Lady of the Lake

Template:Episode2 Lady of the Lake is the third episode of Season Two of ABC's Once Upon a Time. It is the twenty-fifth episode of the series overall, and premiered on October 14, 2012.

Synopsis

Emma Swan and Mary Margaret Blanchard, with the aid of Mulan, Princess Aurora and brave knight Lancelot, attempt to find a portal that will bring them back to Storybrooke. But a dark force threatens their safe return. And Henry Mills tries to talk Jefferson into reuniting with his daughter. Meanwhile, back in the Fairytale Land that was, on the eve of meeting Prince Charming's mother, King George poisons Snow White, and the only antidote lies within the waters of the Lady of the Lake.

Recap

In a flashback of Fairytale Land, Red Riding Hood is seen running through a forest and into a camp site where Prince Charming, Snow White and two others are planning on how to take back the kingdoms. Red then divulges the news regarding King George's new general, who was dubbed as the "Leviathan." When Snow asks about how near the army is already when an arrow is shot through the tent, suggesting that the King's army is close by. The group splits up. Charming tells Snow to go ahead without him as she would have a better chance of escaping alone. He tells her to meet him in "the cabin" in two days. "I guess it's about time you met my mother." The Prince tells her before they kiss and part ways for the moment. The Leviathan sees them from a far and proceeds to towards Snow. The knight attacks Snow by knocking her to the ground and introduces himself as Lancelot. "Of the Round Table?" Snow asks. "Not anymore," the general replies before he abducts her.

In present day Fairytale Land, an unconscious Mary Margaret Blanchard is taken care of by Cora, while Emma Swan asks her where they are. Emma states that they shouldn't be kept in the prison for long as they didn't do anything wrong, which Cora agrees. She eventually reveals to Emma that she is the mother of Regina Mills. Mary Margaret wakes up and is uneasy upon seeing Cora once more. Mary Margaret warns Emma that Cora is far worse than Regina. When Cora asks about her daughter, Emma spills some information about Henry as well. Soon after, the two are then sent word to that the leader of the survivors wishes to speak with them.

Back in Storybrooke, David Nolan and Henry Mills walk down the street, discussing a plan on how to get back Emma and Mary Margaret. Henry beings on a new operation dubbed "Operation Scorpion," but David cuts him off saying it isn't safe for Henry to help. David makes Henry promise not to help, and leaves him to go to school. Instead of going on the bus, Henry runs off.

Back in Fairytale Land. Emma and Mary Margaret have a brief talk about why Mary Margaret followed her down the portal. Emma thinks that it was because Mary Margaret saw her as helpless, but Mary Margaret explains that she just wanted to be with her daughter. Just then, Lancelot comes out of a hut and recognizes Snow immediately. The two share a quick hug, and Mary Margaret introduces Emma to him. From afar, Princess Aurora, still bitter over Philip's death, tells Mulan that she wanted justice. Mulan, on the other hand, tells her "not to confuse vengeance with justice." Despite telling Mulan that she understands the circumstances, Princess Aurora draws out a concealed dagger and looks back at Emma and Mary Margaret.

Appearances

Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchard Emma Swan Regina Mills Prince Charming/David Nolan Henry Mills Red Riding Hood Jefferson

Cora King George/Albert Spencer Princess Aurora Mulan Ruth Sir Lancelot Paige

Trivia

• The opening title card features a walking Lancelot.
• This episode's title is the name of an Arthurian legend.
• In the scene where Snow White is distraught over being cursed by King George, Ruth tells her, "You can tell me anything," when she notices how upset Snow is. This mirrors the exact words Cora once told a young Snow White in an effort to get her to open up about Regina and Daniel.

Emma: What the hell is that?

Lancelot: That is chimera. An acquired taste, but all our hunting party could bring back. One part lion, one part serpent. One part goat.

Emma: Like turducken?

King George to Snow White: Family is everything, my dear. Losing all hope of having one--there is no greater misery.

Emma: Where's my gun? I want it back. Mulan: Is it magic? Emma: Depends on who's pulling the trigger.

Mulan: Have you ever seen an ogre?

Emma: I'm pretty sure I've dated a few.