6x04--Strange Case

1. How do you feel about the twisted ended to the Jekyll and Hyde story?

Sam:  The storyline for Jekyll and Hyde turned out to be classic OUAT.  It started with the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll, a scientist experimenting with a way to make himself better. Then Rumple showed up to make a deal and give a magical boost Jekyll's potion. Then Rumple continues to manipulate Hyde for reasons that 'are his own', but we find out in the end are Rumple's attempt to quell his growing love for Belle. In the end, the lesson everyone learns is that you are how you are and there is no magical fix to change that. It was refreshing to have Jekyll and Hyde move through Storybrooke in just a few episodes and still have their story be important to our main characters.

Joanne:  I was really hoping that Mr. Hyde would be around longer, but I did like the twist that Jekyll was the bad boy and not Hyde. Seeing Mr. Hyde's vulnerable side was very sweet. I also liked the idea that passion and love are not weakness, but strengths. All the traits that Jekyll's cold clinical mind rejected were actually his true strengths. If Jekyll had just shown that side of his personality to Mary, she would have loved him.

Teresa: I absolutely adored it, not just because it was classic Once but it was also in many ways true to the original tale, with just enough of a twist to surprise me in its ending.

2. We've heard a few possible ways our heroes might defeat the Evil Queen, what is your solution for disposing of her?

Joanne:  Regina needs to accept that she needs her evil half. The Evil Queen has the strength, the passion and the drive. Regina without those traits becomes weak and indecisive. The two halves need to become one again. Only by accepting her other half, can she be at peace.

Teresa: I'm with Joanne on this one. Or of course they really could have a major character death to solve it.

Sam:  I have decided that Rumple is right that Regina has to accept her darkness, like he has done with his own. In the Jekyll and Hyde story we learned that Rumple was investigating the idea of separating and removing parts of his personality and that it doesn't work. I think the only way to defeat the Evil Queen is for Regina to re-absorb her back into herself where her good side can keep her in check.

3. It was yet another tough week for Rumbelle.  What would you like to see happen in their relationship this season?

Teresa: Frankly, anything rather than what we are seeing. They can only break up, make up, break up, make up so many times, and I think this may be the "one time too many" that has lost the fans' interest or caused people to just give up on caring. Futility is not fun. Hence, I believe it is time for Beauty and the Beast to transform--both of them--and that the story deliver the ending that began in "Skin Deep." That imho won't be the end of their story. Both Belle and Rumple are interesting enough characters, and played by great actors, who can make them being together interesting, fun and twisty.  

Sam:  I think that the Rumbelle happy ending where Rumple and Belle live happily ever after in a cottage in the woods and raise a family is lost somewhere in the Land of Untold Stories. I have always felt that Belle needs time to grow up and find her own place in the World without getting kidnapped, locked up, or put to sleep. Maybe after that, she will be able to decide for sure, once and for all, with absolute certainty if she is going to commit to being with Rumple or not.

Joanne: Weeeeeeeee!  Rumbelle is a wild rollercoaster ride with lots of ups and downs, twists and turns.  That's what makes them so exciting as a couple. They are my favorite pair. I hope that eventually they can come to a mutual agreement about their relationship and child. It will be so sweet and tender when they make up. I hope that Belle realizes that Rumple wasn't threatening her, but, instead, warning her. Their child will be prey to anyone with an ax to grind with Rumple.

4. We were introduced to Jasmine.  What do you think of her so far?  

Sam: Karen David is lovely and brings a cheerful light to Storybrooke, I loved her on Galavant.  I'm looking forward to seeing her version of Jasmine and I hope she turns out to be another strong OUAT princess. 

Joanne:  Jasmine is great. She seems very smart and confident. I'm looking forward to her backstory with Aladdin and Jafar.

Teresa: I also loved her in Galavant. I think she is adorable as Jasmine and look forward to seeing more of her. 

5. Favorite Moments

Teresa: I really liked the scene when Mr. Hyde showed he was in love with Mary. Perfectly acted and intense.

Sam: For me it's always a treat to watch Gold and Regina/or the Evil Queen banter in the pawn shop. It was fun to see that happen with both, and that they both had the exact same opinion on his haircut.

Joanne: My favorite moment was when Mr. Gold confessed to Belle the reason behind his wanting Dr. Jekyll to succeed with his experiment. He had realized that he was starting to have feelings for her after she had come to work as his maid. It tied in nicely with Season One's "Skin Deep" episode where we got to watch the romance develop between Beauty and the Beast.  

6, Favorite Quotes

Sam, Teresa: Regina commenting on Belle: It's always out of one prison and into another with her.   

Joanne:  Belle: You can't just lock me in a case like one of your objects!
Gold: Apparently I can, and one day you'll thank me for it.

7. Anything Else?

Joanne:  I really hope the writers throw Rumbelle lovers a bone soon.  We are starving for some romance between Rumple and Belle.

Sam: As the story ventures into Fictional Victorian England and Agrabah, it begins to crossover into Once Upon a Time in Wonderland territory. I know not very many fans watched Wonderland, but those of us who did really loved it. Sadly, much of what we loved about the characters and story in Wonderland has been voided and pretty much ruined when crossed over to the recent seasons of Once. I hope you all take the time to watch Wonderland if you have a chance, but if you do, just consider it as a stand-alone story. It will be less painful that way.