"Leaving Storybrooke" initial reactions ONCE - Once Upon a Time podcast

Some rants, more raves, a couple of questions that are now pointless, Operation: We Are Both, and more in our “Leaving Storybrooke” initial reactions!

Wish Rumple’s evil plan is revealed and Regina realizes the only hope to stop him is by turning Wish Henry from his path for vengeance. Meanwhile, Tilly and Margot try to get help in Storybrooke. With his hope of ever being reunited with Belle fading, Weaver struggles to find a way to defeat his evil alter ego; and when Rogers’ life is threatened, he is faced with the ultimate sacrifice.

These are our first thoughts about this Once Upon a Time episode. We’ll share more about “Leaving Storybrooke” in our upcoming full discussion (usually live on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., USA Eastern Time).

Initial Reactions

Remember, these are only our initial reactions regarding tonight’s episode so please bear with us if we’re a bit all over the place. If you have your own thoughts, feedbacks, or theories regarding tonight’s episode, however, send them over to us and join our upcoming full discussion!

“Leaving Storybrooke” was fun to watch. It was exciting and the story especially separated from last week was kind of just so-so, but we knew that whatever plot there was, was going to be mostly a vehicle for doing character stuff they wanted to do. The series finale had so many amazing character moments and reveals. It was so fun to watch, and there were so many things we liked. However, we were slightly convinced that they eventually listened to us and made sure that Rumple pulled one last vial of magic to use in the final episode of the series.

We definitely had some mixed reactions to some of what happened in the finale. Rumplestiltskin’s exit could’ve been more if they had more time, but the way that it happened also was all that could’ve happened because we’ve already had big epic moments that should’ve probably his end and weren’t. So it was no less meaningful, but it was not a repeat of something that they’ve already done. Plus, the fact that Hook started out as his nemesis, and then to end up sacrificing his life not just for him but also his daughter was one of the most beautiful moments of the series finale. That being said, everything would still work without the involvement of the Wish Realm.

The end was beautiful, but seeing two Henry’s was weird and messed up. Furthermore, Emma and Hook’s baby also shouldn’t be a baby. When Hook and Emma came to help Henry earlier in the season, Henry was grown and she was just expecting then, and that was before Lucy was born. Then again, as the Apprentice said, the timelines alone would make one’s head spin, and it certainly did ours. On the other hand, it was funny when Alice and Robin show up in Storybrooke out loud. So much for “they can’t know we’re here”.

The very end of the episode was cute in a way, but it also didn’t make a lot of sense in another. It’s like Disney World, as well as Operation: We Are Both. Somehow, the whole ceremony for Regina being the Queen of all the kingdoms was kind of amazing, but does Tiana still get to be Queen in her own kingdom? And did anyone expect Emma to come in and say “Sorry, I’m late” during Regina’s coronation? The best reveal of the show, however, was seeing Snow White and Prince Charming back. It was nice to see them again, what with Charming giving a sword twirl, as well as Snow with a bow and arrow. We also liked Regina’s dream about Robin Hood and the feather in her hands when she wakes up.