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The venom of the Agrabahn viper. A bitter draught; slow and painful.

—The Evil Queen to the Count of Monte Cristo

"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

This section is a detailed recap of this episode. There are major spoilers. Click to expand.

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

Guest Starring

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Uncredited

*Note: Only in archive footage.

Trivia

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Disney

Lost

Fairytales and Folklore

  • 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

Set Dressing

Costume Notes

Filming Locations

  • 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


Videos

References

  1. Porter, Rick (October 4, 2016). Sunday final ratings: ‘Once Upon a Time’ and ‘NCIS: LA’ adjust up, FOX shows adjust down. TV by the Numbers. “Once Upon a Time (ABC) (...) 3.72”
  2. 2.0 2.1 LISTINGS: ONCE UPON A TIME. The Futon Critic. “Air Date: Sunday, October 02, 2016. Time Slot: 8:00 PM-9:00 PM EST on ABC. Episode Title: (#602) "A Bitter Draught".”
  3. File:602Title.png
  4. TwitterLogo Adam Horowitz (@AdamHorowitzLA) on X, formerly Twitter: Hey #Oncers -- here's another #OnceUponATime #titlespoiler -- hope to see ya 9/25 for #Season6! (July 13, 2016). (backup link) (archive screenshot)
  5. Project Gutenberg's The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas, père. Project Gutenberg. Retrieved on September 22, 2020. “Chapter 35. La Mazzolata (...) "But," said Franz to the count, "with this theory, which renders you at once judge and executioner of your own cause, it would be difficult to adopt a course that would forever prevent your falling under the power of the law. Hatred is blind, rage carries you away; and he who pours out vengeance runs the risk of tasting a bitter draught."”
  6. TwitterLogo katrina (@katmtan) on X, formerly Twitter: Pretty sure they're doing 602 now #OUAT (July 19, 2016). (backup link) (archive screenshot)
    TwitterLogo Adam Horowitz (@AdamHorowitzLA) on X, formerly Twitter: 601 and 602, 2 units today (July 19, 2016). (backup link) (archive screenshot)
  7. File:517Here.png
    File:602NightParty.png
  8. File:517WhatWeNeed.png
    File:602GuestsHavingFun.png
  9. File:517LibraryRoof.png
    File:602NightParty2.png
  10. 10.0 10.1 Wilmore Estate: File:602NightParty2.png
    Maurice's library: (ceiling)
    File:517LibraryRoof.png
    Maurice's library: rest of the room)
    File:517Here.png
  11. Image of the Clementinum library, from Wikimedia Commons
  12. Royal manor:
    File:118WeddingDress.png
    Summer Palace
    File:310ThisIsAmazing.png
    Royal Castle:
    File:602OneMoreGlass.png
    Tremaine manor:
    File:703SomethingFromYou.png
  13. Royal Manor:
    File:118ThatWontDo.png
    Summer Palace:
    File:310AdmittingIt.png
    Royal Castle:
    File:602ThisFamily.png
  14. Royal manor:
    File:118TheKingsDaughter.png
    Royal Castle:
    File:602OneMoreGlass.png
  15. Meaning of "je ne sais quoi" in the English Dictionary. Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved on September 3, 2018.
  16. InstagramIcon Andrea Brooks (@andreakbrooks) on Instagram: Found something fun while I was cleaning out my old phone. (June 7, 2017). "Throwing back to #OUAT where I got to wear lots of tiny dots on my face. #FacialMotionCapture" (backup link) (archive screenshot)
  17. Gittins, Susan (July 20, 2016). SHOOT: ONCE UPON A TIME Season 6's Evil Queen (Lana Parrilla) Versus Regina on Steveston Docks. Hollywood North Buzz.
  18. File:411GrannysDiner2.png
    File:602DinerInTheEvening.png
  19. File:613DinerInTheEvening.png
  20. This is the order of events:
    • Rumplestiltskin tells the Evil Queen about the Dark Curse.
    • Prince Charming wakes Snow White from the sleeping curse. ("Pilot")
    • Regina is captured and almost executed. ("The Cricket Game")
    • Rumplestiltskin puts a spell on Snow and Charming so Regina can't hurt them. ("The Cricket Game")
    • Regina hires the Count of Monte Cristo, since she can't kill them herself. ("A Bitter Draught")
    • Rumplestiltskin's FIRST attempt to remind her of the Dark Curse so that she casts it instead of trying to get Snow and Charming killed. ("A Bitter Draught")
      • Regina does NOT agree to cast the curse, as she insists on getting them killed.
    • Count of Monte Cristo leaves to the Land of Untold Stories, so Regina's attempt to get Snow and Charming killed fails. ("A Bitter Draught")
    • Snow and Charming's wedding day. Rumplestiltskin's SECOND attempt to remind her of the Dark Curse so that she casts it instead of trying to get Snow and Charming killed. ("The Cricket Game")
      • Regina AGREES to casting the Dark Curse, and goes to the Wedding.
    • Snow and Charming's wedding. ("Pilot")
  21. TwitterLogo Matt C (@TheMatthewPaul) on X, formerly Twitter: @AndrewChambliss Would it be possible to tell us when 602's flashback took place? Was it after 210 and before the Pilot, or after 413? (October 2, 2016). (backup link) (archive screenshot)
    TwitterLogo Andrew Chambliss (@AndrewChambliss) on X, formerly Twitter: Between 210 and the pilot. (October 2, 2016). (backup link) (archive screenshot)
  22. 22.0 22.1 File:602Invitation.png
  23. Bram Stoker's Dracula. Dracula: Between Hero and Vampire. Retrieved on September 3, 2018. “It is also notable in the novel that Dracula can walk about in the daylight, in bright sunshine, though apparently without the ability to use most of his powers, like turning into mist or a bat.”
  24. ONCE UPON A TIME "Pilot" by Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz (PDF) pp. 37. Retrieved on March 30, 2021. “Anna takes out the book. Starts to flip through it. It's VAST. Filled with text and drawings. This is another Tivo moment where we catch glimpses of drawings from all the iconic fairy tales... and maybe from a few other stories as well. Was that Dracula we glimpsed? No time to dwell.”
  25. Abrams, Natalie (March 10, 2016). The Hot Seat: Once Upon a Time bosses answer your burning questions. Entertainment Weekly. “Will Dracula ever come to Once Upon a Time? KITSIS: Can't say. HOROWITZ: I love Dracula, but can't say.”
  26. File:602InThisBook.png
  27. File:522TheyreMagic.png
  28. File:602Dracula.png
  29. File:602ItsOkay.png
  30. File:504OnceAndForAll.png
    File:504TrailingHim.png
  31. File:505UnwrappingDagger.png
    File:505Emma2.png
  32. File:507NotGreen.png
    File:507Zelena.png
  33. File:510ThisWay.png
  34. File:602YeahWell.png
  35. File:602NightParty2.png
  36. File:616CleaningHerBoot.png
  37. 37.0 37.1 File:217GoThroughUs.png
  38. File:602ArrivingAtVillage.png
    File:602RansackingVillages.png
  39. File:104EllaAtTheWell.png
  40. File:108Noooooo!.png
  41. File:115Corpses.png
  42. File:117CarriageIsThat.png
  43. File:203Corpses.png
  44. File:320Glinda!Glinda!.png
    File:320ZelenaComesBackToLife.png
  45. File:504NoLongerTheBrokenKingdom.png
  46. File:507MerlinAndNimueWalkOff.png
  47. File:701ThrowingThat.png
  48. File:722BelleAppears.png
  49. File:602DeadKnight.png
    File:602AndHerPrince.png
  50. File:410DeserveToDie.png
  51. File:502TheWrongDress.png
  52. File:415GetAwayFromHim.png
  53. File:609AboutToThrowDust.png
  54. File:602OnMainStreet.png
    File:602NotLikeIt.png
  55. Ravine' Bell Sleeve Silk & Linen Top. Nordstrom. Retrieved on September 3, 2018.
  56. FRAME Le Oversized Jacket. Shopbop. Retrieved on September 3, 2018.
  57. File:602InThisBook.png
  58. Tymber Denim Trench by Club Monaco. Spring. Retrieved on September 3, 2018.
  59. KARA'S CHAMBRAY COAT ON SUPERGIRL. WornOnTV. Retrieved on September 3, 2018.
  60. File:602MommysBack.png
  61. File:101Hey!.png
  62. File:102SameAge.png
  63. File:107BlackSuitsMe.png
  64. File:117YourHat.png
  65. File:610Surrender.png
  66. File:712RememberThis.png
  67. File:602Promo6.jpg
  68. "Zelena" green silk robe from Once Upon a Time Season 6, Episode 2.. iCollector. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. “Hero floor length Patricia Fieldwalker green silk robe with sash belt worn in A Bitter Draught.”
  69. TwitterLogo Canadagraphs 🇺🇦 (@canadagraphs) on X, formerly Twitter: #OnceUponATime doing a quick shoot at Central Park before moving to studio soon (July 18, 2016). (backup link) (archive screenshot)
    TwitterLogo Nikole Wyles (@NikoleWyles) on X, formerly Twitter: Jared is now Lana's personal body guard 😂 (From 7/25/16 in Burnaby) (July 26, 2016). (backup link) (archive screenshot)
  70. File:TWHookfoundme-602.png
  71. File:602WhatWasThat.png
  72. File:721SearchingForFamily.png
  73. Steve Pearlman and David H. Goodman on the Season Seven Blu-ray-exclusive Audio Commentary for "Homecoming"
  74. File:522WalkingIntoLab.png
    File:522CanHelpHim.png
  75. David H. Goodman and Andrew Chambliss on the Season Five Blu-ray/DVD Audio Commentary for "Only You"

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