Would you face your greatest fear to save your one true love? That’s question that surrounded Once Upon a Time Season 5 Episode 6.

Back in Camelot, Merlin helped Charming, Hook, and Belle break out Lancelot and Merida. At least we know Lancelot is out of his cage, even if we don’t know where he is now.

Merida was a different story as she monopolized most of this episode. Not that I minded. I’m enjoying her character more as we go on, even if I’m not sure where she ends up after this installment.

I enjoyed Merida’s friendship with Belle. Belle gets left behind or ignored far too often. It was nice that someone noticed how clever she can be. Merida was looking to save her brothers and her kingdom, and Belle was trying to save Rumplestiltskin and all of Storybrooke from the Dark One.

These two intrepid women worked well together, even when Merida was forced to do horrible things because Emma held her heart.

I never doubted that Merida would step up and fight to free her brothers, but it was a relief to see Belle fight off Merida once they got to Storybrooke. Belle never waited for Rumple to be her hero; she was more than ready to be her own.

It was also good to hear that Henry doesn’t blame Emma for the actions of the Dark One. He’s gained a lot of maturity, but is Zelena right? Will there still be resentment between them no matter what he says?

Speaking of Zelena, Emma paid her a visit and whisked her out of her prison for a brief time. Zelena was on a real tear in that scene, as she didn’t hesitate to verbally spar with the Dark One as seen in this Once Upon a Time quote…

I hear that you've been very naughty. Tearing out that little girl's heart to break your son's. Kudos! That is next level darkness. Well done.
Zelena

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I was surprised that Zelena didn’t take her up on her offer…and didn’t indulge in her pregnancy cravings! Now that’s willpower. Apparently Zelena isn’t interested in siding with anyone in this fight. She’s just fine being alone, and I respected her for that. I don’t know if I’ve ever said that about Zelena.

After taking out the bear, Rumple returned to Emma’s with Belle and Merida. He knows her better than anyone. Apparently the Dark One can’t help but make a deal, and he managed to get Merida her heart back, and then he confessed his feelings to Belle…

Belle, I want you to know that I am sorry for everything. If I had to do it all again, I would make sure I was the man you deserved from the very start. I would change everything for you.
Rumplestiltskin

Permalink: Belle, I want you to know that I am sorry for everything. If I had to do it all again, I...

Then he pulled Excalibur from the stone.

What does Emma plan to do with it? Is Rumple right? Is making him a hero going to be the Dark One’s fatal mistake, and can the Dark One be destroyed without having it jump into someone else?

Check back in later this week to see what our Once Upon a Time round table team has to say, and then look for our review of Once Upon a Time Season 5 Episode 7 next Sunday.

If you can’t wait until then for more magic, you can watch Once Upon a Time online here at TV Fanatic.