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Once Upon a Time, 2x6
I haven't had time to make an icon for the show, so Meggan it is.
It is interesting to note that my enjoyment of an episode shoots up the less screen-time Henry has. It means that I truly enjoyed this episode, with the adults doing adult-type things and there being ANGST and all.
The episode filled in some gaps and gave us more questions, and added to the tapestry, and also, also, OMG Mary Margaret, but GOOD FOR YOU. And, omg DAVID, you are sort of a cad and all (except that you realized it, in the end). and and OMG KATHRYN. <3 (REGINA IS HER FRIIIIEEEND NOW <3 <3 <3)
Yeah, I ended up with more meta-y type thoughts, though (also, like, double James, really? lolololol also, hello, Mrs. King! Glad to see there weren't any Nazi Doctors around this time)
-=-
I don't think 'ending' the curse means we'll get Fairy Tale Land back.
I think Emma is a catalyst to push people into finding their OWN happiness. Time moves on (something that didn't happen before), and everyone gains more perspective. People live, people die.
The show keeps showing us that Fairy Tale Land was inherently shallow. It was too easy--it was all magic and flash, pretty baubles and True Love, people making wishes and bargains that got them everything easily (no one had to work for what they wanted). The reality they're in isn't like that--and won't ever be like that. Just look at the choices people have made: to take the hard road over the easy one (the girl wanting her baby, Jiminy standing up to Regina, James working on his marriage--even Emma staying in Sbrooke is a harder road than her simply walking away)
I could be wrong, they could all get FTL back, with their old memories (but how much more wrenching will it be with their new ones? Abigail with her perspective [yeah, I have Thoughts on Abigail], Regina with a friend, Snow with this sense of loss, the rest with their new responsibilities?)
The easy way out, the way that is magical and precious, would be for Emma to defeat Regina in some sort of Battle Royale, with Henry as the stakes. Then the old world comes flooding back and everyone is back to their old selves--perhaps only Regina or Emma will remember. Perhaps they won't. As it's FTL, the sudden addition of a grown-up Princess (Emma) with her son (Henry) will be taken in stride.
So I don't know what's going to happen--but I think everyone is going to evolve to get their Happy Ending (including, possibly, Regina--not that she's happy anyway)
Mostly, because the other seems to easy (and also limits the show pretty fast, to one season or so before the "will they make it back to FTL??!!" won't-they becomes annoying)
-=-
Abigail. I am unsurprised, yet disappointed, in the fandom reaction to her. I've seen descriptions ranging from 'annoying' to 'horrible personality' to, well, I'm sure you can think of something derisive towards women to put in there (it's being leveled at Regina as well, unsurprisingly)
The thing is, we know very little about her (knew even less before 1x6). She's a Princess. Her father is King Midas. She seems to have a disagreeable and slightly shallow personality. And she screams when being robbed.
So, um. Yeah.
Her father? Is King Midas. He's not exactly the nicest of men--for instance, he held a kingdom to ransom unless they killed a dragon, and then blackmailed them on their victory so that he could crown himself king over both realms (that's how that entire scene read--I don't care what King whatsit had done to get his son back, the point is that if he hadn't, Midas would have let them starve, and then invaded.) Fandom, surprisingly, thinks he's nice. IDEK, PEOPLE. I DON'T.
Growing up with a father like that, I imagine Abigail knew from an early age exactly what her 'worth' was. Is it any wonder she became a shallow, affected woman who cares for nothing? No one's ever cared for her beyond what she can be used for--a bargaining chip. Sadly, I don't think we'll get to see her story (neither Abigail nor Kathryn are important enough)--and, to be honest, I doubt the writers really have this backstory for her. I'm sure they think she's a one-dimensional 'shallow woman' stereotype, there to be an Obstacle to True Love. As they usually are, in fairy tales.
-=-
As for Kathryn, I have hopes for her. I'm not sure what they are, but right now, I really like her and think she's adorable and sweet--I sort of love that she's had 'time' (as it runs in that place) to realize the mistakes she made and to want to fix her marriage (yeah, I have a big thing for marriages being fixed as opposed to ended). I was hoping hoping HOPING that it would NOT be revealed that she was an Evil Woman Just Being Horrible, or whatever, in that she is actually genuine in her love and care for David. (or James, or whatever his name is)
(also, I have this ide for fic, but it's still sitting in the back of my head, so)
I'm not sure what to think about Regina's involvement--I mean, Regina was obviously trying to keep the curse running, and keep Snow from her happy ending. But, but. But now Regina has a friend. And I wonder how that will tip the balance? Will she allow Kathryn to stay happy?
(OMG REGINA HAS A FRIEND. MY FLAILING HANDS)
I can't even put into words what Regina's FACE at Kathryn's declaration did to my brain and thoughts--I mean, aside from the obvious OMG moment.
THIS IS NOT to say that Regina is suddenly going to become a Nice Person. BUT BUT.
Emma made time flow--for Regina, as much as for everyone else. Regina has been locked into a pattern where her life wasn't working the way she thinks it should--and I'm not sure she even realized that she wasn't happy. (I also think Henry is a substitute for a son or daughter--or possibly just for the father that she destroyed, but I think that's why a part of her doesn't connect to Henry, because he's NOT hers and NOT what she truly wants, though she thinks she does, and--)
I understand Regina's reaction to Emma so much. Regina spends ten years trying to be the perfect mother, trying to have her Happy Ending and it doesn't work. Henry doesn't even LIKE HER. And then Emma comes along, and in barely two minutes has this Magical, Wonderful rapport with Henry.
I'd be pissed off and over-protective, and liable to try to destroy both of them to keep Henry (it's a twisted logic), too. It's really hard for me to read Regina as 'being a bitch', because she's being protective and up-front and strong about what she wants. Is she supposed to just back off and give up her child for this woman she doesn't know? Emma didn't want him--she gave him up (and Regina knows how slimy Gold is, and HE procured the kid--somehow, I doubt Regina would give Gold a child). Emma's had a HISTORY of running away and moving on.
How is Regina supposed to trust that Emma won't do the same to Henry when she gets bored?
And that's leaving aside the jealousy and envy over how they click together (everything Regina wants and doesn't understand why she doesn't have)
I don't think she's a perfect mother, or even aware of how badly she deals with her son, either. (although, having sex with your kid in the house happens with a lot of parents, so I'm not sure why Emma was so squicked out by it--er, aside from the obvious)
Hrm. That was the last sentence I wrote before running off to do errands and dinner. So I guess that's it.
BASICALLY:
-No Henry makes for a VERY enjoyable episode.
-YAY for filling in some things (OMG DUPLICATE JAMES SHOULD SHOW UP SOON [I'm sure he's 'dead' now])
-REGINA HAS A FRIEND OMG OMG OMG
-Her name is ~Abigail
-Mary Margaret, YOU GO, GIRL. Though, uh, ew? (pls only drink him under the tableand then find some character played by Trucco for some, um, comforting)
It is interesting to note that my enjoyment of an episode shoots up the less screen-time Henry has. It means that I truly enjoyed this episode, with the adults doing adult-type things and there being ANGST and all.
The episode filled in some gaps and gave us more questions, and added to the tapestry, and also, also, OMG Mary Margaret, but GOOD FOR YOU. And, omg DAVID, you are sort of a cad and all (except that you realized it, in the end). and and OMG KATHRYN. <3 (REGINA IS HER FRIIIIEEEND NOW <3 <3 <3)
Yeah, I ended up with more meta-y type thoughts, though (also, like, double James, really? lolololol also, hello, Mrs. King! Glad to see there weren't any Nazi Doctors around this time)
-=-
I don't think 'ending' the curse means we'll get Fairy Tale Land back.
I think Emma is a catalyst to push people into finding their OWN happiness. Time moves on (something that didn't happen before), and everyone gains more perspective. People live, people die.
The show keeps showing us that Fairy Tale Land was inherently shallow. It was too easy--it was all magic and flash, pretty baubles and True Love, people making wishes and bargains that got them everything easily (no one had to work for what they wanted). The reality they're in isn't like that--and won't ever be like that. Just look at the choices people have made: to take the hard road over the easy one (the girl wanting her baby, Jiminy standing up to Regina, James working on his marriage--even Emma staying in Sbrooke is a harder road than her simply walking away)
I could be wrong, they could all get FTL back, with their old memories (but how much more wrenching will it be with their new ones? Abigail with her perspective [yeah, I have Thoughts on Abigail], Regina with a friend, Snow with this sense of loss, the rest with their new responsibilities?)
The easy way out, the way that is magical and precious, would be for Emma to defeat Regina in some sort of Battle Royale, with Henry as the stakes. Then the old world comes flooding back and everyone is back to their old selves--perhaps only Regina or Emma will remember. Perhaps they won't. As it's FTL, the sudden addition of a grown-up Princess (Emma) with her son (Henry) will be taken in stride.
So I don't know what's going to happen--but I think everyone is going to evolve to get their Happy Ending (including, possibly, Regina--not that she's happy anyway)
Mostly, because the other seems to easy (and also limits the show pretty fast, to one season or so before the "will they make it back to FTL??!!" won't-they becomes annoying)
-=-
Abigail. I am unsurprised, yet disappointed, in the fandom reaction to her. I've seen descriptions ranging from 'annoying' to 'horrible personality' to, well, I'm sure you can think of something derisive towards women to put in there (it's being leveled at Regina as well, unsurprisingly)
The thing is, we know very little about her (knew even less before 1x6). She's a Princess. Her father is King Midas. She seems to have a disagreeable and slightly shallow personality. And she screams when being robbed.
So, um. Yeah.
Her father? Is King Midas. He's not exactly the nicest of men--for instance, he held a kingdom to ransom unless they killed a dragon, and then blackmailed them on their victory so that he could crown himself king over both realms (that's how that entire scene read--I don't care what King whatsit had done to get his son back, the point is that if he hadn't, Midas would have let them starve, and then invaded.) Fandom, surprisingly, thinks he's nice. IDEK, PEOPLE. I DON'T.
Growing up with a father like that, I imagine Abigail knew from an early age exactly what her 'worth' was. Is it any wonder she became a shallow, affected woman who cares for nothing? No one's ever cared for her beyond what she can be used for--a bargaining chip. Sadly, I don't think we'll get to see her story (neither Abigail nor Kathryn are important enough)--and, to be honest, I doubt the writers really have this backstory for her. I'm sure they think she's a one-dimensional 'shallow woman' stereotype, there to be an Obstacle to True Love. As they usually are, in fairy tales.
-=-
As for Kathryn, I have hopes for her. I'm not sure what they are, but right now, I really like her and think she's adorable and sweet--I sort of love that she's had 'time' (as it runs in that place) to realize the mistakes she made and to want to fix her marriage (yeah, I have a big thing for marriages being fixed as opposed to ended). I was hoping hoping HOPING that it would NOT be revealed that she was an Evil Woman Just Being Horrible, or whatever, in that she is actually genuine in her love and care for David. (or James, or whatever his name is)
(also, I have this ide for fic, but it's still sitting in the back of my head, so)
I'm not sure what to think about Regina's involvement--I mean, Regina was obviously trying to keep the curse running, and keep Snow from her happy ending. But, but. But now Regina has a friend. And I wonder how that will tip the balance? Will she allow Kathryn to stay happy?
(OMG REGINA HAS A FRIEND. MY FLAILING HANDS)
I can't even put into words what Regina's FACE at Kathryn's declaration did to my brain and thoughts--I mean, aside from the obvious OMG moment.
THIS IS NOT to say that Regina is suddenly going to become a Nice Person. BUT BUT.
Emma made time flow--for Regina, as much as for everyone else. Regina has been locked into a pattern where her life wasn't working the way she thinks it should--and I'm not sure she even realized that she wasn't happy. (I also think Henry is a substitute for a son or daughter--or possibly just for the father that she destroyed, but I think that's why a part of her doesn't connect to Henry, because he's NOT hers and NOT what she truly wants, though she thinks she does, and--)
I understand Regina's reaction to Emma so much. Regina spends ten years trying to be the perfect mother, trying to have her Happy Ending and it doesn't work. Henry doesn't even LIKE HER. And then Emma comes along, and in barely two minutes has this Magical, Wonderful rapport with Henry.
I'd be pissed off and over-protective, and liable to try to destroy both of them to keep Henry (it's a twisted logic), too. It's really hard for me to read Regina as 'being a bitch', because she's being protective and up-front and strong about what she wants. Is she supposed to just back off and give up her child for this woman she doesn't know? Emma didn't want him--she gave him up (and Regina knows how slimy Gold is, and HE procured the kid--somehow, I doubt Regina would give Gold a child). Emma's had a HISTORY of running away and moving on.
How is Regina supposed to trust that Emma won't do the same to Henry when she gets bored?
And that's leaving aside the jealousy and envy over how they click together (everything Regina wants and doesn't understand why she doesn't have)
I don't think she's a perfect mother, or even aware of how badly she deals with her son, either. (although, having sex with your kid in the house happens with a lot of parents, so I'm not sure why Emma was so squicked out by it--er, aside from the obvious)
Hrm. That was the last sentence I wrote before running off to do errands and dinner. So I guess that's it.
BASICALLY:
-No Henry makes for a VERY enjoyable episode.
-YAY for filling in some things (OMG DUPLICATE JAMES SHOULD SHOW UP SOON [I'm sure he's 'dead' now])
-REGINA HAS A FRIEND OMG OMG OMG
-Her name is ~Abigail
-Mary Margaret, YOU GO, GIRL. Though, uh, ew? (pls only drink him under the table
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I agree that FTL likely isn't coming back, but that we'll get to equally satisfactory resolutions for everyone in this world. And until that happens, they'll give us lots of lovely fairy tale backstory.
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We barely see Abigail but even in that few moments I could tell she's no more thrilled about the whole marriage thing then the Prince (James was the name of his brother so maybe he really is David - I'm sure he told snow but no wonder she kept calling him Charming) Abigail acts like she does because when you can't say why you don't want something everything bothers you (the way people explained why David made fun of the dog's name last time). There was a moment that I got a feeling she was already in love with someone else or was one of those Princesses who made ridiculous demands to avoid getting married (there are several stories like that and with Midas adding Greek myths to the mix is hard to tell which one might be used here). I hope that this is how they will go with this. I was so afraid that they will make her a Shrew Obstacle to True Love but now I have hope.
I have hope because Kathryn turned out to actually be who she said she was. There was so much speculation about her lying about marriage and being in league with Regina but she wasn't. She, like all other Storybrooke inhabitants doesn't remember and thinks this is her life. She as duped as everyone else and since no one can have a happy ending marrying Prince Charming wasn't hers. Still, she's trying her best. She thinks it's true and she is prepared to fight for her marriage. And she wants to be Regina's friend. She is awesome.
Even if that breaks the Snow/Charming I adore. I wasn't really angry at David. He just wake from coma and is a blank slate. Making long term plans with people without memories is like letting a kid do it. When you lack the experience of hardships of sticking to your goals how can you make decisions about the rest of your lives. His disregard for Kathryn was bigger clue then whatever he said to MM. I was actually happy he was turned into a Storybrooke citizen (or "remembered") and went back home. Even if I believe he and MM belong together. Even though I believe MM was fully justified.
I adore Regina and have to remind myself Henry is right and she is evil or I would be completely on her side. Especially when the custody is concerned. Even with the Fairyland story being true the whole thing with her son turning to stranger who abandoned him and hating someone who took care for him is heartbreaking. Even knowing she was evil I wanted her to push back at Jiminy last week telling him he wouldn't make a great witness when he testifies against her after she fires him.
I don't hate Henry as much as you do. He is 10 and I kind of remember hating my parents and wishing I was adopted and had a better ones when I was a kid. Kids are stupid, ungrateful and think their parents are unfair. I still am working on apologies for some of my behaviour and I wasn't all that bad. I'm angry at all the adults that facilitate that behaviour. Henry would be much less grating if everyone wasn't all 'he is so precious we must do what he wants'.
I have few other thought but that's long enough and I need sleep.
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REGINA HAS A FRIEND!!! Oh, show...please don't take Kathryn away or make Regina do something awful to her. SHE NEEDS A FRIEND! And not just a sex-buddy she doesn't seem to even like.
I have a feeling this show is going to majorly disappoint me at some point because Regina just gives me ALL THE ~FEELINGS and I know she's the 'villain', according to the show, and will therefore be denied her happy ending (probably.) Which, given that we share the belief that she lost a child, I don't even know if that's something she can have but I want it for her. SO BADLY! Almost as much as I want them to recast that kid so I can actually care about who he ends up with. Right now, I just want him gone :)
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I love the idea that the happy endings could be in this world rather then back in FTL.
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I also think (and hope) you're wrong about the writers ignoring Abigail. Lost's MO was basically to have flashbacks in every episode attempting to make characters sympathetic (with varying results in the minds of viewers, but still). I hope the theory that Abigail was in love with someone a few years ago that Midas killed, sent to war specifically to get killed, or coerced into leaving or marrying someone else, because he thought the guy wasn't good enough for Abigail, and so she became all cold and stopped caring who she married. This seems like something Lost writers would do. Also, this reminds me of that fic I always wanted to write about Lady Vivian from that s2 ep of Merlin.
I think I still ship David/MM because of...reasons, and also because it seems like Snow and Charming built up a real relationship as opposed to a fairy tale one (see: Enchanted) but I'm glad it won't be too easy and that he's staying with Kathryn for the moment. I think we will see more of them now, not too much but still more. Oh yeah, and I also think she will eventually leave him, and I also think she's the one who somehow got the engagement called off in FTL because if James had jilted her, Midas would have killed him dead without hesitating. Maybe she proved he was really a peasant or something.
Oh, and I am glad she and Regina are actually becoming friends. When I saw the preview for that scene with Regina and MM I thought Regina was just panicking about the curse unravelling. She probably never had friends before, and who knows if Abigail/Kathryn did, so, yay.
Also,
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I also agree about David & MM shipping for their FTL relationship that wasn't based on a bargain, or a wish... (why do I want to say "Faster Than Light" vs. "Fairy Tale Land" here? *lol*)
Kathryn - oh, she's a better character than I thought she was going to be. I figured she'd be an all flash & no substance character since Regina found her, however, she's turning out not to be that - esp when she said that Regina was now her friend. As for her Abigail status - man, no wonder she was a character we all disregarded... we didn't know she was raised to be handed off to the "highest bidder" as it were by her father.
Regina - she's really, mostly going about things in the wrong way but strangely, with Kathryn, she's not totally in the wrong or being a total bitch. She's evil and stuck in a rut but doesn't know how to adapt and
MM - Oh, she was trying to be bold and change herself but man, how it didn't work like she wanted to. (And, I agree - she needs to drink Mr. Conceited under the table! :-p)
Emma - she likes Graham, there's a budding romance there & I can see why she'd be squicked out at Graham & Regina. Not so much for Henry's sake, but because she doesn't want to have to fight Regina on him as well and she really doesn't like to have the thought of them together stuck in her head.
I have so much to say on this week's ep (12/11) that I don't even know where to start... Graham, oh Graham! He's so sweet and awesome and, and, and.... "Spoilers!" to borrow River's key phrase.