Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-25926288-20171218204555/@comment-30389283-20171219182209

Long post ahead lol. Overall, it was a pretty solid half-season.

PLOT:

Very interesting and well developed, with quite few twists and intriguing storylines. Everything seems connected and I especially liked the mystery that surrounded the episodes, especially in flashback. Present day plot started kinda slow but from episode 4 it started to become more intriguing and every time I had the curiosity to see what would happen next, and that's very positive. About the negative things, well, timeline and worldbuilding. They were never the show's strongest element, but in this season they didn't even bother to give at least some explanation about this new realm, how time passes differently and how some characters aged and some didn't. It feels very confusing sometimes, but the season isn't over, so I'm hoping for some answers.

OLD CHARACTERS:

Well, Regina continues to be the star of the show. She continues to grow and her storyline is engaging and original. The small "Roni" arc was fun as well (and Lana shines as always). Plus, Henry and Regina's relationship continues to be the most important in the show, and I really love how, no matter what happens, they find a way to be together, mother and son. Speaking of Henry, as many said he is not a great protagonist as Emma was back in S1, but somehow he still feels fresh, and absolutely in-character with the young version that we've know for all these years, plus, Andrew is doing a great job. The only thing that doesn't really work is the relationship with Ella/Jacinda. And I wish we saw more bonding between him and Lucy in present day. Rumple/Weaver continues to be an interesting character. I'm glad he didn't reverse to his old self again but at the same time has an intriguing storyline, the search of the Guardian. We have seen just a little of Zelena but I can already feel that she will satisfy my expectations. Belle's exit was a complete tearjecker and it absolutely her character. Emma's one was a bit rushed and out of character (my Emma wouldn't just go back without helping her son), however, it was probably the only thing they could do so I'm not very mad.

NEW CHARACTERS:

I count Rogers as a new character because in S6 we saw him only once. I have to say, I like him way more than original Hook, especially the cursed version in HH. His relationship with Alice is very sweet and the two have chemistry. Alice is, along with Drizella, the best new character. Fun, sweet, brave and mysterious, I'm curious to see her whole backstory and her relationships with Robin, Hook and Rumple. Drizella at the same time is a great villain, the one you can't help but feel sympathy to, and even almost root for. And of course, both Rose and Adelaide are doing an amazing job. Tiana is another beautiful addiction as well, even though we haven't seen enough of her yet, but she seems sweet but also badass. Gothel is absolutely an intriguing character, but I hope they'll explore her motives and her plans more because so far we barely know her. Tremaine was kinda useless to me until episode 9, the Rapunzel twist allowed us to see her background and motivations, and I'm curious to see what she'll do now that she achieved her goal to wake Anastasia. Finally, Jacinda/Ella. After ComicCon I had very high expectations and she really disappointed me. If Ella in flashbacks has at least some characterization, Jacinda is very unlikable, and doesn't work as one of the leads. I can stand her only when she's with Lucy. Dania is not a terrible actress like everyone says, but in comparison to Andrew, Lana, Adelaide etc she is very weak.

EPISODE RANKING

1. Wake Up Call

2. Beauty

3. The Eighth Witch

4. One Little Tear

5. Greenbacks

6. The Garden of Forking Paths

7. Hyperion Heights

8. Eloise Gardener

9. Pretty in Blue

10. A Pirate's Life