Board Thread:Spoilers!/@comment-25733960-20161205025332/@comment-25926288-20170208162120

CoolDudeAl wrote: Eskaver wrote:

ThisIsTaboada wrote: This season has so many mini-arcs and major arcs, I dont know how this is going to end and start another season. To be fair, they don't really have more arcs than normal. Just sort of an additional mini-arc per season half. Example: 4a had Hook keeping a secret, Rumple finding a hat, etc falling under the major arc of "Cleave", but Elsa's problem, Ingrid, Shattered Sight was all under the "Frozen" arc. Generally in any given season the double episode is sort of like a mini-arc with season 6's Hyde mini-arc actually being like 6 episodes. We also haven't had season long arcs like this since Season 2, which is probably why it seems like so much is going on. Well, that's a difficult and complex subject.

We've had thematic season-long arcs in season 3, 4, and 6 (Home/Where you belong, Happiness: How do I get it, and Defying Fate, respectively). Plot arcs tend to blend with these thematic arcs and generally follow the guideline of "Emma/ Regina have a problem something something Rumple".

Focusing on season 6 alone, the theme is "Fate". Now, one could argue that Emma and Regina have already dealt with that, but meh, it's not too bad as it's not back to back like season 3B and season 4A with Emma accepting her magic...twice. There is complexity in the approach, but sometimes some things aren't clear.

1. Saviorology is the main plotline. Emma works to accept her fate, Aladdin wanted to avoid his fate, Gideon wants to change his fate. Meanwhile they have loved ones that actively want to avoid that fate, although it ends generally with choice. The issue with this is that it suffers from the midseason sluggishness. The first 5 episodes were gung-ho in Savior stuff, but it died down until the midseason finale, but looks to be relevant once 6B starts up. So, essentially, poor pacing. It would have been better to pace out Emma's Savior stuff, with Aladdin's Savior stuff, even if "some" complain about too much Disney (XD). It looks like they'll better match it in 6B, with Gideon on one-side, Aladdin on the other, and I'm not sure what Emma's even doing.

2. Doppleganger is the secondary plot line which failed at truly being entertwined as it should have been. This is Regina's plotline that has barely touched any relevant thing. Likewise, EQ was an ineffective catalyst for the mini-plots, which we may discuss. Regina's plotline is effective divided in two with Zelena acticing as a bridge (well, should be): Herself and her "Happiness".

3. Son was the tertiary plotline which belongs to Rumple. Besides the poorly executed relationship between Rumple and Belle, it's alright pacingwise being in nearly every episode, even with minor things.

Everything else is sort of mini-plots or mini-arcs

A. Hyde and the Untold Stories.

B. David and his Father.

C. Engagement woes. and etc.

So, it's not too bad. It does feel as though a lot is going on and more will be revealed then I can adjust things, but in general, it's not unlike any other season too much. Any season would just divide up Emma/ Regina plotlines and have some bridging thing that involves Rumple, then toss the others some subplots. This season adds a lot more little "shiny objects", instead of the big news items.