Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-24892318-20140524183839/@comment-6175354-20140525174742

Ktmae1234 wrote: However, Colin O'Donoghue started off as a recurring guest star and A&E stated that they always intended to see Hook and Emma end up together. Couldn't you say the same about Sean Maguire considering Robin and Regina are soul mates? The irony is that Hook was featured more prominently as guest star, than after he became a regular in Season 2. Although, that could be attributed to Colin breaking his leg. The character of Captain Hook is not in public domain, whereas Robin Hood is.... so, there is that to consider. It is very possible ABC feared loosing the copyrights, when they promoted Colin.

I am someone who feels, that Belle does not need to be in the regular cast. Her character does not function as anything more, than being Rumplestiltskin's love interest. She has not been intergraded into the core group, in the same way someone like Hook has. Sure.... it would be wonderful if at Comic Con, it is announced that Sean will be a regular for Season 4. However, it is not necessary to tell the story.