Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-25926288-20161114015927/@comment-24674051-20161114165733

Episode was not quite as good as last week, but it was still solid.

First, the Charming's making things work in spite of the curse is so on point for them. And I like that they used the montage to point out that we actually get a small amount of time passage. It looks like either 3 or 4 days pass in the sequence.

Second, the combination of Snow realizing that Queenie was spying through the mirror, and what we saw with Regina and Emma in the mirror world goes a long way towards explaining why Queenie seems to be somewhat omniscient. And I liked that it was Sydney's gift to Regina (the hand mirror) that was used as the trapping mirror. Nice subtle callback.

Henry and Violet was very nice and sweet. and I like that they snuck in a subtle anti-labeling announcement. People don't deserve to be labels, and Henry did a good job at conveying that message. Plus just having Violet have issues trying to fit in was just a nice realistic touch.

Henry catching the slipup from Queenie, realizing the Emma and Regina were trapped behind the mirror, and his actions to free them were well done, and provided a little needed non-author growth for him.

Killian was, unfortunately, window dressing this episode, but at least he was not annoying.

Belle and Zelena working together was nice, and a good way to bring Zelena more into the mainstream of the storyline. and the Call-back to Heart of Gold and the deal that Zelena made to allow Rumple to live was a nice bit of continuity. Plus recruiting Aladdin to steal the wand was an interesting choice that will work to move another plot forward later.

Speaking of Al, The scene with Al and Jas with the lamp was well done and very multi-meaning. first being a small homage to Robin Williams, who is free of his earthly bonds (may he rest in peace). Second is that the Genie from the lamp is free, but there is a new occupant. My Guess for the original occupant is Sydney, but it could also be one of Cyrus's brothers. And the current occupant is almost assuredly Jafar, keeping consistent with where we last saw him in Wonderland. (and I'm a little afraid of what kind of mayhem might ensue if Jafar is released from the lamp).

Finally, Welcome back to the Dragon. I liked how he admonished Regina for releasing her inner battle. I also like that he was able to turn to Dragon form. and his conversation where he mentions his lost daughter. and I do believe that to be a setup for returning to Lily's story. And everyone that is concerned about the timeline, it actually works. I'll move theorizing about his part as Lily's dad to a different thread, but I like that they placed the pawn on the board with this episode.

Finally, can we kill GoldenQueen already. every time they appear, it just creeps me out. (I love them both as actors, just don't like what the writers have done by making them a 'thing'.) Also, I am seriously starting to have my doubts about any ability to redeem Gold at this point. He seems to have finally crossed the line into full blown villainy.