ONCE UPON A TIME “Ill-Boding Patterns” Review

Putting a Ring on It

After piecing together his involvement in the death of Charming’s father, Killian Jones is tormented with guilt and fear: guilt of what he has done to a family that has become his own and fear of how this will affect his future with Emma. Instead of burying this secret, he seeks counsel from Archie, with a bottle of rum to start. At the ripe age of roughly 200 years old, Captain Hook is sharing his feelings and showing real maturity. Instead of trying to get the secret out of him, Dr. Hopper validates the former villainous pirate. The fact that Killian actually wants to tell Emma the truth even though the result could be costly is evidence that he has become a man of honor that Emma would want to marry. Hook discovers that being a hero isn’t being selfish at the cost of others; it’s about being selfless for others at cost to you.

That was the plan when he returned back to his and Emma’s home. He was going to lay everything on the line and hope that Emma could forgive him. His nervousness is written all over his face. Then Emma throws him a curveball: she hands him the engagement ring she found and tries to ease his nerves and tell him her answer would be yes. Killian was probably planning a grand proposal; his Swan deserved nothing less than the best. Yet in the stillness of their home, just the two of them with love written all over their faces, Killian set aside his personal torment to give his true love the ultimate affirmation of his love. Captain Hook got down on one knee and asked the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming to marry him, and she enthusiastically and wholeheartedly said yes.

After years of buildup and obstacles, this proposal hovered over by the specter of angst can feel like a letdown, and in some ways, it is. This couple has overcome curses, realms, time, and death to be together and move towards their happy ending. The least Emma and Killian could get is a proposal truly obstacle and wall-free. The angst of the current complication undercuts what should be a romantic milestone. Fans are entitled to feel this way. However, this unnecessary tension does not fully take away from this monumental occasion because angst and obstacles are a part of their story. For better or worse, they have both kept secrets from one another; they have both sacrificed themselves for each other. With each wall that comes down, their love and trust of each other grows stronger. When Killian does tell Emma the truth, which won’t be delayed that long, Emma is going to hear him out and not push him away the same way she did when Killian told her the truth about the golden shears earlier this season. This is just one of the last barriers in the way of their happy ending, one that will be easily knocked down when it is all said and done. Is the angst gratuitous? Yes. Does it make it any less exciting that Emma Swan and Killian Jones are actually getting married? Of course not!

Worth Mentioning

• Do you know how the writers came up with the title of this episode? Well, in the epic poem of “Beowulf,” Beowulf receives a sword called Hrunting to later be used in his battle against Grendel’s mother. This sword is described to have an iron blade with “ill-boding patterns.” The more you know.
• Regina and Zelena’s relationship was pushed to side for some time. Finally, it gets picked up in this episode when the sisters finally apologize to each other for how they have treated each other. Zelena was sorry for acting behind Regina’s back working with Robin of Locksley; Regina, for not accepting her evil side and trying to separate that side of her which pushed Zelena away. The two sisters have some way to go, but it’s nice to see them beginning to try to mend their relationship.
• This may be a minor detail, but was Emma searching specifically for that ring? Remember, she found it in Killian’s treasure chest. Maybe she was looking for an extra accessory to pair with her outfit that day, knew her pirate held on to some jewelry, and stumbled across the ring. Either way, this is the adult equivalent of finding all your Christmas gifts.
• Once again, “Rumple ex machina” swooped in and helped save the goodness of Gideon. I promise to tally this trope for the remainder of the season and give the final score in the review for the season finale.
• So which parent is awake for Emma to tell the news of her engagement with? Who is going to help Emma plan her wedding? My guess for both is Snow.
• Since both Emma and Killian seek counsel from Archie Hopper, it may be a good idea for the two of them to participate in some premarital counseling. The more therapy, the better!
• The Evil Queen has not been the strongest villain in recent seasons, but man, do I like a villain who uses the term “doppelgänger.” It gives me flashbacks to The Vampire Diaries days of yore.