6 OMG Facts About Once Upon a Time’s Season 3 Premiere

Once Upon a Time is back this Sunday, September 29 on ABC.

This week we had the opportunity to screen the first two new episodes of the season, courtesy of ABC.

So what can fans expect as the show enters its third season? Adventures in a new land? Emma attempting to balance her belief in magic against her stronger sense of cynicism? Regina and Hook secretly working through some ulterior motive? Or how about Snow completely losing it and engaging in a knock down fist fight? Or Neal breaking the fourth wall by mentioning those Disney movies, or a Peter Pan that would give children nightmares? And that’s just to start.

In fact, the season premiere “Heart of the Truest Believer” surprised us so much (in a good way) that we had to jot down a list of OMG moments you just might not otherwise believe. As always, ABC has asked us not to outright spoil you, and trust us, we wouldn’t want to. What you’ll read below are teasers that will hopefully enhance your enjoyment of the episode when it airs.

1. Birth, Death And Everything In Between

The season premiere really has it all going on. In the space of 40 minutes we’ll see a birth, several deaths (for keeps this time) and just about everything in between. “Heart of the Truest believer” has outdone itself in terms of upping the ante, clearing those season 2 decks and setting out a new game plan.

2. Rainbows and Unicorns

We love Snow and Charming, but sometimes we can’t help … y’know … poking a little fun at their innocent sense of optimism. And it seems the show runners agree. The season premiere sees not just one, but several characters launching into Snow and Charming over their firm belief that ‘everything will be ok if you don’t lose hope.’ Our favorite line from this season’s opener has to be the following grade A snark levelled against Snow. “Are you going to try to win her over with rainbow kisses and unicorn stickers?” Any guesses who said it?

3. Spectacular Knock Down Fist Fight (with Hair Pulling!)

Ever wanted to see Snow and Regina really go to it? Well now you can. In fact, why not watch both Charmings get their stuffing knocked out? Hair pulling, knock down punches, face gouging. Bring your popcorn.

4. Pan’s a Spooky Fellow

There’s a touch of “Lord of the Flies” where this version of Peter Pan is concerned. Remember when Disney did a cute take on Pan’s shadow, and how he tried to stick it back to his body with soap? We may have laughed as children, but shadows being separated from their bodies result in far more grisly endings for those concerned in this version. We like Dark Pan!

5. The Heart of the Truest Believer?

We’ll be honest, the title of Once’s season three premiere mystified us until we screened the episode. We guessed that the episode might carry themes on faith and belief, and maybe something along the lines of showing courage in a tight spot. Imagine our surprise when we discovered that one of our Neverland adventurers actually possesses the heart of the truest believer. And yes it’s an actual heart … that might get cut out of its owner’s body … with an actual knife. Cliffhanger!

6. The Joy of Zingers

The season premiere is bursting with snaky one liners, cutting put downs, delicious retorts and hilarious remarks. From Neal’s casual remark to Mulan “Hey, they made a movie about you,” to Hook’s mistimed “Well I quite fancy you … from time to time,” to Regina’s flippant remark “I can’t see her. If I try to use magic I’ll end up hauling up half a leg.” We don’t think we’ve seen quite so many funnies packed into one episode before.

Catch the Season Premiere “Heart of the Truest Believer” Sunday, September 29, 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.