Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-24769579-20151019094845/@comment-24674051-20151023153542

I agree with you there. and I don't think Merida will coerce Rumple to be Brave. However, She might help him find that spark within him that allowed him to bravely go to the Ogre Wars in the first place. That spark that allowed him to run INTO a burning castle in order to obtain the DO Dagger (an act that was not an act of cowardice). That spark that allowed him to finally stand up to his Father.

And I honestly don't think Rumple is the Hero that Emma is looking for, anyway. He is possibly just another means to an end, someone that she can manipulate. (and it is so fun watching Rumple be manipulated.)