Episode Report Card Cindy McLennan: B+ | 460 USERS: B+ YOU GRADE IT Hook, Line and Sinker
By Cindy McLennan | Season 2 | Episode 4 | Aired on 2012.10.21
Enchanted Past. Night. Exterior. Jones and his crew stumble through the streets, laughing and bullying innocent bystanders, because...PIRATES! Disguised as a beggar, Rumpy passes by them, but his cloak conceals his head and he keeps his gaze turned toward the ground. He accidentally on-purpose bumps into Jones, who says, "Hey you. Stop. Even gutter rats have more manners than you've just displayed."
Rumpy mutters his apologies as he turns to face his rival. When Jones gets a glimpse of Rumpy's complexion he says, "Oh, I'm sorry. Not a rat at all. More..." He glances towards his crew for inspiration, then says, "More like a crocodile." Good thing he's handsome, because he's very mean. Sure, Rumpy deserves it, but Jones doesn't yet know that. He knocks the alms cup out of Rumpy's hand and asks his name. When Rumpy bends down to pick up the cup and spilled coins, Jones puts a boot on his shoulder and pushes him down.
Rumpy struggles to his feet as his assailants laugh, then throws off his hood, giggles his trademark giggle and gives Jones a good look at his face. Jones remembers him right away. With great flourish, and his usual bow that seems more like a curtsy, he introduces himself as Rumplestiltskin (sic -- look, we've been over this; it bothers me to spell it the way the show does, but it bothers me to spell it correctly, since the show doesn't, so there's going to be the occasional "sic"), and then adds, "...Or as others know me, the Dark One." When the crew cowers in fear, Rumpy gloats about his reputation proceeding him. He says it's time for the question and answer portion of their game and asks how Milah is. When Jones plays dumb, Rumpy says he's willing to dig out the memory, and he means that literally, since he adds that will get really messy.
Jones lies that Milah is dead, and asks Rumpy what he wants. Now, during the pilot, we were told that Rumpy knows the future. I can't remember if that's a feature that comes standard with the Dark One package, or if Rumpy honed that ability later, with some magical help. Looking at Rumpy's expression here, I can't decide whether or not he knows Jones is lying. What do you think? Rumpy reminds Jones that they never finished (or even had, for that matter) their duel. When Jones reaches for his sword, Rumpy says, "Not now. Tomorrow at dawn. I am not a cruel man. Get your affairs in order. Also, you can spend tonight knowing it is your last." He giggles then says, "Maybe I am cruel." He closes in on Jones. "And don't think about trying to escape, because I will find you, and I will gut your entire crew." He assumes an Italianesque accent and adds, "Like-a da feeeesh." When Jones tries to stare him down, Rumpy's grin widens.