ONCE UPON A TIME “Murder Most Foul” Review

Fathers of the Year

One of the core themes that has been established since the pilot is the significance of parental relationships. Over the course of six seasons we have seen how mothers helped shape their daughters, whether it was for the better or not, into the well-rounded female characters we love today. In the same vein, fathers have also equally contributed to the development of their sons. These bonds mold boys into mature men, and on this show there is a plethora of daddy issues. Take Rumple for example. His father, Malcolm, traded him for eternal youth in Neverland, becoming Peter Pan. After Rumple became the Dark One, he chose to hold on to his power instead of following his son, Baelfire, through a portal to a land without magic. During a flashback in this episode, Rumple says to himself after Robert leaves to find James that hopefully someday all fathers will be reunited with their sons. It would take years to find Baelfire and mend that broken relationship before both Rumple and Baelfire sacrificed themselves to be heroes. Now Rumple’s second son, Gideon, is in his life, maybe there is a chance for Rumple to break the cycle of bad dads in his family tree.

As mentioned earlier, Charming’s father was by no means the greatest father of Misthaven. Up until this episode, Charming has been trying to forget his father. All he ever knew was that his dad enjoyed alcohol more than providing for his family. He thought he lost his father to drunkenness. Because of that, Charming made a choice to become a better man and father than Robert was. To him, he would be enough for his family.

Once he discovered the truth about Robert’s final days, Charming’s identity is momentarily shaken. His dad tried to do the right thing by bringing their family back together, but it still led to his death. It was not enough to save his life and get back those years of growing up with a father.

Currently Charming is still cursed by the Evil Queen’s spell and Gideon can come back and kill Emma at any point. Is being good and honorable enough to protect his family? The answer is yes. A reformed pirate reminds this prince of his character and the characteristics Robert wanted to pass on to his son. Charming’s honor and virtue have not only inspired multiple realms but have taught and are continuing to teach his daughter, son, and grandson how to be the best versions of themselves. Though he lost sight for a moment, Charming is brought back to believing that he is enough for his family as a father and husband.

It’s this high standard that Charming made that Killian finds himself trying to measure up to. Killian also did not have the best role model in his father, Brennan; he abandoned him and his brother while they were still young boys. When Killian found his father again years later, he killed him after finding out Brennan made a new family for himself. When Killian met Charming, he was still in the middle of his vengeance seeking ways as Captain Hook. Charming has seen some of the worst sides of Killian, so when Killian started developing feelings for Emma, Charming made it clear he did not approve. From there, Killian has been doing everything in his power to prove himself worthy of Emma’s love. Throughout the past few seasons, he has become one of the primary heroes of Storybrooke fighting alongside the Charming family. Killian hopes he has proven he can be enough for Emma, which is why he desperately wants his approval. Charming knows how much Emma and Killian love each other, but he is still Emma’s dad and he is protective of her. Killian has changed, and after he stops Charming from attempting to kill George, Charming acknowledges that change. So when Killian finally asks for his blessing, he gives it to him no questions asked. Charming believes that this former pirate is enough. It’s for this reason that when Killian does tell Charming the truth about Robert, he will forgive him. This won’t be because he will be fine with it; of course that is going to be a tough thing to process. Charming has seen the worst version of Killian as Hook, and he knows that Killian is not that man anymore.

Worth Mentioning

• Regina allowed herself the chance at a new beginning with Robin of Locksley. What this Robin and Robin Hood share in looks, they vastly differ on life events and moral code. Marian and Roland’s existence in Robin’s life prepared him to be the man Regina fell in love with. Plus, the kiss Regina and this Robin shared had no spark. So why was he able to go through the portal to Storybrooke? Remember, the maximum number of people who can go through the tree portal is two. What does he want in Storybrooke and will we get the real closure we need between Robin Hood and Regina?
• Normally when I decide to add a sweet treat to popcorn, it’s usually M&M’s. Milk Duds are a new one. I’ll have to try it out!
• Line of the episode award goes to Pinocchio during his stint on Pleasure Island: “Do I look like I was carved yesterday?” Speaking of Pinocchio, August tied up a loose end that had been hanging around since season one; he finally returned the missing pages he stole from the book while Storybrooke was under the first dark curse. Honestly, it was great seeing the former puppet back in the Storybrooke action. Here’s hoping that August and Killian will team up in the future!
• Question: who told Zelena about the other Robin and why did we only get one scene of her wicked self? I’m feeling deprived.
• Emma and Henry spent the episode’s events primarily on a canoe. Since their boat trip was successful, I’m willing to bet Henry’s next date with Violet will be canoeing under the stars… well, if they have another date.
• Charming promised Killian that he would not tell Snow about Killian’s engagement plans until things were official, which is probably for the best. If this show has taught us anything about Snow White, it’s that she is not the best at keeping secrets. She does however make a good cup of tea while she gives her hopeful advice to Regina.