Original Air Date: 4 December 2011
Mary Margaret: The dishes were just piling up.
Emma: This have anything to do with David stopping by? I saw him sulking as I pulled up.
Mary Margaret: We just... um... he just...
Emma: Yeah, I know what you both "just."
Review: After a series of Henry-centric episodes, I was glad to see this one didn't feature the prodigy kid just as much. Don't get me wrong, I love the little guy to death and Jared Gilmore is one of the best actors this show brought to us, but every once in a while, I want to step into adulthood just as much. And that's exactly what OUaT did this week, in an episode focused on Prince Charming/David Nolan and his real life and fairy tale world romantic relationships.
Another thing this series does to the point of perfection is character development. The action moves quite slowly in real life, with the episodes covering days rather than weeks, but the alternate focus on one or two of the main characters each week and the blend between reality and fantasy leads to a steady unraveling of each of their lives and personalities, allowing us to know them well before deciding to root for one or the other.
This week, the focus returned on Prince Charming/David Nolan. It was a treat, and even more so because of Josh Dallas' live tweeting during Sunday's installment. In Storybrooke, David was struggling with his amnesia and his growing feelings for Mary Margaret; all the while, back in the fantasy world, a surprise back story unfolded, one that saw the rise of a young man from the poor life of a shepherd to a dragon slaying hero and the future ruler of a kingdom. It was also the story of choosing between doing what was expected of him versus finding true love - one that found its mirror in Storybrooke, with David being forced to choose between Mary Margaret and his wife, Kathryn, who turned out to be Abigail, King Midas' daughter, whom James was forced to marry in exchange for saving the kingdom and his mother.
This couldn't have been a better opportunity to see Rumpelstiltskin hard at work in his child procuring business - and what a treat that was as well! Robert Carlyle is magnificent and I've already adopted his "dearie" in my day to day conversations. It was a great surprise to find out that Prince Charming had a twin brother, one who was sold by his parents to the king and queen (who couldn't conceive) in exchange for saving their farm. But his twin - James - was killed, and Rumpelstiltskin convinced the young shepherd to pose as his brother and slay a dragon pillaging Kind Midas' lands. I love it when there's more to these characters than meets the eye and Charming's back story is one fit for a true hero.
Unfortunately, much like in the fairy tale world, where James chose Abigail in order to save his mother, David went back to his wife in hopes of doing the right thing. Unfortunately, that left Mary Margaret - who had just decided to go with her heart instead of her head - heartbroken, much to Regina's contentment. But no one said these two would have it easy, finding true love never is.
I am wondering now if Mary Margaret will get into a relationship with Dr. Whale. I realized I haven't even mentioned David Anders, though he's one of my long time crushes from back when he charmed an entire world with his British accent as one of the sexiest villains on TV, Julian Sark. I'm more than excited to see him, despite the sometimes not so rootable characters he plays.
I was glad Emma didn't get a big arc this week, and that's weird, seeing how she's supposed to be the main character of the show. But sometimes, just sometimes, Jennifer Morrison reminds me of her annoying HIMYM role and I's rather not see as much of her. But I loved the scene when she discovered Sheriff Graham climbing out the mayor's window: he was pathetic in his "I really do work at an animal shelter" whine. He may be the huntsman, but he's no real man, at least not in Storybrooke.Once Upon a Time 1x05: That Still Small Voice Back to Season 1
