"A Bitter Draught" is the second episode of Season Six of ABC's Once Upon a Time. It was written by Andrew Chambliss & Dana Horgan, and directed by Ron Underwood. It is the one hundred and thirteenth episode of the series overall, and premiered on October 2, 2016.
Synopsis
When a mysterious man from the Land of Untold Stories, who has a past with the Evil Queen, arrives in Storybrooke, David and Snow work together with Regina to neutralize the threat. Belle seeks Hook’s help finding a safe place to hide away from her husband, Mr. Gold. The Evil Queen continues to try to win Zelena over to her side, while Emma resumes her therapy sessions with Archie and shares her terrifying vision of the future.[2]
Recap
In the Storybrooke Graveyard, late at night, the Evil Queen and Zelena approach the Mills Mausoleum. Upon realizing their destination, Zelena stops the Queen, telling her she can't let her into the vault. The Queen replies that if Regina didn't want her to help herself to some ingredients, she wouldn't have sealed the vault with Blood Magic.
Inside, Zelena asks how the Evil Queen how she knows she won't tell Regina about their activities. The Queen laughs and replies that if she was going to, she already would have. Zelena asks why she needs magic, and the Queen replies that she used everything the Dragon had to get to town. Zelena asks what happened to him, and the Queen informs her that he should have known better than to get in her way. Zelena comments that it's good advice for everyone, and the Queen observes that she's worried she'll hurt Regina. The Queen tells Zelena to relax, and that she just wants to teach Regina a lesson; She can never escape her true self. Zelena asks what she gets out of it, and the Queen tells her she'll get a sister who accepts her wiked qualities and is just like her. The Queen teleports away.
The next morning, Regina and Henry Mills, carrying his storybook, approach Granny's Diner. Henry asks his mother if she's ready, and she replies that everyone listened to her before, when she was the Evil Queen. However, now she is going to show everyone she's still strong without that half of her. Henry hands her the storybook, dubbing their mission "Operation Cobra: Part Two", and that Regina is the hero this time.
Inside, David Nolan, Snow White, Emma Swan, Hook and Granny are trying to help the new arrivals from the Land of Untold Stories. David points them to room keys, clothing, and food. Regina and Henry enter, to which Hook expresses his relief, since everyone's getting restless. Regina drops the storybook on the counter, quieting the room. She introduces herself to the crowd as Mayor and welcomes them to Storybrooke. Holding up the storybook, she remarks that the new arrivals fled to the Land of Untold Stories out of fear that whatever their story was, it would play out. She knows that now that they're in Storybrooke, they are afraid it will. She tells the crowd that she's just like them and getting a fresh start. She understands how not knowing what the future holds might be scary, but not to be afraid, because they will handle whatever comes together.
The crowd applauds as Belle enters. Emma expresses shock that she's there, and awake. Belle announces that she's looking for a place to stay. Hook asks about Mr. Gold, and Belle explains that they are not together, and she thought Granny might have a room. Emma tells her that they can find her something better than a room at Granny's, and Hook agrees, saying he knows the right place. He invites Emma along to show Belle, and Emma declines, saying she has an appointment with Archie Hopper. Hook tells her he's impressed, since being vulnerable is not easy for her. Emma agrees, saying they've been through a lot, and it might help to talk about it. He tells her he's glad, and escorts Belle out of the diner.
Another new arrival walks in. Henry speaks to him, asking him who he is. The young man responds with confusion, and Henry asks for his name, explaining that if he can find him in the book, they can try to figure out how to continue his story. The stranger tells Henry he's not important enough to have his own story. Henry starts flipping through the book, but when he looks up, the young man is gone. Looking down at the counter, a small envelope with a wax seal showing the initials "CW" has been left behind.
In the past, at the Wilmore Estate in 19th Century France, a party is in full swing. A butler rings a bell and musicians stop, and the butler announces the party's host: the Count of Monte Cristo. The Count welcomes his guests, thanking them for joining him. Baron Danglars tells the Count the guests should be thanking him for hosting the party. The Count replies that the evening would not be possible if not for the Baron. He toasts the Baron, and the crowd follows. Confused, the Baron questions the Count, who in turn asks the Baron how he doesn't recognize him, pointing out the prominent scar above his eye. The Baron then recognizes him, naming him as Edmond Dantes. He further points out that Edmond Dantés is in prison, and the Baron put him there. The Count agrees, recounting that the Baron also burned down his home, spent his family's fortune, and murdered his fiancée.
As the Baron stands dumbstruck, the Count goes on to explain that he escaped from prison and has spent more than ten years rebuilding his fortune, all for "one reason". He draws his sword, quickly cutting away the Baron's sword-belt, grabs him, and holds the tip of his sword poised at this throat as he interrogates him. He demands to know who helped the Baron destroy his life. The Baron tells the Count to kill him, that he won't find justice. As the Count runs the Baron through, he replies that he is after something else: revenge.
The crowd of partygoers flees the room as the Count sheathes his sword with a sigh. The Evil Queen, seated in a chair, applauds, commenting about how a first kill is special. The Count asks her who she is. The Queen states that she is a fan of his work, asking if he really spent a decade setting up the party's events. The Count replies that it went by in the blink of an eye, and the Queen admires his commitment. She comments that the Baron didn't give any names, pondering how long it will take the Count to find his next victim. The Count replies that he would spend the rest of his life avenging his love, and the Queen tells him that he might not have to, showing him a scroll. She tells him that it contains the names of those who have wronged him, and the Count asks what she wants in return. The Queen responds that she wants help getting some revenge of her own.
In modern Storybrooke, outside the Diner, Henry gives the mysterious envelope, addressed to Snow White and Prince Charming, to David and Mary Margaret. Henry explains that the man just vanished, and wonders if he might be the Invisible Man, or Dracula. Mary Margaret recognizes the note as being from the Count of Monte Cristo. Granny comments that she's not a fan of the sandwich, and David explains that Monte Cristo is a place, and its Count has a reputation. He asks his wife why the Count would want to meet with them, and Regina, standing in the Diner's doorway, explains that Count wants them dead, and she hired him to do it.
Emma visits Archie's office to talk about her vision of a battle. Emma does not know who she's fighting, but she knows they are strong. She admits out loud, for the first time, that when her hand begins to shake during the battle, she dies. Archie says the more she talks about it, the less it will haunt her. Emma considers telling her family. Archie asks why she hasn't done so already. Emma replies that they would stop her from doing her job so they could save her. Archie asks why it'd be wrong for them to protect her, so she tells him she's the Savior. He wants to know why she can't take time off, leading her to ask who she is if she cannot help people. Archie tells her that she is the only one who can answer that question. Emma claims she's not here for an identity crisis. Emma wants to know how to win her fight and protect her family. Archie points out that she's here for him to help her deal with whatever troubles her. Emma stands and claims that coming to him was a mistake. Archie attempts to stop her from leaving but fails.
Meanwhile, David, Snow, and Regina visit the Count of Monte Cristo's room at Granny's Bed and Breakfast. Snow finds some envelopes resembling the one they received confirming that he was there. David discovers a weapons chest. He asks Regina why she didn't inform them about the Count. Regina says she didn't know he was there. She asks if they want to know every single time she tried to kill them. David says yes. Regina apologizes again. Regina says while she has changed, the Count hasn't put everything behind him. Snow suggests firing him. Regina says she'll go to the dirigible to meet him instead of letting the Charmings go. David insists that he and Snow will come too. Regina refuses, stating she must fix her own mess. Snow wonders if they should even worry since it took the Count over two curses and a stop in the Land of Untold Stories to find them. Regina reveals that isn't true, to the Charmings' shock.
In the Enchanted Forest, Snow White and Prince Charming ride fast on horseback as Grumpy and their court follow. They dismount when they reach a destroyed village. Snow says they're too late. Grumpy reminds them that they saved the Queen's life and wants to know why. Snow replies that she thought it could change her. The dwarf states that it did change her; instead of just ransacking villages, Regina is now razing them to the ground. Charming notices a hooded man sitting against a house, coughing and seemingly injured. The royal couple rush to his aid. Snow gives him some water. When he removes his hood to drink, it is revealed to be Edmond Dantes, the Count of Monte Cristo. Charming asks the man his name, and he tells them Edmond, but then lies that he was a vintner in the village. He explains that when the queen arrived, everyone fled, but he stayed to put out the fires.
David calls out for Charlotte, and as she approaches them, Snow explains to Edmond that she's their handmaiden, and thanks to their endless war, she's become a skilled nurse. Charlotte examines Edmond's burned hands and assures him they're not too bad and a little salve will have him back to new soon enough. As Charlotte patches him up, Edmond stares at her face, mesmerized. She asks if something is wrong. Edmond and he starts to comment on her eyes but pulls away and stands up. He thanks Charlotte then tells them they must find the queen and make her pay. Snow claims that will make them no better than her, and the best way to get revenge is to show the queen that no matter what she does, they can always find happiness. Edmond angrily points out that she destroyed his village and everything he had. Snow suggests he could find happiness in their castle. David asks Edmond to be their wine steward, and Edmond responds that there's nothing he'd like more.
Back in the present, the Count of Monte Cristo arrives and tells Regina she's not on the guest list. Regina tells the Count she's calling off their deal. The count draws his sword and asks if they finally convinced her that finding happiness is the best revenge. She reveals that they did indeed do that, even though it took a while. Edmond claims this doesn't change anything. Regina offers to help him, stating one doesn't need revenge to get over what happened to their loved ones. Edmond tells Regina that, even though she sent him down this path, she cannot take him off it now. With that, he throws his sword at her, but she manages to freeze it in the air with magic. She picks it up to defend herself, but when she turns her attention back to Edmond, he's vanished.
Regina calls Emma who informs her parents that Regina failed to get the Count to back down. Emma gets her parents in the sheriff's car and attempts to drive them over the town line. Snow insists she stop, because they're not leaving town and running from their wine steward. Emma ignores her mother and continues driving straight for the exit, however, just as she tries to drive over the line, the car crashes into a magical barrier, stopping them from leaving. The car flies backward and lands in a ditch on the side of the road. As the car's horn wails out, David asks what the hell that was. Emma realizes the Count is behind this and doesn't want them running either.
On the Jolly Roger, Belle denies that she can stay there, citing what would happen to Hook if Gold found him harboring her. Killian smugly adds that the Dark One's wrath would be an added bonus. Puzzled, she asks why he'd risk her life for her. Hook apologizes for trying to kill her back in the Enchanted Forest and when he shot her at the town line. Belle tells him he's changed since all that. Hook says he's not ready to forgive himself. Belle accepts the Jolly Roger as a place to stay, pointing out that Hook isn't the only one trying to make amends. Belle explains that she's spent too long denying who Rumple is, but now must do what is best for her and her son.
Back at the town line, Emma, Snow and David exit the crashed police car. Regina arrives to investigate. Emma tells Regina that she doesn't think the Count crashed the car before pushing her hand against the air above the town line, revealing a magical barrier. She points out to Regina that it's like the one she used to keep everyone here during the curse, but as Regina inspects it further, she deciphers that it isn't like it, but the exact same spell. Regina explains that the only way to enact the same spell is with ingredients from her vault, which she sealed with blood magic.
Zelena arrives in a puff of magic, and she calls out for her sister, asking if everyone is okay. Regina explains that someone put a protection spell on the town line. Zelina tries to act surprised, and questions who would cast the spell. Regina tells her sister she was going to ask her the same question, offending Zelina. Regina points out that other than herself, she's the only one who has access to her vault, to which Zelina exclaims it's not. At her adamant denial, Regina suspiciously questions who it was. Instead of answering her, Zelena leaves in a puff of green smoke. Regina turns back to Snow and Emma and states that she's starting to think the Count isn't the only one they have to be worrying about.
Back in the Enchanted Forest, Regina is in the main room of her Dark Palace sword fighting with one of her guards. The fight seems equally balanced at first, but eventually the queen gets the better of him and impales him with the sword. Edmond Dantés arrives and comments that he's impressed. Regina states that his actions inspired her. Regina comments about the Count giving her a lesson, but he can't be late for dinner with Snow White and her prince. Regina is pleased to learn that the royal couple believed him, adding that she knew their kindness would be their downfall.
Regina retrieves a small black vial from her desk and tells Edmond that it is the Agrabah viper's venom, which is a bitter draught. Regina holds out the vial, but the Count doesn't take it. He wants to know what Snow White and Prince Charming did to deserve this, pointing out that they've shown him nothing but kindness. Regina asks if he's starting to grow a conscience, but he tells her it's professional curiosity. She tells the Count that what they did shouldn't matter. The only thing that should be on his mind right now is how badly he wants his revenge. With that, she pulls out the list of names he so deeply desires. Instantly convinced, he grabs the vial containing the venom and takes his leave.
Once the Count leaves, the Evil Queen heads to her mirror and begins patting the sweat off of her neck with a delicate cloth. Rumplestiltskin shows up behind her, expressing his disappointment in her daily activities and how she's getting someone else to do her dirty work. Regina snaps back that she has to do it this way because of the protection spell on Snow and Charming so that she couldn't harm them. Rumplestiltskin comments that her revenge can be found easily with the Dark Curse he provided her with. She states that she can get revenge this way too. Rumplestiltskin steps close to Regina and begins flirting and asks if she's sure of that since he could stop the Count. She states that the same protections spell he placed on the Charmings, she put on the Count so that Rumplestiltskin can't harm the Count. Regina gloats that the student has finally outgrown the teacher. The two then step away from each other, and Rumplestiltskin tells her they'll see about that. He vanishes in a puff of smoke, leaving a chuckling Regina behind.
Back in his Pawn Shop, Gold enters and senses something is off. He notices a glass cabinet is open, so begins to examine it. Gold stops and states that he knew that Regina separated herself from the Evil Queen was too good to be true. He closes the cabinet and turns to see the Evil Queen behind him. She comments that she knows he's happy she's back and he states that isn't the word he'd use. He asks her where the item that she took from the cabinet is, and the Queen holds out a coin. He magically takes it back, bringing it to his hand, and asks if she thought she could steal from him. She points out that it's just a piece of tin, but he states that it's much more.
The Evil Queen asks if he wants a deal, so the Gold explains that if she wants this bauble then his terms are quite simple - whatever her plans for the town are, Belle and his unborn child must be exempt. When the Queen sighs, Gold asks if she wants the coin or not. She agrees and promises not to hurt them. She grabs the coin from his hand, however, grabs his fingers too. She begins to run them down her neck and chest, seductively asking if he's sure that's all he wants in return. Disinterested, he asks what else she had in mind, so as she begins to play around with his suit, she points out that the tales in the Land of Untold Stories aren't the only ones that never played out.
She flirtatiously grabs his tie, but he grabs her hand, asking why she thinks he has any interest in seeing what could happen between them. She tells him that eventually he'll get tired of waiting for Belle to accept him and after that the two of them can have fun. With a smile, the Queen makes her exit, still holding on to his tie as she heads to the door. She lets go and Gold straightens himself up as the Evil Queen leaves.
In the Charming's Royal Castle, Edmond Dantés opens up a jug of wine that is laid out on a table ready for a feast and he drops the small vial of Agrabah Viper venom inside. He takes it over to Snow and Charming, who sit at a long table, but, just as he's about to pour it for the couple, Charming tells him to wait. Edmond wonders if something's wrong, but Charming explains they just need one more glass. He signals over to another servant, who then brings another, just as Charlotte rushes down the stairs, apologizing for being late. Snow reveals that they're saying farewell to Charlotte because she'll be leaving them tomorrow. As Charlotte approaches the table, she explains that her mother has fallen ill, so she'll be helping her family take care of her. Snow states that they will miss her when she leaves.
Charming asks Edmond to pour the wine and says they are toasting to old friends. Edmond pours the glasses for Snow and Charming, but freezes when he gets to Charlotte's. She asks him what's wrong and he comments on her eyes again. As Snow and Charming share a glance, the Charlotte tells Edmond that's very kind. After a moment longer, Edmond pours Charlotte a glass of wine too. They all start to make a toast, with Snow wishing that Charlotte only be happy. Just as they are about to drink, Edmond calls out for them to wait and tells them that the occasion calls for a different bottle of wine. He takes Charlotte's glass before leaving, and the other servant takes Snow's and Charming's.
Back in Storybrooke, Henry and Regina arrive at the crash site of the dirigible in the woods. He tells his mother he knows she thinks this is her fault. However, Regina states that's not the problem. Back at Granny's she told everyone not to be afraid, but after only one day, this story is not playing out the way they should, despite her assurances. Regina suddenly stops, finding Charlotte's dead body, covered with dark veins. Regina theorizes that the Count poisoned her with the poison she gave him. She moves her hand forward slightly to touch the girl, but a blast of magical energy emits off of her. When Regina questions what happened, the Evil Queens shows up and states that the Handmaiden's story caught up with her, just like Regina's is now doing. Regina is shocked to see her evil half. Henry turns to the evil half of his mother, and she tells him hello.
Furious, Regina stands up, pointing out that she killed her, but the queen asks if she thought it'd be that easy. As Regina stands in front of Henry, the Evil Queen angrily tells Regina that after everything she's done for her and after everything they've accomplished together, she threw her away like she never existed. Regina responds that she threw her away because she existed. She attempts to create a fireball in her hand, but her magic seems to fail, so the Evil Queen reveals that she laced Charlotte's cloak with a magic dampening spell.
Regina suddenly realizes that her evil half has been controlling the Count this whole time, and with that, the queen reveals that she has. Using her magic, she makes the Count's heart appear in her hand, saying she doesn't leave things to chance. Regina realizes that it's the reason the Count didn't want her help and it's also why she couldn't stop him. The Evil Queen says she ordered the Count to kill Snow and Charming all those years ago, so now, that's exactly what he's going to do. She comments that Regina should be thanking her, and then leaves in a puff of magic smoke.
Over at the Storybrooke docks, Snow and David run into Edmond Dantés, who stands waiting for them. He draws a long, thin, sharp sword. Snow, followed by David, tell Edmond that this is all a big misunderstanding. The Count slowly approaches them, telling them that they have no idea. He then takes a swing of his sword, causing them both to jump and duck to the ground to avoid being killed.
Edmond aims his sword as David promises to explain everything. Snow explains the Queen changed and she is now their friend and no longer wishes them harm. Edmond denies this and takes another swipe with his sword. David uses a trashcan lid as a shield. Snow hits Edmond with a pipe. While they fight, Edmond explains the Evil Queen has his heart. David says they will stop her like always. Edmond hopes they do, but under the Queen's control, he cuts a rope with his sword, sending barrels crashing on Snow and David, knocking them unconscious. Edmond says this isn't the ending he'd hoped for any of them.
Back in the Royal Castle, Edmond enters the wine cellar. He places the poisoned wine on a wooden table and pulls the vial containing the poison from his coat. Rumplestiltskin appears from the shadows of the room, startling him, and questions if he's having second thoughts. Edmond draws his sword in defense, but Rumplestiltskin takes it with his magic. Rumplestiltskin asks why he didn't poison Snow and Charming, and Edmond states he was ready to, but Charlotte reminds him of someone. Rumplestiltskin states he knows she reminds him of his fiancé. Edmond says that if he kills Charlotte to get his revenge, he's no better than his enemies. Rumplestiltskin asks if he still plans to kill Snow and Charming too, but Edmond says they're just as innocent as Charlotte.
Rumplestiltskin tells Edmond he can't take the chance that he will try to kill them again, because he needs Snow White and Charming alive. Rumplestiltskin leads Edmond behind some barrels, where he finds Charlotte laying covered in black veins. Edmond states that Rumplestiltskin should have poisoned him if he didn't want him to kill the Charmings, he should have poisoned Edmond. Rumplestiltskin mutters that he would if he could.
Edmond demands the antidote, but Rumplestiltskin tells him there isn't one for that poison. However, Rumplestiltskin says she can still be saved and shows him a key. When Edmond questions how a key can save Charlotte, Rumplestiltskin makes a door appear. He explains that the door leads to a place where all stories stop. If Edmond takes Charlotte through the door, her story will stop, and she can live forever in the new place. Rumplestiltskin warns him that if Charlotte ever leaves, her story will continue and she will die. Rumplestiltskin opens the door with the key, revealing a large yellow portal, Edmond picks Charlotte up, ready to save her life.
Back in the present, Edmond apologizes to the unconscious Snow and David, stating he just wanted a Fresh start. He starts to swing his sword down towards their unconscious bodies, but another sword clashes with his. He looks up to find out who's holding the sword and sees Regina, who tells him he can still get a fresh start. They push against each other with their swords and Regina tells the Count although the Queen has his heart, he can fight this. He tells her he's tried to fight but he can't. They then engage in a sword battle. Eventually, they clash swords again, allowing Regina the chance to tell the Count his story doesn't have to end like this. Edmond states that his story ended the moment Hyde plucked them from the Land of Untold Stories. Regina knees the Count and then asks if he's talking about Charlotte and apologizes for not getting to her on time. Edmond states that the poison took her and pushes away from Regina. Regina states that although she couldn't save Charlotte, she will save the Count. He begins attacking her with the sword again, and this time pushes her to the ground. Instinctively, Regina tries to conjure up a fireball, but the magic dampening spell is still affecting her. She yells out for Henry, who is hiding behind a nearby box, and tells him to call Emma because she needs her magic right now.
Edmond strikes again, but Regina manages to jam his sword into the wood, trapping it. Meanwhile, Henry reveals that he cannot use his phone because the Evil Queen did something to it. Edmond releases his sword and continues battling with Regina, and this time, he manages to disarm her, sending her sword flying. He laughs victoriously and then turns his attention back to the helpless Snow and David. Regina picks up her sword, but he's already too far away, so he yells for him to stop. He tells her the only way to save himself is to kill them, before turning back the couple on the ground. With no other options left, Regina throws her sword straight into the Count's back, impaling him. He drops to the ground, dead. Devastated, Regina rushes to his body, and so does Henry, but to make sure his mother is okay. She cries and apologizes to Edmond, but Henry tells her she did what she had to.
Snow and David regain consciousness, and they're upset to discover that poor Edmond is dead. Regina cries that she had no choice, but the Evil Queen appears and tells her that's not true. Regina tells her counterpart she couldn't stand by and watch the Count kill her friends, but the Evil Queen reveals she thought heroes always found the third way. She then comments that it's possible that Regina isn't a hero.
Regina charges at the Evil Queen, yelling that she's going to rip her heart out. When the Evil Queen shows happiness at her reaction, Regina suddenly releases her and pushes her away. Regina says that the Queen didn't want the Count to kill Snow and David, she wanted Regina to kill the Count. The Queen tells her that it was the only way to show her that, no matter what she does, the darkness will always be inside of her.
Snow approaches Regina and the Evil Queen, telling her not to listen to the villain. The Evil Queen snarls at the sight of her stepdaughter, causing David to be concerned for his wife. Snow claims to not be afraid of her because they defeated her before, so they'll do it again. The Queen reveals that she won't be the one to destroy their happy endings this time. Regina asks who is, and the Queen says the Regina is going to do it herself. Snow tells the Queen that she won't divide this family, but she responds that she won't have to because the people from the Land of Untold Stories aren't the only ones with tales they don't want to be told. She tells them that after their own stories play out, she'll just watch them tear themselves apart. Regina, Snow, David, and Henry are left speechless and the Evil Queen laughs before disappearing in a cloud of purple smoke.
Later, Regina is sitting at a table in Granny's Diner with Snow and Emma. Snow assures her that what happened with the Count of Monte Cristo isn't her fault. Regina scoffs at this, but Emma points out that the Evil Queen trapped her without any other choice. Regina states that she had a choice; she could've kept the Evil Queen inside herself so that she would have been the only one who had to deal with her. Emma tells Regina that she's doing what the Queen wants by doubting herself. Regina states that the Evil Queen is doing a hell of a job. Snow interrupts, telling Regina that this may all be new to her, but she's faced the Evil Queen before, and she never once did it by running away. She explains that they have to face the Queen head-on and get ahead of her plan, so Regina asks how they do that. Snow claims she doesn't know, then asks Regina to think like the Evil Queen. Regina should be able to predict her actions. Snow wants to know what the Queen meant when she said that they all have stories they don't want told.
Emma's visions are suddenly triggered at the question. She begins seeing the flashes of her death at the hands of the hooded figure. Her hand begins shaking as a result, so she grabs it with her other to control it. Noticing this, Regina asks Emma if she's okay, and Emma says she's fine before taking a drink of her coffee to hide her face.
Meanwhile, Hook and Charming approach a frustrated Henry, who reads his storybook at the bar. Henry comments that this wasn't how the Count's story should have ended. He tells them that he should've known that Operation Cobra: Part Two wouldn't have been as simple as he thought. David wants to know why. Henry says that sequels are always more involved than the originals. Hook shows confusion, so Henry begins listing sequels, "The Empire Strikes Back? Godfather: Part Two? Temple of Doom?" Hook remains confused, so the boy explains that they're the best sequels ever and that they need to have a movie night. To explain things more clearly, Henry tells the two men that when his mom broke the first curse it was simple, because the people involved had been taken out of stories that they actually wanted to play out. Then David realizes and points out these people ran away from their stories for a reason. Henry adds that before they can help them, they need to find out why they ran. David tells him to keep reading, so he does and Hook joins him. David turns around and notices an envelope on a stool addressed to him. He opens it and pulls out the same small metal coin the Evil Queen retrieved from Gold's pawnshop. Hook asks if he's okay. David assures him that he's fine, but just going to get some air.
Outside Granny's, David studies the coin. Evil Queen appears behind David and asks how he likes her gift. Unnerved, he claims he should've known it came from her before asking why she gave it to him. The Queen says they all have untold stories waiting to be played out. David tells her that this one has already been told. He explains that the coin was a good luck charm he wrapped around his father's wrist before he left their farm. She asks if he means the trip where he met his demise. David states his father got drunk and then died in a cart accident. Before he can head back inside, the Queen stops him, explaining that she's not here because of his daddy issues; she wants to know if he's sure it was an accident. The Queen then disappears in a cloud of purple smoke, leaving David curious and confused.
Later that night, over at the farmhouse, Robin's cries awake Zelena. She assures her child that she won't be long, but the crying suddenly stops. As Zelena approaches the nursery, she notices the crib empty and the sound of a rattle. Zelena finds the Evil Queen sitting in a chair with Robin playing with a rattle. She explains that the rattle was one that Cora used to use on her to soothe her. Zelena asks if that's true and approaches the Queen. The Queen confirms that she did and then gives it to her sister as a gift. Zelena wonders what it's for.
After putting Robin back in her crib, the Evil Queen points out that Zelena didn't tell Regina about their vault visit, or even the fact that she was in town. Zelena realizes that it was all a test, which the Queen confirms with a smile. Zelena comments that she thought the Evil Queen would be different from Regina. The Queen assures her that she is, because, unlike Regina, she'll never doubt her again. Recalling when the Queen said she'd get her sister back, Zelena realizes she didn't mean Regina, leading the Queen to tell her she's the sister she wants. The Queen tells her that she knows Zelena wants her as her sister because they are the same and don't settle for less than what they deserve. She states that Regina is now less since she no longer has her inside of her.
Over at Archie's office, Emma enters, startling the therapist as she apologizes for being out of line earlier. She tells the doctor she thinks he's right and should tell her family about the visions/dreams. He tells her he's glad to hear that, but she says she can't tell them yet. He wonders if this has anything to do with her rival, the Evil Queen. She's surprised he heard about her. He explains that Bashful is his patient at four o'clock and he likes to talk about current events before diving in. Emma then tells Archie about how the Queen said she'd tear them all apart and she's already tried to blacken Regina's heart. Archie wonders if she's worried she'll succeed, so Emma explains that she's worried about who's under the hood. She explains she's worried about who might kill her. Archie asks who is going to kill her, so Emma points out the one person who isn't with her family in the vision is Regina. Archie asks if she's worried about Regina or the Evil Queen, but Emma is unsure.
Cast[2]
Starring
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Guest Starring
Co-Starring
Uncredited
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*Note: Only in archive footage.
Trivia
Title
- The title card features the Evil Queen's palace.[3]
- The title of this episode was announced by Adam Horowitz via his Twitter account on July 13, 2016.[4]
- The episode's title appears in a passage in chapter 35 of Alexandre Dumas' adventure novel The Count of Monte Cristo, in which Baron Franz says to the titular character, "Hatred is blind, rage carries you away; and he who pours out vengeance runs the risk of tasting a bitter draught."[5]
Production Notes
- A few scenes of this episode and "The Savior" were filmed simultaneously.[6]
- OBSERVATIONS: Technically Dr. Hopper broke multiple HIPPA laws by revealing the name of a client to Emma when he stated that Bashful was his 4:00 appointment.
- RECYCLED CGI SET: The CGI model used for the interior of the Count of Monte Cristo's estate is recycled from the model used for the library in Maurice's castle in the Season Four episode "Family Business" and the Season Five episode "Her Handsome Hero". This can, for example, be seen from the identical design on the Solomonic columns[7] (characterized by a spiraling twisting shaft like a corkscrew) and the windows,[8] and the curved ceiling,[9] which is very similar to the ceiling in Maurice's library.
- The model used for the Wilmore Estate was once again recycled for Lord Adriel's ball room in the Season Seven episode "Flower Child".[10]
- The CGI model for Maurice's library and Wilmore Estate is based on the Clementinum library in Prague.[10][11]
- RECYCLED CGI SET: The CGI set used to portray Snow White and Prince Charming's dining room in the Royal Castle, is recycled from the computer generated model created for the interior of the royal manor in the Season One episode "The Stable Boy", the Season Two episode "The Doctor" and the Season Five episode "Sisters", and the summer palace in the Season Three episode "The New Neverland". The set was reused once again for the Tremaine manor in the Season Seven episodes "Hyperion Heights", "The Garden of Forking Paths" and "Wake Up Call". For example, the archways[12] and the flowers on the window sill,[13] have a very similar design. The horse tapestries in the dining room are the same as the ones in the Royal Manor.[14]
- HIDDEN DETAILS: Rumplestiltskin says that Charlotte and Edmond Dante's wife "share the same je ne sais quoi, n'est-ce pas?" Je ne sais quoi is French for 'I don't know what': a pleasing quality that is hard to describe.[15] N'est-ce pas? means "isn't it so?".
- For the scenes where Charlotte has been poisoned with Agrabahn viper venom, Andrea Brooks wore motion capture dots on her chest and face.[16] The dark splotches on her skin were added digitally in post-production.
- The confrontation between Regina and the serum queen at the docks was first filmed with Lana Parrilla as the Evil Queen, and a double as Regina. Later, they shot the reverse of the scene with Lana as Regina, and the double as the Evil Queen.[17]
- REUSED FOOTAGE: The exterior shot of Granny's Diner in the evening, is stock footage from the Season Four episode "Heroes and Villains": Even though the people walking by the diner are different, the parked car and the leaves on the ground are exactly the same.[18] A close-up from the same footage is used in "Ill-Boding Patterns",[19] which can be seen from the identical position of the pavement sign and leaves on the ground, and the identical foliage on the climbing plants.
Event Chronology
- The Enchanted Forest flashbacks take place during "The Cricket Game", after the Evil Queen's cancelled execution and before Snow White and Prince Charming's wedding day.[20] (For more details, see the Enchanted Forest timeline)
- According to Andrew Chambliss, the events take place between "The Cricket Game" and "Pilot",[21] but that is not entirely true; some of the events take place before the ending scene of "The Cricket Game".
- The Storybrooke events take place after "The Savior" and before "The Other Shoe". (For more details, see the Land Without Magic timeline)
Episode Connections
- Zelena mentions she agreed to have a drink with the serum queen, which occurred in "The Savior".
- The Evil Queen had a run-in with the Dragon during "An Untold Story".
- The Dragon's fate is ultimately revealed in "I'll Be Your Mirror".
- The Land of Untold Stories citizens came to Storybrooke in "The Savior".
- Belle woke up from her curse and returned home in "The Savior".
- Henry and Regina continue Operation Cobra Part 2, which Henry first started with Emma in "Broken Heart".
- Emma says that she would not wish the mattresses at Granny's Bed and Breakfast on her worst enemy. Emma previously stayed there in "Pilot", "The Thing You Love Most", and from "Witch Hunt" to "A Curious Thing".
- Emma started having visions of her death, and agreed to have therapy sessions with Archie, in "The Savior".
- This is not the only time the Evil Queen recruits a person set on vengeance to murder someone for her; she did the same thing with Hook in "Queen of Hearts".
- Grumpy recalls Snow White sparing the Evil Queen from execution, an event that happened in "The Cricket Game".
- Hook recalls trying to kill Belle in the Evil Queen's palace, an event that occurred in "Queen of Hearts". He also recalls shooting Belle at the town line, an event that occurred in "The Outsider".
- The events of "The Savior" led Belle to distance herself from Mr. Gold in favor of protecting her unborn son.
- Regina sealed her vault with blood magic in "The Savior".
- The Evil Queen puts her sword skills to work again in "Shattered Sight".
- The Evil Queen remembers how Rumplestiltskin put a protection spell on Snow White and Prince Charming, an event that occurred in "The Cricket Game".
- Rumplestiltskin reminds the Evil Queen that casting the Dark Curse can help her get revenge on Snow White and Prince Charming. He mentions this to her again in "The Cricket Game".
- Mr. Gold hears about Regina separating herself from her darker half, an event that occurred in "An Untold Story".
- Rumplestiltskin implies he needs Snow White and Prince Charming alive and able to procreate a child. The importance of this child and the manner in how he came to know about the child is explained in "Pilot".
- Another key to the Land of Untold Stories is seen again in "The Other Shoe".
- Regina throwing a sword over her head at the Count of Monte Cristo is reminiscent of Prince Charming throwing his sword at the Evil Queen in "Pilot". This move was also used by Emma when fighting Maleficent in "A Land Without Magic".
- The Evil Queen taunting Regina about the tiny spot of darkness in her heart that will only grow with time is reminiscent of Regina taunting Mary Margaret about her darkening heart in "Welcome to Storybrooke".
- The Evil Queen talks about the death of Prince Charming's father, something that was briefly touched upon in "The Shepherd", and further elaborated in "White Out". She also implies the death was not an accident, and David learns in "The Other Shoe" about how his father actually died. The events leading up to his father's death and how it happened, are shown in "Murder Most Foul". The origin behind his father's coin, is revealed in the same episode.
- Th Evil Queen says to Zelena that she admires someone who can keep a secret, a reference to "The Stable Boy", where a young Snow White revealed Regina's secret to Cora.
Disney
- When Henry lists "the best sequels ever", he mentions The Empire Strikes Back, the 1980 sequel to the first Star Wars film from 1977; and "Temple of Doom", a reference to the 1984 film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, a prequel to the first Indiana Jones film Raiders of the Lost Ark from 1981. Both Star Wars and Indiana Jones are owned by Disney.
Lost
- Dr. Hopper states that Bashful is his 4:00 appointment; a reference to Lost number 4.
Fairytales and Folklore
- This episode is a rendition of The Count of Monte Cristo story with the Count of Monte Cristo. The episode also features Baron Danglars from the same novel.
- The Count makes a reference to a woman that he loved and lost, who was his fiancé; a reference to Mercédès from the novel.
- The episode also features the ugly duckling from the titular fairytale, the titular characters from The Three Musketeers, Snow White, the prince, the evil queen and one of the seven dwarves from the "Snow White" fairytale, Rumplestiltskin from the "Rumplestiltskin" fairytale, Captain Hook from the Peter Pan story, and the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz story.
- PAUSE AND READ: The invitation to the party in 19th Century France refers to the Count's dwelling as the Wilmore Estate.[22] In The Count of Monte Cristo novel, "Lord Wilmore" is one of the Count's aliases.
- Henry wonders if the Count could be the Invisible Man, a reference to the titular character of the famous science fiction novel by H. G. Wells.
- Henry also wonders if the Count could be Dracula, but quickly dismisses the idea, since he saw the Count in daylight.
- This is a common misconception; in Bram Stoker's novel, Count Dracula can in fact walk about in daylight, even in bright sunshine, though apparently without the ability to use most of his powers.[23]
- ABANDONED IDEAS: In the original "Pilot" script, Emma opens Henry's storybook and flips past an illustration of Dracula.[24]
- In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in March 2016, the show creators were asked about the possibility of Dracula appearing on Once Upon a Time, to which Edward Kitsis replied, "Can't say", and Adam Horowitz chimed in, "I love Dracula, but can't say."[25]
- David, who is also based on the pauper from The Prince and the Pauper, tells the serum queen that his father died in a cart accident because he succumbed to weakness and got drunk. In the novel, the pauper has an abusive, drunken father.
Popular Culture
- Granny makes a remark about the Monte Cristo sandwich, when she overhears the Count of Monte Cristo mentioned. It is a type of ham and cheese sandwich that is dipped in egg batter and pan fried, though it may also be deep fried. It is a variation of the French Croque-monsieur.
- While driving her parents to a safer place, Emma jokingly refers to the Count as Errol Flynn. Errol Flynn was a famous film actor known for his romantic swashbuckler roles in Hollywood films.
- When Henry lists "the best sequels ever", he mentions The Godfather Part II.
Props Notes
- HIDDEN DETAILS: The storybook that Regina shows the people from the Land of Untold Stories is Once Upon a Time Volume II,[26] the same title that Henry found in the New York Public Library in the Season Five episode "Only You".[27]
- PAUSE AND READ: The invitation to the party in 19th Century France reads "You are cordially invited to a feast at the Wilmore Estate. Festivities will begin promptly at Sundown on Midsummer's Eve."[22]
- In The Count of Monte Cristo novel, "Lord Wilmore" is one of the Count's aliases.
- PAUSE AND READ: The message to David and Mary Margaret reads: "The Count of Monte Cristo requests the pleasure of your company this afternoon, at precisely twelve o'clock near the grounded dirigible."[28]
- USE IT AGAIN: The sheath and sword Snow White is wielding when she finds Edmond Dantès[29] is also used by her cursed counterpart in the Season Five episodes "The Broken Kingdom",[30] "Dreamcatcher",[31] "Nimue"[32] and "Broken Heart".[33]
- HIDDEN DETAILS: When David and Mary Margaret are fighting the Count at the docks, in a few shots, you can see the Snow Queen's old ice cream van from Season Four standing on the parking lot.[34]
Set Dressing
- REUSED PROPS: The chandeliers hanging in the drawing room at the Wilmore Estate[35] are the same one used in the Black Fairy's chambers in "Mother's Little Helper".[36]
- REUSED PROPS: The Storybrooke wishing well prop[37] doubles as the well in the village that was attacked by the Evil Queen.[38] The roof over the wishing well has been removed for this episode.
- Before becoming the wishing well, the same well prop[37] was used for the well where Prince Thomas disappears in the Season One episode "The Price of Gold"[39] and the well in Rumplestiltskin's Frontlands village in the Season One episode "Desperate Souls".[40] The supporting structure for the pulley, and the pulley itself, were replaced for the wishing well prop, and a roof was added to the top.
- The wishing well prop also doubles as many other wells throughout the series:
- It was used for the well outside Granny's cottage, the one where Red Riding Hood goes to collect water with Snow White and sees that the water is full of blood, in the Season One episode "Red-Handed".[41]
- It appears outside the Mad Hatter's cottage in the Season One episode "Hat Trick".[42]
- It is seen outside Ruth's cabin in the Season Two episode "Lady of the Lake".[43]
- It was used for the well where Zelena reads the Book of Records and Dorothy collects water in Oz in the Season Three episode "Kansas".[44] The roof over the wishing well was removed and a different supporting structure for the pulley was added for this episode, while protruding stone carvings were added to the bottom of the well.
- It appears in Arthur's village in the Season Five episodes "The Broken Kingdom"[45] and "Nimue".[46]
- The main section of the well with the roof and supports removed was used as the Community Gardens wishing well in Seattle in Season Seven.[47]
- A duplicate of the wishing well appears on Mount Olympus in the series finale "Leaving Storybrooke".[48]
Costume Notes
- USE IT AGAIN: The dress worn by the Evil Queen when meeting with the Count of Monte Cristo to give him the venom of the Agrabahn viper[49] is the same one Regina magicked up when under the influence of the Spell of Shattered Sight in the Season Four episode "Shattered Sight",[50] and when selecting a dress for the ball in Camelot in the Season Five episode "The Price".[51] The Evil Queen wore the same dress in Regina's dream in the Season Four episode "Poor Unfortunate Soul".[52] Her serum counterpart wears the same dress at the power station in the Season Six episode "Changelings".[53]
- BRAND INFO: Emma is wearing[54] a Rachel Comey Ravine Silk and Lien Top[55] and a Frame Le Oversized Jacket.[56]
- BRAND INFO: Mary Margaret is wearing[57] a Club Monaco Tymber Denim Trench[58] (no longer available).
- The trench coat was also worn by the character Kara Danvers in the Supergirl episode "Medusa".[59]
- USE IT AGAIN: The necklace the serum queen is wearing[60] is worn by her Enchanted Forest counterpart in the Season One episodes "Pilot",[61] "The Thing You Love Most",[62] "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter"[63] and "Hat Trick".[64] The necklace has also been worn by her Storybrooke counterpart in the episode "Wish You Were Here".[65]
- Dr. Facilier retrieves the necklace from the bayou in the Season Seven episode "A Taste of the Heights".[66]
- BRAND INFO: The robe Zelena wears when her sister visits her farmhouse[67] is a Patricia Fieldwalker Green Silk Robe.[68]
Filming Locations
- Burnaby's Central Park doubles as the Storybrooke forest for this episode.[69]
- The Enchanted Forest flashback scene where Snow White, Prince Charming and Charlotte meet the Count of Monte Cristo was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia.[70]
- RECYCLED SET: The Royal Castle's wine cellar in the episode[71] doubles as Wish Rumplestiltskin's basement in the Season Seven episode "Homecoming".[72] This can easily be seen from the identical chandelier, the shape of the walls and the door. The basement set was a redressed version of Gothel's tower from previous Season Seven episodes.[73]
- A redressed version of the wine cellar also doubles as Dr. Jekyll's laboratory in Mr. Hyde's Hospital in the Season Five episode "Only You".[74]
- Moreover, the hospital scenes with the cage in "Only You" were shot on the same set as the scenes in Dr. Jekyll's laboratory. The cage was removable, and the set was redressed as the laboratory. Some of the walls were removed, and windows put in.[75]
International Titles
International Titles | ||
---|---|---|
Language | Title | Translation |
French | "Les Vipères d'Agrabah" | "The Agrabahn Vipers" |
German | "Der rätselhafte Graf von Monte Christo" | "The Enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo" |
Italian | "Una pozione amara" | "A bitter potion" |
Portuguese | "Remédio amargo" | "Bitter medicine" |