Marvelous Geeks

Type: Romantic Show: ABC’s Once Upon A Time Featured Characters: Emma Swan and Killian Jones

Once Upon A Time was a show about classic fairy tales with updated twists. It gave us classic stories and tropes but would also subvert expectations. It became beloved by many, especially Disney and fairy tale fans and those who loved stories of love, family, and hope. While no show is perfect, its purpose was always a positive one.

One of the things I loved about the show was the blending of the traditional with the modern, giving the audience the best of both worlds in a sense. The love story between Emma Swan and Killian Jones, aka Captain Hook, was an ideal representation of that concept. Of course, an idea is only as good as its execution, and thankfully the story of Emma and Hook was one of the greatest of the series, with solid writing and exceptional performers in Jennifer Morrison and Colin O’Donoghue, who breathed captivating life into their characters.

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Portrayed by: Colin O’Donoghue Show: ABC’s Once Upon A Time

There are very few characters who’ve had a redemption arc as engrossing and as sharp as Once Upon A Time’s Killian Jones—characters who stumble and fall in ways that are so realistic that we’re able to understand the human complexities remarkably through them. From the moment Killian Jones appeared on screen, it was clear he’d be one of the most compelling characters in the series. It was also evident that his journey would encompass considerable life lessons written to inflict hope.

Killian Jones, later known as Captain Hook, wasn’t always a villain, which is partly why his growth’s been so excellent. He’s gone from a Navy kid with much innocence to a broken man on a quest for vengeance, and through persistence, that fractured man found his way onto the hero’s column. In his journey to self-discovery, his mistakes and the temporary setback in his inability to forgive himself have showcased true bravery in the form of self-awareness. In every sense of the word, Killian is a man of honor—his choices to better himself out of the sheer desire to be worthy of the heroic title strengthened his character profoundly even while the writing faltered.

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And they lived happily ever after.

Episode Summary: The Black Fairy’s curse hits Storybrooke trapping Killian, Snow, Charming, Regina, Zelena, and co. in the Enchanted Forest while Emma’s in a Psychiatric Hospital and it’s up to Henry to help her believe again. As it turns out, if Emma stops believing that the life she once had is real, it’ll fade from existence. Rumple faces his mother one last time. The families reunite. And they live happily ever after.

Review | Analysis: Once Upon A Time is a special show — for six years it has allowed us to begin our weeks with the faith and belief that no matter how hard things get, there’s always a happy ending in store. And while the “The Final Battle” was anything but a perfect episode, the stories it told were beautiful. Once Upon A Time may not be over for good, but a prodigious chapter has ended — a chapter that’s changed lives. A little bit of happiness in the midst of dark days where television series are uncertain, but where Once Upon A Time was concerned, we always knew it’d end well. It’d end leaving us with a surplus of hope. It’d leave us braver, kinder, better than ever.

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When Once Upon A Time’s 28th episode “Tallahassee” aired, it was easy to imagine that we’d end up here today, but in some senses, it was still very surreal. For five years we’ve dedicated time, tears, and happiness to this exquisitely beautiful couple’s journey in love. We’ve been captivated over and over again through their innately gorgeous, profoundly moving love story as we watched them effortlessly heal one another through love and selfless devotion. And today, we watched them embark on a new beginning to forever. Today, we watched them become husband and wife. And episodes like this deserve special kind of treatment. “Weddings are beautiful, but marriages between two people who’d take every opportunity they get to do whatever is necessary to express their love are immaculate.”

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It’s like Ellen’s 12 Days of Christmas only with saviors.

Episode Summary: In flashbacks we learn that Rumple was destined to be the savior, but learning that another would be his undoing, Fiona did everything in her power to stop it only to become the person that was prophesied against her son. She was then banished by Tiger Lily and the Blue Fairy, forcing Rumple’s father to grow resentful of him. In present day Storybrooke, Rumple pulls an inception on himself, Emma, and Gideon where he learns the truth about why his mother gave him up. Zelena learns how to drive. Killian chooses his best man. And a twist leads us closer into the final battle.

Review | Analysis: At its greatest Once Upon A Time is a show that reminds us of how much strength it takes to be vulnerable. And it’s often taken us through captivating journeys of self-discovery through characters that have had difficult times opening up their hearts. “The Black Fairy” was a fantastic reminder of the fact that there’s bravery in openness, and there’s strength in numbers. It was also the most evident reminder of the fact that evil isn’t born it’s made, and to reiterate that fact in an episode so close to the final battle was actually perfect.

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The hills are alive with the sound of True Love!

Episode Summary: In flashbacks, we learn that Charming woke up long before Emma came into Storybrooke breaking the curse between him and Snow, but the two were forced to give up a life with Emma in order to free everyone from the curse. In present day Storybrooke, while Regina, Zelena, and Emma try to break the sleeping curse, Killian’s trying to get away from angry lost boys. But with the help of a magical flower and Tiger Lily, Killian and Emma reunite then the entire town decides they’ll share the sleeping curse in order to dim the power away from Snow and Charming.

Review | Analysis: At its core, Once Upon A Time is a show about love. It’s a show that reminds us of the fact that when we have people to care for, who care for us, we essentially have everything. And “Awake” was an episode which showcased the series’ specialty at its finest — an episode that awakened something in all of us. We’ve been taught to believe that sometimes, the hardest decisions in life have the greatest outcomes. An ultimate sacrifice is often the source of pure magical, bliss. (For Christians, in the same way that God needed to sacrifice Jesus for us to be freed from our transgressions, Snow and Charming had to leave Emma behind for the rest of Storybrooke. It’s Easter. We can’t not talk about Jesus — especially after an episode like this.)

“Awake” did what Once Upon A Time does best and it reminded its viewers of the fact that happiness can be found even after the darkest days. It reminded its viewers of the fact that hope and love are the most powerful weapons a person can carry. And when there are people filled with endless love to give, there are others willing to do whatever it takes to keep that fire alive within them. And “Awake” was the ultimate showcase the fact that our darkest days are to be met with light. It was the ultimate showcase of the fact that True Love isn’t merely between romantic pairs, but families and friends, too.

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If only someone prepared us for this episode.

Episode Summary: In flashbacks we see the story Gideon told prior brought to life and discover that his heart may not be as tainted as we imagined. In present day Storybrooke, Gideon asks Emma for her help but betrays her. Killian asks Blackbeard for help but the two end up Neverland thanks to Gideon’s trap. Everything’s a mess. Henry’s facing some weird author possession. Isaac is set free and the Black Fairy makes her way into Storybrooke.

Review | Analysis: “Mother’s Little Helper” did something Once Upon A Time hasn’t done in a while and it surprised a lot of us with a twist we didn’t see coming. But beyond that, it allowed us to understand Gideon’s torment while learning that the Black Fairy is truly the worst parent of all. But above all else, “Mother’s Little Helper” reminded us of the fact that things aren’t ever black and white. People can surprise us with their actions. People can be flawed in their word choices. People can be wrong. And since we now know the final battle is coming, the only thing we can be certain of is that good will always win.

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No one to tell us no. Or where to go. (But someone should tell Killian which direction he can go back home to Emma.)

Episode Summary: In flashbacks we learn about Jafar’s proposal to Jasmine and the princess is united with Killian after her mission with Aladdin goes south. We also learn that Ariel and Jasmine knew one another. After Killian doesn’t come home and Leroy says he saw him leaving, Emma and the entire town believe he’s gone for good. Charming learns the truth behind his father’s death. Snow and Regina try to distract Emma. Basically, a lot happened.

Review | Analysis: “A Wondrous Place” was an adorable adventure we’d never see anywhere else. No seriously, Captain Hook, Ariel, Jasmine, Aladdin, Nemo? Brilliant. Sometimes, even when Once Upon A Time does things that are undoubtedly questionable, it’s moments like this that make up for it. Episodes where the audience could just have a little fun as we watch things unfold in a way we’d otherwise never been able to. And Once Upon A Time’s most important lesson? Princesses get stuff done!

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That was … strange.

Episode Summary: In flashbacks, with the help of Tinkerbell, Regina’s father tries to bring her to her happiness by helping her find the man with the lion tattoo, but instead, she makes it so the magical arrow points her in the direction of the person she hates most. Upon remembering that she’s the person she hates most, in present day Storybrooke, Regina combines her love with the Evil Queen’s hate, and they send her back to the Wish Realm where she can start over. Emma learns the truth about what Killian did to her grandfather and just as he’s about to come home from running off to find himself, Gideon tramps him in Nemo’s submarine.

Review | Analysis: If we stop trying to figure out Once Upon A Time’s timelines and realms, we won’t be confused right? That’s essentially where I’m at with this episode. While I thoroughly loved the thematic importance of “Page 23”, when things don’t make sense, it’s a little tough to be fully engaged and pleased. But nonetheless, “Page 23” highlighted the importance of self-love beautifully. And thankfully, we no longer have to deal with the Evil Queen anymore.

Once Upon A Time knows how to remind us of the struggles we continuously face in our lives and “Page 23”, much like “Murder Most Foul” did that best by reminding us of the fact that forgiveness and self-love go together. It reminded us of the fact that at the end of the day, love will always win. It’ll always be able to heal even the darkest souls.

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Hmph.

Episode Summary: In flashbacks, we learn that Beowulf actually existed during the Ogre Wars and Rumplestilskin killed him. Oh, but he didn’t do out of free will, Baelfire commanded him to. (The kid who presumably hated magic.) Robin teams up with Zelena in order to leave Storybrooke, and Regina comes to the realization that she should’ve never split herself from the Evil Queen. Rumple darkens his soul for Gideon. Emma finds the ring, and Killian pops the question with a giant secret hanging over their head.

Review | Analysis: Every once in a while it’s safe to expect that we’ll come across an episode in our favorite show that’ll make us angry cry. And “Ill-Boding Patterns” was that episode for me — if I weren’t reviewing the show, I might’ve skipped it to save myself from witnessing the hottest mess in Once Upon A Time history. Perhaps, the most unfortunate aspect is the fact that the episode was set up to tell a riveting story, and it could have succeeded if it chose to respect its characters a little bit. It could’ve succeeded if the easy route wasn’t taken. Now while “Ill-Boding Patterns” is probably my least favorite episode to date, it wasn’t without great moments and it finally addressed something I’d been hoping for.

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March 12-16 “Murder Most Foul” | Once Upon A Time

It’s been one of the strongest weeks on television leaving us with a number of choices for this category. Madam Secretary had our heroine punch a man for sexual harassment. (This was our second choice, actually.) When Calls the Heart was as adorable as ever. This is Us gave us on an emotionally charged season finale. The Americans reminded us of how lonely the life of spies can be. And Black-ish dealt with pregnant women in the workplace beautifully. But it was Once Upon A Time’s “Murder Most Foul” which became one of our all-time favorite episodes.

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It's okay not to be okay.

Episode Summary: In flashbacks, we’re taken back to the moment where David and James were separated while in present day Storybrooke, David attempts to uncover the truth behind what really happened to his father. Killian struggles with David’s perception of him, and because he wants to take things with Emma to the next level, he needs her father’s blessing. Regina shows Robin around Storybrooke and after a kiss, she learns that he really isn't the man she fell in love with.

Review | Analysis: Once Upon A Time has proven many things within the last six years, and one of them is the fact that Jane Espenson and Jerome Schwartz make magic together. “Murder Most Foul” was the perfect demonstration of just how fascinating these characters are, and the strength that’s found through honest, enduring friendships. In spite of the horrific ending, “Murder Most Foul” is an episode that’s bound to leave viewers remembering why they fell in love with the show in the first place.

Once Upon A Time is a series that at its best uses fairytale characters to emphasize on real, human emotions. And in a cathartic way, “Murder Most Foul” showcased the importance of seeking help. It reminded viewers of the fact that there’s no shame in asking for it, and that as human beings, we are always enough just as we are.

There's no feeling quite as indescribable as finding a fictional character to care deeply for. A character who we perhaps see ourselves in or a character who's just so well written, it's difficult to turn the other cheek. There are a number of fantastic TV characters -- whether heroes or villains or somewhere in between, they're so well written, they become a part of us. They become someone we cherish, someone we want the best for. They become someone we're constantly in awe of. And 2016 has truly been one of the best years in the world of television. It's been a strong, undeniably powerful year for complex, incredible characters.

And whatever you do, in order to get the best of Year-End reviews, you need to check out the beautiful work Nerdy Girl Notes and TV Examined are doing as well.

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One heart, one curse, and perpetual weeping by all fans until this is resolved.

Episode Summary: In flashbacks we’re taken back to a time where Charming and Snow met without ever knowing who the other was. In present day Storybrooke, the Evil Queen finds a new way to torture the couple when she comes accepts that they’re willing to lay down their lives for the sake of the town.

Review | Analysis: Belief has often been an incredibly powerful theme in the world of Once Upon A Time and in “Heartless” it serves as a gorgeous reminder of hope. It’s this very belief which has strengthened our characters to the core reminding viewers that encouragement is a weapon we must all use to brighten up the days of our loved ones. Come what may, the Charming family has always found a way to happiness — no matter how brief it’s been, their adventures have been worthwhile. And with this new challenge arising in their paths, it is bound to make them even stronger. Snow and Charming were once on their own, but today, there’s an army behind them. There’s an army believing with intense faith that they can break the new curse bestowed by the Evil Queen.

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Where there is hope, there is forgiveness. Where there is love, there is strength.

Episode Summary: In flashbacks, we learn that a submarine Captain named Nemo tries to convince Killian to join his crew, and as it turns out his first mate is Liam, Killian’s father’s second son. In Storybrooke, when the two return Liam attempts to avenge his father’s death. Emma and Aladdin go off an adventure to the town line. Belle visits the hospital for her first ultrasound. And the Evil Queen continues to gross us out with her crush on Gold.

Review | Analysis: “Dark Waters” much like “The Other Shoe” did a fantastic job of showcasing the strength that’s found in forgiveness. By exploring the dynamics between fathers and sons/brothers and sisters it has revealed that there’s great strength in communication, for it’s the key to moving forwards. We explore issues such as this often on television, and frankly, it’s necessary because in spite of how many times the story’s told it isn’t always fully processed. And as human beings, we’re bound to make mistakes over and over again, but as long as we continue trying, we’re making the wise choices in life.

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We are in this world to right our wrongs, love with all our hearts, and give with all our might.

Episode Summary: When Ashley realizes she has a second chance to save her step-sister ClOrinda (Mekenna Melvin), she chooses to do it all on her own, but is later in need of a healing touch. Emma battles with the desire to give Killian his happy ending, but fears and the savior shakes continue to overpower. Snow decides she wants to go back into teaching. Charming searches for the truth about his father’s accident. The Evil Queen teams up with Mr. Hyde while Regina and Dr. Jekyll try to figure out how to control their other halves.

Review | Analysis: Once Upon A Time’s “The Other Shoe” was one of the strongest, thematically moving episodes the series has had in a while. An episode I’d give a solid 9.5 rating, too. It’s the closest we’ve ever gotten to perfection in Once Upon A Time history — every minute of it was rich in storytelling and performances. This show is special. It has been special from the very beginning in the unique way it’s delivered our favorite fairytales with a twist and while a series like this can get redundant quicker than most, Once Upon A Time has managed to keep its magnetism for six years. We are never too old or too young to be reminded of the power of belief — a profound emotion that’s capable of achieving the impossible. “The Other Shoe” served as a beautiful reminder of the fact that it’s never too late for anything.

“The Other Shoe” is unsurprisingly the work of the remarkable wordsmith Jane Espenson — a woman who’s no stranger to writing some of the most incredible episodes of Once Upon A Time. Espenson managed to seamlessly take us back to the magic that made us fall in love with season one while exploring the issues we’re facing today.