I've been reading a lot of criticism of Once Upon a Time's season 5 episode 6 "The Bear and the Bow," and I wanted to take a deeper look into what happened in that episode that has fans so riled up and confused. So here's a quick recap, and then a review/analysis of what OUAT seems to be doing with this tricky episode.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Monday, November 2, 2015
Season Five: Analyzing Where the Characters Have Been and Where They Still Need to Go
So since we're at the start of a new season, one that seems to promise quite a bit of excitement as well as some long needed character development, I want to take a moment to muse about the the development of the main trio over the past four seasons, as well as a brief look at the rest of the cast, and point out where I think their characters still need development.Emma Swan and Regina Mills: Parallels
-- Let's start with Emma Swan, the Dark Swan/Dark One herself, and her counterpart in the show: Regina, the Evil Queen, now New Savior. Emma began Season 1 as the hoped for Savior, and we learned exactly how she'd been "created" that way by none other than Rumpelstiltskin, who also, as we soon found out in Seasons 2 and 3, created her arch-nemesis in Season 1 (and arguably her counterpart in the story) the Evil Queen. In seasons 2 and 3 the show explored how Regina and Emma felt now that they had time to process being forced into these roles, partly by Rumpelstiltskin's manipulations, and partly by their respective parents (who, of course, had their best interests at heart).
Regina: From Evil Queen/Mayor to New Savior:
The end result of this was Regina's redemption arch (which technically spanned three, if not four seasons), turning her from an abusive, manipulative parent (in the vein of her mother Cora), a rapist, a murderer, and someone obsessed with vengeance in Season 1, to a wavering villain -- questioning her loyalties to her mother -- in Season 2, to an anti-hero (not afraid to get her hands dirty) in Season 3A, to the more explicit hero and wielder of light magic in Season 3B, and finally to the woman who could willingly give up everything she loved (at one point or another) without needing revenge and who could now advise Emma and the Charmings as to the right course of action in Season 4 -- someone who actually makes sense as a hero in Isaac's topsy-turvy version of the story. Finally, in Season 5, Regina is in name and probably in spirit the Savior.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Rumbelle: What Goes Around Comes Around
It's been a while since I last posted, and I wanted to get in a little analysis of the story so far as the writers of Once Upon a Time have spun it. The story I'm talking about is Rumpelstiltskin/Beauty and the Beast as it appears on Once. So, if you're looking for pirate captains, witches, or dwarves, you won't find them here. Not today anyway.
I've written before about how Beauty and the Beast parallels, in many ways, the plot and themes of Jane Eyre, which critics long before me have noted, but also how interestingly Once's version sticks surprisingly close to it as well.
So my latest observation, besides noting that Belle did indeed follow the Jane Eyre model by rejecting, painfully, Rumpelstiltskin (though the banishment trope sort of went the other way), is to note that now Rumpelstiltskin and Belle's story has at last come full circle.
At the beginning of their story together, Rumpelstiltskin made a discovery about what he believed were Belle's true motives. Then he banished her. Now Belle has (finally!) made a similar discover (will she prove to be wrong too? I don't think so.) and has banished Rumpelstiltskin. Of course, he didn't stay banished for long, but then, neither did she -- as we discovered in seasons 2 and 3.
What does all of this mean? I don't know. I hesitate to predict, but if the story continues to follow the pattern of Jane Eyre, Belle will possibly be tempted down a different path with a possibly different suitor and Rumpelstiltskin will finally have to come to terms with (witness the destruction of) those old sins and patterns that held him back (in Jane Eyre this is literally symbolized by Bertha, Rochester's first wife; in Once, this is the dagger). Of course, just like Rochester, Rumpelstiltksin was trying to have his cake and eat it too -- before he got caught. He was trying to get rid of the dagger (Bertha), and keep Belle (Jane).
If Rumpelstiltskin is humbled by fate (like Rochester) and loses his power completely, he may have a chance of getting back together with Belle, who will have gone through her own journey at that point. Of course, there is one major difference here: In Jane Eyre, Jane rejects Rochester's love and flees from him, but she never actually rejects him in her heart. Belle, on the other hand, seems to have openly accepted that Rumpelstiltskin was a bad choice for her. I agree with her, but I still wonder if this story is going to keep following its literary predecessor?
My two cents.
I've written before about how Beauty and the Beast parallels, in many ways, the plot and themes of Jane Eyre, which critics long before me have noted, but also how interestingly Once's version sticks surprisingly close to it as well.
So my latest observation, besides noting that Belle did indeed follow the Jane Eyre model by rejecting, painfully, Rumpelstiltskin (though the banishment trope sort of went the other way), is to note that now Rumpelstiltskin and Belle's story has at last come full circle.
At the beginning of their story together, Rumpelstiltskin made a discovery about what he believed were Belle's true motives. Then he banished her. Now Belle has (finally!) made a similar discover (will she prove to be wrong too? I don't think so.) and has banished Rumpelstiltskin. Of course, he didn't stay banished for long, but then, neither did she -- as we discovered in seasons 2 and 3.
What does all of this mean? I don't know. I hesitate to predict, but if the story continues to follow the pattern of Jane Eyre, Belle will possibly be tempted down a different path with a possibly different suitor and Rumpelstiltskin will finally have to come to terms with (witness the destruction of) those old sins and patterns that held him back (in Jane Eyre this is literally symbolized by Bertha, Rochester's first wife; in Once, this is the dagger). Of course, just like Rochester, Rumpelstiltksin was trying to have his cake and eat it too -- before he got caught. He was trying to get rid of the dagger (Bertha), and keep Belle (Jane).
If Rumpelstiltskin is humbled by fate (like Rochester) and loses his power completely, he may have a chance of getting back together with Belle, who will have gone through her own journey at that point. Of course, there is one major difference here: In Jane Eyre, Jane rejects Rochester's love and flees from him, but she never actually rejects him in her heart. Belle, on the other hand, seems to have openly accepted that Rumpelstiltskin was a bad choice for her. I agree with her, but I still wonder if this story is going to keep following its literary predecessor?
My two cents.
Monday, August 4, 2014
What to do while you wait for OUAT to return.
Maybe you've already found enough to keep you occupied until the show returns in late September. But if you're like me, you may not have a lot to occupy your mind between now and then, or maybe you just miss the show. So here's a list of books, films, and television series that might be able to satisfy a wistful Oncer while waiting for the return to Storybrooke, and (cringe) Queen Elsa....(no offense to the Frozen fans).
Recommended Books for Oncers:
1. The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinnley (see also Rose Daughter and Beauty for Beauty and the Beast retellings). For Robin Hood fans (hoodies?) McKinnley's story is a fun and multi-character approach to the legend that tries to deconstruct the myth to find the ordinary man. If you like female outlaws, some violence, and delicate romance, you'll like this book. A quick and easy read, even if the ending is a bit unrealistic. If you like a bit more history in your historical fiction, try Hood (Stephen R. Lawhead).
2. The Lunar Chronicles - If you're one who doesn't mind sci-fi (or the occasional, ok, blatant Sailor Moon reference) when dealing with fairy tale favorites, you may like this so far three-volume series. The books reuse Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel to tell a connected story of a cyborg who will one day be queen. Each book focuses on a different heroine. I predict Oncers will love Scarlet (the second book) best, especially those who miss Ruby/Red.
3. The Book of Lost Things - John Connolly. For those who enjoyed the creepiness of the second half of season three, this may be the book for you. It includes a lot of fairy tales as you've probably not heard them before, but beware the down-right horror of some of them.
4. Wicked - Gregory MacGuire. If you at all enjoyed Zelena, or you haven't somehow heard of the musical, try this one on for size. Not a terrible adaptation, though a bit bizarrely plotted. The Wicked Witch was never quite so sympathetic until MacGuire got hold of her. (Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister isn't bad either for those who liked the Red Queen.)
5. The Lookingglass Wars - I haven't read this myself but the series is highly recommended by many as a wonderful Alice adaptation. Perhaps it would soothe those disappointed Wonderland fans or anyone who just misses Jefferson.
6. The Shadow of the Bear - Regina Doman. If you don't mind a delicately handled adaptation from a Catholic author, or if you would like a story that takes its characters' faith seriously without being preachy, this is a good choice for Snow fans. The first book is based on the fairy tale of Snow White and Rose Red, but is mainly centered on the Snow character, with the sequel a solid Snow White adaptation in its own right.
7. Cruel Beauty - Rosamunde Hodge. A weird little number, biting, dark, and a bit twisted, but if you happen to like those traits in your Beauty and the Beast retellings, this is something you might really enjoy. I have to say this is certainly the only B&B retelling I've read that gives the "beast" a personality anything close to that of Once's Rumpelstiltskin. Beauty, however, is closer to Lacey than Belle, so be warned (or be delighted, depending on your preference).
Recommended Movies and TV for Oncers:
1. SyFy Alice (miniseries). For Jefferson fans for sure, this adaptation takes an adult Alice through a really unique and modern twist on Wonderland. One of the biggest draws for this series is that this version of Alice is basically the brunette clone of Emma Swan, complete with judo skills and a fear of commitment, not to mention parental abandonment issues and love triangles. And Hatter is a fantastic foil for her.
2. Robin Hood (BBC TV). I've never watched it, but I know the first season I supposedly very good. A sort of Robin Hood reimagining that is vaguely reminiscent of the treatment A Knight's Tale gave Chaucer. Warning: Character death.
3. Peter Pan (2003). Yes, it's a kids movie in some respects, but it's also the best and most loyal (in spirit) adaptation of the story I've ever seen. Jason Isaac's Hook is incredible and sexy too.
4. Neverland (TV series). Though it wasn't around for long, this series proved an innovative reimagining of the story with a wonderfully twisted relationship between Peter and Hook. If you are at all a fan of Once's young Balefire and Hook, you will probably enjoy this quite a bit. The story focuses equally on protagonist and eventual antagonist. They both start out in Victorian London as friends and business associates (think Dickens' Fagin and the Artful Dodger). Their relationship becomes complicated when a freak magical accident places ishthem in an alternate world. Lady pirate captains, realistic Native Americans, and sexy Rhys Ifans (Hook) make this a fun series.
5. Cinderella 2000 - a weird British miniseries/short film version of the story that isn't really set in any time or place. It's probably a love/hate pick, but if you don't mind the sometimes terrible graphics (hey, if you watch Once, it's no biggie, right?) and the often weird choices, this could be a lot of fun. It is certainly different.
6. The Tenth Kingdom (miniseries) - a fun and light-hearted adventure with a jaded heroine a la Emma Swan. Lots of different fairy tales included, but the Big Bad Wolf gets the most screen time. Don't worry; you'll want him to.
7. Snow White and the Huntsman/Mirror Mirror - two very different Snow White interpretations, both with strengths and weaknesses. The first is dark but confusingly plotted; the second is fun but ridiculous.
8. Fairy Tales (2008) - miniseries of four tales adapted to modern settings. Some of these interpretations are dark, some funny, all romantic. Each episode feels like a short film, and I have to say that the Rapunzel adaptation was quite funny.
9. Arabian Nights (miniseries) - Though Once really only started exploring this territory with Once in Wonderland, any Oncer will probably enjoy this creative retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. Many tales are creatively woven into the romantic story of the two leads. Some great actor cameos too.
10. Penny Dreadful (current tv series) for those whose favorite episodes involved Dr. Whale, this series is highly recommended (definitely for adults) and centers on Victorian vampires, mystics, and Dr. Frankenstein.
Can you recommend any other adaptations that would be appealing to Oncers? Let me know.
Recommended Books for Oncers:
1. The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinnley (see also Rose Daughter and Beauty for Beauty and the Beast retellings). For Robin Hood fans (hoodies?) McKinnley's story is a fun and multi-character approach to the legend that tries to deconstruct the myth to find the ordinary man. If you like female outlaws, some violence, and delicate romance, you'll like this book. A quick and easy read, even if the ending is a bit unrealistic. If you like a bit more history in your historical fiction, try Hood (Stephen R. Lawhead).
2. The Lunar Chronicles - If you're one who doesn't mind sci-fi (or the occasional, ok, blatant Sailor Moon reference) when dealing with fairy tale favorites, you may like this so far three-volume series. The books reuse Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel to tell a connected story of a cyborg who will one day be queen. Each book focuses on a different heroine. I predict Oncers will love Scarlet (the second book) best, especially those who miss Ruby/Red.
3. The Book of Lost Things - John Connolly. For those who enjoyed the creepiness of the second half of season three, this may be the book for you. It includes a lot of fairy tales as you've probably not heard them before, but beware the down-right horror of some of them.
4. Wicked - Gregory MacGuire. If you at all enjoyed Zelena, or you haven't somehow heard of the musical, try this one on for size. Not a terrible adaptation, though a bit bizarrely plotted. The Wicked Witch was never quite so sympathetic until MacGuire got hold of her. (Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister isn't bad either for those who liked the Red Queen.)
5. The Lookingglass Wars - I haven't read this myself but the series is highly recommended by many as a wonderful Alice adaptation. Perhaps it would soothe those disappointed Wonderland fans or anyone who just misses Jefferson.
6. The Shadow of the Bear - Regina Doman. If you don't mind a delicately handled adaptation from a Catholic author, or if you would like a story that takes its characters' faith seriously without being preachy, this is a good choice for Snow fans. The first book is based on the fairy tale of Snow White and Rose Red, but is mainly centered on the Snow character, with the sequel a solid Snow White adaptation in its own right.
7. Cruel Beauty - Rosamunde Hodge. A weird little number, biting, dark, and a bit twisted, but if you happen to like those traits in your Beauty and the Beast retellings, this is something you might really enjoy. I have to say this is certainly the only B&B retelling I've read that gives the "beast" a personality anything close to that of Once's Rumpelstiltskin. Beauty, however, is closer to Lacey than Belle, so be warned (or be delighted, depending on your preference).
Recommended Movies and TV for Oncers:
1. SyFy Alice (miniseries). For Jefferson fans for sure, this adaptation takes an adult Alice through a really unique and modern twist on Wonderland. One of the biggest draws for this series is that this version of Alice is basically the brunette clone of Emma Swan, complete with judo skills and a fear of commitment, not to mention parental abandonment issues and love triangles. And Hatter is a fantastic foil for her.
2. Robin Hood (BBC TV). I've never watched it, but I know the first season I supposedly very good. A sort of Robin Hood reimagining that is vaguely reminiscent of the treatment A Knight's Tale gave Chaucer. Warning: Character death.
3. Peter Pan (2003). Yes, it's a kids movie in some respects, but it's also the best and most loyal (in spirit) adaptation of the story I've ever seen. Jason Isaac's Hook is incredible and sexy too.
4. Neverland (TV series). Though it wasn't around for long, this series proved an innovative reimagining of the story with a wonderfully twisted relationship between Peter and Hook. If you are at all a fan of Once's young Balefire and Hook, you will probably enjoy this quite a bit. The story focuses equally on protagonist and eventual antagonist. They both start out in Victorian London as friends and business associates (think Dickens' Fagin and the Artful Dodger). Their relationship becomes complicated when a freak magical accident places ishthem in an alternate world. Lady pirate captains, realistic Native Americans, and sexy Rhys Ifans (Hook) make this a fun series.
5. Cinderella 2000 - a weird British miniseries/short film version of the story that isn't really set in any time or place. It's probably a love/hate pick, but if you don't mind the sometimes terrible graphics (hey, if you watch Once, it's no biggie, right?) and the often weird choices, this could be a lot of fun. It is certainly different.
6. The Tenth Kingdom (miniseries) - a fun and light-hearted adventure with a jaded heroine a la Emma Swan. Lots of different fairy tales included, but the Big Bad Wolf gets the most screen time. Don't worry; you'll want him to.
7. Snow White and the Huntsman/Mirror Mirror - two very different Snow White interpretations, both with strengths and weaknesses. The first is dark but confusingly plotted; the second is fun but ridiculous.
8. Fairy Tales (2008) - miniseries of four tales adapted to modern settings. Some of these interpretations are dark, some funny, all romantic. Each episode feels like a short film, and I have to say that the Rapunzel adaptation was quite funny.
9. Arabian Nights (miniseries) - Though Once really only started exploring this territory with Once in Wonderland, any Oncer will probably enjoy this creative retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. Many tales are creatively woven into the romantic story of the two leads. Some great actor cameos too.
10. Penny Dreadful (current tv series) for those whose favorite episodes involved Dr. Whale, this series is highly recommended (definitely for adults) and centers on Victorian vampires, mystics, and Dr. Frankenstein.
Can you recommend any other adaptations that would be appealing to Oncers? Let me know.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Rumbelle: The Wedding...or Funeral...of the Season
Whew.....Where to start?
If you haven't seen the last episode of the third season and don't want to read spoilers, don't read the rest of this post (and stay off of the internet). If you want to ponder the strange events of the last episode as they concern Rumbelle, or if you thought everything was and is perfect, keep reading and tell me what you think at the end.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Once Upon a Time - Season Three (Part Two) - Time to Poll the Audience
Season three for Once Upon a Time seems to be gearing up for a lot of surprises. In honor of that, I've got some questions I'd like to see answered.
The first is the writers' interesting promise that one of the main characters will die and won't come back. This has a lot of fans a bit nervous (and some hoping their least favorite character will get lost). I don't have a dog in the fight (though I have my suspicions), and I'm curious to see what others think.
The first is the writers' interesting promise that one of the main characters will die and won't come back. This has a lot of fans a bit nervous (and some hoping their least favorite character will get lost). I don't have a dog in the fight (though I have my suspicions), and I'm curious to see what others think.
And in general I'd like to see what you think about some other general questions. The data from these questions will go toward attempting to establish what the majority of fans thinks about Once Upon a Time. (No double voting please.) Fan Favorites
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Once Upon a Time Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Personality Types (Just for Fun!)
So, while waiting for the next half of season 3 to arrive, I've decided to use the Myers-Briggs personality system to type the characters of ABC's Once Upon a Time. Please note that these typings are only based on my observations of the characters. Feel free to disagree. (Note: For more information on the system itself, see this site: Myers Briggs.)
So let's get started!
So let's get started!
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