Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-25926288-20170501005830/@comment-24386552-20170502023512

I thought this episode was great. They did rush the flashbacks though and I think this stems from some of the other filler episodes (6x15) or because the writers are just excited to get right into the musical. However, I think the emotions were definitely on point, the story was decent, and Rumple still remains one of the deepest characters on the show. In fact, his whole family remains one of the most complex, dark, and interesting storylines of the show because they are the core of the show, or at least the true beginning. Without them, there's be no Rumple searching for Bae, no curse to bring the characters to our world multiple times, and basically no show.

Also can we talk about Malcolm's beginning and end scenes? I know it was brief and should've been fleshed out, but I seriously felt more moved by his scenes than I have with the Hook flashbacks. I don't know how to explain it, but it's so simple yet so complex how Malcolm did have a bright life and did believe, before becoming the burnt out and bitter man we knew, as Rumple's neglectful father.

Let's also note that Blue technically lied again by saying it was an accident, yet she did send Fiona away quite coldly. Once again, I think it was the flaw of the pacing, but all in all, I was able to get behind it.

I'm also thinking that Rumple is playing his mom or still desires some form of true love from her. I'm thinking he might pull a Jafar and get her to be fully vulnerable and openly loving, before killing her or something like that. It would be brutal, but then again these storylines are too. I really am loving the show's direction but still worry how the musical will balance this epic storyline with its whimsy and camp.