After stumbling in the latter half of its last season, “Once Upon a Time” has found its footing again, and found it with flair. Now in the middle of its sixth season, the modern fantasy series is more engaging than ever, in large part due to the brilliant character work of leading actress Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan.
I won’t even attempt to fully recap the past four years in the not-so-quiet town of Storybrooke, Maine. But here’s the main thing you should know: everyone in this show is related.
Emma Swan herself is the daughter of Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Prince Charming (Josh Dallas). Her son Henry’s (Jared Gilmore) adopted mother is the Evil Queen, Regina Mills (Lana Parilla), who is also Snow White’s stepmother. Henry’s father is the offspring of Rumpelstiltskin (Robert Carlyle), who happens to be the “beast” involved in a very complicated romance with yes, Belle (Emilie De Ravin). Oh, and Emma’s current love interest? The most dashing variation of Captain Hook (Colin O’Donoghue) to ever exist.
This is all very broad; I highly suggest catching up on Netflix.
One of “Once Upon a Time’s” biggest draws is also one of its greatest weaknesses: the introduction of classic Disney characters. “Once Upon a Time” is built around its core characters: Emma, Henry, Snow White, Prince Charming, Regina, Hook, Rumpelstiltskin and Belle. Its ensemble is incredibly talented, but with a lot of characters comes the risk of too many stories and leaving certain characters’ progressions behind.
“Once Upon a Time” has introduced many Disney characters during its run so far, including Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Peter Pan, Mulan, Ariel and several more. And these characters are not merely making cameo appearances: Peter Pan was the primary antagonist of the first half of the third season. Elsa and Anna were the center of the first half of the fourth season. This season introduced Merida and Merlin.
However, because of this constant influx of new characters who require their own backstories and subplots, the core characters are often the ones who suffer. We don’t get to watch their journeys because we’re so distracted by the stories of the new characters.
This season, “Once Upon a Time” went back to basics. In a thrilling twist, Emma sacrificed herself for her family by becoming the Dark One herself, absorbing Rumpelstiltskin’s dark magic into herself.
The Savior is now the Dark One, and the hero of the show has become the villain.
It’s freaking awesome.
Morrison is doing some of the best work of her career as the “Dark Swan.” In past seasons, Emma has been portrayed as closed-off, but endlessly compassionate and loyal. Now, with dark magic living inside her, Morrison’s portrayal has transformed. Everything about Emma is different, yet the same. Morrison’s eyes glint instead of sparkle, her smiles are a little tighter, her walk more deliberate. Even her voice is lower, a menacing lower octave.
Additionally, without too many new characters being brought in, the writers have been able to step back and examine the wonderful characters we have spent years getting to know. Emma’s fall into darkness provides the perfect platform for examining her motivations and emotions. Funny enough, as the Dark One, she is more open than she ever was before, expressing suppressed emotions with brutal ease.
But one of the most inspired performances other than Morrison’s must be O’Donoghue’s. Hook, who found redemption in his love for Emma, is now on the opposite end of the spectrum. The woman he loves is now plummeting into darkness, and he is caught between trying to save everyone from her and Emma from herself. O’Donoghue’s eyes are expressive, filled with pain, and every word he says tugs at the audience’s heartstrings.
The “Once Upon a Time” I love is back. I’m so excited for the rest of this season. It’s sure to be positively magical.
(I had to.)
