Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-25926288-20150511001505/@comment-24674051-20150518174927

GothicNarcissus wrote: Hmcooper4 wrote: I think the book signing scene was a backhanded way for A&E to say thank you to all of us for being so supportive. It was hilarious, and it was uncannily accurate. (like maybe they've had that experience before or something). I love this kind of nods to the fandoms. Supernatural does that once in a while and it's always enjoyable to see. :D

As for the "is the Apprentice really dead" question, I would lean towards yes. Serialised plots and very powerful characters currently available don't work very well together. Why did Rumple have to overcome so many issues before confronting Pan? Why did he have to be enslaved by Zelena in order for her to do her deeds? Why did he have to pursue his own agenda when Ingrid was storming? Because he'd have put an end to those storylines within two seconds otherwise. Same goes for the Apprentice. I've said it before, but I am in the camp of the Apprentice is dying, but he's not dead yet. First, he may have some additional wisdom to impart to the gang regarding their search for Merlin (since that is going to become the number one priority). Second, He may need to make arrangements to pass the mantle of the Apprentice to someone. While others have said that Gold would NOT be a good choice, and provide very good reasons, I'm still leaning towards Gold as a candidate. Don't get me wrong, I hear and agree with the reasons why he shouldn't be the Apprentice, I just have a gut feeling that this could be a twist to apply. Besides, unless the writers get really creative, Gold without magic becomes a very bland character.

As for the Apprentice, in any form, being availble, I think it will almost be required in order to get to Merlin. Particularly if the adventure leaves Storybrooke (of which I am very hopeful) and crosses into other lands. A handful of strong magic users would be quite beneficial going through places like Wonderland or the Enchanted Forest. I don't think super powered characters and serialised plots need to be mutually exclusive. They can first come up with some very interesting obstacles that require interesting uses of their skills, and they can also remind themselves of the age old Mantra, which is all magic comes with a price (which is supposedly why they don't just fireball everyone in their path).