Once Upon a Time

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Once Upon a Time
Show
Production Information
Created by:	Edward Kitsis Adam Horowitz
Production company:	ABC Studios
Filming location:	Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Starring:	Ginnifer Goodwin Jennifer Morrison Lana Parrilla Josh Dallas Emilie de Ravin Colin O'Donoghue Michael Raymond-James Jared S. Gilmore Robert Carlyle
Broadcast Information
Country of origin:	United States
Premiere:	October 23, 2011
Number of episodes:	49

Once Upon a Time is a television show that premiered on October 23, 2011 on ABC. It is produced and created by Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis. The soundtrack for the first season was released on May 1, 2012. The full-disc DVD/Blu-ray set of Season One was released on August 28, 2012.

Season Two premiered on September 30, 2012, and concluded on May 12, 2013. 

Season Three started filming on July 12, 2013. It premiered on September 29, 2013.

Synopsis

To ensure that no one in fairytale land - especially Snow White - had anymore "happily ever afters," Evil Queen Regina cast a curse which trapped the fairytale characters, frozen in time, and brought them into our modern world. Although still alive, they had no knowledge of their former selves and were sleepwalking through life - ageless—for 28 years, until their savior arrived in the form of Emma Swan. Unbeknownst to Emma, she was the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming who whisked her out of fairytale land and into our world as an infant to save her from the curse. Abandoned as a baby, Emma's life was anything but magical. When her 10-year-old son, Henry, whom she gave up for adoption years ago, appeared on her doorstep with a book of fairytales and told her a crazy story about how she's the prodigy of fairytale characters who are all trapped in a town called Storybrooke, she thought he was nuts. But curiosity got the better of Emma, and she brought Henry back to the town and soon found out that Storybrooke was more than it seemed. Regina, ever the control freak, had placed herself as Mayor of the town and was Henry's adoptive mother. Over time Emma began to see through the cracks of the curse, believed that the stories were true and was finally able to break it. Reality and myth merged as the fairytale characters began awakening once the curse was lifted and remembered who they were. But to their dismay, they weren't transported back to fairytale land. To make matters worse, Rumplestiltskin - aka Mr. Gold - decided to gain the upper hand in his power struggle with Regina and introduced magic into the town. But this is our world, and magic has a tendency to have unfathomable implications.

Story

This article or section is in need of serious revision.You can help out the Once Upon a Time Wiki by adding or updating to the article, correcting grammar and spelling issues, and taking other steps to make the article great. If you need any help, please see our policies.
Reason: tabs with brief overviews of each season

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The story is set in the fictional small town of Storybrooke, Maine. The town is populated by characters from fairy tales, who have been exiled to the real world by a curse cast by the Evil Queen (Lana Parrilla) as part of a revenge plot against Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Prince Charming (Josh Dallas). Because of the curse, most of the inhabitants of Storybrooke have no memory of their "true" identities, and have been stuck in Storybrooke for years.

This changes when Henry Mills (Jared Gilmore), the adopted son of Storybrooke's Mayor Regina Mills, seeks out his birth mother, Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison), a bounty hunter living in Boston. He convinces her to come to Storybrooke. Henry knows about the curse from a book given to him by his teacher, Mary Margaret Blanchard. He tells Emma that she is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, and that she is destined to break the curse holding everyone in Storybrooke. Skeptical, Emma decides to stay in Storybrooke only after seeing how lonely Henry is, and how emotionally neglected he is by his adoptive mother. In staying, Emma continues to run afoul of Mayor Mills. This conflict increases when Emma becomes the town Sheriff.

Each episode usually focuses on one main character who is experiencing some sort of conflict in Storybrooke. Flashbacks show what the character's story was in the fairytale world. In the first season, almost all of the flashbacks involve Rumplestiltskin (Robert Carlyle) making deals with the protagonists as part of some sort of complicated plot. In Storybrooke, Rumplestiltskin is known as Mr. Gold, the wealthiest man in town.

Beginning in Season Two, the curse has now been broken, but the narrative continues to follow a similar pattern, with multiple storylines being followed each episode. The first episode of the season sees Mary Margaret and Emma transported to a post-curse Enchanted Forest, so some episodes alternate between present day Storybrooke and present day Enchanted Forest. The Second Season also explores a previously unseen time period, the events of Emma's past in the Land Without Magic during the curse. Season Two also sees the introduction of another world, the Land Without Color where the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein originates.

Episodes

Season One Episodes
No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
1	"Pilot"	Mark Mylod	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	October 23, 2011	12.93
		And they lived happily ever after...or so everyone was led to believe. Emma Swan knows how to take care of herself. She's a 28-year-old bail bondsperson who's been on her own ever since she was abandoned as a baby. But when Henry -- the son she gave up years ago -- finds her, everything changes. Henry is now 10 years old and in desperate need of Emma's help. He believes that Emma actually comes from an alternate world and is Snow White and Prince Charming's missing daughter. According to his book of fairytales, they sent her away to protect her from the Evil Queen's curse, which trapped the characters of fairytale world forever, frozen in time, and brought them into our modern world. Not believing a word of Henry's story, Emma brings him back to Storybrooke, but finds herself drawn to this unusual boy and his strange New England town. Concerned for him, she decides to stay for a while, but soon comes to suspect that Storybrooke is more than it seems. It's a place where magic has been forgotten, but is still powerfully close...where fairytale characters are alive, even though they don't remember who they once were, and where the Evil Queen, known as Regina, is now Henry's foster mother. The epic battle for the future of all worlds is beginning, and, for good to win, Emma will have to accept her destiny and fight like hell.
2	"The Thing You Love Most"	Greg Beeman	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	October 30, 2011	11.74
		Regina does everything in her power to force Emma out of Storybrooke and out of her and Henry's lives forever. Meanwhile, the chilling circumstances of how the Evil Queen released the curse upon the fairytale world is revealed.
3	"Snow Falls"	Dean White	Liz Tigelaar	November 6, 2011	11.45
		At Henry's urging, Emma convinces Mary Margaret to pay a visit to a comatose John Doe in the hospital and to read to him from the storybook. But Mary Margaret is stunned at the outcome of her visit. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale world, Prince Charming meets Snow White for the first time in a most unexpected way.
4	"The Price of Gold"	David Solomon	David H. Goodman	November 13, 2011	11.36
		Emma Swan tries to help a young pregnant woman escape from the clutches of Mr. Gold. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale world that was, Cinderella makes a regrettable deal with Rumplestiltskin.
5	"That Still Small Voice"	Paul Edwards	Jane Espenson	November 27, 2011	10.69
		As Sheriff Graham deputizes Emma, the ground shakes and a giant sinkhole mysteriously appears at the edge of town. But a curious Henry's life is placed in danger when he decides to explore the innards of the sinkhole to see if its contents can link the inhabitants of Storybrooke to the fairytale world. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale world, Jiminy Cricket yearns to leave the family business and transform into the person he wants to be.
6	"The Shepherd"	Victor Nelli	Andrew Chambliss & Ian Goldberg	December 4, 2011	9.66
		David - aka John Doe - must choose between staying with Kathryn or leaving her to be with Mary Margaret, with whom he's fallen deeply, and inexplicably, in love; and Emma catches Sheriff Graham in a lie. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale world that was, Prince Charming is about to encounter a life-changing event that will forever alter his destiny.
7	"The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter"	David M. Barrett	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	December 11, 2011	8.92
		One of the town's residents begins to remember their fairytale past, and Storybrooke mourns the loss of one of their own. Meanwhile, in the fairytale world that was, the Evil Queen attempts to find a heartless assassin to murder Snow White.
8	"Desperate Souls"	Michael Waxman	Jane Espenson	January 8, 2012	10.35
		Regina and Mr. Gold play dirty politics and take opposite sides when Emma runs for a coveted Storybrooke public office against Sidney. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale world that was, Rumplestiltskin tries to track down the ultimate power source in order to help his son avert the horrors of a meaningless war.
9	"True North"	Dean White	David H. Goodman & Liz Tigelaar	January 15, 2012	9.83
		Feeling their pain from having lived through the same experience, Emma desperately tries to help two homeless children find their birth father before they're separated and put into the foster care system. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale world that was, the Evil Queen coerces Hansel and Gretel into stealing an important artifact from a blind witch.
10	"7:15 A.M."	Ralph Hemecker	Story: Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz Teleplay: Daniel T. Thomsen	January 22, 2012	9.33
		Mary Margaret and David continue to grapple with their unrequited love, and Emma and Regina grow suspicious over a mysterious new stranger in town. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Snow White yearns to ease her breaking heart as Prince Charming's wedding to King Midas' daughter approaches.
11	"Fruit of the Poisonous Tree"	Bryan Spicer	Ian Goldberg & Andrew Chambliss	January 29, 2012	10.91
		A dejected Sidney enlists the aid of Emma to help uncover evidence that could expose Mayor Regina as the corrupt person she really is to the townspeople of Storybrooke; and Mary Margaret and David continue their secret rendezvous while trying to figure out a way to unleash their unrequited love. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale land that was, King Leopold, who is the father of Snow White and married to the Evil Queen, stumbles upon a magic lamp and is granted three wishes by a Genie - who warns the king to be careful what he wishes for.
12	"Skin Deep"	Milan Cheylov	Jane Espenson	February 12, 2012	8.65
		After Mr. Gold's house is robbed, Emma keeps a close eye on him when it looks like he wants to track down the criminal and dole out some vigilante justice as payback, and Valentine's Day finds Mary Margaret, Ruby and Ashley having a girls' night out. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Belle agrees to a fateful deal to give up her freedom in order to save her town from the horrors of the Ogre War.
13	"What Happened to Frederick"	Dean White	David H. Goodman	February 19, 2012	9.84
		With their love for each other growing stronger, David finally agrees to tell Kathryn about his relationship with Mary Margaret and put an end to his loveless marriage. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, while runaway groom Prince Charming searches for Snow White, he agrees to aid Abigail on a dangerous mission to recover something precious that was lost to her.
14	"Dreamy"	David Solomon	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	March 4, 2012	10.67
		Unlikely allies Mary Margaret and Leroy team together for a good cause to help the Storybrooke nuns sell their candles during the town's Miner's Day festival. But Leroy makes a promise to a nun, Astrid, that he may not be able to keep; and Emma looks into the mysterious disappearance of David's wife, Kathryn. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Grumpy finds forbidden love with beautiful but clumsy fairy Nova.
15	"Red-Handed"	Ron Underwood	Jane Espenson	March 11, 2012	9.29
		After quitting Granny's diner and with her self-esteem at an all-time low, Emma hires Ruby to be her assistant in order to help her discover what it is in life that she's good at; and Emma continues questioning David about the disappearance - and possible murder - of Kathryn. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Red Riding Hood yearns to run away with her true love. But she, along with her fellow townspeople, are virtual prisoners when a bloodthirsty wolf continues on its relentless killing spree.
16	"Heart of Darkness"	Dean White	Andrew Chambliss & Ian Goldberg	March 18, 2012	8.69
		Mary Margaret hires Mr. Gold as her attorney when Emma is forced to arrest her for the suspected murder of David's wife, Kathryn. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale land that was, Prince Charming sets out to stop a determined and unhinged Snow White, whose memory is still clouded by Rumplestiltskin's potion, from assassinating the Evil Queen.
17	"Hat Trick"	Ralph Hemecker	Vladimir Cvetko & David H. Goodman	March 25, 2012	8.82
		While searching for a missing Mary Margaret, Emma is kidnapped by a man whose affinity for hats has him teetering on the edge of madness. Meanwhile, viewers will be transported outside of the fairytale land that was for the first time when the Evil Queen persuades a skillful man of magic to come work for her one last time and travel to Wonderland in order to help steal something from the Queen of Hearts.
18	"The Stable Boy"	Dean White	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	April 1, 2012	8.36
		Emma continues her exhaustive search for evidence that will prove Mary Margaret's innocence in the murder of David's wife, Kathryn. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was and before evil blackened her soul, Regina must choose between betraying her mother, Cora, and marrying for true love, or betrothing royalty and living a regal - but loveless - life; and the event that caused the Evil Queen to loathe Snow White is revealed.
19	"The Return"	Paul Edwards	Jane Espenson	April 22, 2012	9.08
		Mr. Gold attempts to uncover the true identity of August, Emma confronts Regina about her involvement in Kathryn's disappearance, and David tries to apologize and reconcile with Mary Margaret. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Rumplestiltskin agrees to comply and do whatever it takes if his son can find a way for him to safely give up his powers and turn back into the loving man he used to be.
20	"The Stranger"	Gwyneth Horder-Payton	Ian Goldberg & Andrew Chambliss	April 29, 2012	9.20
		August promises to enlighten Emma and take her on a journey that will show her how she can beat Regina, and possibly take custody of Henry; and with Mary Margaret returning to work, Regina puts a plan in motion to seduce David. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, with the Evil Queen's curse about to strike, Geppetto agrees to a plan that will save Snow White and Prince Charming's daughter, but with a proviso that could also save his own son.
21	"An Apple Red as Blood"	Milan Cheylov	Jane Espenson & David H. Goodman	May 6, 2012	8.95
		Henry pleads with Emma to stay in Storybrooke and continue her quest as the savior of the fairytale dwellers, and Regina concocts a plan that could rid her of Emma forever. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale land that was, Snow White enlists the aid of her fellow fairytale cohorts to attack the Evil Queen and save Prince Charming's life.
22	"A Land Without Magic"	Dean White	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	May 13, 2012	9.66
		Emma and Regina team together in order to find a way to save Henry's life. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Prince Charming attempts to escape from the Evil Queen's clutches in order to reunite with Snow White who, unbeknownst to him, has already taken a bite of the Queen's poison apple.

Season Two Episodes
No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
1	"Broken"	Ralph Hemecker	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	September 30, 2012	11.36
		Reality and myth begin to merge as the fairytale characters awaken from Evil Queen Regina's broken curse and remember who they were. But to their dismay, they aren't transported back to fairytale land. To make matters worse, Rumplestiltskin - aka Mr. Gold - in an effort to gain the upper hand in his power struggle with Regina, has introduced magic into the town. In fairytales magic has its place, but in our world it can have unfathomable consequences. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale land, Prince Phillip awakens his sleeping beauty, Aurora, but discovers that he and his traveling companion, Mulan, will soon have to face a deadly foe.
2	"We Are Both"	Dean White	Jane Espenson	October 7, 2012	9.84
		While Regina continues to find a way to regain her magical powers, David continues his quest to uncover the whereabouts of Mary Margaret and Emma; and the seven dwarves discover what happens when any of the townspeople try to step past the city limits of Storybrooke. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, as her wedding day to King Leopold approaches, Regina is confronted by a man of magic who promises to help her become independent and break free from her mother Cora's clutches.
3	"Lady of the Lake"	Milan Cheylov	Andrew Chambliss & Ian Goldberg	October 14, 2012	9.45
		Emma and Mary Margaret, with the aid of Mulan, 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.
4	"The Crocodile"	David Solomon	David H. Goodman & Robert Hull	October 21, 2012	9.89
		Belle's disgust over Mr. Gold's continuing thirst for power comes to a head, and she threatens to leave him if he can't change his evil ways; the dwarves pick up their axes and try to find Fairy Dust in the Storybrooke mine; and a reunion with an old acquaintance could prove to be Belle's undoing. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale land that was, Rumplestiltskin attempts to save his wife, Milah, from being kidnapped by a band of cutthroat pirates.
5	"The Doctor"	Paul Edwards	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	October 28, 2012	9.85
		While Regina continues to try and stop using her magic in an attempt to win back Henry's affections, she begins seeing what she believes is a ghost from her past; and when Mary Margaret and Emma discover a lone survivor from an ogre massacre, Emma begins to question whether or not he's telling the truth. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Regina finds herself failing at learning the dark arts from a dark master because something from her past is preventing her from using her magic for evil.
6	"Tallahassee"	David M. Barrett	Christine Boylan & Jane Espenson	November 4, 2012	10.15
		With the hopes of finding a magical compass that could help her and Mary Margaret get back to Storybrooke, Emma takes a journey with a not-too-trustworthy Captain Hook up a treacherous beanstalk in an attempt to steal the item from a murderous giant. Meanwhile, Emma's past is revealed to be anything but magical when she meets up with a fellow thief who wants to make an honest woman out of her.
7	"Child of the Moon"	Anthony Hemingway	Ian Goldberg & Andrew Chambliss	November 11, 2012	8.75
		Ruby’s fear about turning into a wolf during the first curse-free Storybrooke full moon is confirmed when one of the town’s residents is viciously murdered, and Ruby is the prime suspect; Spencer (King George) threatens to expose David Nolan as a shepherd, not a prince, and not fit to run the town as sheriff; and Leroy stumbles upon some treasure in the Storybrooke mine that could help bring Mary Margaret and Emma back into our world. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Red Riding Hood finds a kindred spirit in Anita, a charismatic and mysterious leader of a pack of humans who, like Red, turn out to be wolves.
8	"Into the Deep"	Ron Underwood	Kalinda Vazquez & Daniel T. Thomsen	November 25, 2012	8.82
		Cora does everything in her power to steal the compass away from Mary Margaret and Emma in her quest to find the entrance to Storybrooke. Meanwhile, in order to protect Henry from further danger, Regina and Mr. Gold must put David's life in jeopardy in an attempt to put him in contact with Mary Margaret across the lands to give her vital information that could help her and Emma return through the portal back to Storybrooke.
9	"Queen of Hearts"	Ralph Hemecker	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	December 2, 2012	9.1
		Cora and Captain Hook face off with Mary Margaret and Emma in a race to secure the compass, which will point its holder to the portal into Storybrooke. But back on the other side, Regina and Mr. Gold, desperate to keep Cora out, put a plan into action that would kill anyone entering the portal, placing Mary Margaret's and Emma's lives in danger as well. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale land that was, Captain Hook travels to Wonderland and meets up with a vengeful Queen of Hearts..
10	"The Cricket Game"	Dean White	David H. Goodman & Robert Hull	January 6, 2013	9.1
		Regina is accused of murdering one of the town's most beloved fairytale characters but only Emma senses that she may be innocent. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale land that was, after capturing the Evil Queen, Snow White and Prince Charming set about planning her public execution in order to rid the land of her murderous tyranny.
11	"The Outsider"	David Solomon	Andrew Chambliss & Ian Goldberg	January 13, 2013	8.24
		Mr. Gold finds an unwilling test subject to see if a spell he has concocted will allow him to cross the border of Storybrooke—without losing his memory—and go in search of his son, Baelfire; Belle stumbles upon a vengeful Hook in the Storybrooke harbor whose main goal is to eradicate Rumplestiltskin; and Mary Margaret and David go house hunting in search of a bigger place to live. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Belle meets Mulan as the two set out to slay a fearsome beast called the Yaoguai, who has been ravaging the land.
12	"In the Name of the Brother"	Milan Cheylov	Jane Espenson	January 20, 2013	7.68
		Dr. Whale is tasked with mending Hook’s wounds and performing surgery on the stranger whose car crashed upon entering Storybrooke. But some of the townspeople fear that the stranger may have seen magic -- which could expose their true identities to the world -- and think that leaving him to die would be the best solution. Meanwhile, as Mr. Gold tries to reunite with a despondent Belle, Cora attempts to reunite with daughter Regina; and in the land that was, Victor desperately wants to prove to his disapproving father that he can, indeed, bring back the dead.
13	"Tiny"	Guy Ferland	Christine Boylan & Kalinda Vazquez	February 10, 2013	7.08
		Kidnapped and brought to Storybrooke by Cora, the Giant unleashes his vengeance on the town when a case of mistaken identity leads him to try and settle an old score with David; Mr. Gold, accompanied by Emma and Henry, attempts to depart Storybrooke - hoping to keep his memory intact when he crosses the town line -- and heads to the airport in search of his son Bae; and Greg questions Belle as to what she saw on the night of his car accident. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was and against his brothers' wishes, Anton, the Giant, climbs down the beanstalk and attempts to befriend some humans - whose intentions may not be so noble.
14	"Manhattan"	Dean White	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	February 17, 2013	7.61
		While Mr. Gold, Emma and Henry go in search of Gold's son Bae in New York, Cora, Regina and Hook attempt to track down one of Rumplestiltskin's most treasured possessions. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Rumplestiltskin realizes his destiny while fighting in the Ogres War.
15	"The Queen Is Dead"	Gwyneth Horder-Payton	Daniel T. Thomsen & David H. Goodman	March 3, 2013	7.39
		Upon discovering Cora and Regina's plan to find and take possession of Rumplestiltskin's dagger, Mary Margaret, with the aid of David and Mother Superior, makes it her mission to find it first; and while Mr. Gold continues his quest in New York to reunite with son Bae, Hook devises a plan to rid himself of a crocodile. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, the Blue Fairy offers Snow White an unconventional enchantment that could help save her dying mother, Queen Eva.
16	"The Miller's Daughter"	Ralph Hemecker	Jane Espenson	March 10, 2013	7.64
		Cora's desire to rid herself of Rumplestiltskin in order to take his place as The Dark One takes one step closer to becoming reality as she and Regina try to overpower a dying Mr. Gold, and Mary Margaret is once again tempted by dark magic. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Rumplestiltskin agrees to offer his services to a younger Cora - for a price - when the king calls her bluff and orders her to actually follow through on her boast of being able to spin straw into gold.
17	"Welcome to Storybrooke"	David M. Barrett	Ian Goldberg & Andrew Chambliss	March 17, 2013	7.45
		Emma, David and Mr. Gold must protect Mary Margaret against Regina, who is out for revenge and has made it her mission to kill Mary; and Henry, fed up with all of the feuding, devises a plan to put an end to magic. Meanwhile, Regina discovers that a father and son have somehow found their way into her allegedly undetectable town as she and the fairytale characters deal with the effects of the newly cast curse 28 years prior.
18	"Selfless, Brave and True"	Ralph Hemecker	Kalinda Vazquez & Robert Hull	March 24, 2013	7.38
		While Mary Margaret goes off on her own in an attempt to come to grips with what she did to Cora and how her deed has affected her, she stumbles upon August, who has hidden himself away from the others and is completely made of wood -- ashamed at the actions he has taken in life; and Emma is shocked when Neal invites his fiancée, Tamara, to come to Storybrooke. Meanwhile, before the curse was cast, August is introduced to a man of magic who may be able to prevent him from turning back into wood -- but at a steep price.
19	"Lacey"	Milan Cheylov	Adam Horowitz & Edward Kitsis	April 21, 2013	7.37
		Mr. Gold enlists the aid of David to help him try to jog Belle's now cursed memories and get her to love him again; and when it is revealed that the magic beans Anton and the dwarves have been harvesting have begun to grow and could possibly transport everybody home, Emma is torn over whether she would want to live in fairytale land or stay in our world. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Rumplestiltskin forces Belle to accompany him on a hunt to kill a thief, whom she had freed in the name of mercy.
20	"The Evil Queen"	Gwyneth Horder-Payton	Jane Espenson & Christine Boylan	April 28, 2013	7.16
		With the aid of Hook, Regina attempts to put a plan in motion that will help transport herself and Henry back to Fairytale Land. But her plan revolves around a fail-safe that was planted within the curse, which if triggered could wipe Storybrooke off the map - and kill all of its inhabitants; and Emma's suspicions about Tamara grow. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, the Evil Queen asks Rumplestiltskin to transform her into an unrecognizable peasant in order to kill an unsuspecting Snow White, with the twisted aim of earning the love and respect of her subjects.
21	"Second Star to the Right"	Ralph Hemecker	Andrew Chambliss & Ian Goldberg	May 5, 2013	7.50
		Emma, Mary Margaret and David go in search of Regina when they discover that she - along with some magic beans - have gone missing. But against Neal's protests, Emma still believes that Tamara had something to do with Regina's disappearance; and Mr. Gold contemplates telling Lacey the truth about his ability to conjure magic. Meanwhile, after Rumplestiltskin abandons his son and lets him travel alone through a portal, young Bae finds himself back in 19th century London and is taken in by the Darling family -- befriending their daughter Wendy.
22	"And Straight On 'Til Morning"	Dean White	Adam Horowitz & Edward Kitsis	May 12, 2013	7.33
		The inhabitants of Storybrooke brace themselves for the end when Greg and Tamara detonate the trigger Regina had placed within the curse, with the annihilation of the town and its residents imminent; and Mr. Gold mourns the loss of his son, Bae/Neal. Meanwhile, back in Neverland of the past, Hook discovers his connection to a young Bae after he rescues him from the sea and soon realizes that the Lost Boys are in hot pursuit of the boy.

Season Three Episodes
No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
1	"The Heart of the Truest Believer"	Ralph Hemecker	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	September 29, 2013	8.52
		As Emma, Mary Margaret, David, Regina, Mr. Gold and Hook enter Neverland to search for a kidnapped Henry, they're greeted by a school of not-too-friendly mermaids who threaten to end their search before it begins; Henry finds himself on the run from the Lost Boys with another escapee from Peter Pan's encampment; and Neal, recovering from his wounds, travels through the Enchanted Forest with Mulan in an attempt to learn the fates of Emma and Henry.
2	"Lost Girl"	Ron Underwood	Andrew Chambliss & Kalinda Vazquez	October 6, 2013	8.00
		While Emma, Mary Margaret, David, Regina and Hook continue their search for Henry in Neverland, Peter Pan appears before a startled Emma and offers her a map that will reveal her son's whereabouts. But the only way to make the map appear is for Emma to stop denying who she really is and come to grips with her true feelings about her identity – and Mr. Gold receives some unexpected advice from a friend that could lead him to understand his life's journey while in Neverland. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was, when the Evil Queen presents Snow White with an offer to live her life with Charming in peace – with the caveat that she give up her claim to the throne – Charming makes it his mission to ensure that Snow doesn't take the offer.
3	"Quite a Common Fairy"	Alex Zakrzewski	Jane Espenson	October 13, 2013	7.53
		In their continuing quest to find Peter Pan's hideout and save Henry, Hook suggests tracking down Tinker Bell in the hope that she will lead them straight to his camp. Pan reveals to Henry why he has brought him to Neverland and in the Enchanted Forest, Neal has a plan that could transport him to Emma, but it would involve using one of Robin Hood's most precious possessions. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was, Tinker Bell offers to help Regina improve her life.
4	"Nasty Habits"	David Boyd	David H. Goodman & Robert Hull	October 20, 2013	7.05
		Mr. Gold makes a decision to confront Pan, but will he go there to save Henry or give in to the prophecy that the boy will be his undoing? Neal finds himself back in Neverland and in the custody of one of Pan's most loyal Lost Boys. And David struggles for his life as the poison continues to take its toll on him. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was, Rumplestiltskin goes in search of a missing Bae, who has followed a mysterious figure who steals away children with his music.
5	"Good Form"	Jon Amiel	Christine Boylan & Daniel T. Thomsen	October 27, 2013	7.23
		With the deadly Dreamshade coursing through David’s body and close to death, Hook takes him on one last journey to find a sextant that could help them decipher a map that would lead them off Neverland. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was, Killian Jones – aka Hook – and his brother, Captain Liam, sail off under orders of the King to find a powerful indigenous plant on an uncharted land that could help heal any injury.
6	"Ariel"	Ciaran Donnelly	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	November 3, 2013	7.55
		Back in the Fairy Tale Land that was, when Ariel saves Snow White from drowning in the ocean's depths, Snow returns the favor by helping her new friend get acquainted with Prince Eric, with whom she has fallen madly in love with. Meanwhile, Emma, Mary Margaret, David and Hook attempt to save Neal, who is imprisoned in one of Pan's encampments, and Regina and Mr. Gold begrudgingly team up to find a way to take down Pan.
7	"Dark Hollow"	Guy Ferland	Kalinda Vazquez & Andrew Chambliss	November 10, 2013	6.71
		Mr. Gold and Regina send Ariel back to Storybrooke with an item that will allow Belle to locate a hidden artifact that could help take down Pan. But unbeknownst to them, two men have broken into the town with the intent to stop them – at all costs. Meanwhile, Emma, Neal and Hook attempt to find Dark Hollow, where Peter Pan's shadow dwells, in order to capture it, and Mary Margaret is upset with David for keeping his poisoning a secret from her.
8	"Think Lovely Thoughts"	David Solomon	David H. Goodman & Robert Hull	November 17, 2013	6.66
		Pan leads Henry to a secret cave, where he has convinced the boy that he alone can save magic and Neverland itself. But a showdown between good and evil is about to go down as Emma, Mary Margaret, David, Regina, Mr. Gold, Neal and Hook find themselves directly on a path to Pan in an effort to save Henry. Meanwhile, back in the Fairy Tale Land that was, young Rumplestiltskin is given a magical item that could help him make a fresh start with his father -- who has been anything but a good dad.
9	"Save Henry"	Andy Goddard	Christine Boylan & Daniel T. Thomsen	December 1, 2013	6.64
		While Henry's life hangs in the balance, the race is on to stop Pan from gaining full magical powers from the heart of the truest believer. Meanwhile, in Storybrooke of the past, Regina decides to fill a void in her life and, with Mr. Gold's help, sets out to adopt a baby.
10	"The New Neverland"	Ron Underwood	Andrew Chambliss	December 8, 2013	6.94
		The residents of Storybrooke are overjoyed upon the return of Henry and our heroes from Neverland. But unbeknownst to them, a plan is secretly being put into place by a well-hidden Pan that will shake up the very lives of the townspeople. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was, Snow White and Prince Charming’s honeymoon turns out to be anything but romantic when they go in search of a mythical being that could stop Regina cold in her tracks.
11	"Going Home"	Ralph Hemecker	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	December 15, 2013	6.44
		The race is on to stop Pan from enacting another curse on the residents of Storybrooke, which could kill every living soul in town.
12	"New York City Serenade"	Billy Gierhart	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	March 9, 2014	7.66
		After Rumplestiltskin sacrificed his life to stop Pan from enacting another curse, Regina obliterated her original curse, which erased Storybrooke from existence and whisked its residents back to Fairy Tale Land – leaving Emma and Henry back in our world with no memories of Storybrooke. But all is not well back in the Enchanted Forest when Hook comes calling on Emma in New York City in an attempt to jog her memory so that she can once again help her fairy tale family and friends out of a desperate situation.
13	"Witch Hunt"	Guy Ferland	Jane Espenson	March 16, 2014	7.75
		Emma arrives in Storybrooke with Henry and reunites with her friends and family, only to discover that no one remembers how they were transported back – or the past year they had spent back in Fairy Tale Land. But Emma is sure that someone in town is responsible for this new curse and teams up with Regina in an attempt to uncover their identity. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was during the past year, Regina, with the aid of Robin Hood, attempts to break into her castle, which has been overtaken by the Wicked Witch.
14	"The Tower"	Ralph Hemecker	Robert Hull	March 23, 2014	6.91
		While Emma, David, Regina and Hook continue their search for the Wicked Witch, she, in turn, is planning a dark surprise for David, and Zelena's prisoner is powerless under her watch as she plots her next course of action against the townspeople. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was in the previous year, Prince Charming stumbles upon Rapunzel, who is trapped inside a tower, and must help her confront her fears in order for her to be free.
15	"Quiet Minds"	Eagle Egilsson	Kalinda Vasquez	March 30, 2014	6.64
		Neal finds himself back in Storybrooke and yearns for a way to reconnect with his son Henry, whose memories of his father are gone, while also trying to find his own father, Rumplestiltskin, whom he has just learned is alive but missing, and Regina discovers a possible connection with Robin Hood. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was over the past year, agonizing over the death of his father, Neal - with the help of Belle and enchanted candelabra Lumiere - attempts to find a magical solution to bring back Rumplestiltskin from the dead.
16	"It's Not Easy Being Green"	Mario Van Peebles	Andrew Chambliss	April 6, 2014	7.26
		With Rumplestiltskin as her slave, Zelena challenges Regina to a fight to the death and shocks the Evil Queen with the reveal of their familial connection, and the town lays Neal to rest. Meanwhile, back in the past in the land of Oz, a jealous Zelena asks the Wizard to send her to Fairy Tale Land after discovering that she has a sister, Regina, and that Rumplestiltskin is training her to become a powerful force to be reckoned with.
17	"The Jolly Roger"	Ernest Dickerson	David H. Goodman	April 13, 2014	6.50
		Ariel returns to Storybrooke and pleads with Hook to help her find Prince Eric, who never returned to the town when the new curse was invoked. Emma agrees to let Regina teach her how to use magic so that she can help defeat Zelena, and Mary Margaret and David try to prove that they can be just as much fun as Hook is with Henry -- who thinks they are boring. Meanwhile, in Fairy Tale Land during the past year, an angry Ariel confronts Hook over her missing Prince Eric, who she assumes was kidnapped and possibly killed by the swarthy pirate. But when Hook confesses that the Jolly Roger has been stolen and Eric is most likely the thief's prisoner, Ariel unknowingly provides him with a clue as to who the culprit is, and Hook – with Ariel in tow - goes off in search of his ship.
18	"Bleeding Through"	Romeo Tirone	Jane Espenson and Daniel T. Thomsen	April 20, 2014	5.95
		After Zelena steals Regina's heart, Regina casts a spell so that she can speak across the realms to her dead mother, Cora, to discover the truth about why she abandoned Zelena, and Belle stumbles across what Zelena's ultimate end game is. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was, young Cora is duped by a man claiming to be a prince and finds herself alone and pregnant. But a chance meeting with a real prince could lead Cora to the royal life she's always craved, but she must keep her pregnancy a secret or risk losing everything.
19	"A Curious Thing"	Ralph Hemecker	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	April 27, 2014	7.34
		Zelena threatens to kill Henry if Hook - whose lips have been cursed by the Wicked Witch -- doesn't proceed with kissing Emma, which will drain all of her magical powers away, and things begin to heat up between Regina and Robin Hood. Meanwhile, back in the Fairy Tale Land that was during the past year, Snow and Charming go in search of Glinda, The Good Witch of the South, to see if she can help them defeat Zelena, and the curse that will ultimately send the Fairy Tale characters back to Storybrooke is cast -- but from an unlikely source.
20	"Kansas"	Gwyneth Horder-Payton	Andrew Chambliss & Kalinda Vazquez	May 4, 2014	6.86
		With Mary Margaret in labor and due to give birth at any moment, the residents of Storybrooke go on high alert in an attempt to ensure that Zelena doesn't try to steal her newborn baby for use in her ultimate game plan to turn back time and change her destiny -- while obliterating Regina's existence. Meanwhile, in the land of Oz of the past, Glinda tries to convince Zelena to fight her evil tendencies and join her and her sister witches as a protector of Oz. But the appearance of a young girl from Kansas could turn out to be her undoing.
21	"Snow Drifts"	Ron Underwood	David H. Goodman & Robert Hull	May 11, 2014	6.80
		While Mary Margaret and David celebrate the naming of their son at a coronation in Granny's Diner, Emma and Hook are pulled into Zelena's time portal and find themselves in the Enchanted Forest of the past. But in their quest to discover a way back, they must be careful not to change ANYTHING or risk altering the lives of their friends and family -- as well as their very own existence.
22	There's No Place Like Home	Ralph Hemecker	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	May 11, 2014	6.80
		While Mary Margaret and David celebrate the naming of their son at a coronation in Granny's Diner, Emma and Hook are pulled into Zelena's time portal and find themselves in the Enchanted Forest of the past. But in their quest to discover a way back, they must be careful not to change ANYTHING or risk altering the lives of their friends and family -- as well as their very own existence.

Specials
No	Title	Written by	Hosted by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
1	"Magic is Coming"	Steve Mulholland	Giancarlo Esposito	September 30, 2012	6.04
		ABC invites new and devoted Once Upon a Time viewers to take another look at last season's number one new drama and one of the most critically acclaimed shows. “Once Upon a Time: Magic is Coming,” narrated by Giancarlo Esposito (Sidney Glass/Magic Mirror), will explore the series in a way that will bring new viewers up to date — but which current viewers will also find illuminating – in anticipation of the exciting second-season premiere. The special will take a look at Emma Swan’s journey into Storybrooke and her destiny to break the Evil Queen’s curse, which sent the fairytale characters into our world with no memory of who they once were. Backstories and secrets of Snow White, Prince Charming, Rumplestiltskin, Red Riding Hood and others will also be revealed. In addition, the special will give a glimpse into what’s upcoming for Season Two — magic!
2	"The Price of Magic"	Steve Mulholland	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	April 14, 2013	5.17
		ABC invites new and avid Once Upon a Time viewers to take a look at one of the most talked about and critically acclaimed shows. "Once Upon a Time: The Price of Magic" will explore the series in a way that will bring new viewers up to date -- but which current viewers will also find illuminating - in discovering the consequences the residents of Storybrooke have had to endure since magic was introduced into the town, and whether Mary Margaret's path has been tainted since learning that her heart has been darkened after she killed Regina's mother, Cora. Series creators and executive producers Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz will provide some inside scoop on the importance of family, the characters' journeys and the mythology of the show. They will also tease what's upcoming in the exciting final four episodes of the season.
3	"Journey to Neverland"	Steve Mulholland	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	September 29, 2013	5.05
		ABC invites new and devoted "Once Upon a Time" viewers to take another look at this exciting drama, in "Once Upon a Time: Journey to Neverland". The special will explore the series in a way that will bring new viewers up to date -- but which current viewers will also find illuminating - in anticipation of the exhilarating third-season premiere. The special will take a look at Emma Swan and Mary Margaret's separation from their new-found family that left them stranded in a post-curse Fairy Tale Land; Regina's mother Cora's plan to eliminate Rumplestiltskin and become "The Dark One" herself; the discovery that Rumplestiltskin's son, Baelfire/Neal, is Henry's father; Greg and Tamara's kidnapping of Henry; and the fate of Neal after falling through a portal - mortally wounded - and ending up in the Enchanted Forest in the hands of Mulan, Aurora and Prince Phillip. The backstories and secrets of some of your favorite characters will also be revealed, and the special will offer a glimpse into what's upcoming for Season 3 - the trek to Neverland to save Henry.
4	"Wicked is Coming"	Steve Mulholland	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	March 9, 2014	4.44
		ABC invites new and devoted "Once Upon a Time" viewers to take another look at this popular fantasy series in the new special, "Once Upon a Time: Wicked is Coming," which will explore the show in a way that will bring new viewers up to date -- but which current viewers will also find illuminating - in anticipation of the exciting midseason return. The special will take a look at the role that family plays in the show, our heroes' journey from breaking the curse to the ramifications of magic in our world, travelling to Neverland to save Henry from an evil Peter Pan, and their upcoming battle with The Wicked Witch of the West. Interviews with the cast and executive producers Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz help tell the story of "Once Upon a Time: Wicked is Coming".
5	"Storybrooke Has Frozen Over"	Steve Mulholland	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	September 28, 2014	5.49
		ABC invites new and devoted "Once Upon a Time" viewers to take another look at this popular fantasy series in the new special, “Once Upon a Time: Storybrooke Has Frozen Over,” which will explore the show in a way that will bring new viewers up to date -- but which current viewers will also find illuminating – in anticipation of the exciting fourth season premiere. The special will take a look at the role that family plays in the show and never giving up on the ones you love, our heroes’ journey from breaking the curse to the ramifications of magic in our world, travelling to Neverland to save Henry from an evil Peter Pan, their battle with The Wicked Witch of the West upon their return, and the upcoming presence of Elsa, the Ice Queen from Arendelle, in Storybrooke. The special features interviews with executive producers Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz to help tell the story of "Once Upon a Time: Storybrooke Has Frozen Over".
6	"Secrets of Storybrooke"	Jeanmarie Condon, Niels Dachler, Megan Harding, Emily Higgins, Moira Moderelli & Laura Reddy	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	March 1, 2015	4.45
		ABC will air "Once Upon A Time: Secrets of Storybrooke", a one-hour special that pulls back the curtain and takes viewers behind the lights and cameras to the fantastical worlds of the series, now in its fourth season. Narrated by series regular Jennifer Morrison who plays "Emma Swan", the program will let viewers find out just what it takes to flip our most beloved fairytale memories on their head, from the writers, the actors and artists who really do make magic happen every day. Secrets about the show's visual effects, how costumes help shape a character and how a small town outside of Vancouver is transformed into Storybrooke will be revealed.
7	"Dark Swan Rises: A Once Upon a Time Fan Celebration"	Steve Mulholland	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	September 27, 2015	3.20
		ABC invites new and loyal "Once Upon a Time" fans to celebrate the magical fifth season premiere with an in-depth look at the series in the unique special, “Dark Swan Rises: A Once Upon a Time Fan Celebration,” which will explore what will happen next as Emma Swan becomes the Dark One and will highlight the characters fans love, including the incredible stories that have created an extraordinarily passionate fan base. Cast members will answer fan-submitted questions and discuss favorite moments as voted on by fans, giving viewers an authentic perspective as they dish on various characters, relationships and backstories. The special also features interviews with executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz with exclusive insights about the season fans won't want to miss.
8	"Evil Reigns Once More"	Steve Mulholland	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	September 23, 2016 (online) September 25, 2016 (television)	2.86
		ABC invites new and devoted "Once Upon a Time" viewers to take another look at this popular fantasy series in the new special "Once Upon a Time: Evil Reigns Once More", which will explore the show in a way that will bring new viewers up to date – but which current viewers will also find illuminating – in anticipation of the exciting sixth season premiere. The special will take a look at the role that family plays in the show and never giving up on the ones you love, our heroes' journey from breaking the curse to the ramifications of magic in our world, travelling to Neverland to save Henry from an evil Peter Pan, their battle with the Wicked Witch of the West upon their return, the presence of Elsa, the Ice Queen from Arendelle, in Storybrooke, the Savior becoming the Dark One and our heroes trip to the Underworld. The special features interviews with executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz to help tell the story of "Once Upon a Time: Evil Reigns Once More".
9	"The Final Battle Begins"	Steve Mulholland	Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz	May 14, 2017	2.82
		Join our talented cast and executive producers as they identify some of their favorite moments over the past six seasons, as well as take a look back at their characters’ journeys. They will discuss what the show has meant to them personally and to the millions of fans who made "Once Upon a Time" a hit show on ABC. Additionally in this special, "Oncers" get to ask the cast and producers their most burning questions about the series. Take a look back at the origins, the love and romance, and all the adventures along that way that fans have cherished these past six seasons.

References

Once Upon a Time