Board Thread:Spoilers!/@comment-5899967-20170704181208/@comment-27060727-20170705000441

I have the same fear, since in past seasons, they've definitely had problems with beginning and ending plotlines. And this time, there's another major complication on top of it.

But I would hope that they've approached Jen with whatever idea they have for Emma's absence and if they want to make it plot-related, perhaps they've recently asked her where she stands regarding another episode much later down the line. If she can't commit to that now, then they'd have to consider a less risky explanation, like Future Hook, Regina, and Rumple fell into a time-distorting portal that cursed them and Emma and Belle will just be oblivious about everything that's going on. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯   Wouldn't be the most satisfying option for fans, but what else could the writers really do?

With Snowing and Zelena - they're family members but in any case, I think a geographical separation might be enough of an explanation until they're brought back again for a one-off and we can see what they've been up to. For what it's worth, Ginny, Josh, and Bex (and Emilie) all seem entirely willing to come back when they get the call - if they're not busy - so I'm not too worried. I'm mostly concerned about Emma and Belle because those will be the glaring absences with Hook and Rumple still on full-time. Maybe Emilie can be more recurring than we think........?