Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-24894791-20150806033922/@comment-24674051-20150806142509

Wishes for S5 (and beyond)

1. Character development - We had that a lot in season 1 and some in season 2. It has sadly dropped off the past couple of seasons.

2. Better use of the lesser parts of the "Ships" - Charming is probably the best used of the ship alternates (the ship mains being, imo, Snow, Regina, Rumple, and Emma). Hook was good early on, but has suffered and needs to get his former swagger (but still maintain the good that had happened). Belle is grossly underused. I think it's time to develop her character outside of Rumpbelle. And since Robin was only introduced in Season 3 (for all practical purposes, I don't really count Lacey), he has suffered the most from complete lack of Character development (see 1 above).

3. Interesting Backstories - For example, in "And Straight On til Morning", Hook tells us a little about his father and how his father was a fugitive that abandoned him (and his brother, which was not mentioned at that time). Snow, in "The Evil Queen", hints that someone from another forest taught her archery and wilderness survival. We know it's not Robin, but let's explore that more. Who DID teach Snow during her bandit years?

4. Explore the history of the Dark One - THis one is probably to be expected, given that Emma is now the Dark One (as of the Season Finale). And we know that Merlin will somehow play a part in all of this. This may very well be a part of the story for the season.

5. Introduce and/or revisit other realms - With Merlin mentioned, it is quite likely that we may see a little Camelot (There have been enough hints going back to season 2 to warrant that guess). We never really explored Oz, and Wonderland is kinda sitting to the side. ANd there may be other realms. Let's get a little creative in a good way.

6. Less Soap Opera Drama - Ditch the Love Triangles, the random pregnancies (Deal with Zelena since she's already there, but no more). Take the focus away from the Ships, focus more on action and real character development, and maybe different types of relationships. Get some 'Bro' Time with David, Killian, and Robin. (Those 3 in battle would make an awesome badass team). Team up Snow and Belle, Put Regina and Rumple together with Henry. Resolve Regina and Zelena's differences and let them be a real family.

7. Bring back some of the other supporting characters - We've got Granny, Grumpy, and most of the Dwarves. Let's bring back Red, Mulan, Archie, Ashley, Aurora.

Of course, all of the above must make sense to the plot (which is another thing I'd like), and not just be some random fanservice.