Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-25926288-20171111015844/@comment-25926288-20171116140605

Esk's Grade Report

Plot (2.5 out of 3)

- Short and simple to say that it was pretty much solid. Not much to say beyond that the story was acknowledging similarities and that the development helps spur the plot into a higher gear. There is strong tension, despite very vague details.

- At some point, pointing back and noting how similar things gets out of hand. So, the only real deduction is due to this. It's cool for the occasional matter, but this can't be an every other episode thing. Helps emphasize character, but it pulls a little away from a good plot.

Character (3 out of 4)

- Drizella: Characters have three main aspects and as a character and villain, Drizella was solidly set-up utilizing a less developed Tremaine (not too sympathetic, very proactive, doesn't really get much done) to invoke sympathy towards Drizella, while currently establishing Drizella's competence and proactivity. Though shades of former villains might appear, Drizella is comfortably her own.

- Regina: Solid development. We get different takes between many parents and children and this gives a little more insight towards this. (Personally, I think they should expand Regina in other ways as it may come off as her being Henry-obsessed.)

- Henry and Jace: Previously, there was some development, but Jace's story and Henry's sort of diverted. While if the characters were magnets, Jace's sort of pulls on Lucy, Sabine, and the Belfreys, while Henry tries his best to connect the old and Jace. A solid start and we'll have to get more. To use a plant analogy, this was a seed, but it needs fertile ground, time, and care to grow.

- Everybody else: The only think that holds this episode back is the static nature that grows a little more apparent whcih each pasisng episode. The rule appears to be: If this isn't focused on you, then you are replaced with cardboard cutouts. In a more writing sort of standpoint, it's like their development hits pause when they reach a certain point. Rogers, while very active, seems very static. Weaver, while given good reason to be offscreen, wasn't given too much to follow up with. Tilly resumes the chaotic, eccentric role, but not much touched on from before. Sabine is offscreen. Victoria/Tremaine is decent in the limited time. The Witch is slowly developing, gathering intrigue. Having a larger cast means more to balance, but we can't sideline too many characters at once, even if it's something small.

Balance (2 out of 2)

- A solid J/J episode balancing humor, drama, and realism.

Fandom Outlook (1 out of 1)

- I think it was very well received.

Overall (8.5 out of 10)

Might adjust it down to an 8, but pretty much, it was pretty good. It's clear that there were some cut scenes and there needed to be some more with the non-centric cast.