Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-25926288-20160516005939/@comment-24674051-20160519194856

Other times she lost (or was in imminent danger of losing) Robin were in SEason 4, while Robin was in NYC, and 5x2, when Robin took the blow meant to kill Regina. There might have been others as well.

As for Regina expressing her desire to rip out Killians throat, I think it was a fair exposition. She was expressing a whole lot of frustration that life just kicked her in the gut. I can tell you that there are times where something happens and I just want to punch someone, even though I know it's wrong.

Regina is hurting, and hurting bad. She generally hides her hurt, because she is a somewhat private character. But she's learning to open up to her friends more (a healthy sign, and a good message to project). Emma didn't judge Regina for her feelings. She listened, and tried to provide encouragement where she could. Overall, I thought that scene was powerful in a positive way.

as for Regina snarking at Emma, David, Killian, or anyone else. I agree that I don't see it necessarily as a defense mechanism. It's really just who she is, and it's her primary mode of expression. She's learned others, and uses them more, but the snark is still her default setting. "You'd think the pirate with a rum problem would cut my sister a little slack" is a perfect example of her communication style under stress. (and as a side comment, Zelena has the same trait, so it must be something genetic with the Mills women).