Episode Report Card Cindy McLennan: B+ | 438 USERS: B+ YOU GRADE IT It's What's For Dinner
By Cindy McLennan | Season 1 | Episode 9 | Aired on 2012.01.15
Sidebar: Quite a few people in the forums are speculating as to whether or not Henry's father could be Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater. That was the first thought that entered my mind when Emma mentioned the pumpkin pie detail. Just thought I'd mention.
Mary Margaret's Hovel: Emma comes home and shows the kids her baby blanket, explaining that it's the only thing she has from her parents. Most of the kids she grew up with in the system held onto mementos from their family. Ava: "I might have something, but if I give it to you, you'll make sure we stay together, right?" When Emma agrees, Ava hands over the compass, and asks if Emma ever found her own parents. Emma: "Not yet, but I'm going to find yours." Emma's lines are written (and delivered) just right in this scene. She chooses her words to show the children that she considers herself a kindred spirit. Both this scene, and the one prior, with Henry, helped win me over to this episode (which, where the Enchanted Forest story is concerned, just wasn't my cup of hot chocolate with cinnamon). All the emotions ring true, this week, especially in Storybrooke.
Enchanted Forest: As the children are breaking into the Blind Witch's gingerbread house, Hansel swipes a finger full of frosting. He raises it to his mouth, but Gretel, remembering Queenie's warning, swats his hand down and mouths, "No," at him. They sneak inside to find a cottage is so filled with treats, any person would be tempted, especially Hansel, the dim. They try to confirm that the witch is sleeping and Gretel reminds her brother not to take even a lick of anything, then goes to the hearth and swipes the satchel. Hansel, being too dumb to live, swipes a cupcake. The moment he takes a bite, the witch awakens. Taking a deep breath, she rises. Between her and her fireplace are a pile of bones and skulls. Hansel and Gretel try to run out, but the door and windows magically lock. The witch sighs with delight. "I smell dinner."