Once upon a Time Rewatch 1.22, "A Land Without Magic"

Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

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1.22, "A Land Without Magic"

Written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz
Directed by Dean White

Synopsis

After a recapitulation of events, the final episode of the season begins with Charming attempting to escape confinement. Initial efforts fail, and he is dragged off to be executed; renewed efforts along the way see more success for him. He encounters the Huntsman along the way, who assists his exfiltration.

Oh, dramatic irony!
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

The title card follows, pivoting to Henry's admission to the local hospital. Initial diagnoses are inconclusive, and Emma's report of events is disbelieved against the lack of observed symptoms. When she ransacks Henry's rucksack, Emma is confronted with visions; she violently confronts the arriving Regina, rebuking her for her attempted poisoning and extracting a confession from her. They turn, reluctantly, to Gold, named openly as Rumpelstiltskin.

Checkmate, mate.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In the Enchanted Forest, Regina confronts the Huntsman regarding Charming's escape. She acts against the escapee via magic, transporting him to an unexpected location deep within the sprawling, trackless woods, where he confronts Rumpelstiltskin. It does not go well for him.

David moves to confer with Mary Margaret, apologizing again and acknowledging his foolishness. He notes his imminent departure, and she turns away from him once again.

Rumpelstiltskin enlists Charming in protecting distilled true love. He is to lodge it in "the belly of the beast." Emma and Regina ask Gold for help with Henry; he notes having a source of restorative true love magic hidden away where only Emma can retrieve it--and at sword-point.

Henry languishes under medical observation, and Emma speaks to him in his plight, apologizing for doubting him. Regina takes her turn as Emma stalks off, apologizing to him for her perfidy and being confronted by Jefferson. He seeks to collect what Regina owes him; she refuses, and he threatens her futilely. Emma tries to bring August along, only to find him immobilized by his progressing condition. He encourages her as best he can as he turns wholly to wood.

Hell of an entrance.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Emma and Regina proceed to the defunct town library, within which is a secret elevator leading to a system of underground tunnels. Emma presses for more information about the confrontation she faces; she is briefed and proceeds--just as Charming had proceeded against Maleficent before. He finds himself fighting her dragon form, just as Emma does, the two battles running in parallel as Charming works to insert into, and Emma to extract from, Maleficent the love-potion.

Mary Margaret reads to the comatose Henry, unknowingly reading her own story. Henry's condition worsens abruptly, and Mary Margaret is escorted out. Jefferson uses the commotion to sneak into the restricted portion of the hospital, drugging the attending nurse and stalking past where Sidney is held to release a particular inmate--Belle's Storybrooke counterpart--sending her to Gold with a message about her incarceration. She heads out that way.

Charming reports success to Gold and claims his reward, seeking out Snow White again. Emma continues to fight Maleficent, succeeding in slaying the dragon and retrieving the distilled true love.

Charming proceeds towards Snow White on another peculiarly well-maintained road, drawn on by the beacon Rumpelstiltskin had provided. He arrives at his love's glass coffin, opens it, and kisses her; the kiss breaks the sleeping curse as had been shown before, and the two are reunited happily. They walk together for a time, conferring, and he proposes at the lakeside. She accepts, and they take stock of how they will proceed.

You know what it is...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Emma is betrayed by Gold as she returns to the surface; he has restrained Regina and taken the love-potion. News reaches the women of Henry's condition, and they rush to the hospital, finding him lost. Gold exults in his collection and is found by the rescued Belle; he reacts in a way that surprises her--she does not remember him, though he clearly does her. In the hospital, Emma gives Henry one final kiss on the forehead, and a ripple of rainbow magic proceeds outward, waking him to the surprise of all present--and restoring the memories of all in the town. The curse breaks, and David, newly awakened, returns to Mary Margaret. Others begin to retrieve their memories, and Regina is put to flight. Reconciliations and reunions follow--as does Regina's sorrow.

Gold enacts his own working in the wake of the curse breaking, the which occasions fear from all who see its effects. It admits magic into Storybrooke, where it had not been before--and some are pleased at the revelation.

Discussion

Even more than in an earlier episode, there's a motion to resolve matters rather than to introduce new neo/medievalisms. Admittedly, there are plot hooks for a second season in place--clearly so, in fact; I'm not up enough on the production history of the series to say for certain, but it's obvious that the showrunners knew they had another season to make when they made the present episode. How much they ring of the neo/medievalist is an open question, of course; I'm not aware of any obvious sequel-setups in the earlier literature, although it's possible that such interleaving and interweaving as appears in SGGK and some of the earlier-presented-but-later-composed sections of Malory might serve as antecedents. I'm not sure how closely akin the phenomena can be called, though.

Please note that next Thursday, 25 November 2021, is Thanksgiving in the US. There'll be no update that day--but there will be one the following Thursday, 2 December 2021. Please join us then!

Once upon a Time Rewatch 1.21, "An Apple Red as Blood"

Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

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1.21, "An Apple Red as Blood"

Written by Jane Espenson and David H. Goodman
Directed by Milan Cheylov

Synopsis

More frightening than any dream...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

After a recapitulation of series events and the title card, the episode begins with Regina eating with Henry, the two quiet at the table until interrupted by Emma. Emma notes that she has been invited, Regina refusing her entry, and Regina finds herself beset by vengeful townsfolk. It is a dream, of course, from which Regina wakes in fear. She stalks off to check on Henry and relaxes after satisfying herself that he is there--although he is, in fact, fleeing Storybrooke with Emma. Henry balks at the haste of their departure, trying to talk her into addressing the curse; she refuses, and he takes matters into his own hand, running her car off of the road and pleading with her.

In the Enchanted Forest, George addresses the captured Charming, castigating him for his flight. Charming accepts his execution, but the execution is interrupted by Regina. She purchases Charming from George.

Not into subtlety, are we?
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Regina frets over the apples on her tree rotting on the branch and seeks Gold. She upbraids him, and the two note that killing Emma will break the curse; Regina tries to broker a new deal with Gold, and he reminds her of the implications for her of the curse breaking. She turns instead to the Mad Hatter, Jefferson, for aid.

Emma and Mary Margaret confer, the latter rebuking the former sharply for her sudden flight. Emma explains herself, poorly, and finds further rebuke.

In the Enchanted Forest, Snow White and an array of others plot to free Charming from his captivity. Regina's presence is noted, as is the certainty of a trap; all affirm their desire to press on. Regina's animus against Snow White is noted, and she calls on the captive Charming, mocking him with her intent.

In Storybrooke, Regina continues to consider her tree as Jefferson arrives. They confer aspersively, with Regina revealing that she has his magic hat--and enough magic to power it. He is once again reluctantly persuaded to assist her, asking for and being promised a new start with his daughter as his price for aid.

I'd swear I've seen this somewhere before.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In the Enchanted Forest, the rescue operation gets underway. A number of forces converge on George's castle, entering it and killing their way through the defending forces to their objective.

Henry calls on August, reporting events with Emma. August notes his failures to the boy, revealing his condition and its causes to him. Henry notes the need for haste, and August demurs in favor of making best use of his remaining time with his father. He commends the task to Henry and sends him out on it.

Emma confers with Hopper about reclaiming Henry; he advises against it, citing a number of reasons. She dislikes the report.

The rescue attempt continues in the Enchanted Forest, Snow White reaching Charming's cell to find him absent; a mirror shows him imprisoned in Regina's palace, elsewhere. They confer in sadness, and her exhorts her to faith before Regina interrupts the vision. She offers a parley; Snow White accepts the offer, disarming herself and proceeding despite the advice of her friends.

I fell into a burning ring of fire...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Regina takes Jefferson into her crypt, the repository of her magic. She feeds magic to his hat, sacrificing even her last remembrance of her late beloved stable boy, to make it work; it is a partial success, allowing something to be grabbed and brought through. Regina has an idea, and Jefferson allows her to reach through and bring out an apple from her tree in the Enchanted Forest.

In the stable where her lover had died, Regina confronts Snow White; she takes her to the place where her lover is buried. She reveals what had actually happened to him, and Snow White sorrows at the news, shortly thereafter accepting a bite from the poisoned apple and its concomitant magical slumber against the life of Charming--who is aware that something has happened to his beloved, despite his captivity.

Regina retrieves the same apple whence it had rolled away, and she plots to have Emma eat from it, as well. The plot takes the form of an apple turnover, which Regina serves Emma as the latter makes an unexpected visit and offers a bargain. Emma is suspicious of the tart, but takes it and leaves, to Regina's delight.

They're so precious when they're sleeping...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Snow White's companions find her body in stasis, believing her dead. Regina exults in her victory and the sorrow of Snow White's companions. Regina exults over Gold, as well, though he does not react as she had expected. Henry visits Emma, eating of the turnover after she explains her intent and her inability. He falls into a coma.

Discussion

A couple of things stand out for me in the present, penultimate-for-the-season episode. One is that the anachronism at work in the series manifests again, with the guillotine George intends to use against Charming and the surprising grappling-bolts shot from the crossbows during the rescue mission. The compression of the pre-modern continues to grate, although it does not surprise--or it should not, anyway, given how recently it has popped up again.

The other is the manifestation, early in the episode, of the dream vision. Yes, it is something of a hackneyed plot device to have things happen and "have only been a dream" if the dream is used to wave away the consequences of events. When, as in the present episode, there is prophetic or revelatory power, however, the dream-sequence becomes a useful tool--as medieval writers of such visions understood. I've commented on such things before in this webspace, some relatively recently to this writing; my comments remain true, I think--or I hope so, anyway. I'd hate to think I've gone so far wrong...

Once upon a Time Rewatch 1.20, "The Stranger"

Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

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1.20, "The Stranger"

Written by Andrew Chambliss and Ian Golding
Directed by Gwyneth Horder-Payton

Synopsis

After the title card, there being no recapitulation of the series premise, the episode opens with August aiding Emma and Mary Margaret in securing their apartment. The latter makes to return to work, cautioning Emma in her efforts to take Henry from Regina. Henry requests Emma's presence at Granny's; August accompanies her, noting larger issues and pressing her to accompany him. She refuses, meeting with Henry instead. He notes alterations to his book, an unfinished story about Pinocchio. Emma urges him to school.

Looks like they're all wet.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In the story, Geppetto and Pinocchio brave a storm aboard a raft at sea. It goes poorly for them; their raft is swamped, and they are washed ashore. Geppetto comes to on the shore to find Pinocchio still and lifeless, weeping over him. The Blue Fairy descends to render aid, making the puppet into a flesh-bound boy. She sends them off with a warning to Pinocchio.

August considers the cap Pinocchio had worn and makes a call to Gold, reporting difficulties. He struggles to leave his room, his flesh turning to wood.

At school, Mary Margaret is confronted by Regina. It is a terse exchange, and one in which Mary Margaret gets the better of her interlocutor. She walks off, and Henry arrives, Regina delivering his lunch and finding Henry belligerent towards her.

Master Bra'tac?
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

August reports to Gold's shop, where the counterpart of his father awaits him. Gold chides him with his inability to speak to his father and rebukes his lack of progress with Emma.

In the Enchanted Forest, Geppetto walks Pinocchio through repairing a clock and freeing Jiminy Cricket from it. The Blue Fairy arrives with a message for Geppetto, summoning him to lend his woodworking skill to the aid of the kingdom. He reluctantly agrees.

Why, yes, I'll avail myself of your saucy dish...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In Storybrooke, Emma confers with Gold about taking Henry; Gold refuses to assist her in the matter. She stalks off in anger, calling swiftly upon August and asking to be shown a way to defeat Regina. Elsewhere, David exits a pet shelter to see Regina struggling with her vehicle; he assists her, offering to take her home. She agrees without much argument, and she invites him to dinner. He demurs, but carries in her groceries as she sees a note, ostensibly from Henry; David is convinced to dine with her.

In the Enchanted Forest, the Blue Fairy continues to brief Geppetto about how matters stand. Geppetto asks what will happen to Pinocchio and claims a price for his assistance; Pinocchio will go into the new world. Jiminy argues against Geppetto's bargaining, only to be rebuked for his earlier perfidy, and the Blue Fairy agrees to the terms; she delivers the carver and the tree to Charming and Snow White, as well as the news.

August conducts Emma to the outskirts of town, offering to tell his story. David enjoys eating at Regina's, and he hears her report of how he was found before. She notes that she had found him in the cold one night, unconscious at the side of the road; he remarks on the seemingly fated nature of their meeting, and she attempts to kiss him. An awkward exchange follows, and he departs, to her chagrin.

In the Enchanted Forest, Snow White labors to deliver Emma and Geppetto labors on the wardrobe. The Blue Fairy pleads with Geppetto to relent; he refuses, saving his son at the expense of Emma's parents. He charges Pinocchio with the oversight and guidance of Emma, despite the boy's protestations. Jiminy admonishes Pinocchio, and Geppetto secrets him in the wardrobe he has carved, sending him into the new world with his benediction.

Convincing, yes?
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

August takes Emma to a diner; she rages at him. He reveals that he was the boy who had originally "found" her; she does not believe him.

The pair's arrival in the world of Storybrooke is depicted, Pinocchio emerging first in confusion and fear. Emma arrives not long after, and Pinocchio takes up the crying child. August walks her back to the site of their arrival, facing her continued disbelief; he presents more details, trying to convince her of the veracity of his claims about her--and himself, as he admits to being Pinocchio. She turns away from him, stalking off; he tries to follow and falls, noting his failure to convince her of the truth, to be where she needed him to be. He believes he shows her his wooden leg; all she sees is hairy flesh. He continues to plead with her for belief, and she continues to resist and deny.

Memories of time in an orphanage for Pinocchio. They swiftly turn to memories of rebuke and shame, and his departure from the orphanage--and from Emma.

Note the daylight in the window...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

August goes to his father's Storybrooke counterpart, confessing awkwardly to a man who does not know him and receiving a strange absolution. And Henry is roused from slumber by Emma's summons; she purposes to spirit him away from Storybrooke under cover of night.

Discussion

I'm not sure there's any new neo/medievalism at work in the present episode, but, as has been the case with other series before, it may well be because the first season of the series is drawing towards a close at this point, and it's not the time to bring in new material so much as to resolve plot threads. I suppose there might be something in Regina's abortive seduction of David, a subversion of the knight claiming his reward for saving a damsel from distress--although enough of the Malorian knights do such things that it's not a subversion of the medieval trope so much as it is one of the neomedieval. It's a tenuous thing, though.

Once upon a Time Rewatch 1.19, "The Return"

Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

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1.19, "The Return"

Written by Jane Espenson
Directed by Paul Edwards

Synopsis

Following a brief  recapitulation of recent events and the title card, the episode begins with August abed, nursing a strange malady. He staggers to a phone and calls to note a need to accelerate matters. Later, he enlists Henry in a bit of distraction, sending him into Gold's shop to cover his own clandestine pilfering. The boy distracts the pawn-broker of many talents unsuccessfully, and Gold arrives back in his office before August can purloin what he seeks.

All according to plan, but whose?
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Emma checks in on Kathryn, who convalesces in the hospital. She reports having been imprisoned and lacking useful information, and the idea that someone is framing Mary Margaret is noted. Regina accuses Gold of breaking a deal with her, which accusation he rejects. She notes the challenges facing her, Gold having outplayed her. She questions why and gets no firm answer.

In the Enchanted Forest, a young Baelfire plays, occasioning some commotion. Rumpelstiltskin arrives to rebuke the villager who had commented sharply at the boy, turning him into a snail and delivering an ignominious ending to him--despite his son's entreaties.

David calls on Kathryn in the hospital, startling her. They confer, him apologizing for his earlier follies. They seem to end at an accord, and David departs. Meanwhile, Mary Margaret is welcomed home, noting the mismatch between the current festive mood and her earlier treatment. Henry and August, both present, confer about their escapades at Gold's, August revealing little; Henry gifts her a card and a bell, David arriving just as Emma makes to attend the party. Emma dismisses him with the boy, and she and Gold confer about August.

In the Enchanted Forest, Baelfire rebukes Rumpelstiltskin for his actions. He notes the differences in his father, and Rumpelstiltskin muses on the necessity of power and his existence as the Dark One. Balefire strikes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin for the promise of his renunciation of power.

This might not be the most welcome nighttime visitor.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In Storybrooke, Gold picks the lock on August's room, reconnoitering it to learn more about August. What he finds--an image of the Dark One dagger--disturbs him mightily.

Emma confers with Sidney at Granny's, confronting him about his having bugged her office. She realizes that Sidney is in love with Regina and dismisses him. And Gold continues his pursuit of August.

In the Enchanted Forest, Baelfire tries to play with local children and is shunted aside; the children know their parents' fear of Rumpelstiltskin. The children flee from him, save for one young woman who voices approval of Rumpelstiltskin. She notes the availability of another power to afford him his father's freedom, and Rumpelstiltskin's evident slaying of their mute servant seems to confirm that desire in him.

In Storybrooke, Gold watches August confer with the Mother Superior and confronts her about the conversation. The details give Gold ideas about August's true identity. And in the Enchanted Forest, Baelfire confers with the Mother Superior's counterpart, the Blue Fairy. The two discuss the exile of Rumpelstiltskin to a world without magic, the fairy pushing the boy toward enacting his father's banishment and giving him a magic bean that will enable travel between worlds.

David tries to talk to Mary Margaret, and she rebukes him sharply for his failures. He tries to justify them to her as he apologizes to her for his disbelief. She spurns him.

Baelfire reports his success to Rumpelstiltskin, bidding him accompany him. Rumpelstiltskin notes the problems in his interactions with the Blue Fairy, and Baelfire argues. Rumpelstiltskin is shamed into going along with his son--and in Storybrooke, he confers with Hopper about the possibility of his son's return. The conversation goes awkwardly, Gold noting his own failures and his uncertainties; Hopper's recommendation for honesty does not sit well with Gold. That night, Gold confronts August about his pursuit. August calls Gold his father.

I feel like this should end with Spaghetti-O's.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In the Enchanted Forest, Baelfire leads Rumpelstiltskin out to where he can use the magic bean to take them both to a world without magic. Baelfire makes the journey; Rumpelstiltskin, afraid of the loss of power and still a coward, does not, and loses his son in the exchange. He regrets it immediately, but it is too late to amend matters. Gold admits as much to August, who admits that he is searching for the knife, and Gold reveals its location to August. They retrieve it, and August accepts it, revealing that he is not Gold's son as he commands the Dark One. It does not work, and Gold confronts him about it. He realizes that August is from the Enchanted Forest, and August notes that he needs the Savior to restore magic to save his life. Gold bids him try again and lets him live for the moment.

In the Enchanted Forest, Rumpelstiltskin confronts the Blue Fairy about her meddling with his son. He stumbles onto a way to effect a return to his son, and he proceeds to devote himself to finding a way to the world where his son has gone, raging at her as she flees.

Regina awaits Emma in the sheriff's office, noting that a confession in the abduction of Kathryn is forthcoming; Sidney tenders the confession. Emma disbelieves and confronts Regina about it, warning her of her intent to reclaim Henry.

Discussion

Image via Smithsonian from the
British Library's Queen Mary Psalter, used for commentary

It's a small thing, but the references to snails early in the episode bring to mind the phenomenon, discussed by Colin Schultz and others, of snails popping up in medieval manuscripts' marginalia.  Interpretations vary, of course, and how likely it is that the production staff for the series would have had such a thing in mind is open to question (although likely not). Still, it is an interesting little point of correspondence, intentional or otherwise, doing just a bit to reinforce the series's medievalism.

A larger thing that emerges for me is the comparative machinations of Gold / Rumpelstiltskin and the Blue Fairy. In one sense, the former stands as an almost-ideal example of typical depictions of fay folk, being (largely) bound by agreements made and adhering almost slavishly to the letter of those agreements (indeed, "intent means nothing" is overtly stated in the episode.), and he is not at all above abusing those letters to get what he wants from those with whom he bargains. It is decidedly Faustian, perhaps early modern more than strictly medievalist, although the term remains...ambiguous. The Blue Fairy, though ostensibly "good," is a peculiar kind of good--not above coercion and deceit, certainly not in line with the more heroic ethos espoused by more central protagonists in the series. She seems to be much less rules-bound, even than Gold / Rumpelstiltskin, which makes her more dangerous; at least with the Faustian character, it can be assumed that his word is his bond, but she can clearly lie...

It's something to think about, certainly.

Once upon a Time Rewatch 1.18, "The Stable Boy"

Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

There should probably be a content warning re: abuse on this one.

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1.18, "The Stable Boy"

Written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz
Directed by Dean White

Synopsis

After a recapitulation of the series's premise and the title card, the episode opens with Regina contemplating a ring until interrupted by Gold, who asks her for a favor; he asks for charges against him to be dropped in exchange for his assistance with Mary Margaret--in the form of plotting the murder of Kathryn and arranging for Mary Margaret's escape.

He's no Burrich, certainly.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In the Enchanted Forest, a young Regina takes riding lessons, putting her horse through its paces. She is interrupted in them by the arrival of her mother, who comments aspersively on her excesses and her current unmarried status. The stablehand present attempts to intervene, drawing ire as he attempts to smooth things over. He takes the horse in hand as Regina confronts her mother for her interference and is subjected to her magics and abuse. Regina runs off as soon as she can, conferring with the stable hand, Daniel. They kiss, clearly enamored each of the other.

In Storybrooke, David confers with Emma regarding Mary Margaret. Emma rebukes him and drives off; Regina, meanwhile, presses Mary Margaret to confess to the murder of Kathryn. She refuses and is badgered about it. And the source of Regina's hatred for Mary Margaret begins to be revealed. Her Enchanted Forest assignations with Daniel proceed and run into the problem of Regina's mother, interrupted by a runaway horse carrying a young Snow White. Regina rushes off to the rescue, saving the girl.

Well, this isn't a set-up for a pattern...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In Storybrooke, Gold presses Mary Margaret to sit for questioning; Emma resists the idea. Gold pushes for a sympathy plea until Sidney interrupts--with a poor report. Mary Margaret agrees to the interview, and the district attorney--the counterpart to Charming's adopted father, George--arrives to conduct it. The interview proceeds, and it goes poorly for her.

In the Enchanted Forest, Regina's mother works upon her, preparing her for an audience with Snow White's father, King Leopold. He greets her graciously in thanks for her actions, and he asks to marry her; Regina's mother accepts on her behalf, despite her father's silent advice against it. In the night, Regina rushes to Daniel, reporting events and pressing him to marry her swiftly. She realizes that flight is the only option for the two of them to be together; Daniel advises her to accept the offer the king has made, and she refuses in his favor. An impromptu betrothal follows, which Snow White observes. Regina gives chase to the fleeing child, swearing her to secrecy when she catches up to her.

It's a serious talk.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Emma reviews Henry's book until confronted by August. They confer about Mary Margaret, and he offers such comfort as he can. He frames advice in terms of working through writing problems, and she follows up on the lead thus generates, heading to the location where the heart had been discovered. August is pained, clearly, but he continues to work to advise Emma. She finds a shard from a shovel, thinking it is Regina's; she makes to verify the hypothesis as Henry feigns sleep and guides her searches. They reveal the damaged shovel in Regina's toolshed.

In the Enchanted Forest, Regina's mother confronts Snow White, pressing her for information when she unwittingly reveals tension surrounding Regina. Snow White childishly lets slip the secret she has sworn to keep, and Regina's mother acts swiftly upon the knowledge.

Emma presents Regina with a search warrant for her tool shed, only to find that the offending shovel has been repaired or replaced. A confrontation ensues, and Emma again gets the worse of the exchange. She confronts August afterward, and he rebuffs her rebuke; she rebukes him in turn. Regina visits the weeping Mary Margaret in jail, mocking her for her imminent conviction. Mary Margaret pleads for forgiveness, and Regina admits her knowledge that Mary Margaret is not the killer.

Might not be the best time...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In the Enchanted Forest, Regina meets with Daniel in preparation to flee. Regina's mother confronts them, halting their escape and killing Daniel. Not long after, she is fitted for her wedding dress, and the learns that Snow White has spoken the secret; her hatred blossoms in that moment, though she quashes its outward expression swiftly as she steels herself to face her marriage to Leopold. Regina's mother commends her on the performance, and Regina susses out that she has arranged the whole affair.

Regina muses on her lost love, exulting in her impending vengeance as Mary Margaret is conducted to court in restraints, and Gold proposes to make matters right. Emma lashes out and finds that her office has been bugged; events fall into place in her mind, and she apologizes to August for her earlier rebuke of him. A scream interrupts their conversation, and the body of Kathryn Nolan is found--alive.

Discussion

I am struck once again by the costuming at work in the episode; frankly, the women depicted do not dress as would be expected, as makes sense, for outdoor activities and clandestine assignations (for the most part; Regina's riding habit is sensible for that activity, at least, but she usually gets the most sumptuous and varied costuming in the series). And while it might be the case that people in lower socioeconomic strata might not have the ability to change clothes to suit the day's tasks, Regina is very much not among the lower socioeconomic strata, even before becoming the king's fiancée. Her mother might have been a miller's daughter, but she is not. Then again, it is Disney, and the princesses aren't exactly noted for dressing sensibly.

I'm struck, too, by the overt parental abuse at work in the episode. There is a clear purpose, of course; establishing just how bad Regina's mother is is such a purpose, and the callous treatment of her child--as her father looks on, impotent--accomplishes that purpose handily. It also speaks to a Freudian excuse for Regina's actions, even before the childhood folly that results in Daniel's death occurs--but it also falls into some decidedly uncomfortably antifeminist tropes that are already too often bruited about. I should not be surprised, really; Disney's not exactly noted for depicting healthy maternal relationships, and the present series has already shown that it doesn't do much to repudiate a number of problems it really ought to address...

Once upon a Time Rewatch 1.17, "Hat Trick"

Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

I suppose there ought to be a content warning on this one.

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1.17, "Hat Trick"

Written by Vladimir Cvetko and David H. Goodman
Directed by Ralph Hemecker

Synopsis

Buck up, man!
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

After a recapitulation of the series' premise and the title card, the episode begins with Mary Margaret making good her escape from imprisonment. She runs off into the woods as Henry reads, conferring with Emma when she arrives with Gold. Mary Margaret's escape is revealed, and Emma moves to pursue the fugitive, driving off through the fog and coming upon a heretofore unknown inhabitant of Storybrooke, Jefferson, whom she gives a ride.

In the Enchanted Forest, Jefferson's counterpart, Jefferson, flees through the forest, only to be found by his daughter, Grace, as they play together. They are interrupted by the arrival of the queen; Grace is bidden hide as her father confronts the queen, finding that she has work for him and his magic. Regina offers to compensate him richly for his work, and he refuses.

Emma delivers Jefferson to his strangely lavish home, walking him back in and accepting his hospitality--to her peril; he drugs her tea and takes her captive, restraining her.

Back in the Enchanted Forest, Grace longs for toys that Jefferson cannot afford. Therein, the Queen presses upon Jefferson.

Seems he'll bar none.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In Storybrooke, Emma rouses to find herself captured and bound. She assesses her surroundings and situation and begins to effect her escape. She finds that she has been under observation, stunning her, and she reconnoiters Jefferson's home, finding him sharpening a large pair of shears.

In the Enchanted Forest, Jefferson tends to Grace. Seeing her amid their straitened circumstances bids him reconsider the queen's offer, despite Grace's protestations.

In Storybrooke, Emma sneaks through Jefferson's house, stumbling onto the restrained Mary Margaret. As she makes to free her, Mary Margaret reports the events surrounding her escape from jail, and the two attempt to stalk out of the house--to no avail. Jefferson forces Emma to retie Mary Margaret, and he takes her off.

In the Enchanted Forest, Jefferson reports to the queen, securing a promise for her support of Grace. It being given, Jefferson produces a magical hat, the which he spins to generate a magical portal. They enter it, and Jefferson presses on Emma in Storybrooke, speaking to her of the same kinds of things Henry discusses. She disbelieves his assertions of magic, claiming he is insane.

Morrison, Manzarek, Krieger, and Densmore are just off camera.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Within said hat is a room of many doors. One such leads to Wonderland, which Jefferson hates.

In Storybrooke, Jefferson presses Emma to make a magic hat. She reiterates her disagreement with his fundamental worldview; he retorts with a philosophical screed that she continues to reject even as he presses it further.

Jefferson and the queen press through Wonderland, coming into possession of a strange box and attracting attention from locals as they do. The box is revealed to contain the queen's father, whom she restores to full size. They abandon Jefferson, and he is apprehended and taken before the Queen of Hearts. There, he is arraigned, interrogated, and beheaded.

In Storybrooke, Jefferson reveals the loss of his daughter. He notes that his seeming insanity derives from his simultaneous perception of two realities; he remembers the worlds of Storybrooke and the Enchanted Forest. Emma takes advantage of the situation, and a fracas ensues; Mary Margaret dispatches their abductor--who vanishes.

Curiouser and curiouser...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In the wake of it, Mary Margaret and Emma take stock of their situation. Emma presses Mary Margaret to face her trial rather than trying to run; she accepts it, and Emma conducts her to her cell, where she awaits arraignment. And Emma reports events to Henry, checking his book for information about one of his classmates' counterparts and revealing Jefferson's ongoing efforts to reclaim his daughter.

Discussion

I'm struck, among others, by the cheerful anachronism inherent in amalgamating so many different milieux as the series does; the fairy tales which Disney, filtering Perrault and others, presents hail from different times and places and depict the same, yet the present series, as well as the "traditional" treatments from which the series borrows, compresses them together. (Kavita Mudan Finn has much to say on the matter, as witness this and others. Her work is well worth reading.) Admittedly, it's hardly a unique occurrence, as I've commented once or twice and as Shiloh Carroll has commented more powerfully; the neo/medieval makes much of anachronism, conflating premodern periods to sometimes dubious effect. It's not a surprise to see the series do it again, although perhaps it is one with my delayed work on this rewatch--for which I apologize--that I am struck by it again.

Admittedly, if there is a period apt for amalgamating with the medieval in an Anglophone context, it is the Victorian. The era's own medievalist tendencies are amply attested, of course; that they are is, in fact, part of the problem that faces medieval studies yet, as the Victorian project, aimed in so many cases explicitly at justifying white supremacy, forms an understanding of the medieval all too often used by execrable people in support of reprehensible ideologies. There is much yet to do to push back against such; too few apply themselves thereto, and more of us should.

Once upon a Time Rewatch 1.16, "Heart of Darkness"

Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

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1.16, "Heart of Darkness"

Written by Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg
Directed by Dean White

Synopsis

After a restatement of the series's premise and the title card, the episode begins with Charming and Red still being pursued and attacked by the king's men. Red bids Charming flee to find Snow White, remaining behind to assume her lupine form; he does, and melee ensues.

No towering figure, she.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In Storybrooke, Mary Margaret is processed into police custody. She and Emma confer about their respective situations; both are constrained by their positions.

In the Enchanted Forest, Snow White tends to the dwarves' cottage. Grumpy invites her to dinner, which she resists; the assembled dwarves introduce Jiminy Cricket to her conducting something of an intervention with her, addressing the changes in her behavior following her taking a memory-erasing potion. It does not proceed as they hope, and Snow White prepares to depart in anger to kill Regina.

In Storybrooke, Emma questions Mary Margaret with Regina present. The questioning goes poorly for Mary Margaret. Her counterpart fares better, waylaying one of the Evil Queen's riders and interrogating him regarding Regina's whereabouts. She despoils the rider and proceeds along her way, despite the dwarves' impassioned pleas. Grumpy proposes to take Rumpelstiltskin to reverse the effects of the potion; she demurs.

Yep, everything seems in order.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Emma checks her shared residence for signs of a break-in following the questioning session. None are forthcoming, and Henry arrives to interrupt her search and notes that Regina has motive to frame Mary Margaret. A strange scratching sound attracts attention, and Emma finds a hidden hunting knife.

August later meets Henry at Granny's, conferring with him about developments. August suggests Henry check his book for answers; Henry attempts to demur, but is persuaded into it. August also explains the difficulty of persuading Emma into belief, and Henry resumes his reading.

In it, Charming continues his pursuit of Snow White, coming across the knight Snow White had despoiled. He reports her actions and direction, to Charming's disbelief.

How does he do it?
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In Storybrooke, David calls on Regina, pleading with her about Mary Margaret. She presses him about his lack of knowledge of her. He tries to argue that he has done ill during his blackouts. Meanwhile, Emma notes her findings to Mary Margaret and notes that she should hire a lawyer--at which point Gold announces himself and offers his services. Mary Margaret accepts the offer, although Emma is uncertain of Gold's sincerity.

In the Enchanted Forest, Rumpelstiltskin notes there is no return available for Snow White. He offers to assist her in killing Regina, advising her of a better tactic to do so. Grumpy refuses further complicity, and Rumpelstiltskin delights in the prospects.

David calls on the psychologist, Dr. Hopper, asking how to remember the events of his blackouts.

Charming makes to confront Rumpelstiltskin about Snow White. The Dark One notes that true love's kiss can break the potion's effect and offers Snow White's location in exchange for Charming's cloak. Charming rushes off as Snow White makes her assassin's preparations; he confronts her, finding her memory gone and kissing her. It does not work, and she knocks him unconscious.

Well, that'll open some doors for you, kid.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Henry greets Emma outside her residence, brandishing a set of keys that allows access to everything in Storybrooke. Emma is doubtful, but Henry demonstrates the truth of his claim.

Charming rouses to find himself restrained. Snow White rejects his appeals and stalks off to assassinate Regina. David, meanwhile, undergoes hypnotic regression. The memories that emerge conflate his life in Storybrooke and the Enchanted Forest, and David departs Hopper's office in haste. Charming is confronted by Jiminy Cricket, and the two proceed to try to interdict Snow White, who is taking up position to assassinate the riding Regina. Charming intercepts the arrow meant for Regina, and the two confer, with Charming pressing Snow White to remember who she is. At that point, they kiss, and she recalls herself and him. George's pursuit continues, and Charming is taken prisoner; she begins to pursue him, in turn.

Mary Margaret continues to languish in lockup, David visiting her. He reports his own findings to her, which revelation staggers her no less than his pained rehearsal of the evidence against her. She rebukes him for his doubts and dismisses him.

Snow White, penitent, returns to the dwarves and apologizes. They accept her back, but she notes that she cannot stay; she must retrieve the imprisoned Charming. The dwarves move to accompany her in her quest and fall in to work.

Mary Margaret finds one of the strange keys in her cell. Trying it on the cell door, she finds it works and that she can walk free; she conceals the knowledge as Emma arrives with breakfast. She reports that the heart is, indeed, Kathryn's and that, with that evidence, legal proceedings will have to begin. They confer about circumstances, and Emma goes off to confer with Gold about how to prove Regina's interference. He offers cryptic encouragement, and his alter-ego prepares more magic. Mary Margaret, meanwhile, makes her escape.

Discussion

The thing that stands out in mind for me in the episode is the permeable nature of imprisonment. While it is the case that concerns of race factor heavily into depictions of jail--it is, and they do, as is true of the reality of imprisonment in the United States--the episode does follow precedent both in focusing on incarceration and in depicting it as both porous and escapable. I am minded of Malory, as is often the case in the work I do for the Society; the "knight-prisoner" author of Le Morte d'Arthur refers repeatedly to his own incarceration in the work, and he focuses on knights' imprisonment several times, as well. Indeed, a section of my dissertation (66-72) concerns itself with such matters; I'll not recapitulate it here, but will simply note that at least one major work of medieval literature presents prison as permeable and escapable (not least because of its author's experiences), so that for Once upon a Time to present it as such reinforces the (pseudo-?) neo/medievalism of its milieu.

Once upon a Time Rewatch 1.15, "Red-Handed"

With apologies for the delay...
Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

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1.15, "Red-Handed"

Written by Jane Espenson
Directed by Ron Underwood

Synopsis

It's never a good sign...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Following a restatement of the series's premise and the title card, the episode begins with Emma questioning David regarding his possible involvement in Kathryn's disappearance. She sends him home to get some sleep--with a recommendation to retain a lawyer.

Formidable.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

At Granny's, August flirts with Ruby while Granny looks on in some annoyance. He boasts of his travels to her, and the scene pivots to the Enchanted Forest, where Ruby's counterpart, Red, entertains a gentleman caller, Peter, despite her grandmother's intent. The two attest their mutual affection and intent for one another before Red is called away to join her grandmother. The latter dismissed a hunting party and confronts Red about Peter; Red speaks in his defense, and the two secure their home for the evening.

Granny confronts Ruby about her conduct; an argument follows, with heated words exchanged. And in the Enchanted Forest, Red and her grandmother begin the next day, Red tending to the chickens. There, she finds Snow White hiding and purloining eggs; Snow White gives an assumed name and is taken in. Red reports on the ravening wolf as Snow assists her with further chores; they find the slaughtered remains of the previous night's hunting party.

In Storybrooke, Mary Margaret asks Emma about David and Kathryn. They walk together, conferring, and Emma notes the opprobrium facing her. They encounter Ruby and Dr. Whale, the latter soon absenting himself. Ruby notes her desire to leave town in reaction to the fight with Granny and quitting her job. Emma cautions her about the need to have a destination, and Mary Margaret invites her to their shared home.

Hell of a love-nip.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In the Enchanted Forest, rabble-rousing regarding the ravenous wolf ensues. Granny and Red arrive at the tavern where another hunting party is being planned, and she rebukes those gathered for their thoughts that they might prevail against the wolf. She notes her own history with such creatures, having watched the beast slaughter her family. Snow White and Red confer about the situation afterward and Red's infatuation with Peter. Red arrives at the idea of killing the wolf; Snow demurs, but Red persuades her to assist.

Administrative work can be rewarding, yes.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In Storybrooke, Mary Margaret drives up to the town line, meeting clandestinely with David. They confer about their shared situation, though David seems addled and wanders off. And in the Enchanted Forest, Snow White and Red track the wolf, finding signs of its passing and of its immense size. Meanwhile, Henry helps Ruby find new work; she begins answering phones in the sheriff's office, and Emma takes her on as an assistant. Mary Margaret reports her encounter with David to Emma with some shame.

Red and Snow come across strange tracks as they continue searching for the wolf. They realize they are remarkably close to Red's home; the tracks lead there, and Red arrives at the notion that her beloved Peter is the wolf. They work out a plan to save Peter and the rest of them.

Ruby returns to Granny's--as a customer, rather than an employee. Granny greets her bluntly, conversation between them tense and terse.

Why am I hearing four strings and three horns?
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Red confronts Peter about the possibility that he is the wolf. He expresses initial confusion but agrees to be restrained for the safety of all involved, and she declares her intent to remain with him.

Henry reports to Emma that Ruby is, in fact, Red Riding Hood and remarkably capable. As he leaves, Ruby arrives with lunch; Emma takes her on patrol, finding her strangely capable as she hunts for David. Ruby soon finds David, unconscious in the woods and injured. Emma rouses him, and he evidences a gap in his memories. Dr. Whale diagnoses it as a similar event to his early emergence from his coma, and David worries that he did something wrong while unaware of it. Regina arrives to disrupt matters, and Emma dispatches Ruby to follow up on a sudden idea she has. Ruby searches, soon finding recently disturbed earth and, beneath it, a box, the contents of which startle her.

In the Enchanted Forest, Snow White impersonates Red--poorly--and Granny reveals that Red is, in fact the wolf, realizing that Peter is in grave peril. And he learns as much when, chained, he comes under attack from the wolf.

The box Ruby finds contains a human heart, and Emma commends her efforts. Snow White and Red's grandmother charge out into the woods, the latter relating Red's background and history along the way. She notes that she, too, is a werewolf, and she makes ready to kill Red while she feasts upon her erstwhile lover's body. The shot fails to kill Red, but it does incapacitate her long enough for magic to effect her transformation back into a human; they make to flee the coming hunting party as the revelation of her status breaks upon Red.

Ruby returns to Granny's, asking for her job back. Another awkward conversation ensues, offering something like apologies and reconciling the two. Mary Margaret tries to comfort David, and he begins to believe he has done something wrong. Emma arrives where they are, noting findings--including that Mary Margaret's fingerprints were inside the box with the heart.

Discussion

I've written about werewolves before, here, and while it is the case that a lot of work subverts the expectations of audiences, it is also the case that as much or more maintains those expectations; they have to come from somewhere, after all. And despite the protestations of many that Disney and its subsidiaries are "too woke," the media institution that it is is fundamentally conservative in scope; Disney has worked over decades to make itself one of the standard reference points for United States popular culture and common understanding, an unofficial canon that carries more weight than most anything else taught as "authentically American." It's not a surprise, then, that the present episode returns to those understandings in its presentation of lycanthropy--or that it links it to misogyny, as well, because there's no shortage of that in "real America." While not perhaps very neo/medieval/ist, it is unfortunately prominent and common; here, as elsewhere, I am disappointed but not surprised not to have seen better.

Once upon a Time Rewatch 1.14, "Dreamy"

Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

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1.14, "Dreamy"

Written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz
Directed by David Solomon

Synopsis

The very picture of grace...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Recapitulation of the series' premise being absent, after the title card, the episode opens in the Enchanted Forest with the Blue Fairy receiving a delivery and report from another fairy of much less poise. She rebukes the other fairy and dispatches her, the latter dropping some fairy dust along the way--which settles onto a large egg and alters it in advance of its unexpected hatching a smiling dwarf.

In Storybrooke, Leroy angrily eats his breakfast as Mary Margaret pleads for help with candle sales. She is greeted with silence. Leroy notes their shared pariah status, rattling her; Emma follows after, asking about the candle sale and reactions to Mary Margaret. She laments her status, and Emma is called off to tend to duty; she offers encouragement as she leaves.

Admittedly, I react to glitter similarly.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Preparations for the festival the candle sales underwrite--the Miner's Day celebration--proceed, and Leroy encounters a nun, Astrid, at work on them. He reacts much more happily than might be expected, helping out, and the two seem to connect before going off to their respective tasks.

Emma reports to the scene of Kathryn's disappearance, soon joined by Sidney. Investigation proceeds, and suspicion begins to fall on David swiflty.

The hatched dwarf, Leroy's counterpart, is brought into service, Explanations are offered to him, along with labor-force indoctrination. The dwarf, along with his seven brothers, receives a mattock that gives him his name, Dreamy, and the group are sent into the mines to work in support of the magic underlying the Enchanted Forest.

Leroy belatedly signs up to volunteer to help with candle sales. He overhears Astrid getting into trouble and moves to offer comfort; he learns of the financial difficulties she and the convent face. Emboldened, Leroy resolves to aid. Meanwhile, Emma confronts David regarding Katharine's disappearance, quizzing him about what he knows. Emma affirms that she will find Kathryn. Regina provides records to Sidney regarding the disappearance, as well.

Shiny.
Image taken form the episode, used for commentary.

In the Enchanted Forest, work proceeds in the mines to produce fairy dust, which the fairy counterpart of Astrid, Nova, monitors. She struggles with it and is aided by Dreamy, who recognizes her from his pre-hatching dreams. A series of mishaps ensues, from which Dreamy manages to save the fairy dust and the fairy tasked with its delivery. He encourages her, and the two connect.

Candle sales start off poorly at the event. Leroy takes it into his head to sell door to door. Emma presses Sidney for his promised help as the sales duo tries and fails to peddle their wares.

In the mines, Dreamy sits alone, contemplating his feelings. Belle, present where the dwarves are taking their meal, notes that Dreamy is in love; it is clear to her from his deportment. The other dwarves disbelieve as Belle expounds upon love to Dreamy. She encourages Dreamy to go meet Nova, and he does so.

Leroy makes to report his difficulties to Astrid. He is unable to follow through on doing so, for fear of disappointing her, and Mary Margaret rebukes him for his failure. He avows that he will make good on his promise.

They are cute together.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Dreamy rushes to meet Nova, and the two look out over the Forest together, happily. They confer about their respective situations, and Dreamy offers to sail the world together with Nova. She accepts, and they arrange to meet again and run off together.

Leroy offers to sell his boat to Gold. Gold refuses, citing a history with the nuns. Astrid calls on Leroy after Gold leaves, and she marvels at the boat before finding the unsold candles and silently rebuking Leroy for his dishonesty. Meanwhile, Emma receives Kathryn's phone records, giving her cause to doubt David. Leroy reports his failure to Mary Margaret, and the two commiserate about their common pariah status.

Dreamy rushes away to meet Nova again, sneaking out in the night from the dormitory he shares with his brothers. One, Stealthy, confronts him, the rest waking at the exchange, and they press him. Dreamy relates his reasoning, and his brothers cheer him on his way. A senior dwarf tries to interdict him, citing his responsibilities and a congenital inability to love--which the Blue Fairy, descending, affirms. Dreamy is persuaded to abandon his love for Nova, putatively in her own interest, just as Leroy tries to set aside his affection for Astrid. He resolves to take action, and proceeds to where the Miner's Day festival is in progress. Ascending to a rooftop, he disables the lighting for the festival--and obliging candle sales en masse.

"It's Grumpy, now," understandably.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Nova waits for Dreamy, having found a ship for the two of them to sail away. He relates what he has been persuaded to believe, and she rages at the situation. He denies her love, and they part in sadness. Dreamy returns to work; his old mattock fails him, and a new one declares him Grumpy.

Candles sales proceed at the Miner's Day festival, Mary Margaret and Leroy exhausting their inventory. Leroy delivers the proceeds to Astrid, and he offers to take her aboard his boat once it's restored. They delight in the festival while Emma reviews phone records, her investigation ongoing and under threat from Regina. Mary Margaret even begins to receive some reconciliation from the community, while David looks on in longing, and Emma takes him into custody as the town looks on.

Discussion

Of some interest is the depiction of fairies as being...not entirely benevolent. It's something at odds with the Disney sources that inform the understandings of neo/medieval/ist materials much or most of the presumed primary audience of the series has; in Disney, of course, the colorful fairies are sympathetic, helpful beings that work selflessly to the benefit of those they encounter, rather than traffickers in exploitable resources. Frankly, the Blue Fairy is something of a jerk in the present episode, outright laughing at her subordinate in a way that smacks of what James Fredal discusses in his January 2011 College English article.

I note, too, with some interest the hatching of the dwarves. Given my background and the Society, the Tolkienian comment about there being no dwarven women comes to mind--but who lays the eggs? More seriously, though, with Labor Day in the US having only recently passed, I am in mind of the labor stratification that is clearly at work with the former Dreamy and his siblings. The idea that certain groups are fated to work in support of others is hardly unique to the medieval, of course; there are any number of execrable people even now who espouse such hateful ideology. But it does line up in broad strokes with the traditional three orders social system many ascribe to and associate with the medieval; the dwarves are a "natural" labor class, conditioned and constrained to work and punished for deviations from that labor. It's...not a good message, really, embedded in them.