“The New Neverland”

No matter where you go or what you do there will always be a problem to deal with. Sure you can run, but you can’t hide. Running from it simply exchanges one problem for another as evidenced in the latest installment of Once Upon A Time, “The New Neverland.” How we cope with our problems is perhaps the real key to finding happiness. If nothing else this episode teaches us that happiness is found in moments. And it’s those moments we must treasure and hold onto so that we can handle the chaos around us.

Speaking of chaos, Storybrooke has no idea what it’s in for. With the devious Pan hidden inside Henry’s body mischief is sure to abound. It’s almost too easy for Pan to achieve his goals. He manipulates Regina, using both her insecurities about Henry and her love for him against her. At first I thought Regina fell for Pan’s tricks a little too easily, but when I took into account how much fear and anxiety she has over losing Henry to his biological mother it all made sense. Of course Regina was duped, Pan in Henry’s body said everything Regina has so longed to hear. She was overpowered with a need to be loved in return.

Beloved by all, Emma, doesn’t suffer from the same insecurities. Though she was hesitant to label it she knew right away Henry wasn’t himself. Inappropriately sensing jealousy, Regina and her parents initially dismissed Emma’s “gut feelings.” Sometimes the gut is right, and that always seem true when it comes to Emma’s. Thanks to the savior the real Henry was discovered albeit in Pan’s body.

Robbie Kay makes a splendid Peter Pan, but as Henry he wasn’t as easy to believe. It was more of a stretch to accept, which makes me hope he returns to being Pan as soon as possible.  On the flip side, Jared Gilmore is quite the convincing Pan. For most of OUAT he’s had to play the goody-two-shoes character so this is a rare opportunity for Gilmore to let his devious nature fly. He’s doing an excellent job this season with slightly more complicated material.

I must admit Prince Charming is often one of my least favorite characters. He typically acts like a dolt, though loving just not terribly bright. So this particular episode caught me by surprise. David has suddenly sprouted a rather charming sense of humor and a sense of reality. He’s finally learned how to deal with the leading ladies in his life. He gave some very sound, almost fatherly advice to Emma and through flashbacks we see that he was able to do the same for Snow.

The flashbacks were okay, nothing too dazzling. I was disappointed we didn’t see more of Medusa or perhaps her handiwork. This concept was ripe with potential, but the entertainment factor lagged a little. What a botched opportunity for adventure! (The CGI wasn’t as impressive as usual either.) Seeing how Snow and Charming spent their honeymoon was a real testament to the kind of relationship they have. Nothing ever comes easy for those two.

It’s not just our characters that are in trouble this week, but Storybrooke as whole. Peter Pan got his hands on Regina’s curse and intends to replicate it. What that means is anyone’s guess. Will our characters once again not know who they are? Or will they be ripped from this land and return to where they are from? As a fan, I’m partial to neither option. I enjoy the dual identities our characters possess in modern day times. It wouldn’t be half as much fun if they were limited to being fairytale creatures. Besides where would Emma and Henry fit in? Here’s to hoping Pan is stopped in next week’s mid season finale.

Aurora Snow Says

Episode Rating:

[Rating:3.5/5]

Available on iTunes