Episode Report Card Cindy McLennan: C+ | 4 USERS: C YOU GRADE IT I Dream Of Sidney
By Cindy McLennan | Season 1 | Episode 11 | Aired on 01.29.2012
City Hall, Exterior, Day: Gold approaches Sidney and Emma, who are watching Regina from a safe distance. Gold tells Emma that she needs a strong ally in her efforts to take down Regina. Emma's all, "Thanks, but no thanks." Regina approaches, tells Sidney to take a hike, and then lays the smack down on Emma. She needs to stop breaking the law and uphold it, as is her duty. And even though Emma contends that she knows Regina is bad to the bone, Regina doesn't care. Emma needs to understand Regina now has enough reason to swear out a restraining order against her, where Henry is concerned. "You don't get to see my son unless I say so. And right now? I don't say so."
The new play structure (in the middle of the freaking woods) is a miniature of Knifingham Palace. Insert here a bunch of forum complaints that Emma couldn't tell the difference between plans for a house and plans for a glorified jungle gym. Emma is parked out on the access road, watching Henry and the other kids play. Over poor, beautiful, dead Graham's walkie-talkies, mother and son talk. Henry assumes she's staying away because of Operation Cobra -- some undercover something or other. Emma tells him she screwed up, and needs to stay away from him for a while, or Regina will make things worse for them. She tells him they'll have to be apart for a bit, but she'll find a way back in, and if it's out there, she will find his book. Henry says, "Good luck. It's probably gone. And it's probably never coming back." Henry's face is forlorn, as he watches Emma drive off.
Granny's B&B: The MYSTERIOUS STRANGER breaks the lock on the red lock-box and opens it to reveal Henry's copy of Once Upon A Time. He picks it up. We cut to...
Granny's Diner: Sidney is drinking at the counter/bar/disco when Emma finds him. They wallow in their failure for a moment. Sidney says there are many more skeletons in Regina's closet. "And the good news? You've got yourself an ally." They raise their glasses of beer and clink. Emma: "We won't get fooled again." Cue an earworm from The Who, one which is five days old, and counting.
Enchanted Forest, Knifingham Palace: Genie goes to Queenie, to tell her the deed is done. They are free to be together, at last. Bad news, Genie, Queenie played you. Oh she pretends otherwise, but c'mon. She tells him the Knifingham Palace guards found the Agrabahn Viper. Who is the natural suspect? Why, the Genie of Agrabah, but of course. Queenie offers Genie safe passage out of the kingdom, and, after pretending otherwise for two seconds, makes it clear she has no feelings for him. "I wanted the king killed, and you killed him. You are no longer of any use to me. Be grateful I am offering you an escape. Now flee the kingdom and never turn back." Genie doesn't care. He still loves her so, that he decides to use the final wish remaining in the lamp. He wishes to be with her, look upon her face, and never leave her side -- forever, and whoooooosh he goes up in smoke and finds himself imprisoned in her mirrors. When Regina picks up the mirror Genie gave to her, she covers her smile with her hand. "Well, it looks like you've got your wish. You will be with me. Forever." The muahahahahaha is implied.