Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-25926288-20171216015812/@comment-25926288-20171218204123

Esk's Grade Report

Plot (2 out of 3)

+ Many developments, primarily Tension/Conflict which is a major narrative element for a story to thrive. Interesting worldbuilding developments, even if some were mentioned in passing or as a joke. Also, it was a flashforward within a flashback which is fairly new for Once.

- Pacing. It had a lot to accomplish; however, it could have used a little more time and set-up. While novel, it potential sets up certain character relationships and interactions for downturns.

Character (3.5 out of 4)

- New: Henry and Lucy were capable of establishing a stong character to character interaction. Their character to character moments maintain a decent level of strength, as does Lucy and Jace, to some degree. However, as mentioned in the Plot section, jumping around the flashback spectrum may hurt Ella and Henry's romance or at least how it is precieved. Unlike the typical: Here's now, Here's how they got here, it is "Here's now, here's how they got--oh wait, here's how they were just before now, and here's how they got there." Drizella hits a turning point as Gothel cements a decently strong presence in this episode. Alice and Robin show potential.

- Old: Rumple continues to show positive changes from his Machievellian self. Regina shows adaptability to bypass the Dark Curse, even utilizing interesting moments within the cursed personas' lives. Zelena shows her willingness to sacrifice as it continues, which slightly sours Regina's eagerness for Zelena to leave it all behind; however, Regina does pause, even briefly, which shows that her self-centered core is softening, even it's a little.

Balance (1.5 out of 2)

- J/J are good writers; however, they were given too much within a limited 42 minutes

Fandom Outlook (0.5 out of 1)

- I think it has had mixed results.

Overall (7.5 out of 10)