Once Upon a Time: Tougher Than the Rest

First Aired March 5th, 2017.

After missing the portal home, Emma (played by Jennifer Morrison) and Regina/The Evil Queen (played by Lana Parrilla) plan their next moves to leave the alternate universe. After being robbed by Robin Hood (played by Sean Maguire), they enlist Pinocchio/August (played by Jakob Davies) for help building a magical wardrobe that originally brought Emma to the real world as a baby.

Gideon (played by Giles Matthey) reveals to his parents Belle (played by Emile de Ravin) and Rumpelstiltskin/Mr. Gold (played by Robert Carlyle) that he was raised by the Black Fairy (played by Jamie Murray). However, he resisted her plans to turn him evil and instead plans to kill Emma and become the Savior to rescue the realm where the Black Fairy rules. Gold attempts to talk with Gideon by trying to bond over their shared painful childhoods, but is coldly rebuffed. In the alternate universe, Regina leaves Emma to seek out Robin and see how his life would have been if they never met. She tracks him to a tavern and questions him about his life; he becomes curious about her motives but they’re captured by the Sheriff of Nottingham (played by Wil Traval). While gathering supplies to build the wardrobe, Emma and Pinocchio are confronted by an old and overweight Hook (played by Colin O’Donoghue). Hook tries to “save” Emma and is easily defeated, but the magical tool Pinocchio needed to make the wardrobe is broken. Regina and Robin are saved by Rumple, but he plans to kill Regina to avenge the death of that universe’s Belle.

Gideon denounced his father from the womb but they are so similar you have to wonder if evil is genetic. He claims to want to kill Emma to use her powers and save another realm, but why not just ask Emma to do it? There’s also the interesting question of whether Gold wants to stop Gideon or help him: an evil son would be easier for him to bond with after all. Well, since Emma was able to find an alternate route home, we can rule out any prolonged story arc in this alternate universe. It’s a little disappointing because at least for a few episodes that could have been a fun storyline. Pinocchio’s tool might have been broken but it shouldn’t be long before it’s fixed or they find another one. Then, of course, there’s Regina struggling to convince herself Robin is better off without her while trying not to fall back in love with him. Does Regina have a second chance at true love or will she be forced to let him go again? When you also consider this Robin may not even be real and everyone in this universe wants Regina dead, it makes for a compelling story arc.

Belle asks Hook and Prince Charming/David (played by Josh Dallas) to help find Gideon so she can reason with him, although David is prepared to kill him to protect Emma. In the alternate universe, while in Rumple’s prison, Regina explains everything about the alternate universe. Robin is easily convinced, although dismayed to learn he died, and he manages to break them out. After Emma gives Pinocchio an inspirational speech, he manages to find a tree with magical properties to build the wardrobe. Regina returns with Robin as Pinocchio finishes the wardrobe and shares an emotional goodbye with Robin. Emma tells Regina that she should bring Robin with them, believing that because he hasn’t aged like everyone else, he may be the real Robin reincarnated. Although worried that she will once again be disappointed, Regina agrees and all three return safely to Storybrooke.

Most parents can hardly deal with a rebellious child, let alone one that decides to go around killing people. Not to jinx anything but after six seasons it’s possible Regina might have finally caught a break. Given that every chance for Regina to find happiness was somehow dashed, it’s easy to see why she is so cautious about daring to try again. But the signs were all there: Robin not having aged and his life being miserable in that reality (which explained why he so readily believed her). And even though Regina has Robin back he is essentially a stranger to her; they’ll have to get to know each other all over again. But while Robin contends with having a possible new girlfriend, he also has two children he doesn’t know about and that’ll be a very hard adjustment.

Emma walks down Main Street alone and is confronted by Gideon and they begin to fight; everyone appears to help but Gideon immobilizes them. Emma gains the upper hand and nearly kills Gideon, but, at Gold’s request, she hesitates—which allows him to escape. Belle and Gold meet and discuss their mutual hopes that their son will make the right choices, their fear of what will happen if he doesn’t, and if he’s beyond help. It was (not) surprising that Emma survived the fight that foretold her death. However, Belle and Gold’s son does make for an interesting antagonist. True it’s another villain related to several main characters, but at least it’s not another long-lost relative.

Quotes/Thoughts

“I’m Robin of Locksley and I’m a thief.” “A thief who steals from the rich and gives to the poor.” “Gives to the poor? Why the hell would I do that?”

There likely aren’t many other Robin’s in other realms so Regina better hold on to this one.

“If you believe in something strongly enough, we all have the power to change our fate.”

After seeing how out of shape Hook got in his old age, Emma better make sure he lays off the junk food and exercises more.

If you enjoyed Manny’s review, you can find the rest of his work right HERE on Sci-Fi Bloggers. You can also follow him on Twitter @KN_Manny.

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