Operation Mongoose - Episode Roundtable

Operation Mongoose went full throttle. Did the two-hour finale live up to your expectations?

Gareth: With doing the TV Fanatic roundtable and all the other editorial responsibilities, I’ve just not had as much time to be a part of the site roundtables this season. However I wanted to contribute to this discussion because, for me personally, this was one of the best episodes of OUAT since Season One. It had everything that a Oncer could wish for. Action and romance, a well thought out, developed storyline which flowed beautifully and an epic twist at the end.  Bringing Jared Gilmore back to the forefront gave it a classic Season One feel. I didn’t realize just how much I had missed Jared having such an active role. He really came into his own in this episode! I have grumbled about certain storylines this season. Some worked for me, some didn’t. But this episode really shone as a classic example of what makes OUAT such compulsive viewing. When it’s really good, it’s magic!

Teresa: It not only lived up to them, it blew them out into the hemisphere, through the solar system and into multiple dimensions.  The writers still have it! They really do! I guess, for reasons we’ll never know (and I don’t really want to know!), there was a something that led to treading water for a year, and then they let it all loose in the last two hours of the season. But OMG, thanks be to the Great Wide Universe those shackles were thrown off and Operation Mongoose was green-lit!  The finale just rocked it. I was cheering, crying, on the edge of my seat in a good way. Magic is back!

Lori: And more! It was a wild ride, from start to finish, and reminded me of the passion and power of the Season 1 finale. I was left exhilarated, and satisfied yet wanting more! I think it was strong enough that the magic of the finale will sustain me through the summer, however, especially because there is so much for us to research and talk about!

Ashley: Yes, very much so! I was excited to see everything go topsy turvy as we’ve all be speculating about this since season 4B began. It was fun to see the different takes on the new stories and I enjoyed the fact that they weren’t straight up switches, that the flip flops made sense in respect to the various character’s happy endings and goals. Rumple got the adoring family he wanted while Hook was a coward, Zelena took over Regina’s life, while Robin Hood was stripped of his happy end with Regina despite nothing really changing for the thief. It was all incredibly well done and a joy to watch.

Joanne: I thought it was a fantastic episode!  I loved seeing the characters flip-flop roles and take on different personalities.  It must have been fun for the actors to step into each other's shoes.

Zach: What a finale! This episode surpassed my expectations and is now battling with "A Land Without Magic" for best finale and favorite episode. It had so many great parallels to previous episodes including the "Pilot," "Snow Falls," and "Going Home," with an ending that packed quite a wollop with the 1-2-3 punch of Gold's cleansed heart, the reveal of the Sorcerer's name and a Dark turn for the town Swan. The Regal Con crowd and I yelled at the screen several times while we were watching! What a fun and exciting two hours of television.

Diane: Absolutely! I thought it was a riveting episode that opened up fascinating possibilities for Season 5, and I loved the role reversals that allowed us to see the dark or weaker sides of many characters, adding a richness to what we believed we knew about them. Everything about this episode took me by surprise, the costumes and graphics were fantastic, and I enjoyed the way the writers played with our notions of these fairy tale characters and turned them inside out. I have to say, it is now one of my all-time favorite episodes.

Mauri: Yes, it lived up to and past my expectations! I was at the edge of my seat and screaming at the TV through out the finale.

Sam: Yes!  Operation Mongoose has been one of my favorite arcs ever and the finale really delivered plenty of adventure and answers.  I have been speculating about the origin of Henry's book since Season One.

Laura: It was the best episode in a LONG time. It had a “Classic Season One” feel to it that's been sadly missing for a while now. I really enjoyed it.                                                                  

Amy: And more! I loved this finale. The music was stunning, the throwbacks and mirrors to dialog from way back seasons was just perfect. It was such fun to see most characters in a whole new light. And Isaac…. Oh my goodness, he is a devious rat but SO MUCH fun to watch! The scene with the cosplayers in his audience and he says “No Spoilers”…. I’d bet cash that Adam & Eddy put that little fun bit in J Adam is famous on twitter for saying “No Spoilers.” Ahhh, too much to say, too much to say! It was ALL amazing. 

The Sorcerer is Merlin! What does this portend for the mythology of Once?

Gareth: Oh my! So many theories spinning around in my head at this point. Is Merlin connected to Lily? Could he be her father? I think it is pretty much guaranteed that we are going to Camelot next season. I hope to see the full mythology of Merlin and King Arthur explored. Hopefully we will get Sinqua Walls back as Lancelot for some flashbacks.

Ashley: Well, we’ve seen Lancelot before, so it’s not too much of a stretch for Once Upon a Time to delve into Arthurian legend. I will say I’m a bit leery, but I reserve judgement until we see some actual episodes. I was skeptical about Peter Pan, the Wicked Witch, and Frozen and ended up enjoying all those story lines. I can’t wait to see who will be playing Merlin!

Lori: Did you hear my screams of excitement? I have been waiting for a return to Arthurian literature for so long! But with Merlin we also cross into the realm of Celtic mythology. Really, who else could the Sorcerer have ultimately been? Merlin is the iconic wizard of literature, the forerunner of Gandalf and Dumbledore and every other famous literary sorcerer. 

Zach: I am STOKED for Merlin to finally appear on the show! I've been wanting an omniscient wielder of magic to arrive for some time, a character older and more powerful than even Rumplestiltskin, and we're finally getting it. I'm looking forward to seeing Camelot and lots of fun magical displays, and hoping we get a backstory showing a friendly, happy Merlin alá "The Sword in the Stone" before the darkness arrives and sets him on a more serious track.

Diane: I have noooo idea--I am delightfully in the dark. Will Merlin be a nemesis or hero? Or a bit of both? How will he deal with the Dark One? There's no way right now to say, and I'm really looking forward to how this character's arc develops.

Mauri: I expect to see Morgana Le Fay next year, and I hope we go way back into Fairy Tale Land past and see the legends before Snow White and Cinderella. I hope we get into Camelot and Greek Mythology which we have already seen some of these things blended into the current story of Once Upon a Time.

Joanne: I'm hoping that, with Merlin, they introduce some more characters from Camelot, especially Morgan La Fey.  I hope that she is the Black Fairy that we've heard rumors about but have never seen.  Maybe she is responsible for the Darkness.

Amy: I am over here singing the song of my people right now. I adore Arthurian legend. There are so many ways he has been portrayed in books, poems, movies, legends etc…. I’m VERY interested to see the ONCE version. I also feel like he may end up being Mal’s baby daddy to Lily…LOL.

Laura:  I'll just have to wait and see how they handle this one, I wasn't shocked or surprised by the reveal. I was sort of hoping it wouldn't be someone so obvious.

Sam: We had a couple of tastes of Arthurian Mythology over the yearswith Lancelot and Excaliber, but introducing Merlin is a dream.  I was raised on King Arthur from my children's digest version, to the musical 'Camelot' to 'Monty Python's Holy Grail'.  I'm excited to see how these stories are introduced on Once.

We learned a great deal about the Dark One in this episode. Thoughts on what was revealed. Do you see it playing out in the "Final Battle?"

Gareth: The finale did have a feeling of setting elements up for a massive final battle. You can’t get much bigger than the Dark One. Is the darkness a threat to our world? Will we see that darkness take over our world? Emma has knowledge of the real world that Gold lacked. Will we see the Dark One making a play for world domination? I also wondered if Morgan Le Fay's character could come into play. Perhaps she is the ultimate darkness cast down by Merlin long ago. Whatever happens, I think Season Five is going to be a very big season in terms of scale and scope.

Joanne: It was interesting how the Darkness, when it came out of the box, attacked the three most powerful magic users before Emma took it on.  It tried to go back to Rumple, but he was under a protective spell, then the Apprentice.  After Emma used he light magic to drive it out him, it went to the next powerful, yet vulnerable host, Regina.  I think that it can't go to just anyone.  I think Regina will try and find a way to drive it out to a more suitable host like the Black Fairy, or Rumple's addiction will get the best of him and he will try and take it back.

Zach: I love the explanation of the Dark One and how the darkness arrived and threatened all the realms, leading Merlin to tether it to a person in order to control it; I hope we see a flashback to this event. I'd be intrigued if Morgan Le Fey was the first Dark One, the story could parallel Emma's beautifully, but with radically different endings. Morgan could die, killed by a usurper of the Dark powers, but Emma could live and the darkness would be destroyed forever. This new story is a major opportunity to watch a massive end battle play out, good vs evil, to save all the realms once and for all. Bring it on!

Ashley: It seems to me that the Dark One, after he was stripped of his darkness, was given a clean slate in the form of that white heart. I’m interested to see what he makes of it, as well as how this affects his relationship with Belle. The librarian fell in love with the Dark One, will she feel the same way about the man that Rumple was before he found that dagger?

Lori: I think the "final battle" as portended by Rumple in Season 1 is directly connected to the conflict between the Dark One and Merlin. Some staff have been speculating that the Dark One or the Black Fairy may be Morgan Le Fay, but I have to say that sometimes Morgan gets a bad rap...we shall see!

Diane: All I can say is that I will be glued to my television to see what transpires with Emma as the "Dark One" now! What will be especially delicious is to see how this evil manifests through a female character, who perhaps has a different set of wiles than previous seen. And of course, I have to wonder if any of her goodness will still shine through, making her quite complicated, or will she be perfectly evil? Either one will be fascinating to watch! Above all, will Emma abandon that red leather coat for a black one?

Mauri: I think the final battle will be a battle between Morgana and Merlin with our heroes battling on Merlin's side. I also think Morgana created the Dark one. When the Dark One in its purest form was revealed it reminded me of the story of Pandora's box when the evils were released into the world.

Laura: The effects were nicely done, but I'm saddened by the thought of Rumple being powerless.

Amy: I honestly thing that will depend on how many seasons the show goes. I suppose it is very feasible that they could always not have the darkness destroyed for another few seasons, which I kinda think will happen. I don’t want to even think about the Final battle…LOL That means the end of the show for me and I’m not ready!

Sam: One of the interesting side stories to Rumple's efforts in freeing himself from the Dark One Curse has been learning more about the origin of the Dark One.  I liked hearing that it was a separate entity from the host.  Knowing that Merlin created it was a nice twist.  I think that with the Apprentice apparently dead, they are going to need Rumple to help figure out how to find Merlin and destroy the Darkness.  Even if Rumple does not have his power, he studied it for centuries and he should still have plenty of advice for the Final Battle.

Emma is now The Dark Swan. How can the Savior be saved?

Gareth: I can’t wait to see Jennifer Morrison get her teeth into this role. I hope we get a few Rumpleesque giggles and mannerisms from her. As for saving Emma, I think the key to that lies with Merlin. 

Lori: When Rumple became the Dark One, it was through a desperate yet selfish act of murder. Emma has become the Dark One in a very different manner: through desperate self-sacrifice. Also, Rumple did not have any magic prior to being cursed, whereas Emma has light savior magic. It will be interesting to see what this mixture creates. And remember what Emma has said before..."No one saves me, but me." She may be able to conquer the dark force herself where Rumple was never able to. 

Ashley: Through Merlin of course! Though I do wonder who will have her dagger and if anyone tries to resort to stabbing her with it to gain those Dark One powers.

Joanne: I hope they get more into the Dark One's origins.  It is going to be an epic battle between Good and Evil.  It will be exciting.  I really don't want the battle to be between Emma and Merlin though.  I want it to be between Merlin and Rumple or the Black Fairy.  I'm going to miss having Rumple being the Dark One.  He is so good about being bad.

Mauri: Like I said the pure Dark One reminded me of the evils in Pandora's box. In the story after the evils were escaped all that was left in the box was hope, and Emma is "the hope", so I think her savior magic will have a lot to do on how she gets rid of it.

Amy: Good question. I’m excited as heck to see the Black Swan Emma. His dagger was there in the road though so someone will surely be able to control her. And keep in mind, in Fairytale world, the Dark One (Rumple) was all about squashing people he had made into snails, death, destruction etcetera. (Until Belle came along of course)  But in OUR world, he had self-control even after the magic came back. Not a ton of it, but he wasn’t going around stepping on too many people.  Just so many directions they could go. I suppose it depends on where Emma disappeared too when she vanished. I am ready for Season 5 right NOW. 

Sam: Oh Emma, sacrificing herself again!  Putting off her happiness for the good of everyone else, again.  It's going to have to be a team effort to save her.  I think that everyone from the Charmings to Henry to Regina to Rumple will all be needed to figure out how to save her.  The question is will someone else have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save Emma?

Zach: "Oh my Swan" is the only thing crossing my mind when I watch the final scene. While I predicted Emma would eventually take a dark turn, seeing it play out onscreen was a bit jarring. When that dagger hit the ground bearing her name, I was overcome with excitement. There are so many story possibilities with this, resolving so many threads from season one (Emma's abandonment, her anger with Regina over casting the curse, etc) and bringing real drama to the fore. I think we could be seeing a role reversal from season one between Emma and Regina, where Henry turns to Regina for help to save the Savior. However, I think the only person who can save Emma is herself, and that her redemption will come from within. 

Laura: She may not WANT to be “saved”, she may enjoy having such unlimited power. Even Rumple intended to use his power for good at the beginning.

Teresa:  For certain she will be saved, but it’s going to get nasty. It has to. Getting a taste of the Dark Power is incurably addicting, as has been made clear with Rumple. Mixed within that I think there is  another strong mythological meaning: someone full of light magic called the Savior takes darkness upon herself in order to defeat it . . . the scene couldn’t have been more Christological if Jim Caviezel had shown up and started speaking in Aramaic. Hence, I see Emma saving herself through her sacrifice and also through her loved ones uniting to her sacrifice. This will bring on The Final Battle imho. And yes, I love it!

Diane: I would say by not being the Savior anymore. That's too much of a burden to put on anyone. What Emma deserves most is to explore all of herself--both the light and dark sides of her character--to become a well-rounded individual and grow. Not to be "perfect" so a bunch of fairy tale characters can get off the hook for their previous blunders. The best salvation that can come to Emma is if the other characters take it upon themselves to grow as well, and they all band together to help her out of the darkness she's in. If they, in essence, save themselves. That might, ironically, be the "salvation" they were looking for all along.

Henry came into his own as a hero and took on the role of The Author. What are your reactions to his adventure? What is next for The Heart of the Truest Believer?

Gareth: I can’t say enough good things about Jared Gilmore in this episode. He really shone. I imagine Henry will take a very active role next season in the hunt for Merlin. He will be on a mission to save his mom.

Diane: First of all, I couldn't have been more thrilled to see Henry become the hero of his own story and do so many brave things in this episode. I was cheering! And what a wonderful, full-circle moment that he became the Author of the book that he has been obsessed with for all these seasons! As for what's next for him--whatever it is, I hope he remains as empowered and vital to the future of their "stories" as he is now. It's wonderful to see him approach adulthood and accountability--even a certain level of creativity--for how their stories develop.

Mauri: When the quill rolled out of Isaac's bag I yelled, "Grab it, Henry!! You're the next Author!!"  I don't know what will be next for him, but maybe some more driving lessons. Lol

Lori: The best part about the finale was Henry as Author-Hero! It reminded me so much of the integral part he played in the last episodes of Season 1. I really hope his character remains in the forefront and is explored more in this new capacity of his. 

Ashley: I loved that Henry was finally able to take charge, to be the hero of the story instead of just reading about heroes in his book. He really stepped up and was the authority for most of the finale, displaying the bravery and cunning he must get from his extended family.

Joanne: It was great seeing Henry take charge and go save his family.  Last season, his family went to Neverland to save him and now it was his turn to save them.  He was very brave. I loved that he was chosen to be the next Author.  I always wondered if he had any magical abilities because of his heritage, and now he does.  It is the perfect job for him because he is the Truest Believer, full of hope and he is level headed.  As he is getting older, I hope they show him more as a leader.

Zach: I'm thrilled Henry was a centerpiece of this story. Henry is the character who set the entire series in motion and it was wonderful to see his dream of going to the Enchanted Forest and being a hero finally fulfilled. I hope he stays front and center during this new storyline with Emma, his presence will be an essential component of the plot, comparative to season one. (I sense a theme here...)

Laura: He's growing up so fast! I was pleased that he finally got to hold his own and not just sit on the sidelines.

Amy: I’m still clapping over that. Henry has wanted to be a hero since the very beginning. He does have the heart of the truest believer. In many ways he has the very purest heart of anyone on the show. Seeing Jared Gilmore in that scene where he picks up the sword was like years of waiting finally coming to life! Hero Henry! I hope that he is integral in future adventures. I think he’s proven now that he’s not a kid that needs to be babysat, he is ready to draw swords and fight.  

Teresa: I literally cheered at this point. I have missed Henry so much! To see him just kick butt and take no prisoners was one of the most satisfying viewing experiences for me in the entire series.

Sam: It's great that Henry and actor Jared Gilmore have grown up enough to have such adventures.  Once we heard that being the 'Author' was a job that was passed on to different people I KNEW that Henry had to become the next Author.  After all, he is the Truest Believer. I think Henry will be integral in keeping the peace among all the branches of his crazy family tree.  I hope he continues to have adventures in new lands.

CaptainSwan had a very difficult night, to make an understatement, while OutlawQueen is finally at peace. How are these power couples going to move forward after the finale's events?

Gareth: I think Regina will be wracked with guilt over Emma’s sacrifice for her happy ending. Regina will lead the mission to bring Emma back from the darkness. I don’t think Regina will be able to be truly happy in her life until she gets Emma back and ensures Emma’s happy ending. As for poor Hook, well, he’s gonna move heaven and earth to get his Swan back.

Lori: It was very powerful how Emma was finally able to bring down her walls completely to tell Hook she loved him. I think he will do whatever it takes to help her. But I could almost imagine a scenario where "Dark Swan" tries to get him on her side, and he allies with her because he loves her no matter what. He did say this season that he worried about the darkness he had once embraced inside of himself. That may become a big temptation, especially if it is a way back to Emma. As far as OutlawQueen, I think they are right now on a solid path.

Sam: I still think of CaptainSwan as just starting out.  Hook is a fighter and he will do whatever he can to save Emma.  It's only a matter of overcoming great obstacles.  On the other hand it would be nice for Regina to find peace in at least one part of her life.  It's amazing to think how far things have come for Regina and Emma to now switch places with Regina representing Light and Emma being Dark.

Diane: Well, Hook & Emma have their work cut out for them! What a test of "true love" Emma's new role as the Dark One will be! I'm hoping her remembrance of love will eat at her soul and cause moments of pause and reaction next season. But I think what Regina & Robin will focus on is the new baby, and how to coordinate their parenting with Zelena. Will Zelena have more tricks up her sleeve to throw their way? Probably!

Zach: Everyone will be fine. There will some trials and tribulations, things will get worse before they get better, but all will come to a happy end eventually.

Ashley: I am glad that Outlaw Queen is finally at peace, even with Zelena’s pregnancy hanging over their heads. Regina finally has her happy ending, a thing she has been working towards for so many season. Captain Swan took a great step forward with Emma finallg admitting out loud her love for Hook, but I sense major struggles ahead for them. I think Hook’s experiences with being a villain will help him connect with Emma and bring her out of the darkness.

Amy: I am constantly saying that people should have patience. I never understood this need to immediately have a happy ending for a couple because they would kind of fade into the background after that and I LOVE seeing my favorite couples. How fantastic that Regina and Robin are moving forward in a relationship situation that many people have gone thru. Granted, not with their green, broom flying, flying monkey army wielding, sister… But still, many people have relationship struggles and it’s lovely to see that it isn’t always a reason to toss the relationship aside. As for Emma and Killian, I’ve got to say I really loved Killian in this episode. I have always kind of wished that Baelfire hadn’t died, but I feel like Killian has really come a long way as far as proving himself. I think they will be ok. I don’t see Killian giving up on Emma. 

Teresa: Before this episode,, I wasn’t much of a CaptainSwan fan . . . just never bought their romance. But there was something in this episode that sold me on them.  For the first time I felt that they actually loved each other. I am cautious though because I’ve become somewhat jaded and fear that Hook will not remain constant to Emma.  Will he “move on” with the first person that moves as other “True Loves” did in 4b? I hope not; I want to retain the good feelings that this finale gave me. Give me conflict? Sure. But don’t give me more cheating….pretty please? I am not certain about OutlawQueen.  Marian’s return in 3b was such a buzz-kill to me. Then the disturbing back-tracking of Robin followed by Zelena’s pregnancy further cooled me. My hope now is simply that they will become the blended family they were before 3x22.  I want to believe in Pixie Dust, Magic and True Love again. I really do!

Joanne: I think OutlawQueen is in a good place.  They will be able to handle anything that comes their way, even Zelena's bundle of joy.  It was painful to see Emma struggle so hard just to be able to tell Killian that she loved him, but she finally managed to do it.  I think Killian will now move heaven and earth to save her from the Darkness.  

Laura:  I'm not really a shipper, but I wish all the best for both couples.

Rumplestiltskin got quite the heart transplant trading black for crystal. What in your opinion could his "changed condition" turn out to be and how will he adjust? Will he finally be ready to atone and accept his Happy Ending? 

Gareth: I’m really intrigued by what will happen with Rumple now. Is he back to where he was 300+ years ago as the village coward or has something changed within him? His heart was pure white, completely cleansed of all darkness. Will Rumple still be able to use magic? Will he now put it to use in a more positive way? Will Rumple struggle to get back to life as an ordinary man? So many questions!!! 

Lori: Rumple is going to have quite an adjustment. My big question is will he still be able to perform magic? I believe he said in Season 2 that once you have performed magic, you will always be able to call it back, it's just harder to do so after you've lost it. But like any addict, I think he will have a slow emotional and physical recovery.

Joanne: He is now pure of heart, but the Apprentice said it would take a lot of effort to become the man he use to be.  He may have a clean heart, but he still has his insecurities and addictions.  I think it will be a struggle for him and he will still seek out power.  Hopefully, Belle will be there for him to give him balance and perspective.  He has been given a second chance. I hope he doesn't blow it again.  It will be exciting to see how Carlyle adds another layer to Mr. Gold's personality.  

Ashley: As I said above, I think that clean slate will be a challenge for him. He may return to being the coward we saw in so many flashbacks, but I think his experience with a happy life with Belle will be motivation for him to remain on the straight and narrow.

Zach: I think we're about to get a very interesting version of this character. I have no idea what's to come, but I think we may see a Rumple not unlike Gandalf the White. His heart certainly matches! Otherwise we'll get a man desperate to regain his power who is even more evil without magic than he is with it.

Sam: Many fans have speculated and debated over the years what would happen to Rumple should he be freed of the Dark One Curse.  I expect that he will be much like Mr. Gold was in Cursed Storybrooke, only with all his memories.  I think that he will be able to use magical objects even if he can't wield magic with the flick of his wrist.  I think that Belle will be able to revive him from stasis with True Love's Kiss now that the Darkness has been removed.  I don't think that TLK was able to remove the curse because Rumple was never willing to let go of his power.  I think he won't be able to accept a Happy Ending until he has helped save Emma.

Amy: Ah, Rumple the White. Indeed. I think his changed condition is that will end up being the “Light One”…for a while. But much like Emma and Lily were split in their light/darkness sharing and how they kind of started to merge and blur those lines once together, I feel like Emma and Rumple might end up in some swishy yin/yang shenanigans in which they both become what we all are…. Somewhere in the middle. No one is all dark or all light, we are all somewhere in the middle of that, hoping we make more light decisions than dark.

Teresa: I loved this change in Rumple. I think it has opened sophisticated material for him. I think he now will become the force of light magic, and I want him and Henry, as Author, to team up, giving both that connection with Neal. The ultimate Second Chance. Without the Dark Curse enslaving him, I see him maybe having a long-struggle to face who he truly is. I love conflict—uncontrived conflict-- that shakes characters to the core in a complicated manner which at the same time leads to the best versions of themselves. Being good is, in my opinion, far more dramatic than being evil. Being faithful is more intense than being unfaithful. “Good Rumple” need not be boring.

Laura: It's going to be like a drug addict going cold turkey. A really difficult transition going from “ultimate magical being” to “take out the garbage”. I cringe when I think about the drama that's ahead for him.

Mauri: I think Belle needs to wake him up first, but I think with her help he'll be ready to accept his happy ending.

Diane: I hope, now that Rumpelstiltskin has had a heart "transplant" of sorts, that we will see a more multi-dimensional, and even valorous, side of him, kind of like the knight he portrayed in the finale. And I also hope he will bond with Henry over the future of their stories. I do believe he will be ready to atone for his deeds and forge forward a happy ending--but something tells me that Storybrooke will need his former crocodile wiles to deal with Emma. 

Favorite Moment/Favorite Quote

Gareth: Henry’s “Author” moment. It was absolutely fantastic. I was jumping up and down and cheering him on.

Teresa: Henry becoming the Author. Also loved seeing Charming and Hook duke it out. You know it’s been Charming’s fantasy ever since Hook started dating Emma!

Mauri: My favorite moment was when Henry saved the day, and Regina finally settled into her role as a hero when she put someone else's needs before herself.  My favorite quote was "I love you." ~ Emma

Lori: Favorite Moment: The quill responding to Henry. Favorite quote: Emma to Henry, "I knew you'd find me."

Amy: Too many to pick just one. I loved that Isaac was at a convention with cosplayers in the audience. I mean can you imagine Henry waiting to see him while all these people dressed as his family were around. So surreal. Loved that. I loved all the parallels, Henry & Emma having the same conversation that Emma and Charming once had, Regina and Robin were sitting in the tavern where Tinkerbelle had pointed him out to her, Regina and Henry’s first meeting had the same line as Henry and Emma’s first line…Ahhhh SO MANY!!!!! The 1966 easter egg may have been the most subtle and awesome Disney easter egg EVER. (Walt Disney died on the date that was at the top of the letter the Author got, Dec. 15th 1966) And finally the quote on the wall behind Isaac which translated to “Art is long, Life is short.” L-O-V-E it ALL!

Zach: I had three favorite moments: when Henry found Emma, when Emma and Rumple fought with swords, and when the Apprentice revealed the Sorcerer's name.

Ashley: It’s so hard to pick a favorite moment, but I will say Snow Dark’s insidious turn as the Evil Queen was so fun to watch. Ginnifer Goodwin knocked it out of the park! My favorite quote is the Apprentice’s advice to Henry, that the best way to honor someone in their death is by telling their stories.

Laura: I really enjoyed Henry's run through the town alone, and Regina as Snow (could she BE more adorable? Come ON!) I'm also a fan of Charming's guyliner look. Very smoky!

Diane: When Emma finally confessed to Hook that she loved him. Favorite quote: "How do you know how to steer this ship?" ~Hook "I had a great teacher. YOU." ~Henry

Joanne: I just giggled seeing Rumple as a knight, the Ogre Slayer, in his gold armor riding on his noble steed.  It was even funnier hearing him speak like Dudley Do-Right saying that there was no price.  That good deeds were their own reward. My favorite quote was when Issac told the fan at the book signing "No spoilers!"  I think he was channeling Adam and Eddy.

Sam: OMG, there were so many wonderful moments in this finale!  I love the whole meet & greet fan scene for Isaac's book.  I love all the parallels in the dialogue that went all the way back to the beginnings of the show.  I have watched it 3 times now and each time I find a new surprise.   One twist that I really appreciated was that Hero Rumple was forced to make the same sort of no win choice by the Author that Rumplestiltskin was always making people face in the Enchanted Forest.