Board Thread:Spoilers!/@comment-5899967-20180310131045/@comment-25375217-20180326193246

Their relationship doesn't seem to have as much potential as Regina/Robin, but I can't see them introducing a love interest for Regina just to immediately write him off -- again. More than the outrage that she has a new boyfriend, the outrage that she can never be happy would be immense.

My concern is that Dr. Facilier could be set-up for Season 8, which we now know isn't happening. None of the upcoming episodes seem to be his backstory. Additionally, since they are killing off both Tremaine and Drizella and Gothel seems too evil to be redeemed, Season 8 would not have had the "redeemed villain who backslides" archetype we've seen from Rumple (Season 2-6), Regina (Season 2-4), Hook (Season 3-5), and Zelena (Season 5-6), nor a fully villainous main character like Rumple (Season 1), Regina/the Serum Queen (Season 1 and 6), Hook (Season 2), and Tremaine (Season 7). Facilier was likely intended to fill this hole, which would mean his redemption was not planned to be neatly wrapped up in Season 7.

If that's the case, that could mean either A) it will be a loose thread still dangling at the end of Season 7, or B) it will be rushed, forced, and unbelievable. I'm not sure which would be worse.