The Guardian

"The Guardian" is the eighteenth episode of Season Seven of ABC's Once Upon a Time. It was written by David H. Goodman & Brigitte Hales, and directed by Geofrey Hildrew. It is the one hundred and fifty-first episode of the series overall, and premiered on April 20, 2018.

Synopsis
Following Nick's death, Weaver discovers the Dark One Dagger has been taken and sets out to get it back, even if it means betraying Roni's trust. Meanwhile, Margot takes Tilly on a date, but their time together takes an unexpected twist. In a flashback, Rumple, desperate to be reunited with Belle, pays Alice a visit.

Starring

 * Lana Parrilla as Roni
 * Colin O'Donoghue as Hook (Wish Realm)/Rogers
 * Andrew J. West as Henry Mills
 * Dania Ramirez as Jacinda Vidrio
 * Alison Fernandez (Credit only)
 * Mekia Cox (Credit only)
 * Robert Carlyle as Mr. Gold/Weaver

Guest Starring

 * Daniel Francis as Dr. Facilier/Mr. Samdi
 * Nathan Parsons as Nick Branson
 * Jeff Pierre as Drew
 * Rose Reynolds as Alice/Tilly
 * Tiera Skovbye as Robin Hood/Margot

Co-Starring

 * Bruce Blain as Desk Sergeant

Uncredited

 * Emilie de Ravin as Belle French (Voice)*

Trivia

 * -|Production Notes=

Title

 * The title card features the word "Once" formed by flowers.
 * The title of this episode was revealed by Adam Horowitz via his Twitter account on January 28, 2018.

Production Notes

 * Rose Reynolds confirmed that she did not make Tilly's Troll drawing herself.
 * -|Episode Connections=

Event Chronology

 * The Seattle events take place after "Chosen".
 * The New Enchanted Forest flashbacks take place after "The Girl in the Tower" and before Lucy's eighth birthday in "The Eighth Witch".
 * -|Cultural References=

Disney

 * Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog appears.

Fairytales and Folklore

 * This episode features Rumplestiltskin from the Rumplestiltskin fairytale, Captain Hook from the Peter Pan story, Alice from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and Robin Hood from the ballad.