“Quiet Minds”

**SPOILER ALERT**

Not everyone will survive this new curse…

What in the world does the Wicked Witch want with Snow White’s baby? I knew there was something ominous about the way Zelena hawks over the naively trusting Snow. Her motives make my skin crawl. I wanted to yell at Snow “don’t drink the OJ!!” Of course she did, which also makes me wonder what Zelena mixed with it. While I still find the chemistry between Snow and Zelena lackluster, their polarizing wardrobe was almost enough to make up for it. Snow was dressed softly in a baby blue maternity dress, while Zelena was in a very sharply detailed overcoat with an emerald brooch that screamed “Witch,” like she’d stepped off the pages of a seasonal catalogue.

I cannot buy into Emma’s sudden magical prowess. It’s a skill in need of honing, or at least it has been up until now. She hasn’t practiced magic in over a year, nor was she particularly skilled. She was full of raw unguided talent that Regina was helping her craft. Yet suddenly she’s powerful enough to separate Neil from Rumple with minimal effort. Maybe her talents have grown. If so she could be the wild card Zelena hasn’t factored in.

Through flashbacks, we learn how Rumple and Neil have come to share the same body. It’s tragically touching to see Rumple choose his boy over the dagger that controls him. Unfortunately Zelena now controls the dagger and therefore Rumple (he’s once more in the hands of evil). As Neil said, “If anyone can find a loophole it’s my dad.” Hope that’s true because I see revenge in Rumple’s near future. He has his son’s death to avenge.

Neil’s death did not achieve a great deal, if anything it cost the town by putting Rumple back in Zelena’s control. With two minds in one body, it was uncontrollable madness that not even Zelena could touch.

Not sure how much Neil will be missed by fans. He wasn’t a big part of the Once Upon a Time plot but did help fill out a few storylines. Those rooting for a Neil/Emma hook-up are going to be sorely disappointed. Perhaps this will give Rumple a new opportunity to start over, maybe he and Belle can have a family of their own. That’s essentially what Snow and Charming are doing.

With Neil out of the picture, Hook may finally have a real chance with Emma. I’ve become an ardent Hook fan, especially since he’s matured into quite the loveable character. His honor grows with each episode. I was as shocked as Neil when Hook hugged him. I half expected something more malicious. They have a history that is often ignored and it was commendable to see the way Hook handled it. Only fitting since that was the last exchange they’ll ever have.

Regina and Robin Hood are getting along very well. It’s about time! The Evil Queen is in desperate need of a love interest, and this one is the total package (he even comes with a kid!). It freaks Regina out when she realizes Robin is the soul mate Tinkerbell once pushed her towards. She ran away from true love once before, let’s hope she doesn’t make the same mistake twice.

Emma is still thinking about taking Henry back to New York. He was happy there, so was she. Henry still doesn’t have his memories and Emma thinks that might be for the best. Emma and Henry will have to make some tough choices about their future soon. Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power. Can’t wait to see how this all plays out next week!

Aurora Snow Says

Episode Rating:

[Rating:4/5]