Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-1894786-20151102014307/@comment-4839682-20151104075216

I've seen it said around the interweb that they've retconned Rumple's reason for crippling himself. After finally having time to watch the episode, here's my response to that:

I just don't see it. Rumplestiltskin is a coward. He's always been a coward. His father was a coward, so being a coward is expected of him. He jumped at the chance to prove he wasn't a coward.

However, that doesn't negate his fear, or cowardice. The Seer's prophecy was a way out - self fulfilling, too! - and he took it. I'm sure a large part of him genuinely didn't want his son to be fatherless, but it doesn't negate the coward in him, nor does him being a coward, and explaining that, negate his concern for his son. it can be both! :D