Oh Captain, my Captain!

Words cannot adequately express how I feel with the news of Robin Williams' passing. At just 63 years of age, Robin reportedly succumbed to the demons he fought so valiantly for most of his life. Depression is a very real disease that comes on strong and suddenly no matter how life is going for the person muddling through. It is a silent killer that often goes unnoticed by those surrounding the victim. It's stigmatized, far too often we just tell the person to get over it - to stop being so dramatic - to deal with it.

I can be laughing on the outside, but crying on the inside. Robin Williams personified that struggle daily. His struggles have been well documented through the years, though it wasn't until more recent memory that we found out that he wasn't just a party animal in search of the next great high - more like he was self medicating to deal with the demons of his depression.

Still, through it all, Williams was able to produce an impressive body of work. Though he is most known as a funny man, starring in roles such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Mork, and the Genie in Aladdin, he stood out as being a very gifted dramatic actor. He played in iconic roles like Dr. Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting, Peter Pan in Hook, and the beloved Mr. Keating in Dead Poet's Society. He would be nominated for many awards, and would win the Oscar for best supporting actor for his turn in Good Will Hunting.

At the time of his death, he had several movies in post production, the most recognizable being the second Night at the Museum sequel where he once again dons the role of President Teddy Roosevelt. I wasn't planning on seeing the movie until it hit Netflix, but I just might have to change that decision.

Thank you for the laughter through your own pain and tears, Robin. I pray that you are now at peace.

30 Days of OUAT - Day 27: Most Shocking Moment

Day 27 - Most Shocking Moment

Pretty sure this one ranks right up there. I had thought for weeks - really since the second half of season 3 began - that Neal was the one who sent Hook to get Emma. I don't know why, but I just thought that either they had both tried to get back to her and Neal had somehow failed to survive the trip (thinking to who could possibly be the character to die that they warned us about), or that he couldn't make it and knew that the Jolly Roger was the only way to get back to the Land Without Magic. Remember, Neal is probably the one who knows best how to travel from realm to realm (other than Jefferson who is a non-factor to the story these days due to the actor not being available).

However, after "Quiet Minds" where we see Neal essentially die in his father's arms (and get absorbed by him... still weirds me out), so I figured I was wrong. Because Neal had no knowledge past the flying monkeys being a signal that the Wicked Witch of the West was around what was going on with the Charmings ("You're acting like that's normal"). He didn't know Zelina had threatened them, or that no one but Emma could defeat her. That is, until "A Curious Thing" airred. There we find Belle and the others going to Rumple for help. He's locked away in his own castle with the madness that having his son in his body/mind keeping him from being controlled by Zelina. Belle asks him how they can defeat the witch and he riddles them with the answer - Emma.

Towards the end of the episode - after Zelina finds out that the Charmings have re-enacted the dark curse to get back to Storybrooke and find a way back to Emma - Zelina comes with a memory potion for Rumple so that he can retain his memories - should he so choose. Rumple contemplates taking it, and just as he puts it to his lips an unseen force throws him back against the wall. He struggles and then that all too familiar and creepy bad CGI melds two faces together - the same two faces as in Quiet Minds. Neal rips through his father's body taking the potion, saying they aren't the ones that need to remember - Emma is. He rips his shirt, writes a message, calls a dove (some say that's proof he's a Prince(ss)) and sends the message to Hook.

Some say this shows him out of character - because he trusts Hook. Neal has only ever not trusted Hook where his father was concerned. Post Neverland, I don't even think he much cared/worried about that. Yes, he saw Hook as a rival for Emma's affection, but even towards the end of that part of the season Neal was willing to "let her go" if that's what made her happy. But NONE of that was what was being done in this scene. It was not his "blessing" for CaptainSwan to happen. Neal knew his fate in that moment (and would've known it in Storybrooke had they had their memories of the year in the EF), he needed to have someone as desperate as he was to get back to Emma get her the message. He knows Hook's capabilities (probably better than most anyone else still alive on the show). He TRUSTED him with the most important task.

Like Neal said in Quiet Minds - he hadn't forgotten all that Hook did for him (yes there was a betrayal, but Neal knows better than anyone the regret of betraying someone you love and care for). Neal did what he had to do. Neal gave up his fears, wants, desires, needs to give Emma the best possible chance she had to save her family. To, once again, come back home. He needed to know that his son and the woman he has always loved would be SAFE. Hook could give him that.



What made this shocking to me - since "I called it" - is the fact that I was RIGHT. And how it was done. As devastating as the story is in this scene... it made me happy. Not just to be right, but that because we got to see MRJ once again. We'd see him one final time in Season 3 - in the season finale. These scenes were wonderful, but ripped open the fangirl wounds all over again. I've "self medicated" by binge watching the short lived Terriers (which they really need to have clips of on Youtube!)... Britt Pollack is Nealfire in the 11 years between leaving Emma and getting found in NYC I just know it! lol

30 Days of OUAT - Day 19: Favorite Relationship

 Day 19 - Favorite Relationship

I'm going to cheat (Aimee said I could) and choose an "off camera" relationship that is probably one of the best bromances of all time. Michael Raymond-James and Colin O'Donoghue have to be the most adorable bffs OUAT has. While their characters on the show had a "love-hate" relationship, it seems the pair are actually quite fond of each other. They definitely fed off of one another during interviews - highly entertaining - and some of the stories they told on each other makes them sound like lifelong friends, not two dudes who found themselves newbies of the cast two years ago.

I have to say one the main reasons I love both of the characters and the actors is how they've interacted with each other and their castmates on social media (mainly Twitter). The OUAT cast seems to be very tight knit, which I think has really helped this show stay with fans. They're accessible, they're freaking hilarious, and we all eat it up!

One of the major reasons I'm so bummed about Neal's death on the show - which means MRJ is leaving - is we have seen less and less of the "Mikey Ray & Colin" moments on twitter. Pictures, banter... and then the interviews at Comic-Con and Good Morning America.

And the fan wars, oh the fan wars, why can't we all just be friends. Without this show, most of us wouldn't even know who these two are. So be thankful for Once Upon A Time and Adam & Eddie... and Michael, and Colin... and all of the cast. They've created magic and a lifelong fandom!

***Warning - MRJ likes to drop the F-bomb. I think he says it twice in this interview... maybe three times. You've been warned.***

Their friendship is what I think drove the part in Quiet Minds (there I go bringing that darn episode up again... I will forever obsess over it) where Hook and Neal have closure to their past. It would seem SO out of place if Neal wasn't the goner. I'm not sure if Hook knew what was coming - I'm still not convinced Hook wasn't aware that Neal sacrificed himself for his father and to get Hook the message to get Emma - or if we're just seeing Colin and Mike in this scene. In some ways their faces both tell that they know what's coming in this scene and later in the episode. And I can't help but believe that the scene was written with the two very much in mind. It just seems like it's a great way to give both actors that "farewell" moment. It was a touching scene that had a few winks to their past episodes (the jello reference is from a deleted hook scene from season 2), as well as a few winks to how they saw each other's characters. Just a great couple of minutes of television.




Because it's late and I'm lazy I'll just post photos of the "honorable mentions" of relationships I am a fan of in the actual show.

Emma & Charming - DADDY'S GIRL!

The most tragic, IMO, relationship.
Neal doesn't get back to his son, they don't
have the relationship they so desperately
need and crave. It's just WRONG!

How can anyone not love the story of
Rumpelstiltskin and Baelfire? It's so sad,
but in the end they come together and
reconcile and it's beautiful... and sad...
and it's just not fair!

30 Days of OUAT - Day 18: Best Twist on Original

Day 18 - Best Twist On Original

I love the creative "twists" on the classic fairytales, granted some of the "twists" people list are actually closer to the original story than not, but my favorite has been my favorite since my first viewing. The twist on the "Crocodile" of Peter Pan/Captain Hook. As we all know the original has it as an actual crocodile who has swallowed Hook's hand that was clutching a clock. The ticking sound signaled the crocodile's approach - and was a bit of symbolism at how time chases all of us. Captain Hook fears the beast, screaming for Mr. Smee whenever the reptile is near. It adds humor to the story, and shows that Hook does have a weakness for all his tough guy talk.

Once Upon A Time's Crocodile is far more sinister and evil than any previously imagined. The Crocodile is Rumpelstiltskin! Rumple's story of losing his wife due to his cowardliness comes full circle, we find out why he's a single father - it's his own doing. When Rumple comes back from the Ogre war with a self inflicted injury (he bashes his leg causing him to have a severe limp and unable to fight). He does this to be with his wife who he finds out is with child (by the time he returns home she has had their son). Upon meeting the babe, Rumple finds that his wife Milah is disgusted with what he has become.

Milah continues to grow unhappy with her life, and takes to the tavern where she meets a man who is far braver and exciting. He's a pirate, and they hit it off. Rumple comes searching for her with Baelfire in tow. Milah refuses to come with Rumple until Bae makes his way in asking his mother when she's coming home. She leaves with them, but then takes to her bed. She confesses her unhappiness. Later she leaves him for the Pirate (Killian Jones). Rumple goes looking for her, and when he finally catches up with the pirate on the Jolly Roger, he confronts the man. Begging the captain to let his wife go, that they have a son who needs his mother. Jones tells Rumple he's an honorable man, and as such suggests they duel to see who gets Milah.

Rumple, being the coward (not yet the Dark One, that comes later), refuses to fight. Jones then tells Rumple "aman unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets." Rumple still is unwilling to pick up a sword, asking Jones what he's to tell his son. Jones coldly tells him "The truth. That his father is a coward." Rumple is thrown off the ship, returns home where he tells a very young Baelfire that his mother is not coming back. (Later in the series Baelfire relays to Hook that his mother was killed by a pirate, which is why [Bae] hates all pirates.)

Sometime later, after Rumple becomes the Dark One and Baelfire is lost to the portal, Rumple finds himself in a tavern when Killian Jones and crew walks in. Rumple watches the pirate, and when Jones leaves for the evening Rumple follows him out to the alleyway. Rumple pretends to be a beggar, bumping into the pirate. Jones mocks him, seeing his scaly skin calling him a crocodile. When Rumple reveals himself Jones recognizes the coward, but is quickly lost of all smugness when Rumpelstiltskin gives him his title of Dark One. Suddenly sober, Jones is asked about Milah - and he feigns ignorance. Rumple knows better, and Jones finally gives in and tells him that she died.

Rumple calls for a duel, saying they never had a chance to finish the last time (kinda hard to finish something you wouldn't start, Dark One). Jones makes ready, but Rumple gives him until the next day. When the two meet up for their duel, Rumple bests the pirate - but before he can kill the man, a voice from the past screams for him to stop. It's Milah, she's alive and kicking. And she has something Rumple wants (a magic bean).

They bring the crocodile to the ship, but things go a little screwy when Rumple and Milah have it out about her leaving not just him but their son. Rumple's own guilt for having let his son go comes pouring out as anger towards her. When she apologizes for leaving Bae, he asks why, and she spits back that she never loved Rumple... a coward. He then rips her heart out, and crushes it. She dies in Jones' arms. Jones, holding the magic bean, calls Rumple a coward and refuses to give the magic bean. Rumple slices off the hand that [he believes] holds the bean. Jones vows to find a way to kill Rumple, and Rumple disappears in the cloud of smoke. Jones finds a rope hook on the deck, and gets the idea to put the hook where he once had a hand.

He takes the name Hook, and reveals he still has the bean. He throws it out into the open water and sails for Neverland. He will spend decades trying to find the way to kill the crocodile.

30 Days of OUAT - Day 17: Favorite Cliffhanger

Day 17 - Favorite Cliffhanger

Once Upon A Time is King of the Cliffhanger. I have a love hate relationship with it because of the cliffhangers. This show gets my creative brain going in overdrive (probably part of the reason why I can't "let go" of Neal's death. There are SO MANY plot/loopholes that could bring him back. So many quotes that suggest that it's a possibility or the thought... and then so many that suggest that nope, he's gone for good. But I can't shut off that creative side of me!)

With Season 3 we got two mini seasons in one. And the mid-season finale (episode 11, "Going Home") was by far the best. It actually felt like a series finale. It was so sad and yet hopeful at the same time. I haven't rewatched season 3 much - just the clips on youtube over and over and over again... (stinkin' Neal... I was not this obsessed with OUAT until he up and died. Thanks a lot MRJ!) I mean, they wrapped up the Neverland arc, saved Henry, Rumple finally releases his cowardess and reconciles with his son professing his love for Belle... it was a great "happy ending moment"... until Peter Pan enacts a reboot of the dark curse and Regina is forced to stop it. But to stop it, she has to let go of the thing she loves most - her son, Henry.

The reset will send all of Storybrooke back to the Enchanted Forest - all fairytale characters must go. Yep, even the two that were not part of the original curse (Emma & Neal)... knowing that that would leave Henry alone, Regina can save Emma from that fate... but there's a catch - they will not remember their family and friends from Storybrooke. They won't remember Neal coming back with them (FOR them). They will have good memories of Henry always being with Emma, but none of the Charmings... or Regina... or... well... Hook. They'll have never known that the odd little town ever existed or that they were once part of it. That it was once home.

After Emma accepts the inevitable, and a round of quickly said goodbyes (with Emma clearly being more upset about saying goodbye to the pirate than to her first love) Emma and Henry get into the yellow bug and drive across the town line with their family and friends watching. As they cross the town and everyone disappears as do the memories, Regina counteracts the curse. A purple haze falls over the town destroying everything in its path - including Henry's book.

The last seconds of the episode the EF is filled with its (formerly) missing characters, and then we see Emma and Henry in their NYC apartment. Happy, healthy, and a whole year has passed. A knock at the door and some weirdo in leather is at the door saying he knows Emma, that he knows she doesn't remember him, but her family is in trouble... and he goes in for a kiss, and she knees him in his misters. And then we had to wait through an insanely long hiatus for the creators to rip our hearts out slowly and crush them throughout the second half of the third season.

The obvious was that there was a way to get back to the land without magic from the EF... but how? And why was it Hook that left the EF to come get Emma?! We got most of our questions answered by the time Season 3b ended last night (great two hour season finale... though there were some major timeline issues... and a lot of plot/loopholes left open for people to get their hopes up for a future resurrection).

30 Days of OUAT - Day 16: Saddest Moment

Day 16: Saddest Moment

I can't think of a sadder one. Neal Cassidy's death is without doubt the saddest moment in the show's run. For me it probably always will be. It's far more emotional than when Emma is arrested for stealing watches (because Neal left her, and August called in a tip. jerks.), it's more emotional than Snow and Charming letting their daughter go through the wardrobe... the list goes on and on. None of those affected me like the episode Quiet Minds. Ironically, until Quiet Minds, I was pretty indifferent to Neal's story. I liked him as a father, and he had a great set of lines, but as far as feeling sorry for him or anything, nope. He was "the jerk that abandoned" (his words!) Emma (and Henry).

It wasn't the surprise that it should've been - the creators spoiled it weeks in advance "warning" fans that someone was going to die when the show returned from the mid-season hiatus. They gave those of us who are rabid "over-analyzers" tons of time to work it out and figure out who was most likely to go (they gave us a very short list of possibilities). It really came down to either Neal or Belle, and of the two Belle is more popular. She's never betrayed the one she loves. So even before Quiet Minds airred I was 85% sure that it would be Neal. I was just hoping they weren't going to go for the obvious. As much as I was indifferent to the character, there was still ton of potential storyline - and there's the whole father element that I totally buy into no matter who the character is. Be it Nealfire and Rumple or Henry and Nealfire.

If you weren't convinced it was going to be him, the promo for the episode should've definitely tipped you off. It was clearly Neal Cassidy falling to the ground in pain. I played the denial card as I just couldn't believe they would be THAT blatant. And even if you were still holding out hope - by the time the scene with Neal and Hook came around you should have had NO confusion. I'm still not sure that Hook didn't know that it was Neal who warned him about the danger coming and that Emma was needed. It would at least explain why Hook looked SO SAD when he talked with Neal in the hospital. I'm of the belief that Hook knew the entire time what Neal's fate was/would be. If not, then we're seeing Colin in that scene being super bummed that his buddy on the show was leaving (most likely a combination of both scenarios ha ha).

When Hook gave Neal the hug in the hospital I knew without a doubt that Neal was toast. I may have even said some words I shouldn't have. I hate when a show makes it obvious. They should've just been up front about it. "Hey, MRJ fans, he's leaving the show. We're killing him off. Thanks for watching!" Because, really, judging by the blogs and social media posts from that night - Michael has a ton of fans that did not see it coming even with all of the signs. And that's sad. It's also sad that he's not on our TV every Sunday night, he's a fantastic actor and while he's definitely been noticed by the business they never keep him around long (he's chosen for this type of role way too much).

But, I digress.

The Saddest Moment is the scene where Neal dies. He asks Emma to split him from his father to keep the town, and especially Emma & Henry, safe. Neal is able to say goodbye to his father, with the final reconciliation taking place with Neal's last breath. Emma, too, gets a sense of closure with Neal telling her to go and be happy and "find Tallahassee" even if it's without him. Earlier in the episode he tells her he wants her to be happy no matter who she's with, and that he would always love her. Emma begs Neal to hold on, that he needs to see Henry (doing a 180 from when she talked to him in the hospital saying that with Henry not having his memories it would be better if Neal didn't see him). And that is what is most tragic about Neal's death. It was pretty clear that Neal and Emma would not get back together. That there was a love there, but the trust was most likely forever broken... (and I'm not a big swanfire shipper... it's a nice idea, but it wasn't playing out that way.)

The saddest, most tragic thing (aside from no more Mikey Ray on Sunday Nights ha ha) was that Neal couldn't make good on his promise to his son of seeing him again. That Henry is forever without his father - oh, he has father figures in his life, but that's not the same. Yes, Neal was in Henry's life for the equivalent of only a couple of weeks, but they WERE bonding and they did have a connection. And that will most likely play some sort of role into Henry's psyche. There's only so much that Hook and Emma can tell him of who Nealfire was... and who's to say Grandfather Rumple is going to be all that willing to have a relationship with the only thing he has left of Baelfire? Especially since Henry is also supposed to be his undoing. Season 4, I hope, will not erase Neal's memory - and hopefully we get answers.

And, yes, I'm one of those holding out hope that there is a way to bring Neal back. I don't believe that the creators have that option out on the table, but I know there are enough loopholes that it'd be possible if they suddenly wanted/needed to bring it about. At the very least I want flashbacks. Grief can't be so easily overcome, though Emma already grieved for Neal when he "died" at the end of Season 2. Probably the biggest travesty of the writing of Neal's death (the only one from a writer standpoint IMO) is that it happened so soon after the last time he died. This is also why I don't believe Nealfire fans will get their wish of Neal coming back. The man's been dead in one way or another 3 times so far. He comes back and it'll be seen as a poor writing choice. And it won't hold to MRJ's wanting to "tell bold stories".

I've been watching this scene on youtube for the last few days knowing that this prompt was coming up, and I love catching more and more with each viewing. As sad as it makes me (seriously my heart still drops each time, MRJ was flawless. Jen's voice cracking when it did... ugh!) there's just so much that is said through visual cues and nuance. We do truly see both Neal and Baelfire in his final moments, and we do see the love that's shared between "Swanfire". When Emma pleads with Neal, to argue with him about it being too late, he once again goes into the protector mode from all those years ago telling her it is going to be okay. That he'll be watching her and Henry "from somewhere". And you can see that he's not totally okay with it himself, he has his own tears. He's not afraid to die, he's made his peace with that, but he's watching the woman he loves in pain... and he's lost his son without seeing him again to say goodbye.

But, I think Rumple says what all of us Nealfire fans truly feel (then and still)...

"No. I don't want to let you go."

And we won't fully let go. We can't. As much as Neal's plea of "I need you to," is what he wants (and what we need), We can't let go. Because it's too soon. Because it's too raw... because the trio of actors played that scene out far too well (DARN THEM!). So, obviously, I have a ways to go until I'm "over it." I accept it - I don't disagree that it was a bold choice, or even ultimately the "right" way to end the character arc. I may disagree as to when it needed to happen (middle of season 4 would've been much better), but I don't think that it's the death nell of the show.


I am not one of those fans that believes that Neal died just to make it easier for creators to push the "CaptainSwan" shipping. That had been hinted as far back as Season 2, well before they had decided Neal was going to die. I think the deciding factor was their getting the rights to the Wizard or Oz, and Rebecca coming on board to play the Wicked Witch. This question of "why did they kill Neal" was answered in last weeks episode. Rumple needed a reason to betray Belle's trust, and the only person who trumps the love of his life is his son. They needed a catalyst to "kill off" Zelena (I'm not convinced she's dead) and Neal was the only viable option. It sucks, but from a storytelling/writing perspective I see why and where they were going.

As I said earlier, however, the timing was wrong. They just "killed him off" at the end of season two and brought him back in Season 3, only to have him die once again. It was "too soon a killing" (again from a storytelling/writing perspective). That's really the only major fault I can find within their timeline. This episode was one of the best (if not the best) written in the show's history, the pacing was the best they've had in a long time. I know I've said before that Neal's final arc should've been two episodes - and I still believe that - but as quick as it was, the pacing worked. I'm not sure I could handle a two part farewell anyway. Ha ha.

I know people are saying that Neal was very out of character in this episode, but I really don't see it. This is not the first time Neal's willing to get back to Emma and Henry by any means necessary. In the Season 3 opener he's willing to go into his father's castle to find a way to get back - using "blood magic". No, it wasn't dark magic, but he was pretty determined and wasn't completely against the idea. I mean, he ends up using Robin Hood's son as bait to get Pan's shadow to appear!

Secondly, Neal does make rash decisions where family is concerned. Not always, but this IS the guy who sent Emma to prison because Pinocchio told him to (actually Neal didn't know about that until AFTER it happened, but still). This is the guy who watched his father give up his cowardly ways to save his family and sacrifice himself. Neal may not like what the dark magic did to his family, to his father, but at the same time he needed a loophole (much like his fans are now clinging to the hope of a loophole).

Third, the argument that he wouldn't give up on Emma and his relationship so easily - he already was starting to the "year prior" when crap hit the fan with Pan in Storybrooke. Neal even acknowledged in the hospital that he knew he couldn't come barging back into Emma's life. In season 2 it wasn't Neal who sought Emma out or even pursued her. The only time he "fought for" Emma was when it was Hook who was flirting. (Hook, btw, did think that Neal should have the first shot... when Emma blew off Neal that made it fair game.) Ultimately he wants Emma safe and happy - if that means all he is, is the guy who shares custody of their son, that's what he'll be. He's willing to put Emma before himself - which is a 180 in some ways (or at least in Emma's eyes) from what he was 11 years ago when he left her.

Was it an "easy" choice for the creators? Only they truly know. Did they mistreat Michael Raymond-James in some way? I would argue no, but again we will never know. Fans should take the actor at his word - even if what [little] he's said on the subject seems like a lot of "toeing the line". Both sides acknowledge that they discussed and agreed to this ending for Neal. I'm not saying it was the way MRJ wanted it to end, but ultimately he's made his peace with it - and was on board with it. To suggest anything else - at this point - is to suggest he's a liar... and I know his fans don't mean to come off that way (or at least I hope they don't).

Maybe once this season is over and his contract with OUAT is up he can "break radio silence" and answer those questions that folks have. Maybe. But to vilify the shows creators over it seems a little extreme. Remember, without Adam Horowitz and Eddie Kitsis, we would not have Neal Cassidy. Most of us wouldn't have a clue as to who Michael Raymond-James is (okay, unless you were into True Blood... or Terriers - which I am addicted to, and wish it'd made it). I'm not saying they did him favors (he's a bloody gifted actor who deserves a series that won't kill him off after 20 or so episodes), I'm just saying we wouldn't have had this awesome character without them. They've done things right and ultimately Once Upon A Time is still a great show. It's never been perfect, it's never been on par with the "best shows of all time", but it's a great fantasy show. Great twists. So I'm sticking with it - even with the "lovesick pirate".

And, who knows, maybe the "rumors" that MRJ denied are really true and we'll see him finally get his big break. I have hope and can keep dreaming. :)

30 Days of OUAT - Day 15: Funniest Moment

Day 15 - Funniest Moment

There aren't many scenes that don't come off corny when they try to be funny, but if Colin O'Donoghue is involved it normally works. I love the wit that Captain Hook has - some are using it against him these days, and that's a shame. He's really well written. And Colin's perfect in the role.

My favorite funny exchange is one of many from the second half of season 3. Not that there are a ton of funny moments (there aren't it's been a blood bath and so much darkness and emotion... but I'll leave that whine to tomorrow's prompt).

Anyway, my favorite moment is from the second episode of the second half of the third season. Emma has her memories back, has come back to Storybrooke (care of Hook getting her to drink a potion so her memories are restored and warns her of her family being in danger - which at this point in the story we don't know who sent Hook the message and potion, but it's much later revealed to be Neal's doing). They're trying to find out who is behind the curse and what they want when they begin to piece together the clues... and they can only come up with one conclusion: the Wicked Witch of the West.

This is where the fun part is as this show is only as funny as the characters that mock it. Emma questions her being real, and Hook points out that Emma is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. The way that Hook says it - the tone - is what sends me into giggles because it's SO TRUE! Why Emma is ever surprised or questions the fairlytale aspect of something at this point in the game is mind boggling.



It's the mocking of the show within the show that I love. Neal also has a few zingers that I still have to wonder if A&E wrote or if it wasn't something snarky the actor came up with. Ha ha. If it wasn't for the bits of humor, I think this show would make me nuts. Especially with the whole Zelena arc they did. I really really really hope the finale is lighthearted without being overly sappy with the CaptainSwan stuff.

30 Days of OUAT - Day 10: Best Hair

Day 10 - Best Hair

Best hair has to go to the pirate who at some point between when we meet him and now has found the magic power of hair gel. Captain Killian "Hook" Jones by far has the best look of the men from the hairline on down. He hasn't missed yet - though his Naval Sailor hairdo was more of a misstep than not. Still, you can't say Colin O'Donaghue isn't the most gorgeous guy on the show. It may be the scruffy pirate facial hair, the hairy chest, the finely styled hair... or the guy liner. But honestly I can't think of a more attractive guy on this show (and there are a lot of really attractive guys!) and he has perfect hair.

I could've gone with Charming, but he had that really bad wig for the shepherd episode in season 1 and he's got a whole Ken Doll hair style going on this season. Not as good as the perfection that is Killian Jones. I could've also chosen Neal Cassidy - because I love the bit of silver he sported in his final few episodes - but the curly hair in Tallahassee was a no go for me. Jefferson's was hit or miss, August's was average...

So that leaves me with Killian Jones. Near hair perfection. It does bother me a bit that this man who has never been cursed and wears full pirate leathers to NYC (not once, but twice. like he didn't realize he was a tad overdressed when he went off to kill Rumple in season 2?!)... it just bugs me that he's suddenly found that gel does wonders to get the hair to do the up thing (ala Neal, only Hook just does the bangs, not the whole thing). I mean, if he can change up the hair, he can wear something a little less fairytale, right? (though, keep the guyliner. It worked for Jefferson!)

I think facial hair should also get consideration when talking best hair. With the scruff and mustache... um, yes please! It's perfect for the role, and actually compliments Colin's face extremely well (definitely prefer it to clean shaven Colin! ha ha!) and his EYEBROWS! I know most Hook fans (I am not a "Hooker" just because I hate that term. I don't think it's as cute as most claim it is. Even IF he thinks it's cute/funny. He's a guy. ha ha!) obsess over the eyebrow that is almost always raised in that sexy way, and it has been part of Colin's conversation ever since. But oh my word. I LOVE it. He's used it sparingly recently (going more for the puppy dog look where Emma is concerned) but when it shows up. I get all giddy. I'm pathetic!  ha ha!

So, there you have it. Another superficial post about one of OUAT's best actors. I feel so silly talking about things that have nothing to do with their talent. But it's what the prompt was. And it's a whole lot more fun than what's coming up in a few days...



Can I also just say that I LOVE the way Colin says "I don't." in this scene. I don't even know why it makes me so giddy, but it does.

30 days of OUAT - Day 5: Favorite Villain

Day 5 - Favorite Villain

Just for the record - having the flu sucks. Today is the first day since Sunday that I felt like sitting up for any good amount of time, and I'm still feeling crappy. But, I'm upright, and it's been bugging me that I've let my blog slide yet again (I know, I really have no life). Hopefully I'm alive and kicking for the weekend, or it's going to be a waste as I actually have the house to myself. At least it will be quiet.

Anyway back to the prompt, favorite villain on Once. I think this character is everyone's favorite - and if he isn't they're lying. Rumpelstiltskin makes this show - and not just because he's the author of the original curse. Robert Carlyle is a star, his strengths as an actor helped him create a truly creepy and complex character. Whether he's a sniveling cowardly father, the scaly "crocodile" of the "Dark One", or the ruthless shopkeeper Mr. Gold - you just want to love to hate him.

He's also a sympathetic character, even though you really don't want him to be. You feel for his plight to find his son Baelfire (Neal Cassidy), the loss of his wife to a pirate - heck, in some ways you feel like Belle believing he does have a glimmer of good left in him. Sure, watching Belle and Scaly Rumpel make-out is creepy, heck any of the women kissing him when he's in any form seems creepy, but there's still a part of you that is happy that he's found someone to believe in him no matter what (so much so that you can *almost* get over the fact that his new fling is younger than his son).

He is so quotable as well - especially when he is his Fairytale persona. I can't seem to stop "singing" his latest ditty "You feed the madness and it feeds on you" and "all the voices in my head will be silent when I'm... dead." And, really, who doesn't find themself quoting "all magic comes at a price." Robbie C's Rumpel is absolute perfection. He's every bit as terrifying as the original Grimm's villains - or Walt Disney's classic villains.

His current arc is definitely interesting, with Zelena holding him captive he's not truly seen grieving the loss of his son (this time for sure is final), but I don't expect the writers to give us any more than what they already have in that regard. Still, once Rumpel finds a way to enact revenge, I'd want to be far away when it happens. It's going to be amazing. (and if it ISN'T amazing then I'm going to be disappointed lol)


Honorable mention needs a shout out - and that goes to Captain Hook (Killian Jones). I think Colin O'Donaghue is quite possibly one of the best actors on the show. (He's definitely in my top three with Robert Carlyle and Michael Raymond-James). Hook has grown weak in season 3 for me, all the pining after Emma Swan has made the character a little too lovesick and far too little in ruthlessness. It's disappointing because he was so deliciously evil in season 2. Not that I don't think he shouldn't redeem himself, but there has to be some sort of middle ground, doesn't there? I'm also just not a fan of him ended up with Emma as I don't see that storyline fitting as much as people want it to (in all fairness I don't really want her with Neal Cassidy either - which considering what happened in Quiet Minds we don't have to worry about that). Still there's a lot to love about the man in pirate eyeliner (so yummy).