Review: Once Upon A Time Season 6
Fairy tales have certainly influenced my writing of children’s books, and even come to life to some extent in my novels (particularly BONES AT BREAKFAST). It is no secret that I enjoy them, but am very picky about what I choose to watch. Once Upon a Time has always grabbed my attention because of its inclusion of not just Disney versions of the tales, but also classic literature.
While Season 5 was a big dud in my mind, it had its high points. Season 6 goes back to what made Season 1 so good, and included more classics. It escaped the fairy tale world and made its way into some great fiction literature.
The Good: The additions of Aladdin, Mr. Hyde, Count of Monte Cristo, and a few others worked quite well, while characters like Cinderella finally got a proper back story. The Evil queen vs Regina started out a little rough, but by the end I liked what they did with it. The whole season provided a great canvas to end the current run of characters and it properly sets up season 7 as a reboot with Henry being an adult.
The Bad: There were still flaws with some of the narratives. I feel that the Wicked Witch was wasted here, and Rumpelstiltskin was slightly under used, even though they both played a key role. Emma and Hook were great together, but to me it seemed very redundant with Emma’s role this season. Her performance didn’t move me at all, nor her story. Even though they used other classic tales, I feel like it still lacked for the most part in diversity (as far as types of stories).
Overall: It wasn’t the best season, but way better than the worst. The fact that they are rebooting next season is a welcome addition, but I’m still cautious with my hopes. It could go two ways… 1) it could end up being a fantastic reboot, pretty much ignoring or only referencing the original characters. Using them as cameos as fine, but I no longer want to see those people as a focus (except Henry’s story). Although I wouldn’t mind Regina and Rumple still having significant roles. They have a blank slate where they can go more horror with Dracula, more Frankenstein, etc etc that would really make it feel new. Or 2) They could just rehash the same formula and have nothing new to bring to the table. I’m hoping for the former, but in the meantime I’ll rate Season 6 with 4 out of 5 sCrypt coffins.
What were your thoughts? And Where would you like the series to go from here? Comment below.
Review: Once Upon A Time Season 6 part 1
Well the winter finale has happened, so how is this season shaping up so far? Last year we were left with a mostly unwatchable series, but now we seem to be going back to what originally made this show great. Below will be spoilers, so be warned. If you want my rating without the spoilery material, then scroll down to the last paragraph.
The Snow White family: Snow White, Prince Charming, Emma, and Henry are exactly what they started out as. Henry’s holding everything together, Emma is doubting herself, Snow and the Prince are acting like real leaders. My question is what happened to their other baby? Has he been written out of the show? This seems like a plot point that needs to be addressed. Other than that, I have no complaints so far. Even the return of the sleeping curse (with a major twist) was very creative.
Regina vs The Evil Queen and where the Wicked Witch lies: This just reminds me how much I missed the Evil Queen. I love Regina as a good guy, but she’s so much better when she’s bad. I’m not sure I like the dynamic between her and Rumple, but it doesn’t take away from anything. Zelena is always better showing her wicked side, and we’ve gotten away from that a bit, but it’s starting to return, which I love.
Captain Hook and Nemo – Hook has proven to be quite the hero all around. Even his past seems to haunt him in ways I didn’t think possible. The 20,000 Leagues under the sea episode was one of my favorite this season. It proved Hook can be like a father to Henry, and leaves me with no doubt that he has good intentions.
Belle and the Beast: Rumplestiltskin proves to be a thorn in his own side. As evil as he is, he still doesn’t seem like the threat he used to be. Instead of everyone fearing him, it is really Belle who does for their baby. Rumple is a beast to himself more than anything and causes much of his own sorrow. I want the secure beast to return and be the ultimate bad with his ways. Otherwise the portrayal falls a little flat for me at times.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – What a twist! I had no idea the roles would be reversed, but they did it in traditional Once Upon a Time fashion. They were a short lived arc, but given just the right amount of time.
Aladdin, Jasmine, & Jafaar – Even Iago the parrot got his little cameo this time. Jafaar has been recast since Wonderland, but the transition was smooth. I only question when this happens in the timeline. Since Wonderland a few seasons ago seemed off time wise, it makes for confusion for long time fans. Aside from that, I like how they told the story of these three, and look forward to more. There were nods to the late Robin Williams (who played the Genie in the animated film), and to Abu the monkey. I think Aladdin deciding to put on the cuffs and becoming the next Genie was an interesting approach.
Morpheus: He appears in a dream to Rumple and Belle as their unborn son. It was a small nod to the Greek leftovers from last season, but it didn’t feel forced or out of place any of the times he was there.
The Count Of Monte Cristo – This was the first episode in a few seasons that had me feeling refreshed. It finally focused on something new, and added to the already great arc of Jekyll and Hyde. It may have been a one timer, but the land of untold stories is great source material for many one shots.
The return of Cinderella, Dr. Frankenstein, & Jiminy Cricket – Ella’s back story was a great episode, and finally answered some things that were left hanging since the first season. The Cricket and Doctor have supporting roles, but I’m happy to have them back, since they’ve been virtually missing since 2 seasons ago.
The Woodcutter (Huntsman) – A small villain role that served as a very interesting addition to a crowded snow white back story. It shoehorned in nicely as filler material to the main couple’s true love.
The Black Fairy and Blue Fairy – I always enjoy the Blue fairy, but the addition and identity of the Black Fairy was decent. It shows that Gold has ancestry of an evil entity, and this contributes to why he is the way he is.
The Mirror and the Dragon – If you missed earlier seasons, it is implied that the Dragon is Mushu from Mulan. The episode with the Mirror trapping, and how the original entity was trying to escape took us to another dimension entirely. It also showed the power that the evil Queen really does hold.
The Wish Realm, and the return of a hero? – Emma and Regina are trapped in an alternate world where Emma was never the savior. It took some convincing, but as they are ready to return, Robin Hood arrives. In this universe he never died, which leaves us waiting until March to see what will happen. With Emma and Regina trapped away from Storybrooke, how will the real world get through it all?
In conclusion, Once Upon a Time Season 6 part 1 has utilized some of the old, and brought in some untold stories anew. The potential for this show could continue for years, and I’d like to see that happen if they keep on this route. I’m sad that I have to wait until March to find out what happens, but at the same time I feel the break is needed to keep the show going like this. Dare I say season 6 could be the best season yet? Yes. I dare to. If you haven’t watched in a while, then you should tune back in, and if you never have watched, then now is the time to. Cheers to the writers this season. I give it 4.5 out of 5 sCrypt ratings.
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