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Why We Need Once Upon A Time by Stephanie A Wiltse (@MysticKid) Hook awakening on the Nautilus awakened in me memories of the Disney film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, where I first heard J.S.Bach played on an organ. I was reminded of how perplexing for a child (and therefore, fascinating) a heroic "villain" and a villainous "hero" could be. I was also reminded of how the idea of a submarine that could travel in serene calm beneath a raging storm with THAT music streaming through it and those written thoughts spoken aloud within it, well, felt like home: Not so far-fetched since one of my family’s tenants was himself an organist and my mother loved to read aloud to me even before I knew what the words meant. But now thanks to “Once Upon A Time’s” master craftsmen’s latest reinvention, I saw a pumper-organ like one I once owned myself transformed into Nemo’s iconic keyboard. This nifty arrangement in turn reminded me of getting to play with a similarly steampunky tracker organ at a Masonic temple where my teacher was once organist.  But I’ve come to expect such thrills of recognition and trips down memory-lane from “Once Upon A Time.” Cora wore a silver fastener that I once gave my mother for her birthday when she (Cora) did away with poor Daniel. It was sewn on a favorite coat, along with a very gold new lining, by a tailor down the street that I was sure WAS Rumplestiltskin since my grandmother had proclaimed he, "worked magic!"  Mr. Gold’s shop has my grandfather’s canoe in the rafters and my father’s transistor radio amongst its hoarded memories.  I wouldn’t be surprised if every OUAT episode has in it something not only new, but familiar for someone watching. Fan reaction was mixed at best to the moment when Henry mounts the steps of the New York City Library to beseech the people of our realm to “Believe!” Yet I saw the moment with the eyes of a six-year-old who, when asked to clap by Peter Pan, helped save Tinker Bell’s life by believing in her. You better believe that there are children growing up today who will always remember Jared Gilmore’s performance just as fondly as I do Mary Martin’s “Peter Pan.” We do need magic in this world right now. Dreams are dying or being lost all around us for lack of our believing in them. That’s why we need such shows as Once Upon A Time. Its characters we hold so dear are not only made of the people who make their make-believe, they are made of us doing the believing. Mind to mind through the fourth wall of our television screens we are renewed together each week through new or remembered memories of past lives or fantastical ‘What-Ifs.’ …Led back to a place in our present day where pennies can still grant wishes.
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 Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. once said, “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” Fans of the hit TV show Lost certainly agree. This groundbreaking ABC drama stretched the minds of its creators, writers, and viewers with ambitious, character-driven storylines told through flashbacks, flash-forwards, and even forays into side worlds. Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz relied on their experience writing Lost when they created Once Upon A Time (OUAT), with tributes to their former show in almost every episode. But these Easter eggs are more than just Apollo bars and recurrences of 815. Both shows fundamentally share the same beating heart — the same core. For OUAT, that analogy is rather literal.  Both Lost and OUAT’s antagonists were flawed individuals tortured by their pasts and parents. Regina’s transformation stemmed from her mother Cora’s manipulations while Sawyer witnessed the murder/suicide of his parents. Rumple’s father abandoned and then later had Rumple forcibly removed from Neverland. Ben, Rumple and Regina killed their fathers. The Man in Black stabbed his overbearing adopted mother after she murdered the villagers of his camp and destroyed his only way off the island. But villains weren’t the only victims of poor parenting. Jiminy’s parents forced him to cheat and steal as a child; Kate killed her abusive alcoholic father; and John Locke became paralyzed when his father pushed him out an eight-story window. Although Rumple’s father, Malcolm, showed his heartlessness in becoming Peter Pan, John Locke’s father Anthony Cooper still reigns supreme as Worst Father Ever.
 ONCE UPON A COSTUME - RUMPLESTILTSKIN / MR. GOLD By Mia Bennett (@must_be_mia1) Rumplestiltskin is one of the most fascinating and amusing characters on Once Upon a Time and has an interesting assortment of costumes. From scaly leather to a sharp suit and tie, Rumple knows how to express himself while dressing to the nines. Shall we begin, Dearies?  Rumplestiltskin began as a spinner just trying to get by in life. This left him having to constantly wear ratty cloaks and rags since he didn't have magic or much money. In flashbacks, Rumple wore multiple layers of clothing, presumably to keep him warm. The coloring ranged from off-white to gray, which possibly could be symbolism since his life at the time was very dull and dingy.  Red (Meghan Ory) awakens Dorothy (Teri Reeves) with True Love's Kiss. Image Credit: ABC Studios Friends of Dorothy: LGBT Representation on Once Upon a Time By Ashley Benson (@MitigatedText) On this most recent episode of Once Upon a Time, there were canon gay fairy tale characters. I am so over the moon that I am able to write that sentence. In “Ruby Slippers”, Little Red Riding Hood and Dorothy Gale of Oz struck a fast friendship that evolved into something more. By the end of the episode, this couple shared True Love’s Kiss just like any other. I don’t know how to express how happy it makes me to see characters like myself on my favorite show. Not only are Ruby and Dorothy canonically gay, but it isn’t something that’s implied. We are past the fallout from the Hays Code, where reading between the lines to see queer people on television was the norm. There are no longer restrictions or attitudes that require viewers to have to squint to see a same sex relationship and yet it still happens on television to this day, but not on Once Upon a Time. No one cared that Ruby had feelings for another woman and Dorothy wasn’t surprised Ruby had those feelings either. And they got a happy ending, something that has been rare for same sex couples in popular media.
 Once Upon A Costume: Prince Charming/David Nolan by Mia Bennet (@must_be_mia1) Prince Charming, aka David Nolan, has a very good sense of style when it comes to clothing. He dresses sharp as a prince in the Enchanted Forest, yet very clean and modern in Storybrooke. Whether he is battling a dragon, attending a ball, or working as the sheriff he certainly knows how to draw attention.  Growing up, David did not live a luxurious life as a prince. Instead, he was a shepherd working day and night to support the farm he and his mother lived on. He did not have the nicest of clothes. wearing long shirts and cover ups for his shoulders to keep him warm. David's clothes were suitable for his duties. It was quite a change when King George decided to have David take his twin brother James' place as a prince.
 Once Upon A Costume: Zelena Mills by Mia Bennet (@Must_Be-Mia1) Zelena Mills is one wickedly-styled witch! She is very fashionable and usually seen wearing her two favorite colors: black and green, topped with a black hat. Zelena always owns her outfits and is definitely dressed to kill. Whether she is posing as a midwife or getting ready for a brawl in Storybrooke, she brings her "A Game" in the clothing department.  Abandoned as a baby by Cora and left to be raised by a couple in Oz, Zelena grew up as a peasant. This meant, unlike her half-sister Regina, she did not own fancy, beautiful outfits. She mainly wore a raggedy dress and cloak to keep herself warm. Once Zelena left her home and started training in magic with Rumplestiltskin, she began to dress like Regina. Zelena was extremely envious over her sister's life and wanted to feel pretty as well.
 ONCE UPON A COSTUME - REGINA MILLS By Mia Bennett (@must_be_mia1) Regina Mills is an extremely elegant woman with refined taste. Whether she is in the Enchanted Forest ruling as the Queen, or in Storybrooke doing mayoral duties, she knows how to dress.
by Zach Van Norman (@TheZachVan) with contributions from Ashley Benson (@MitigatedText) Our countdown of the top 35 moments of Once Upon A Time continues! To celebrate the spring premiere of this season, I've assembled a list of the top 35 moments of the show to count down the days until we enter the Underworld with our heroes. Let's look back at the unforgettable moments of our favorite fairy tale!
Click here for Part 1 by Zach Van Norman (@TheZachVan) with contributions from Ashley Benson (@MitigatedText) The spring premiere of Once Upon A Time 5B is almost here! (FINALLY!) The show has had many memorable moments over the past 5 years. To celebrate the spring premiere of this season, I've assembled a list of the top 35 moments of the show to count down the days until we enter the Underworld with our heroes. Let's look back at the unforgettable moments of our favorite fairy tale!
Click here for Part 2  "Love in the Darkness" By Mia Bennett (@must_be_mia1) Over the past four years, Emma Swan and Killian "Captain Hook" Jones have been through much together. From their first encounter which began with Emma pointing a knife at Killian to a heartfelt confession about Emma being Killian's happy ending, it has been an emotional ride. Currently, in Season 5a, the newest challenge the couple faced was the darkness that lies inside of them. In the Season 4 finale, Emma Swan bravely sacrificed herself and took the darkness upon herself after it was released from Mr. Gold aka Rumplestiltskin. This heroic act landed Emma in the Enchanted Forest as the new Dark One. In Camelot Emma continuously struggled with her new powers and contemplated on what was right and wrong, Killian was beside her the entire time. Aside from sharing a romantic dance together to take her mind off temptations, he gave Emma hope that things would get better. He told her that once the darkness was out of her they had a bright future to look toward. To ease Emma's doubts, Killian and Henry planned "Operation Light Swan" and surprised her with a house in Storybrooke where they could begin their lives together. Although Killian and Emma said "I love you" to each other and embraced quite a few times, not everything went according to plan. In order to release the darkness from Emma, Excalibur and the Dark One Dagger had to be conjoined by the Promethean Flame. Unfortunately, Killian was cut in the neck by King Arthur. By uniting the items, his healed wound by Emma had been undone, leaving him to die. Emma refused to just let Killian die as she loves him so much. That parting was not an option. This was no surprise and she made it clear she shouldn't be ridiculed for wanting to find a cure for him. She chose to change fate and turned him into the first ever second Dark One. This also made Emma fully give into the darkness, as her appearance changed immediately. She didn't want the results to end like this, but she couldn't let Killian go, and insisted she would help him control the Darkness as he had helped her.
 Hope for 2016: Why I’m Not Giving Up on Rumple’s Redemption by Marie Contrarie (@MarieContrarie) Once Upon A Time audience members were stunned and are still reeling from what appeared to be an abrupt turnabout and self-sabotage of character development for Rumplestiltskin in the Winter Finale. But all is not lost! The fact is, we don’t know what kind of Dark One Rumple will be. Now that Rumple holds the power of all Dark Ones he may not have those evil, suggestive voices in his head. Now that he has proven himself a hero, he may be a very different Dark One–he may be the person of legend that Merlin spoke of who can harness the Darkness and channel it towards good. I’ve seen several discussions about where Rumple and Rumbelle’s storylines are going. Some are feeling like the show is falling back on the same old tropes and that this is a repeat of 4A, some have given up on Rumbelle, some are growing slowly apathetic, and some, like me, still have hope. I’m not here to tell anyone how to feel, but I would like to see this fandom heading into 2016 with a hopeful spirit. With that in mind, here are several reasons that I’m not giving up on Rumplestiltskin’s redemption. I'm Crazy Proud of Rumple by Marie Contrarie (@MarieContrarie) I’m dismissing the Rumbelle drama for a moment to talk about how amazing Rumple’s character development has been. Please note: This is not a Belle-bashing post. This is a Rumple positivity post. If you have something to say against Belle, please do so elsewhere. 1. Rumple shattered the chipped cup to free himself from Merida and to warn Belle that she was in danger.  2. Rumple spoke to Belle in the library with total honesty about his fears, his failings, his wrongdoings. And he apologized.   Once Upon A Costume Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchard by Mia Bennett (@must_be_mia1) Third in a series. Snow White, the fairest of them all, has had various costumes. Whether dressed like royalty, or for a stroll on Main Street, she has class and style. 
Back in the Enchanted Forest, Snow was almost always on the run. She usually wore her "Bandit" or "Adventure" outfits, as costume designer Eduardo Castro affectionately calls them. Snow was most often seen in her tan bandit costume with matching boots, but after she met Prince Charming she wore her fancier, white outfit more. Thankfully, these costumes are stylish but easy enough to move in so that Snow could make her way around without getting caught by the Queen's guards or other enemies.  Once Upon A Costume by Mia Bennett (@must_be_mia1) The second in a series. Emma Swan Emma's red leather jacket has been a fan favorite since we've seen her wear this in the pilot. The color red represents assertiveness, power, and courageousness which are all qualities that Emma has. To Emma, this jacket is like her armor. She tends to wear this in difficult situations, where she feels she needs strength. For example, she wore this jacket in the Season 1 finale "A Land Without Magic" when she finally accepted that fairytales were real, while dealing with Henry under the sleeping curse. Along with her classic red jacket, she also has leather jackets in the colors blue, black, burgundy, and tan.  Emma is usually seen wearing jeans and t-shirts, but on occasion she enjoys dressing up. Traveling Realms by Amy Hood-- @Amylia403 Flashback to Season One.... As we recall, after a devastating separation from Baelfire, Rumple spent hundreds of years planning, plotting, scheming and manipulating just to find his son. When Blue told him there were no magic beans left (the jury is still out in my mind as to the level of shadiness being The Blue Fairy), he searched everywhere, questioned everyone, devised an in-depth and calculated plan to finally get a Dark Curse cast (then broken) all so he could find his son. The time, heartbreak and tears put into finding Baelfire were legendary. Poor Rumple. Had he only known....  Fast forward to now….as we are about to begin Season 5 we are in a far different situation. Granted, perhaps that “dark curse, savior, break it and call in a favor” was the best option at the time for going from a Land With Magic to a Land Without To Find One’s Son. As we have seen now, realm jumping is almost as easy as hailing a taxi, or getting an Uber ride! What does the Oncer in the know do when needing to realm jump? Perhaps there is an app for it. “Siri, I’d like to travel to Neverland.” “Okay, you’d like me to send you to Neverland”. Poof! Just don’t forget your phone charger, or your coconut shell.
Magic beans, sure, hard to come by. What with that whole pesky giant fiasco with Jack and James. How about enchanted wardrobes or even the dust from an enchanted wardrobe? If you are in the market for something more whimsical and lovely, how about a mermaid? They travel realms like they are going to the corner store for a soda! For those of us who don’t want to get our hair wet, and hey, maybe Rumple felt that way about his hair, how about a Rabbit? Swirly portals and a magic bunny. Sounds a little bit mushroom trippy, but whatever works. The landing on that one was a little hard, but fear not! There are still other ways to try out. Fancy a magic hat? The options in there were fabulous. All those gorgeous doors, peaking our interest, just waiting to be explored! |
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