Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-11058666-20141228031222/@comment-24674051-20150116181420

I am finding that the best way to look at Rumple is as an addict (maybe something simliar to an alcoholic). His behavior (as portrayed) is consitent with an addict that is getting towards the point of spiraling out of control. He has essentially hit rock bottom. Belle took the only step that she could in kicking Rumple out of town, making him face the consequence of his actions.

And the one thing that I really appreciated about the scene where Belle evicted Rumple is that there is very little anger in the scene. There is a lot of hurt, a lot of disappointment, surprisingly a lot of compassion. She sent Rumple to rehab, but she did not say "and don't ever come back". Emilie really pulled off the scene well, and it was one of her best performances.

Can Belle and Rumple's relationship be salvaged and restored? absolutely! Should it be. Well, since one of the premises on which this show is built is Hope, then I think that the hope of rebuilding should be there. If, and how, they get there will be interesting, because Rumple is going to have to give up his lust for power if he is ever going to have a chance with Belle.