake up. She does, and they have another reunion. Very sweet and touching. She tells Henry that he's never going away again, and that she loves him. She kisses Henry on the forehead and the curse breaks! I love that. The motherly true love kiss breaking the curse just like when Emma did it back in season one. So everyone remembers the missing year now, right? Emma wants to know how Zelena cast the curse now that they can remember. Snow tells her that THEY did it, not Zelena. They fill Emma in on the whole 'light magic defeating Zelena' thing. Emma looks overwhelmed. Doesn't this mean that Charming should be dead though? Emma asks that very question.

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

Snow wants Regina to split her heart in half so both her and Charming can survive. WHAT?! How does that even make sense. Regina asks how that will even work. Snow says she believes it will and begs Regina to do it. Regina says that if Snow is wrong she'll die. Snow is crazy and says that she should do it anyways. Regina does and tears the heart in two. She puts half in Snow and half in Charming. Snow seems okay. Charming eventually comes back too, and they kiss as the curse begins to work. So basically Snow and Charming share one heart now. I wonder if one dies if the other will? I imagine so

Henry and Regina are talking about New York. It's very cute. Henry is proud of his math skills. Henry wants to know all about the man who was kissing Regina. Regina relents and tells Henry a little about Robin. Henry is excited because, duh, a young boy is going to LOVE Robin Hood. Robin walks in and Henry declares it 'awesome'. that he and Regina are dating. I seriously love Regina and Robin together. Why is Henry not freaking out about his father though? This is not okay writers.

Emma corners Hook and wants answers. She wants to know why Zelena said what she said. Asks about kidnapping Henry. Hook admits that was his idea and his way of saving Henry. Emma wants to know what Zelena is doing. Hook tells her that Zelena cursed him (his lips to be exact) because she felt he was the best person to get rid of Emma's magic. Emma says it should have been her choice to protect Henry. She tells Hook that it doesn't matter what Zelena did. She can't trust him again. Snow and Charming come over and say she's right not to trust Hook. They bring up his previous lies. They said they never sent a message to Emma via Hook like Hook said. Hook swears he got one. Wants to know who else would know where to find the saviour, and who else would have the potion. Hmm.. I still want to know what happened to the Jolly Rodger.

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

We see Zelena making a potion. Could it be her that sent Hook the note? Why would Zelena want Emma there though? It makes no sense because she wanted to keep Emma away. It is the same potion. She drinks it to remember her plans and the spell she wants to use because as Rumple points out she can't cast the spell if she doesn't remember it. She gives Rumple a bottle and tells him to drink it if he wants to, or he can stumble around blind like the rest of them. So, Rumple sends it. I bet it was Neal coming through. OMG. They are going to tease us with Baelfire. He sent the potion. He got Emma back. He is the reason that Emma can save everyone. Tears. I have so many tears right now. Neal ties the letter and potion to a bird, tells the bird to find Killian and lets it go. Neal is sucked back into Rumple's body. So I am guessing this is the last time we'll see Neal, like ever. *rages* Now I want to know why they couldn't just have Neal come out, have Rumple give Zelena's name and have Neal go back inside Rumple. It's obviously possible. It just makes me more mad. There was away around this that didn't mean Neal's death.

Emma and Henry at Neal's grave. Emma tells Henry that Neal was a hero, and that he didn't give a second thought to sacrificing himself for Henry and for all of them. Henry is sniffling. Henry wants to know if it was hard to come back. So that's it? Moving on from Neal? Good to know. Henry's father dies, and Henry barely reacts. That's awesome, writers. Emma tells him that she heard his voice in her head, that she knew how Henry would have voted if given a chance. He tells her Operation Cobra is back on. Emma says that is unsure it ever ended. Operation Cobra was bringing back everyone's happy ending. WHY DOESN'T NEAL GET ONE? Magic ruined his life (and yes, I am a broken record). Snow and Charming are watching this from nearby and Snow goes into labour. Baby Snowflake is coming!

Next week, as per the promo we get to meet Dorothy! FUN! Oh, and there are only two episodes left in this season. The question of the night though is - where is the Jolly Rodger?!

Once Upon A Time - Bleeding Through

Regina gets some green apples delivered to her doorstep. It's kind of funny. Zelena also happens to be in Regina's house. She tells Regina that she thought she could use something better than what's on her tree. Zelena calls red apples 'sickly sweet'. Regina tosses back that green apples are 'bitter'. Regina, obviously, wants to know why Zelena is there. Zelena claims it is to make sure Regina is all right after their showdown. Regina says she's fine. Regina also doesn't like anyone touching her stuff. They bicker back and forth and are basically sisters. Zelena tells Regina that she doesn't appreciate what she's got, Regina snarks that envy isn't exactly the best super power. Zelena tells her that the Dark One has gone after her heart. All this was a distraction so that Zelena could get what she wanted. Regina rushes out of there.

Robin  is protecting Regina's heart valiantly. Since Robin won't give it up, Rumple threatens Roland. Not even a little bit okay. That tyke is adorable. Roland is forced to come forward by Rumple, and Robin is pissed. Roland's little cries for help...awww. SAVE HIM. Rumple makes Robin's arrow turn to face Roland instead (who is now stuck in the ground as that is where Rumple put him). Robin, rightfully, freaks out and tells Rumple to wait. The tension in this scene is amazing. Rumple keeps saying he doesn't want to, but he will. I feel bad for everyone in this situation. Robin hands over Regina's heart with Rumple telling Robin that he is sorry as he lets the arrow go. It stops just short of hitting Roland. Regina shows up right at that moment. Robin apologizes to Regina, who only asks if anyone is hurt. Robin keeps apologizing and Regina says nothing is worth the life of a child. Regina puts it together and realizes that if she's not dead it's because Zelena needs her heart for something far worse than crushing it.

Regina is tearing apart Gold's shop trying to find something. She mutters that everything is useless crap. Belle takes offence to that. Regina is like 'Relax, I just need to destroy my sister because she has my heart" and Belle, understandably is concerned about Regina being forced to do things. Regina says she's protected her heart from that, so she can't be controlled. Interesting. I didn't know that was possible. Regina doesn't know what Zelena wants to do so she asks Belle to help. Belle snaps that she has some self respect so why would she help Regina. Regina did lock her up after all. Regina snarks that 'bookworm's got teeth'. I love that Belle is standing up for herself. She actually kicks Regina out of the shop. Regina decides to apologize and brings up the fact that Zelena has Rumple so if Belle wants to see him again she'll need to help Regina. Belle relents and wants to know what is so special about Regina's heart. Regina wants to know where the candle is that Snow used to kill Cora. Belle hands it over, reminding Regina that the power is gone from it. Regina says it's not about how Cora died, but how she lived. Is Regina going to use this to contact her mother or something?

ENCHANTED FOREST - FLASHBACK

I am guessing this is the Enchanted Forest. Young Cora is a bar maid and she's working. She bumps into a cute guy who invites her to sit down as she is done her work for the night. He tells her that she moves like a lady even though she works in a bar. She says that she acts like what she one day hopes to be. They exchange some cute words and he subtly reveals that he is Prince Jonathan. He's been misleading Cora because he wanted her to know him for HIM not his title. He proposes to her with a ring of straw telling her that he'll exchange it for a ring of gold (turning straw into gold) when he comes back, if she agrees to marry him. She accepts and they make plans to meet up in two weeks time. Cora offers to spend his last night before he leaves in his room with him. So this is how Cora got pregnant.

STORYBROOKE - PRESENT

Hook, Snow and Charming are sitting around. Emma walks in and makes a joke about apples as Hook is playing with one. Snow and Charming are talking baby names! Snow wants to name the kid Leopold. Charming does not approve (neither do I). Hook is 1000% done with this. Snow relents and says she would like to name it Ava in that case. Charming is like "That won't work if it's a boy". Haha. They're cute. I say let Emma name the baby. Regina brings in a tea pot. One that is used to summon the dark forces. Since Regina doesn't know enough about Zelena's past she wants to summon Cora who does. If it works, great. Will ghost Cora lie her butt off though? Because I expect nothing less.

Zelena is talking to a monkey as she admires Regina's heart. She now has 2 of the three (and I assume Rumple is the brains so 3 for 3). She gets a suit out and brings it to Rumple. She tells her that she wants to celebrate. She's got 2 items, and the third (his brain) is ready to be plucked. Does she literally want to remove his brain? Because, gross. She says she wants to celebrate having everything. Rumple reminds her that she doesn't have the baby. She says the baby will come and since it's on the way Rumple has a choice to make. He can either do as she says and have his remaining time be pleasant or a nasty alternative. Tells him to choose well. What does she want from him?!

Emma wants to know if it's so easy to talk to the dead why don't people do it more often. Regina says you need the murder weapon and the person's murderer. Snow visibly reacts to this. So, let me get this straight. We're going to dangle a way to speak to the dead in front of people who are mourning (and by this I mean Neal fans) and be like "haha, but NOT who you want to see". One second though... isn't Emma both the murder weapon and murderer? Or is that the key? Either way I totally took it to mean Neal is out. They can't talk to him. Both Emma and Charming look sad on Snow's behalf. Regina wants everyone to hold hands and focus on Cora as she lights the candle. It appears to be working as a portal opens in the ceiling and Regina calls to Cora. Regina tells Cora to not ignore her. Hook bumps the table and the spell is broken. It didn't work because Regina thinks Cora doesn't want to talk to her.

 ENCHANTED FOREST - FLASHBACK

Cora is waiting at the spot where Jonathan told her to meet him. The ring of straw is failing apart and it's raining. It's sad because I doubt he's showing up. She leaves and walks to the castle. She finds Jonathan in the grounds. He seems unimpressed though. Calls her stubborn. It's revealed that he is the gardener, not a prince. She accuses him of tricking her, and taking her virtue and good name. He laughs and says that she basically threw her virtue at him and calls her a harlot. I hate Jonathan. He is a douche of epic proportions. She tells him that she is pregnant. She asks him what the real prince will say when she tells him. She wants Jonathan to pay to support the child. Seems fair. He just says good luck in finding him after she tells the real prince of his deeds. I actually feel a little sorry for Cora here. She make an last ditch effort to grab onto Jonathan and calls for the guards. He pushes her down and runs off. The guards come. Cora makes up a story about a bandit who stole everything from her. The nice guard tells her to come with him and he'll try to help her. It's revealed that who I thought was the guard is actually Prince Leopold (Snow's daddy). Cora accepts his help and thanks him.

STORYBROOKE - PRESENT

Emma says that her magic is getting stronger everyday. She tells Regina that when this all goes down she'll be ready. Regina tells her that she better be. Emma, Hook, and Charming leave and Snow wants to talk to Regina. Regina agrees. As they go to leave the room, a portal thing appears and closes. Did the seance thing work? What is even going on?

 ENCHANTED FOREST - FLASHBACK

Cora is charming Prince Leopold with some youthful stories. He notices that she is cold and he says he would build her a fire, but he doesn't know how. Cora says that she does, and starts to build one. She shows Prince Leopold how to to make a fire, and they bond. Leopold talks of when he becomes King he will have to marry right away and start a family. Cora muses that it sounds nice, and asks if he has anyone in mind (no doubt hoping he would say her). He says that he does, but it's not the name Cora wants to hear. He says he'll marry Princess Ava (Snow's mommy). Cora's face after he says Ava's name - priceless. Prince Leopold laments that he didn't get to make a choice. Ava was a choice made for him. There is an obvious attraction here between them. Imagine if Leopold had never married Ava?! Totally different landscape. It's weird that he would eventually marry Regina though. Ick. Cora tells him what is the use of having power if he can't make his own choices. She's totally hinting he should pick her.

STORYBROOKE - PRESENT

Snow apologizes to Regina for Cora's death. Lots of tears on Snow's end. Anger on Regina's. However, Regina gives that it was complicated. Cora did kill Ava. Regina's angry at her mother too, for all the lies. She thought her mother cared about her. Regina wants to know why Cora gave up Zelena. Oh, Regina. It's because Cora wanted to be royalty and being impure wasn't going to help her marriage prospects. End of story. They hear a noise coming from upstairs that sounds like a spinning wheel. They go to investigate and it's Cora's ghost spinning. Creepy.

Emma has a hot chocolate with cinnamon. She is using magic to make it appear in the booth she is sharing with Hook. She even says BOOM after she does it (Michael Raymond James uses 'BOOM" ALL THE TIME on Twitter. A shout out perhaps?). She seems very excited that she is able to move things. Is this the same Emma that didn't want to learn all this? Emma teases Hook by making his hook vanish (she just moved it to another part of Granny's Diner) but Hook is in a bad mood and doesn't want to play. Belle rushes in saying that she's figured out what Zelena's plan is. See, this is why I love Belle. She's smart, and resourceful.

Meanwhile Rumple and Zelena are having dinner. Rumple put on the suit. Zelena certainly appreciates how Rumple looks in that suit. She's very touchy with him. Zelena knows that Rumple is there for her secret. She knows that he wants to know why she needs a heart, courage, and brain, and why Snow and Charming's baby in particular. So do I Rumple, so do I. Rumple says he really wants to know WHY it's of interest to him. She tells him that her plan will allow him to reunite with his lost son. Rumple says his son is not lost, he died. You are allowed to say his name Rumple. It's totally okay. Let me do it for you - NEAL! BAELFIRE! Whichever. I hate that they are basically pretending he didn't exist other than to casually mention him. Rumple cursed everyone for Bae. Rumple spent YEARS AND YEARS searching for him. There is no way that the Rumple we have known for the last 2 and a bit seasons would not do EVERYTHING to get Bae back and I want them to acknowledge this. She reveals that she is going to change the past. Rumple reminds her of the laws of magic. You can't change the past. She sneers that laws only exist until they are broken by someone superior (basically magic doesn't fail, people do and therefore it can be done by the right person). I know on Wonderland they did break the laws of magic, so I wonder if they'll do it here. She wants to take Rumple back with her. He gets wistful and talks about finding 'his boy'. Aww, Rumple.

Meanwhile, Cora's ghost is PISSED at Snow and totally wants to attack. Regina tells her to BACK DOWN and answer the questions. Regina asks about Zelena but Cora just pushes her aside and goes after Snow. Regina magics them out of there, and manages to hold Cora off.

 ENCHANTED FOREST - FLASHBACK

Cora is admiring a ring on her finger when jerk face Jonathan shows up. He says that the ring turned to gold after all. He had to see if the commoner who said yes to Prince Leopold is the same one that said yes to him. She says that they are getting married in two days and he is going to bow down to her as a Queen. Jonathan wants to know if Leopold knows that she is pregnant, or if she was going to keep it a secret. In order to secure his silence she has to get him some money, jewels, etc and meet him tomorrow night with it. Ava is shown to overhear this and declines her carriage ride that would presumably take her out of the kingdom. So Cora was engaged to Leopold, and Ava tells him about her pregnancy or the theft and he marries Ava instead. No wonder Ava and Cora didn't like each other.

STORYBROOKE - PRESENT

As Regina holds off Cora, Snow attempts to apologize to Cora. Regina is basically like 'Save it, my mom is not the forgiving type'. Regina tells Snow that if Cora wants to kill her she'll have to go through Regina to do it. That's character development right there. Regina has changed and grown so much. Regina again demands answers and Cora's ghost pushes her aside and she goes into Snow's body. Snow sees flashes of young Cora's life.

ENCHANTED FOREST - FLASHBACK

Leopold and Cora are talking. Word has spread that Cora is with child. She tells Leopold that she is sorry that the rumour has caused him any trouble. He tells her that he doesn't care about all that. He will marry her and honour his pledge as long as he can trust her. She assures him that there is no baby, and that she loves him. Ava comes out and accuses Cora of lying. Cora accuses Ava of being a lying, jealous brat who wants to marry the Prince. I am sure Ava does, but Cora is lying. Leopold pulls some jewels out of Cora's dress. Ava and Leopold walk away as Cora beseeches him to not let her go. Ava tells Leopold that he deserves better. That the right woman will give him a child that is as pure as snow.

STORYBROOKE - PRESENT

Regina pulls Cora's ghost from Snow's body and forces it back into the portal it came from. Emma, Charming and Hook come rushing in and want to know what is going on. Regina fills them in that it was Cora. Charming is concerned about Snow (obviously). Snow just wants to tell everyone about Cora and what she saw. Regina wants to know what Snow found out. Charming says not right now. Belle is with them and she fills them in that Zelena wants to go back in time. Apparently during Belle's research she was able to determine that a brain, heart and courage are in EVERY time travel spell. Charming says that they have no clue what Zelena hopes to accomplish. Snow says that she does. She says that Ava told a secret just like Snow did and Cora was forced to lie. Oh, Snow you really do see the good in everyone. Emma is like "are we not supposed to be the good guys" and Regina is like "not that simple". Charming puts it together that if not for Ava than Cora would have kept Zelena. Snow puts it together that Zelena wants to kill Ava to prevent it from happening. This means Snow would not have been born. Emma snaps at Regina that she is guessing Regina won't be helping anymore. Regina tells Emma to think it through. If Snow is not born, Emma won't be and that means no Henry. This might even mean that Regina wouldn't have been born. Charming realizes that nobody has succeeded because it's their baby that makes the difference. Charming smiles and says this gives them some time to figure it out. Snow is less happy with this news because the baby is coming and SOON.

ENCHANTED FOREST - FLASHBACK

Cora has the baby, and puts it in a basket. She drops it off in the woods. Cora tells the baby she is giving her away so that Cora can have HER best chance. So basically Cora is a selfish witch (nothing we didn't already know however). It also contrasts when Snow gave up Emma for EMMA's best chance. Oh, and when Emma gave up Henry for HENRY's best chance. Cora walks away and the wind picks up and the tornado that is going to carry Zelena to Oz appears.

STORYBROOKE - PRESENT

Rumple thanks Zelena for showing him where he was wrong. She says that it's fine and soon history will be wiped clean. Rumple tells her that a gentleman always makes amends when he needs to and starts to kiss her. As it gets uncomfortably heated (because EWWW) he tries to grab the dagger. She catches on and tells him that he just threw away his chance to get 'his son' back. Rumple says that 'his son' gave his life so that he could stop her. He sees only one way to honour that and it means killing Zelena. Zelena orders him back to the cage. Sigh... again his name is NEAL (or Baelfire whichever, but HE HAS A FREAKING NAME).

Snow saw a doctor, and was cleared. Her and the baby are both fine. She goes to help Regina clean up. They have a nice heart to heart here. They talk about how complicated their past actually is. Snow and Regina actually bury the past, and agree to move forward to defeat Zelena. Snow tells Regina that she does have a resilient heart, and that they will win. They talk about Regina's feelings and how Snow sees that Regina feels things deeply even without her heart. She tells Regina to not let anything hold her back.

Regina rushes off to see Robin. He again apologizes and promises to get her heart back. It turns into kissytimes which they are both totally into.

So with the teased time travel, and the tantalizing possibility of Baelfire coming back, do you think we'll see him? I have a feeling that it might be young Bae we see, if anything. Who knows. It is kind of annoying that they WON'T EVEN SAY HIS NAME. Sigh. If Rumple goes back to the moment where he let Bae go in the portal and chooses to hold on this time... it changes EVERYTHING. *wishes for Baelfire to be alive, even if young Bae*

Next week's preview showed Aurora being back. Interesting to see what is up with her, and Phillip since I am pretty sure they were hiding something.  Only a few weeks left before the finale. Also, HOW CUTE ARE REGINA AND ROBIN?!

Once Upon A Time - The Jolly Rodger

We start out this episode with Hook and his band of pirates being, well, pirates. Pretty sure this is the lost year. They steal a carriage and find some jewels. Their reward - a night of drinking, of course. This is the Hook I LIKED! A dastardly, dashing scoundrel.

Hook's men have purchased him a prostitute. As he walks with her outside, he pays her and tells her that in the morning she'll tell his men she had a grand time. She kind of resembles Milah a bit. Nice of him though. As Hook is walking away, someone attacks him. It's Ariel!! He is confused, as he has no clue who she is. She tells him that she knows exactly who HE is and that he is going to pay for what he's done (all while holding a knife to his throat). I would have thought that Hook would have met her when they all came back from Neverland at the dock. Didn't he?

Storybrooke - Present

Emma and Charming are putting together a baby crib. So adorable, because they are clueless. Snow is concerned that they should be focusing on finding Zelena and Rumple whom they have not seen since the showdown. Charming says that the crib is a statement. They are not going to let Zelena get the baby. Regina enters and says that she put a protection spell in place that cannot be undone by blood magic. Snow ponders why Zelena would want her baby, and Regina tells her that there are plenty of spells that require baby parts (EWWW). Emma is done waiting around. She wants to play defense. Regina scoffs that she barely outwitted the witch. She says that Zelena has powerful magic. Emma wants Regina to teach her how to control her magic. Regina agrees but only if they do it HER way. She wants Emma to fully commit to it. Emma agrees. I think it's well past time that Emma learned more about her magic. Emma immediately tells Charming and Snow that she'll be careful and they offer to watch Henry. Emma tells them that Henry wants to hang out with people who are more fun. Namely Hook. Henry likes Hook is basically what they are saying. Sigh.

At the docks Smee confronts Hook. Wants to know why they are not banding together and basically being pirates again. Hook reminds them that they cannot leave Storybrooke without becoming monkeys (which fair point. Hook is totally right). Smee wants to know where the Jolly Rodger is. Hook tells him that it is not here. Hook tells Smee that he has no intention of leaving Storybrooke. Smee wants to know WHY Hook wants to stay. Hook snarks back and Smee takes off as Emma and Henry walk up. Emma asks him if he can take care of Henry. Hook replies that if she wanted to get close to him all she had to do was ask. She says she isn't surprised that he's making this all about him. She tells him that she needs him to watch Henry so she can go learn magic from Regina. Also, I know people wont care, but her TRUE LOVE just died pretty much YESTERDAY. Now is not the time for flirting Hook. He tells her that is a reasonable plan, and that it's about time she embraced her magic. She says she is not embracing anything. After she defeats the witch she's done. Heading back to New York with Henry. Hook tells her that she can't pretend this never happened. Hook says he tried to return to his old life and it didn't work. Emma wants to know what he's hiding, what happened in the last year. He says she can't return to her old life, no matter how much she wants to. I agree that Henry deserves to know. He has family that loves him.

Charming and Snow want to show Henry that they are just as much fun as Hook. Awww, those poor Charmings. They want to be the cool Grandma and Grandpa again. As they are walking along the beach they hear a commotion. It's Ariel who has just washed ashore and a bunch of people are there to help her. Snow wants to know where she's been. Ariel says she has been under the sea searching for Prince Eric. She says that she couldn't find him after the second curse. I hope Eric is okay. Poor Ariel. Charming says they don't know anything because of the memory loss, but Hook might know something. Ariel seems reluctant, and unsure if he'd help. Snow says that he helped them get back Henry, so she thinks he would.

 Enchanted Forest - Missing Year

Hook wants to know why Ariel has the knife to his throat. She tells him that she know he kidnapped Prince Eric and she wants him returned to her. I have a bad feeling about this. Hook admits it sounds like something he would do, but she has the wrong pirate. He grabs the knife and puts it to her throat. She tells him that one of Eric's men escaped, and told her that it was Hook's ship that took Eric - The Jolly Rodger. This gets Hook's attention. He questions Ariel about what she knows (while still holding the dagger to her throat) and she says that all she knows is the dagger he has against her throat came from the ship. Hook removes the dagger to look at the handle, and sees two entwined letter Bs on the it (so we're going to meet Blackbeard right?). Hook runs to tell his crew about the Jolly Rodger's fate. He wants to take it back, obviously. Smee wants to know whose funeral they will be attending, and Hook tells him Blackbeard. Smee says Blackbeard is the most cutthroat pirate to ever set sail. He seems scared. Hook doesn't care. He wants his ship back. He hasn't been himself since he got back, and it's because he doesn't have 'her'. Smee says that he's talking about the ship like it's a woman. Hook says that women come and go, but a pirate's life is forever. Ariel walks in as they are discussing this, and says that she wants Eric back, so she's going too. Hook tells her that few people put a dagger to his throat and live to tell the tale, so she should leave before changes his mind (threatening women again, excellent). She tells him no, that she's going. She brings up the pirate code. Says that since she gave him information, he has to repay her in equal favour. Ariel's so smart! Love her.

Storybrooke - Present

Hook and Henry are playing some sort of dice game at Granny's. Charming comes in and Hook leaves Henry at the table to go talk to him. They introduce him to Ariel (so she can't remember any of the time she interacted with Hook? Hmmm... and yet she knew there was a missing year) and she asks him if he's seen Eric. Mentions that Eric loved to sail and was from the Maritime Kingdom. Hook looks a little sad and hesitates before saying he's never heard of Eric. I think something bad happened to Eric.

Regina brings Emma to her vault thing. Tells her not to touch anything. She wants to teach Emma a foundation first, and build from there in terms of teaching her magic. Sounds like a solid plan. Regina want to know who is watching Henry (she assumes the 'Uncharmings' are). Emma tells her that Hook is. Regina does not look happy. Emma says that Henry likes him. Regina says Hook is impulsive, violent, and has a hook for a hand, of course a 12 year old boy likes him. Emma says she trusts Hook because he brought her back to Storybrooke. Regina is like "of course he brought YOU back" and Emma is like "what does that mean?" and Regina basically says that everyone sees the yearning looks and doe eyes they give each other. Emma says she doesn't yearn. Regina allows that maybe SHE doesn't but Hook does. I need ALL the wine.

Regina is showing Emma a book of spells. They discuss Rumple's teaching techniques. Regina basically tells Emma that Rumple was a tough teacher. If he tried to teach you to swim and you didn't learn, you ended up drowning. It gives Regina an idea, and she magics them to a bridge that doesn't look stable.

Back with the Charmings/Ariel/Hook/ they are discussing how to find Eric. They decide to check Rumple's shop to see if there is something that belongs to Eric there so they can use a locator spell to find him. Hook wishes them luck, but Snow says Hook should go. He remembers more, and her and Charming can watch Henry. Hook pulls Charming aside. He tells Charming it's a bad idea. He thinks Ariel's Prince might be dead (I think Hook knows he is dead) and that they shouldn't give her false hope. Charming says there is no such thing as false hope, and tells Hook to go with Ariel.

 Enchanted Forest - Missing Year

Ariel doesn't like land travel. Totally adorable. Hook agrees with her. Her cloak gets stuck, and Hook tears it which makes Ariel upset. He tells her that mending a cloak should be the least of her worries. She might not find Eric, or survive herself. She says she will. He reminds her that Blackbeard is a fearsome pirate and she should prepare for the worst. He insinuates that he would kill Eric if he had him (as that's what pirates do). She says that she is surprised to hear that Hook would kill Eric if he had him. She's heard stories from people who think that he's a hero for reuniting Snow White with her family. Hook tells her not to believe every story she hears. She tells him that being good is not a bad thing. He tells her that he is a pirate, always will be. End of story. I basically can't even right now.

Storybrooke - Present

Ariel and Belle are reunited. So adorable. Both ladies are beautiful, and lovely. They ask her if she's found anything of Eric's. Belle says she hasn't, but she'll help look (of course she will, because Belle is awesome). Hook goes to search and finds his telescope (is that what they are called?). He uses it to look around the shop and sees the symbol for Ursula. Turns out it's attached to Eric's cloak. Ariel is happy, but Hook looks sad. I think something awful happened, and Ariel is going to be crushed. Ariel gives Hook a hug for finding it.

Back on the bridge.. Regina tells Emma that since her power comes out when she's pushed by her instincts, they are going to use it. She starts removing boards from the bridge, until Emma is barely hanging on. She urges Emma to save the bridge, save herself. She falls, but ends up come back by causing the bridge to float. It's a kick ass scene. Regina tells Emma that she is mad that Emma has wasted her potential.

Back in Gold's shop, Belle is sprinkling Eric's cloak with a locator spell so that it'll return to it's owner. Ariel thanks her for everything (because Belle is busy trying to find a way to release Rumple). The cloak takes off out of the shop with them quickly following.

 Enchanted Forest - Missing Year

They found the Jolly Rodger. Hook mentions the ship is beautiful, and soon it'll be back in his loving arms. Ariel is like 'you're talking about a boat like it's a woman'. Smee just wants to know what the plan is. Hook's plan is to simply walk up and announce himself it appears. Total pirate move, but not the brightest. He calls out Blackbeard, who looks awesome. He actually looks like Disney's version of Hook. Hook and Blackbeard sword fight. This is all very much what I expected when Hook joined the show. Lots of awesome pirate shenanigans. They've been missing. Hook wins by tricking him with a loose floorboard. He is about to kill Blackbeard before Ariel rushes over, and wants him to find out where Eric is first. Blackbeard laughs and says that the rumours are true. Hook's gone soft. Hook gets Blackbeard to finally tell where Eric is though - a deserted island that only he knows the location of. Blackbeard was going to use Eric for ransom. Ariel offers to pay whatever it is. Turns out what Blackbeard wants is to prove that Hook is not a pirate anymore (at least that is what he wants now). He offers to give the location of Eric in exchange for the Jolly Rodger. I wonder what Hook decided.

Storybrooke - Present

The cloak leads them to the water. It goes under the sea. Ariel realizes that this means Eric is gone and starts to cry. She hugs Hook again, and he tells her that he is sorry. Did he not give up the Jolly Rodger? If not, where is it? Is it too much to hope that Eric was turned into a merman?!

Snow and Charming are going to teach Henry to drive a car?! Funny, but it just feels weird. Henry is not a good driver. He ends up hitting a mailbox and almost causing an accident.

Ariel is very sad. She thanks Hook for giving her closure. She knows their story is over, she just wants to know how it ended. Ariel tells him that he is more than a pirate, that he has a true heart (OMFG. I CAN NOT). If he ended up getting Eric killed, he's a jerk not to tell her what happened.

 Enchanted Forest - Missing Year

Ariel is basically pleading with Hook to help her. She beseeches him to do the right thing. She asks him if true love is worth more than the ship. Hook basically says love is nothing but pain, and that he's doing Ariel a favour. All he needs is his ship. Hook pushes Blackbeard off the plank as Ariel screams no. Hook announces that everyone who swears an oath to the new captain will be given quarter, anyone who doesn't can walk the plank. Ariel smacks him across the face, and says she was wrong. That he is heartless. She tells him he'll never be happy because of it. She dives into the water telling him that Eric is still out there, and she's going to find him. *sniff* I wonder what happened, and where he is now.

Storybrooke - Present

Ariel is walking the docks by herself when Hook calls her. Tells her that he hasn't been truthful. He fills her in on the stuff that happened in the missing year. He apologizes and tells her that he sacrificed her saving Eric for his ship. She smacks him and calls him a coward, and a monster. "You let a man die for your ship!". He tells her that he was empty, and that he thought the ship could fill the void in his broken heart (obviously about Emma *rolls eyes*). Ariel is pissed still. Hook says he would give anything to take it back, make it right. Ariel says she doesn't trust a man that doesn't believe in love. He says that he does. She wants him to swear on it. She asks him if he still loves this girl. He says yes. She wants him to swear to it on her name. He swears it on Emma's name (NEAL DIED ONE DAY AGO! SERIOUSLY WRITERS?! CAN YOU WAIT BEFORE YOU DO THIS?!). Ariel reveals herself to be the witch in disguise. She blows some green magic at Hook, and gets rid of the disguise. She tells Hook that Ariel did in fact find Eric after all (oh, yay! I am happy for Eric and Ariel). He wants to know how she knows this. She says she has spies in all the realms. She says that Ariel and her prince have been living happily ever after on some island. She tells him that she knew she could use the guilt he felt about that decision to her advantage. She cursed Hook so that next time he kisses Emma it will steal her magic. He will steal everything that makes Emma special, magical, and everything that makes her a threat. He says that he will tell Emma what happened. She says that she'll send the Dark One to kill Emma before he can tell her. He thinks that if Zelena could have killed Emma, she would have already. That's why she sent the monkey to watch over Emma. She shrugs that it no longer matters, he is going to remove her magic. She says that she can always hurt those Emma cares about - her parents, friends, Henry. Hook tells her to stay away from Henry. She laughs that he's become quite fond of the boy. She basically gives him an ultimatum of kissing Emma, or everyone Emma loves will die.

Hook goes to speak with the Charmings. Emma answers the door. She wants to know where Henry is. He mentions he's with Snow and Charming. Her and Regina want to know what he was doing all day in that case. He tells them that he was helping Ariel find her Prince. Regina seems surprised Ariel was there. Hook mentions the spell worked on the cloak, and Ariel swam off to find Eric. He says that Ariel asked him to say goodbye to Snow. So he's not even going to tell Emma? Sigh. Regina wants to find out if Ariel is on the island. She wants Emma to use magic to take a peek at them. Hook says it's bad form to spy on such a private moment as their reunion, but Emma is like 'let's do it'. I think Emma likes magic. I think Regina knows something is up. Regina helps Emma tap into the magic and they see Eric twirling Ariel around on the beach (just like Hook said). Emma gets wide eyed and is all "You did this? You brought them together?" Sigh... NO HE DID NOT! HE SOLD HER OUT AND IS LYING TO YOU. I would be happy because, hello pirate, but he is not doing it for that reason. He tells Emma that it was actually Ariel. She never stopped believing. Emma tells Hook that he's full of surprises.

Henry and the Charmings come back. Henry is excited that he got to drive. Regina is less than thrilled. She hides it by saying it's because she's the mayor and can't have underage (and unlicensed) drivers on the road. Emma says someone could have been hurt. Henry says it was fun, and Charming seems proud of himself. Emma relents and gives Charming a little smile. All Charming wants is to be cool Grandpa again.

Snow asks about Ariel. Hook says she went off to find Eric when they found out where he was. Emma confirms (they checked in via Skype...for Henry's benefit). They are going to have dinner at Granny's and Emma invites Hook. Tells him that whatever happened in the last year, whatever he is not telling her, she doesn't care. She says she is done living in the past (meaning Neal's death is being swept away). He declines and leaves.

Love the ending group shot of Regina, Henry, Emma, and the Charmings having a family dinner. Henry deserves it. All that is missing is Rumple, Belle, and Henry's dad. Hook uses his telescope to look on them, wistfully.

So they are setting up some epic romance thing with Emma and Hook now. Neal's been dead for a day and is basically forgotten. I bet we'll never even hear his name again on the show. My desire to watch season four is quickly dwindling to nothing.

It appears we might get some answers next week about Cora and who Zelena's father is! At least I have that to look forward to. 

Once Upon A Time - It's Not Easy Being Green

I am still angry. Upset. I can not believe that the reason for the entire show was killed off last week. Rumple had Regina cast the curse so he could find Baelfire. Bae is the catalyst for EVERYTHING. Also, the poor kid (and eventually man) sacrificed and sacrificed and doesn't get a happy ending? Is this a show about hope or not? because right now...it seems like it's not. It seems like being a good person gets you nothing, and being a villain gets you everything. *rage*

On with this week's show were apparently Neal gets a funeral that is interrupted by the Wicked Witch. Can't wait *eye roll*

FLASHBACK - Oz

So we quickly see that Zelena is not originally from Oz (at least it very much appears she just appeared there). A nice couple took her in, and baby Zelena showed her magic capabilities by knocking over a tree. After the husband expresses his concerns about a baby that can do magic, the wife insists they keep her. They name her Zelena (so Cora didn't even name her? Ouch) and head off down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. Oh, and Zelena wasn't green as a baby! What happened to turn her green?!

PRESENT - Storybrooke

I can't watch this. *cries all the tears* Sigh... I am not even going to snark on the fact that Hook gets to put the first shovel of dirt into the grave because this is too sad. It should have been Henry, Rumple, or Emma. Rumple isn't even able to be there!! GRRRR. Seriously, THE REASON FOR THE SHOW, PEOPLE! THE WHOLE REASON FOR THE SHOW. Emma looks devastated and grabs the swan necklace. Love this so much.

Rumple is crying and broken. My heart. I can't. Zelena comes to pour salt into the wound, asking Rumple if Baelfire was worth all the trouble since he died anyways. Rumple replies that Bae was worth every bit of it. This feels incredibly final. The shot of Emma with the shovel, Rumple here. It just feels like there won't be a magic fix this time, no matter how much I want one. I also, sadly, think that's the most we're going to get...*sigh* It's not like Baelfire isn't important or anything.

FLASHBACK - Oz

So the father Zelena told Rumple about is the 'adoptive' father. He isn't very kind to her. He doesn't like her magic, and calls her wicked. He claims that she drove him to drink. He's awful to her and she tells him that if she caused him that much trouble, she'll leave. She is going to see the Wizard of Oz to get him to provide her with a family that cares about her.

PRESENT - Storybrooke

Emma is pissed. She's throwing those darts like she means it. Hook has to come over and tell her that there are better was to grieve Baelfire, like rum. Emma says no thanks, she likes anger. She wants to get Zelena, for Henry especially. Emma thinks that if she says anything good about Neal to Henry it'll just come across like she's trying to make Henry feel better. Hook immediately offers to talk to Henry about Neal. THE GUY WHO HANDED HIM OVER TO PAN. Seriously, writers? Hook, of course, leaves that part out. Emma looks so grateful that Hook will talk to Henry. I can't. I seriously...just no. They might as well be screaming "HOOK AND EMMA FOREVER". They just barely buried Neal. Sigh.

Oh Tink! Yay! She comes and wants to talk to Regina about Robin. Robin comes over and wants to make sure Regina isn't upset with him. She assures him that he's not. As Robin leaves, Tinkerbell snarks at Regina that she should have talked to him the first time she saw him. She tells Regina that if she had life might have been very different. Tink is frustrated because Regina is still closed off, and storms off. I love Tink.

Charming asks Emma how she is. She's obviously not well. Zelena shows up and wants to make a speech to honour Baelfire, since she is responsible for his death (can she die now?!) and Emma wants to attack. Snow tells her no, that too many people will be hurt. Charming tells Zelena to stay away from them, and protectively puts his hand over Snow's stomach. Zelena sneers that she's not there for the baby...today anyways. Why does she want Snow's kid?! Regina wants to know why Zelena is there. Zelena tells her that since her cover is blown, she wanted to come see her little sister. I forgot that Regina wouldn't remember finding that out. Regina says she's an only child. Zelena tells her that Cora lied, they're half sisters. Zelena says that she brought Regina a gift. This sad day. She wants Regina to use it to dig into their past and find out the truth. She wants Regina to meet her in the town square for a showdown. Regina snaps that this isn't the 'wild west' and Zelena says 'no, dearie, it's the wicked west'. Zelena invites everyone to come see Regina lose and leaves taunting Regina with 'see you tonight, sis'.

Everyone immediately starts to question Regina about Zelena and if it could be true. Regina insists she's never met Zelena before. Granny quickly reminds them that anything could have happened during that missing year, so perhaps Regina pissed off Zelena during that. Regina gets huffy and walks out determined to find out what happened.

Henry and Hook are going on a boat. Doesn't look like the Jolly Rodger. He tells Henry that he knew Neal before either of them met Emma.

FLASHBACK - Oz

Zelena goes to the palace to meet the Wizard. ARE WE GOING TO GET TO SEE THE WIZARD?! I am excited. He knows that she wants to find her family. He shows her what she wants to see in a portal/looking glass on the floor. The wizard tells her that Cora gave birth to her in another land, and a cyclone struck and carried her to Oz. Zelena wanted to know why her mother abandoned her. The Wizard says it was because having a baby would have prevented Cora from becoming royalty. The Wizard also shows Zelena that she has a sister. He says that Regina became Queen and gave Cora what she wanted. Zelena sees Rumple in the portal/looking glass and demands to know who he is. The Wizard tells her that Rumple is a powerful wizard. The Wizard tells her that Regina has magic too, but hasn't been able to develop it. Zelena is shocked to hear that magic is a gift. She's immediately jealous, and says that Rumple should be teaching her, not Regina. She wants to go where they are. The Wizard gives her some silver shoes and tells her to click her heels together three times and they'll take her where she wants to go. He wants her to bring him something that belongs to Rumple in exchange for the shoes. He also warns her that she needs to be careful. It's one thing to want to know about your past, but don't become envious of things you cannot have.

She clicks her heels and ends up in Rumple's castle. She performs magic as Rumple walks into the room. He wants to know who she is. She explains that she's Cora's daughter. He yanks out a piece of her hair and proves with a potion that she is in fact Cora's daughter. I was hoping there was a twist to this but it seems that Zelena isn't lying.

PRESENT - Storybrooke

Snow, Emma, and Regina are at Regina's vault. Snow and Emma ask if Regina's found anything. Emma mentions that Charming has blocked off the town square in case the 'show down' actually happens. Regina finds a letter and declares that Zelena's not lying and rushes out.

Emma and Snow go find Charming, Tink and Belle. They are making plans to help Regina. Emma says that they can't interfere because of the fact that Zelena controls Rumple. They discuss the fact that Regina took off, and it appears that Zelena is in fact Regina's sister. Emma says that they need to take Rumple out of the equation to give Regina a fighting chance. They need to get back his dagger. Belle says it might be possible for her to get through to Rumple without the dagger. Emma says that it's worth a try.

Regina is by herself reading the mysterious letter. Robin comes and quips that they need to stop meeting like this. She immediately wants to know if Emma, Charming and etc sent him. He says no. He was patrolling the woods as a precaution after Zelena's threats. He asks her what is in the letter. He actually pick pocketed it from Regina. I LOVE it. She quips that he's lucky she's saving her strength for the witch. Robin tells her that she wants to talk about the letter. Regina relents and even lets him read it. It's a letter from Rumple, I think. He was telling Cora that her 'first born' is stunning, powerful with magic (even more powerful than Cora) and it's quite complimentary. Robin asks what the issue is. Regina admits that she turned to that letter for comfort in her dark moments. She thought it was about her. Robin asks her why she cares what 'that imp' thinks. Regina says if Rumple thinks Zelena is stronger than Regina can't win. Rumple taught her everything, and would know. I love how vulnerable Regina is letting herself be with Robin. It's sweet.
 

FLASHBACK - Oz

Rumple and Zelena are walking together. He tells her about the curse, and how he's seen that Cora's daughter would be the one to cast it (again, THE REASON FOR THE ENTIRE SHOW PEOPLE!). He thought it was Regina, but now he's not so sure. He tests Zelena's magic with a blindfolded game of hide and seek. He tells her to use her emotions to tap into it. It's successful when Zelena starts to use the hurt and anger at being given up, Regina getting everything, etc and she catches him. He is trying to get Zelena to balance the anger with happiness. She wants to know what happy memory Rumple uses. He tells her about the spinsters who took him in, and it's a rather sweet story. Zelena tells him after that her moment is when he agreed to train her. It made her feel wanted for the first time.

PRESENT - Storybrooke

Emma, Belle and others go to the farm house. Emma gives Belle the all clear to go into the cellar and talk to Rumple. Belle runs down to free him. He tells her to leave as he doesn't want to be ordered to hurt her. Belle beseeches him to try to fight it. She doesn't believe that he'd hurt her. She coaxes him closer and they almost share a moment before Zelena shows up. She teases that she was enjoying the show. Rumple tells Belle to run, and she does. She tells everyone outside it was a trick. Rumple comes out of the cellar doors and tells them that if they interfere again that he will kill them.

Hook and Henry are having a campfire. Henry wants to talk about Neal. Hook shows Henry a sextant and explains how it works. Henry wants to know what that has to do with his father. Hook tells him that he taught Neal to use it to navigate just like he'll teach Henry. Henry asks if they were in the Navy or something together. Hook says that Neal was just a boy when he taught him. Henry is all "But you guys were the same age". Way to go, Hook. Henry says that the more they tell him, the more confusing things get. He doesn't want to learn to navigate, he just wants to hear something about his father. Something that doesn't make Neal sound made up. Henry is having a hard time with his father being gone (me too, Henry. Me too). Hook tells Henry that he taught Neal to navigate because he had just lost his father. He thought the sea would help Neal deal with that. Henry immediately latches on to the fact that his father lost his father as well. Hook is trying to tell Henry the truth without right out telling him. Tells Henry that Neal lost his father to something dark and evil when he was around Henry's age. He tells Henry that he is a lot like Neal. This gets a nice smile out of Henry. WHY CAN'T NEAL COME BACK?! THAT BOY DESERVES TO KNOW HIS FATHER.

We cut to Zelena getting ready for her fight with Regina.


FLASHBACK - Oz

Zelena makes a meat pie for Rumple. He says he can't stay. He has to go give Regina a magic lesson. Zelena gets upset, and starts yelling. Rumple tells her to take her father's advice and 'put on a good face' because her inside's are starting to show. She's literally turning green from jealousy.

PRESENT - Storybrooke

Charming is trying to clear the town square when Zelena arrives. She tells him that nobody is going anywhere. Zelena has Rumple in tow. She demands to know where Regina is. Claims Regina is a coward and that she has 5 minutes or Zelena will turn the Dark One loose on them. Poor Belle. She looks so sad.

Zelena says Regina's time is up. Emma offers to fight Zelena herself. Zelena scoffs and says she doesn't deal with amateurs. Emma is like "Hello, saviour here". Zelena tells Emma that she has an inflated sense of self worth and sends her flying. Zelena asks if anyone wants to be next. Regina says she does and walks into the town square. They snark at each other and Regina wants to know what she ever did to Zelena. Zelena's reply is basically that Regina was born (because Regina can really help that) and it earns her a punch in the mouth from Regina (that draws blood). Zelena sneers that Rumple can't save her this time.

FLASHBACK - Oz

Zelena sneaks up behind Regina in her bedroom and tells her that Rumple is wasting his time by teaching her. She ends up stabbing Regina in the neck, but Rumple reveals it was actually himself disguised as Regina. Zelena is upset that Rumple tricked her. She says that just wanted to show him that she was more powerful. He tells her that it was test, and one that she failed. He says that she disqualified herself, because the curse requires the person who is casting it to sacrifice the person they love most. Zelena says that she can totally do that. Rumple says that HE is what she loves most, so that is not going to work. Zelena laughs at the notion that she might love him. Rumple tells her it's okay, he creates that reaction in women. He tells her that Regina has the job. Her green spot grows larger and Rumples teases that she might want to get it checked out. She tells Rumple to forget the curse, she will figure out another way to get him what he wants. He says that unless she can take him to a land without magic, it's not possible. She says that she can (the silver shoes). Zelena is mad now though and she won't let Rumple use the shoes. She says that he chose Regina. She tells Rumple that he'll have to kill her to get the shoes. He goes to, and she flies off. Leaving him with a sneer of 'next time we meet you will choose me'.


PRESENT - Storybrooke

Zelena tells Rumple that he should have chosen her. Regina laughs and is pretty much like 'you're jealous of me? That's what this is about?!' I hear you, Regina. They have a fantastic fight filled with Zelena complaining that Regina had everything Zelena ever wanted. Zelena eventually throws Regina and she crashes through the clock tower window. Zelena magics herself up and taunts Regina some more. Regina tells her to go ahead and kill her. Zelena says she doesn't want to kill Regina, just destroy her. She tells Regina she needs her heart to do that. She tries to take it from Regina, but it's not there. Regina tells her that their mother taught Regina one thing - never bring your heart to a witch fight. I bet Robin is keeping it safe for her (*swoons*). Zelena gets mad, and yells that she will get Regina's heart, and everything Regina ever had. Sigh. I am already over her jealousy shtick. Zelena flies off on her broom. Emma's totally worried about Regina. I like them being friends.

Regina tells them that Zelena wanted her heart. They muse on why. Regina points out that she has Charming's courage, and wanted her heart. She says they are ingredients. Emma wants to know if they are ingredients to a curse. Snow points out that they are already in Storybrooke, and that they already lost their memories, so what else could Zelena do. Lots, Snow, lots.

Regina runs to find Robin. He is in fact guarding her heart. Regina gets it back, and tells Robin that Zelena is right about one thing. She doesn't always see what she has until it's too late. She didn't always appreciate things. She gives him her heart for safe keeping. He asks her if she would really trust something so valuable to a common thief. She tells him that he can't steal something that's been given to him. She literally just gave him her heart. I love this relationship. Too bad I am still pissed at the way they handled Neal's death because I would be all about Robin and Regina together. Robin reminds her that they still have to have a drink together, and Regina smiles.

Henry and Hook come back. Henry seems glad to have gone, and wants to go again. After Emma gets Henry inside, she talks with Hook. She thanks him for taking Henry. He tells Emma that Henry has to know about his father, and remember everything. She just thanks him again, and walks inside.

Zelena is with Rumple. She tells him Regina is smart, but she is going to find Regina's heart. Rumple tells her that all of this isn't going to change anything. He'd still pick Regina if he had to do it again. She taunts him by saying that they'll just have to wait and see. She tells him that she isn't casting a curse, but a second chance.

FLASHBACK - Oz

Zelena goes to the Wizard again. She tells him to send her to the moment where her mother abandoned her. She wants to prevent it from happening. The Wizard laughs and tells her that it is impossible. She throws something at the screen, and it comes crashing down. It reveals that the Wizard is Walsh (yup, monkey Walsh). He doesn't have magic. He is originally from Kansas. She tells him that she has no use for him in that case. She wants someone to obey her, and turns him into a monkey. I bet that Emma will help Walsh break this curse. Zelena really wants to change the past. She sees that Rumple is telling Regina that she is the best pupil that he ever had. She turns fully green and sneers that when she done Regina won't have even been born.

So, she basically wants to make it so that Regina never existed right? If she succeeds that means everything changes. Can Neal come back in that case? Please.

Once Upon A Time - Quiet Minds

Last week's promo promised me the return of Neal! Bring it.

Storybooke - One Year Later

Emma runs into Granny's to join the usual gang for a meeting to discuss Zelena and Rumple. Hook tells them that Neal was looking for a way to bring back Rumple (because he missed his family) but he doesn't know if Neal was successful. Regina thinks it's more pressing to find out WHY Zelena has Rumple rather than WHO brought him back. What is with Regina making smart, good decisions? Can we keep this Regina please? Regina is going to look over the farm house again. Emma tells her to be careful, and Regina scoffs. Says that the witch invaded her space, and she's going to return the favour.

In the woods Zelena is trying to summon the Dark One, but it's not working. She is frustrated and tells her monkey to go find him. Rumple is running through the forest trying to get away.

In Mr Gold's shop Emma, Hook and the Charmings are breaking the news to Belle that Rumple is alive. Belle is happy. Emma asks her to stay behind because they think Rumple will make his way to Belle (obviously) and Hook offers to stay with her (as my blood starts to boil). Belle is basically like "WHAT THE HELL? NO!". Belle reminds them that Hook tried to kill her (TWICE) and Hook offers some lame apology that Emma calls him on. Hook tells Belle that staying with her will be his way of making it up to her (because that fixes attempted murder!! I swear!). I am actually really upset that they are leaving her with SOMEONE WHO TRIED TO KILL HER (TWICE!!). If I were Belle I'd punch him in the face. Charming wants Snow to stay behind because of the baby, which is so like Charming. Emma thanks Belle for her help and promises her that they'll find Rumple.

Enchanted Forest - One Year Ago

Belle and Neal in the Enchanted Forest! YAY! They are talking about Rumple, and how much Belle loves him. Very cute. She says she loves all of him, even the parts that belong to the darkness. Neal admits he's still struggling with accepting all of his father (understandably). He talks about wanting to get back to Emma and Henry. He pulls out Emma's swan pendant (sigh) and shows it to Belle. He tells her it was to represent his and Emma's life together. He muses that he's surprised it survived the trip. Belle tells him it was born out of true love (YES! Confirmed true love for Emma and Neal).  Belle, of course, wants to look for the answer in the library. She tells Neal that they are better than magic (heck yeah!). As they are searching they hear a voice (after lighting a candelabra). It's coming from the flames, and he introduces himself as Lumiere! (I LOVE Beauty and the Beast so YAY). So far this is amazing.

Storybooke - One Year Later 

As Belle and Hook are looking through the shop they hear a banging on the door. They go to investigate and find Neal trying to fight his way past the clutter in front of the door to get into the shop. Neal doesn't look so good (Eeeep!).

Emma and Henry are sitting together. She's brought Henry breakfast. She's tells Henry that he's going fishing with Leroy. Henry tells her that he doesn't believe her cover story anymore. He thinks it's more than a case. He's noticed the whispers and how she seems to be friends with everyone in the town. He wants the truth or he wants to go back to New York. Just as Henry says this Emma gets a call (from Belle or Hook I bet regarding Neal) and she tells Henry that he's right. She is hiding something, but she asks him to trust her, and that she has to go. Henry agrees, for now. JUST TELL THE KID THE TRUTH.

Emma rushes to the hospital where Neal is in bed and wants to know what happened. Neal doesn't remember anything but seeing the yellow bug cross the town line. They tell Neal that Rumple is dead (getting Neal worked up in the process). Emma goes to grab his hand and sees something burned into his hand. It's a symbol of some kind. Emma wants Belle to research it and takes some pictures with her phone to send to Belle. Emma asks everyone to leave so that she and Neal can talk. They both say how nice it is to see each other. Neal is relieved that she remembers him. He asks about Henry and Emma hesitates. She tells Neal that Henry doesn't remember anything about their time in Storybrooke. Neal is obviously not happy that Henry doesn't remember anything. She tells Neal that maybe Henry shouldn't get his memories back they were happy in New York. Neal says he really wants Henry to know who he is. Since finding out he's a dad, Neal has been nothing but amazing. He wants to be there for his son so badly (and for Emma too, his TRUE FREAKING LOVE!).

Enchanted Forest - One Year Ago

Belle is suspicious of Lumiere. She says she cleaned the Dark Castle from top to bottom and never saw him before. Lumiere says that he was 'under utilized' and that he only appears when his candles are lit, it's part of his punishment. He claims it was Rumple who put the curse on him. Belle tells him that Rumple died, and Neal mentions they are working on a way to resurrect Rumple. Belle tells Lumiere that if he helps them, she'll make sure Rumple changes him back to his usual form.

Lumiere points them to a book, that hides a key to the Vault of the Dark One. The key has the same symbol as what Neal had burnt into his hand. Apparently the key opens up a well of darkness where the first Dark One was born/made. Belle asks Lumiere to help guide them on their journey. He agrees, as long as she holds true to her promise. Neal says they leave in the morning. As soon as they leave the Wicked Witch enters the room. Turns out she and Lumiere are working together, and she tells him that he still has 'things' to help her with (and I immediately stop feeling happy because I predict bad things). DO NOT GO WHERE SHE IS SENDING YOU BELLE AND NEAL! Run away!

Storybooke - One Year Later 

Zelena is with a very anxious Snow. Seems she hasn't felt her baby move in a while. Zelena tells Snow it's not uncommon and pours her some orange juice. I bet she put something in it. I hate this witch. Snow mentions she's anxious, and her and Zelena talk about the witch and how everyone is looking for her. Snow eventually drinks the orange juice, and the baby kicks. Zelena goes to feel Snow's stomach, and tells Snow that she's not letting her have this baby without her. Creepy.

REGINA AND ROBIN! He shoots an arrow at her. Tells her that he thought she was the witch. They banter back and forth, introductions are made. He knows she's the Evil Queen ('I prefer Regina') and they are SUPER cute. Robin also wants to search the farm house for clues, and offers to be Regina's partner. Regina relents and tells him not to get in her way (it's a direct copy of the conversation they had a year ago!). Very cute. Regina's asked if they've met before, and he tells her that he would have remembered meeting her (unless it was during that pesky missing year).

Hook comes to talk to Neal who is looking at his burnt hand. Hook brings him Jell-o because it apparently has medicinal properties (I love when Hook is clueless, it's funny, and totally WORKS. They need more of this). They talk and we find out that Neal sent Hook the message to get Emma back. He asks Hook how it felt to be the hero. Hook asks Neal how it felt to be the villain. Stop. Just stop writers. You're actually embarrassing yourself. Yes, I am guessing Neal did something to earn that burn on his hand and got Rumple back. Yes it's most likely magic of some kind. That makes him desperate, and he made a mistake, but not a villain. Last time I checked he wasn't trying to murder poor defenseless women, cursing a whole town, or anything. Sigh. Neal calls Hook on it, and Hook tells Neal that dark magic must have been used to bring Rumple back, so yeah, villain (again, sigh and eye roll on top). Neal goes to leave and tells Hook that he is going to find his father. Hook hugs Neal and tells him that sometimes he forgets that he's that same little boy, the one Hook apparently 'looked after all those years ago'. Oh, the one you turned over to Pan as soon as he had a teenage mood swing? That's 'looking after' someone? What the hell?! I am beginning to think they forgot everything in season two at this point.

Hook also says the smartest thing I've heard him say - he says that they got caught up in nonsense over a woman (heck yes, triangle of doom needs to die). Hook tells him he'll give him a 10 minute head start before he lets Emma know. Neal runs out of there.

Enchanted Forest - One Year Ago

Belle is talking about Rumple, and how he sacrificed himself for them, and their happiness. Neal still seems hesitant when it comes to Rumple (as he should) but admits that he would do anything for Henry, and do anything to get back to Henry so he and Rumple have that in common. They come to the clearing where the 'Vault of the Dark One' is. That name is still ridiculous.

Storybooke - One Year Later 

Charming and Emma are talking about things. She says that Neal is hoping Rumple can bring back Henry's memories. Charming says that would be a benefit since Henry can't exactly stay in Storybrooke without them. Emma admits she's not sure she wants to stay. She was playing video games and eating fruit rollups just last week, and now she's chasing after the Dark One (and trying to find the Wicked Witch of the West). I see her point. Emma wants a quiet life outside of all this.

They find Rumple, and he's freaking out. He says he can't 'quiet the voices' and that there is 'no room'. They are attacked by a monkey as Emma is attempting to question him. Rumple takes off, and Charming tells Emma to go find him while he fights the monkey.

Back at the farm house, Regina is trying to find some witchy clues. Robin is 'helping'. He tells her that he's heard a great many stories about the Evil Queen but from this angle (which happens to be checking out her behind!) he thinks it's an overstatement. He says she might be bold, but not evil. Regina says fear is an effective tool, so the name served her well. Robin reaches behind Regina (they totally have chemistry) to grab a container with some liquid in it. After a cute banter it's revealed to be whiskey. Robin asks her to share a drink with him. They've certainly earned it. He goes to hand her the drink and Regina sees the tattoo. She freaks out and runs away.

As Emma is trying to find Rumple, she runs into Neal. She tells him she just saw his father, but that Rumple is a little crazy. They go to search for him together.

Enchanted Forest - One Year Ago

Belle and Neal light Lumiere's candles, and he tells them to clear the ice and snow away to see the entrance way to the vault. Neal asks if he is sure about this. Lumiere says yes. He spent so much time in the library seeing and hearing dark magic, he knows what he is talking about. Belle immediately jumps up, and demands to know HOW long Lumiere was there. He spits back that it was 200 years at LEAST. Belle basically calls him a lying liar who lies because the library was built for her and it's less than 30 years old.  Neal demands the real story from Lumiere. Lumiere tells them that it was actually the witch who cursed him. The witch wants to bring Rumple back so she can control him with the Dark One dagger that she has. Belle wants to leave. Neal is determined to get his father back so he can go back to his family. Belle is wonderful as always and tells Neal that Rumple would not want to be slave after his sacrifice. Neal is not having it. He is willing to pay any cost (Oh, Neal, LISTEN TO BELLE YOU SILLY MAN). Belle tells him that he sounds exactly like his father just before he enacted the curse that ruined everyone's lives. She pleads with him basically. Neal does it anyways, and uses the key. It burns the symbol into his flesh and I am starting to panic. This can not be good. The well starts to fill with a black liquid and it begins to form a shape of a man. It's obviously Rumple coming back.

Storybooke - One Year Later 

Emma and Neal are having the best talk. Emma is talking about Henry's life in New York. She mentions that she had someone, and that she's sorry. He tells her not to be sorry. He asks if it was serious, and she mentions he proposed and THEN turned into a flying monkey. They share a chuckle over their disastrous exes. It's easy, and effortless and they make each other happy. This is why I ship them. He tells Emma he's sorry it didn't work out. He wants her to be happy, even if it's not with him. She tells him that they were happy, once. He says that they never found Tallahassee and Emma gives him a smile. This episode is KILLING ME! So much Emma/Neal awesomeness. They need to find Tallahassee. Emma's phone rings, and Belle tells her that the symbol is from the key that opens the 'Vault of the Dark One' and she thinks Neal may have used it to bring Rumple back. She tells Emma that the vault will only bring back the Dark One in exchange for another life (Oh, no. NO! NO! NO!). Belle says that if Neal used the key, he should be dead. Emma looks at Neal and he begins to scream in pain and falls down. Emma is obviously worried. As he is on the ground he begins to shift back and forth from Neal to Rumple. So they are the same person? WHAT THE HELL?!

Enchanted Forest - One Year Ago

Neal isn't doing so well. Belle runs over to him. Rumple is fully formed, and realizes what is going on and runs over as well. The witch comes and taunts Neal, telling him he's just like his father. He didn't take the time to think about his actions due to his desperation. So they're going to kill Neal right? That's what's happening? F*@K this show, and because killing him apparently is not enough, they're going to trash his character first?! What even?! Rumple is BEYOND angry. He says Zelena tricked Neal. Rumple tells Neal it'll be okay. He starts to perform some magic, and it's not working. He can't hold onto the dagger, and Neal at the same time. Zelena tells him as such and Rumple lets her take the dagger so he can pull his son into himself (so weird to describe this). So Zelena got the dagger because of this? I hate Zelena with a passion now. They could have found a way to fix this if people remembered. Zelena orders Rumple to kill Belle. Lumiere, who has obviously taken a liking to Belle, captures the witch in some flames, allowing Belle to run. Zelena threatens Lumiere as Belle runs off with him. So, she got Rumple and the dagger within minutes of him coming back. Awesome.

Storybooke - One Year Later 

Emma realizes what is going on. She quickly explains it to Neal when he has a moment of clarity. He tells her that she needs to help him. He wants her to separate him and his father using her magic (They are going to have Emma kill Neal? I can't even). Emma tells him that he'll die. Neal says he knows, but they need Rumple more than they need him. He wants her to save herself and Henry (and the town). Emma wants to find another way. Neal begs her to do it. Emma gives in way too easy with this. She uses magic and separates them. Rumple freaks. Neal tells Rumple that it's okay. He wants Rumple to tell Emma who the witch is. Rumple names Zelena (they killed Neal for a freaking name?! There was no other way to get this? seriously?). Emma wants Rumple to save Neal. Rumple says it's too late. Emma starts to cry, and says that there isn't time for Henry to remember Neal. Neal says it's okay (NO IT IS NOT. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO KILL HIM OFF BEFORE HENRY REMEMBERS HIM. OMG THIS SHOW). He asks Emma to tell Henry about him and that he was a good father. He gives Emma back the swan necklace (all the tears right now). He tells her to find Tallahassee even if it's without him (no, just no). He makes her promise him that her and Henry will be happy. She promises. Rumple is all of a sudden like "Hell no, I can fix this". Neal tells him that he can't. He thanks Emma and Rumple for showing him what it means to make a true sacrifice (um, did the writers forget that all Baelfire does is sacrifice his happiness for others? Do they need me to show them the previous seasons because I can do that). He tells them it's his turn to sacrifice. He tells Rumple he loves him, and with that Neal is dead. Emma looks devastated, Rumple is crumbling. He kisses Neal's hand and closes his eyes. I HATE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS.

Emma runs to Charming and they both show up at Snow's place. They tell her that Zelena is the witch. Zelena has left Snow's apartment. Emma tells her that they brought Gold back, but Neal is dead. They can fix this right? They have to fix this.

Rumple stayed with Neal's body and the witch shows up (she can die now, as quickly as possible). Rumple tells her that he was able to tell Emma who she really is. Turns out that the Dark One dagger works now, because Neal is gone. They should have just kept Neal inside Rumple. This is going to be bad. Apparently she really wants Snow's baby. I want to know why. Zelena says it doesn't matter that they know who she is now. She has the dagger, and therefore has Rumple's brain (2 down, heart to go). She orders Rumple back into his cage. Rumple has to listen to her. He seems so listless. He's not devastated enough though. Rumple would not stop until he brought Baelfire back. I want so badly to believe this isn't it for Neal, but I think it is.

Regina is watching Robin play with his son, and it's really cute. We get flashes of Belle, Hook and them finding out about Neal's death. Emma goes to talk to Henry. Henry had fun fishing (awwww). She has him sit down. She explains that someone needed help, and that's why they are there. She tells him it was his father. She tells him that bad people wanted to hurt his dad, and she got there too late. She tells Henry that Neal is dead. She tells him that he was a good man and would have been a great father. I am so angry. Henry deserved to know his father. Emma tells him that Neal was a hero. Henry says he wished he could have known him (me too, Henry. I wish you would have too). Henry wants to know what happened to the person who killed his father. Emma says they got away, but she's determined to find her.

So, rage isn't even close enough of a word to describe what I am feeling. The death of Neal was sloppily handled, for a ridiculous reason, and just... didn't make sense. To not have Henry and him have a moment... that's cruel. I have a lot I want to say, but what I will say is this - I will not, for one second, believe this was story driven. This is something else. They had Neal be totally out of character (he hates magic, and all of a sudden doesn't pause when Belle is saying Lumiere is lying). As a Neal fan I am more angry at how it was handled than the fact that he died. It almost seems to be in contrast to the show's message. Perhaps I am reading the show wrong, but I thought it was about hope, finding happy endings, and all of that. Neal's story? Well it tells me that you can be abandoned, ripped away from loved ones, sacrifice yourself for them (The Darlings for one), and try to make amends for your mistakes, but you don't get a happy ending. It's not allowed for you. Villains though, they sure they heck get a happy ending.

So, because I am angry, I am going to allow myself to calm down before I make any decisions. I am going to give the show until the end of the season to show me how this storyline makes any sense (and that it wasn't just to get Emma with Hook) and that will decide if I watch season four. It breaks my heart because I LOVED this show, but this... I just can't.

Next week - Neal's funeral. Oh, joy. *buys all the wine*.