Episode Report Card Cindy McLennan: A- | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT For Whom The Belle Tolls
By Cindy McLennan | Season 2 | Episode 11 | Aired on 01.13.2013
On the boards, someone mentioned finding it was curious that Snow is speaking, rather than Geppetto. I don't. She's their monarch. They don't have a clergy person present. Jiminy was part of her inner-circle back in L'enchantement. I think these characters would see Snow's speech as a final honor for the dearly departed. Besides, we didn't see a wake or a funeral. Perhaps Geppetto has already publicly mourned his friend. And you know, I'm thinking Geppetto might be a little senile because he's scarcely mentioned his seems-to-be-missing son all season.
When Snow is done speaking, Geppetto takes Archie's umbrella and plants it in the ground in front of the head stone. Since this is "Archie's" internment (not just some graveside memorial done some time after the death) what's truly curious to me is that there is a headstone ready so soon. Perhaps someone magicked it up because we waited forever for my father's (and it only came after the wrong guy's stone was laid on dad's grave). Kneeling by the casket, Geppetto's voice breaks as he says, "I miss you so much my friend, but at least you are in a better place." This line is the perfect segue to...
Hook's ship. Still tied up in the hold, Archie (who, remember, never was killed) is begging for mercy, but Hook shushes him and asks the location of the Dark One's dagger. Archie claims to know nothing of the dagger. Hook considers his face and then decides he's telling the truth, so he asks Archie if Rumpy has any other weaknesses. When Archie won't come clean, Hook presses his hook down on Archie's forehead. "Very well. I've always wanted to dissect a cricket." Archie pleads with Hook to wait. Hook smiles. "That's more like it. Now tell me, Cricket. What is his weakness?" We cut to...
Gold's shop. Belle hustles in and Rumpy informs her he can now cross the town line. If he pours his potion onto the object he holds most dear, the object will become a talisman which will allow him to cross the line, yet still retain his memories. When Belle asks Rumpy what object he'll enchant, I expect him to take out the chipped cup (and wonder if a non-porous object will work), but instead, he opens his safe to reveal Baelfire's shawl.
Belle would like to come with Rumpy, but he only has enough potion for one object. The Contrivance Fairy swoops in to explain. "No, he can't make any more potion because if he does it will spoil this episode's tragic end. You're welcome." Belle has been locked up in a mental ward for 28 years, so I think it's too bad that instead of this, "I only have enough potion..." nonsense, they didn't tease this out another way. I mean, why would she have any idea where her most prized possession could be? They might have to go to Mo's house. Rumpy wouldn't want the delay. Belle seems not to be reconnecting with her dad. Oh well. I shouldn't dwell so much on this, I suppose, because Rumpy then explains that this is his journey and something he needs to do alone. Actually, that's perfect. They could have left out the nonsense and had that be his only answer. Belle understands, and the two embrace. We flash back to...