scenicbyway

What I thought was interesting about Hook in the finale was that yes, he didn't like his past self and didn't want Emma to see him like that but even more---Emma accepted past-Hook. She had no reservations about flirting or going back to his ship with him--even after being warned by present-Hook. In fact, WHY did Emma go back to the ship with past-Hook? Was it really to see if present Hook was there? I think even present-Hook was wondering about that. It's true that Regina has evolved and I think that Neverland and Zelena helped her do that. I think we may have even seen shades of Frozen in the Regina/Zelena dynamic--why else make them half sisters? It really did nothing for the plot. I think what Adam and Eddy are saying is that Regina has changed, and, this season we'll see how much. We know she wasn't remorseful in Neverland but perhaps since then she has become somewhat remorseful. Perhaps losing Henry for a year and now Robin maybe forever will finally be the wakeup call she needs. As for Regina and Henry's quest to find the author of "Once Upon a Time" I still think that this particular book is Emma's story and the people she encounters as it relates to her own story. Everyone in the book has a significant impact on her life. I think Emma's happy ending is in the book but perhaps not Regina's or Rumple's. It makes sense for Snow and Charming's to be in there because they are her parents.

I tend to agree that there was never a "Emma's magic is out of control" storyline until they decided to mine "Frozen." Emma is the least trained magically, but we've seen her do controlled, extraordinary magic (the bridge anyone?) just by giving the same look Regina gives or tapping into her emotions. It doesn't make sense that suddenly she's afraid and out of control just like Elsa in Frozen. Perhaps we'll see that Emma was locked away just like Elsa to keep from hurting anyone and that's why she was never adopted. I'd like to know more about how it's possible for someone to be magical. Rumple took it, Regina was born with it as was Emma but how is that decided. Is it a gene? Will Henry be magical? I do like that Emma has an actual storyline that is basically about herself and not saving the town or Henry.

I'm not entirely excited that the hook is back already. I guess we knew it was coming though with that scene at the docks with the bandages and antiseptic with Rumple and the broom. I wonder what makes Hook feel like he needs to lose his hand for good. As for today's drama....it seems like Hook has consistently been the one to go after Emma when she tries to run. It'll be interesting to see if they use Hook or Elsa to go after her. I'm almost banking on Elsa since she's supposed to be Emma's new best friend. The only thing I don't like about it is we know Elsa's story expires in 4 more episodes and then she's back to Arendelle. Emma loses another friend.

I like the connectedness of the characters. The idea of Emma being Charming and Snow's daughter who had a child with the son of Rumpelstilskin. I like that Snow and Regina try to work through their issues being step mother and step daughter yet sharing a son and grandson. I like that Henry has questionable characters in his family and light characters---he truly lives in a grey area. I like that even though Emma was born in the Enchanted Forest and grew up in our cruel world her true love seems to be from the fair tale world and Captain Hook of all people. It's wonderful to see such strong female characters who truly take the lead. The men are also strong but so supportive of the women.

I like that we'll get to see Regina and Henry together again, they were basically apart for all of season 3. I still think that Lana and Jared have the most genuine relationship on the show. I think the Henry/Emma dynamic is a little awkward because they are still kind of strangers to each other, even though they have the lost year together Henry seemed relieved when his memories came back and Regina was there to talk to. I do agree that 4b will likely be more Regina focused if 4a is more about Emma accepting her powers. Adam keeps saying that the theme of the season is "Not giving up on the ones you love" I guess this translates into a Snowing flashback to a time where they almost gave up on each other. We'll see Belle and Rumple in turmoil over the dagger but again Belle won't give up on him. Regina won't give up on Robin and vice versa because Robin knows they are soul mates because of the whole tattoo thing (even though their relationship was a week old?!). Hook won't give up on Emma (because he loves her and literally has nothing else left) Emma won't give up on Hook because she understands his dark side. I'm hoping for a Hook/Emma engagement by the season finale. Didn't the writers originally plan for 5 seasons? It would be logical for Hook and Emma to have a year long engagement in Season 5, but who knows.

Episode 4 is so confusing. Hook and Elsa film together in Fairytale costume. Hook stops by Gold's shop where Rumple gives him his hand back? Then Hook changes into more modern clothes (and somehow has his hand back) for a date with Emma (who wears nude heels and a dress) but the Knave is also at the restaurant. Something upsets Hook and Emma's date. Rumple and Hook meet up again in Gold's car. Which leads to drunk Hook on the street who then punches the Knave in front of the library. The next day??? Rumple finds Hook at the docks sleeping or passed out. Rumple magics a broom and Hook is left with bandages a knife and his flask? I get that magic always comes with a price, but didn't he already pay that when Milah was killed in front of him and Rumple took his hand for hundreds of years? I think that Henry likely has something to do with Hook getting his hand back. If he is taking inventory in the store, surely he'd come across Hook's hand (as we all have). Perhaps Belle then commands Rumple to give the hand back. I can't wait to see what Emma thinks of the whole thing. As for losing it again, we'll find out soon enough, I suppose with more filming spoilers.