TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 19)

It has been three weeks but Once Upon A Time was back this weekend with an all-new episode. Last time, we learned why Regina was so bitter and how she came to hate Snow White. Also, the episode ended with the surpise revelation that the thought-murdered Kathryn was indeed very much alive.

This week the episode is entitled "The Return". In the land of Fairytales, we learn more of Rumpelstiltskin's back story and how his son Baelfire tries to make his father human once more..

In Storybrooke, Mr. Gold attempts to uncover August's true identity, David tries to reconcile with Mary Margaret, and Emma contronts Regina about her involvement in the disappearance of Kathryn.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?


Once upon a time in the land of Fairytales, Rumpelstiltskin would do anything to protect his son Baelfire. That includes using his magic to turn people to snails and crushing them under his boot. The boy wants his father back the way he was. Rumpelstiltskin is reluctant to give up the power, to be weak again. But he strikes a deal with the boy - he will give it up if the boy can find a way that does not hurt either of them.

Baelfire seeks out the Blue Fairy who gives him a magic bean. She says it is the last of its kind, but it can lead them to a place where there is no magic. The boy shows his father, throws the bean and opens a portal to another world. It begins to suck them both in. Rumpelstiltskin is afraid to go. Baelfire slips into it and the portal closes. The two are separated.

Rumpelstiltskin seeks out the fairy and wants to know how he can follow his son. She tells him that there is no more beans, no way. He presses her and she lets it slip that the only way would be to sacrifice this world for that. Thus Rumpelstiltkin vows to find a way to create a curse to do just that.

In Storybrooke, August awakes with his body causing him pain, a stiffness. He makes a call and says he needs to accelerate the plan. Working with Henry, he slips into Mr. Gold's office while the boy distracts the pawn shop owner. Gold catches him though. What was he looking for?

Kathyrn tells Emma that she remembers the car accident, waking up in a dark basement where she got food and was drugged, then remembers wandering in a field outside of town a day ago.

Regina confronts Gold, saying he broke their deal. Gold says he only promised something tragic would happen to Kathyrn; an abduction is tragic. Regina was expecting death. She asks him why he is doing what he is doing. He suggests she figure it out.

Gold wants to learn more about August. He talks to Emma first and then breaks into the man's room at Granny's. He finds a drawing of the dagger that controlled him in the other world. Gold follows August about town and finds out he talked to the Mother Superior (the Blue Fairy). She reveals that August said he was looking for his father.

Gold goes to see Dr. Hopper to get some advice. The psychiatrist suggests that Gold just be honest with this son who apparently has come back to town.

Gold finds August up at the cabin in the woods. He believes August is his son Baelfire who came this world ahead of him. He apologizes and wants forgiveness. August tearfully gives it. Gold then shows him where he buried the dagger with his name on it. He gives it to August to destroy it as it has no power here.

August turns the weapon on Gold and attempts to control him. He knows about him being the Dark One. Gold realizes that this is not his son and takes the knife back.

Clearly August is from the other world and remembers where the others do not. Who is he? August admits that he is sick and needs magic or he will die. Gold does not kill him - no point since he is dying. Instead, he charges August to convince Emma of the truth if he wants the magic so badly.

Regina is waiting for Emma at the sheriff's office the next morning. She says she has a confession for her. Sidney comes in, says he abducted Kathryn and held her hostage. He says he set up Mary-Margaret, planted the evidence and the key. He says he did it so he could later play the hero and "discover" Kathryn alive after the trial. Emma does not believe him.

Emma pulls Regina aside and tells her that she wants Henry back.

Wow! That's a lot of plot movement, especially on the Storybrooke side. With three more episodes left to go before the season ends, I expect the pace to continue. Who is August really? (the previews offer major clues) How will the battle for power between Regina and Gold play out? Will Emma be able to break the curse and, if she does, what happens then? We have to have something to build off of for season 2.

I'm looking forward to the next three Sunday nights.