Board Thread:Character Discussion/@comment-6302057-20141115232542/@comment-6302057-20150330200059

Eskaver wrote: I would have to label this as a plot hole/ contrivance. Neal had to return, but arrived via other means. Ingrid, Ursula, and Cruella arrived via other means, but didn't have to return. So, all in all, this was a way to separate Neal and Hook from Emma for no reason other than the plot. And also, Pinnochio! Neal had to stay in SB to keep his memories (Pinnochio too). Yes he could have gone with Emma and Henry, but he would have lost his memories as well. Emma could have gone with everyone else, but Henry would have been left alone in LWM without any memories. Neal staying in SB not only allowed him to keep his memories, it provided the perfect reason to keep him and Emma separate for the sake of the story.