Once Upon a Time Review: Two Dark Ones!

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Things never quite work out the way you think they will, and Once Upon a Time Season 5 Episode 8 was no exception. 

As much as I’ve been enjoying the dramatic and complex story of Emma becoming the Dark One, the time jumps and twists have left my head spinning. 

I had to laugh when Arthur tore open his tent with Excalibur to run from David. He asked Hook and Robin to be his backup, but I guess they weren’t expecting Arthur to make his own back door. 

I barely even registered Hook being cut by Excalibur, but I suppose Hook’s own nonchalant Once Upon a Time quote should have been a red flag…

I've had worse cuts itching my nose with the wrong hand.

Hook

He made it sound like the wound was nothing, but nothing ever is, especially where magic is concerned. 

I was shocked when Dr. Whale popped up again with the weird hair. At least his attitude hasn’t changed. 

Zelena is generally at her most entertaining when she’s stressed and going into early labor was certainly no exception…

Robin: You have to stay calm and breathe.
Zelena: Shut up. I was a fake midwife. I know the drill.

I was shocked that Emma was willing to sacrifice Zelena to rid the world of dark magic. I knew she had a plan but that seemed extreme. Even Regina wasn’t going to go along with that and she hates her sister. 

Was what Zelena showed Hook in that dreamcatcher completely true? Is there more to this story? Did Emma really double down on darkness in order to save Hook. Of course, didn’t Regina risk the wrath of dark magic to save Robin not all that long ago?

Has the world ever experienced two Dark Ones at one time, and is it possible to save them both?

I was expecting this story to be continued in Once Upon a Time Season 5 Episode 9 but that really didn’t happen. The only crossover was Arthur and Zelena traveling realms to help Arthur gain control of his kingdom. 

I’m still a little shocked that the show decided to make King Arthur such a villain. I’m also wondering if Lancelot will come back into play and whether Guinevere will ever be released from Arthur’s spell to find out what he's done. 

Admittedly, I wasn’t thrilled to see we were going back to Merida’s story because I felt they had wrapped it up rather well; however, I ended up enjoying this installment more than I expected. 

First off, I was doing a happy dance at seeing Ruby return. I've always enjoyed the character and think Meghan Ory is wonderful.

Wolfing out is kind of my thing.

Ruby

I’m hoping we see much more of her in Once Upon a Time Season 5. Unfortunately knowing that Red is going off in search of her pack with Mulan’s help doesn’t make it sound as though I’ll get my wish. 

Merida, Mulan, and Ruby made for quite an entertaining trio. I might even be willing to watch a spin off if it followed these three formidable and interesting women. 

Now Merida is after Arthur who has no idea what’s headed his way. How many powerful women can this man take on before he eventually falls? Will Emma be able to save herself and Killian? With only two more episodes left before the winter hiatus, will Once Upon a Time give us a happy ending?

Check back in later in the week to see what our Once Upon a Time Round Table team has to say, and if you can’t wait until then, you can watch Once Upon a Time online here at TV Fanatic. 

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C. Orlando was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow her on Twitter.

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