Board Thread:Character Discussion/@comment-10663213-20180306175318/@comment-28162607-20180306221500

CuriousZ wrote:

I’m still of the opinion Neal wouldn’t have died if it wasn’t for how they wanted Hook as Emma’s love interest. No, he would have anyway because 1) MRJ wanted to leave 2) His time on the show was done 3) They couldn't have Rumple be the villain he had to be with Neal in the picture.

Narratively, Neal was doomed from day 1.