Episode Report Card Cindy McLennan: B+ | 2 USERS: B+ YOU GRADE IT Bibbidi Bobbidi Botch
By Cindy McLennan | Season 1 | Episode 4 | Aired on 11.13.2011
Ella says she will do "anything to get out of here." Rumpy's eyes light up at that. Ella: "Do you know how to use that wand, Mister..." Rumpy bows and says, "Rumpelstiltskin." And WHAT? He just out and out told his name? That's his big secret. Oh well, I guess by the time Cinderella's story happens, his secret identity has already been outed by the Miller's Daughter-turned-Queen (who you just know has to be our Queenie, since Queenie's Storybrooke name is Reginal Mills). Anyhow, Rumpy manipulates Ella into entering an agreement with him, so that she can attend the ball, but she will owe him a favor. "Something, precious." (It's very Gollum, and I love it.) Ella says she has nothing, but Rumpy assure her she will, because her wish will bring her more riches beyond belief. Ella says she doesn't care about wishes. "Just get me out of here." Rumpy tells her his needs are small (AS BABIES ALWAY ARE, DON'T DO IT, ELLA) and has her sign on the dotted line of a contract so long she doesn't even bother to read it. Sigh. He magics up her beautiful blue ball gown and her glass slippers -- glass, because "...every story needs a memorable detail." He tells her to have a good time, "But be sure to watch the clock." We cut to...
Storybrooke, 8:00 AM: After my big analysis and lecture about how the Enchanted Forest is Once Upon A Time's real world, I've decided to stop calling the Storybrooke universe "Our World," even though the show has used that term, because I think it obscures what is real in this story. Anyhow, we cut to a shot of the clock. I never noticed before, but the clock tower crowns the Storybrooke library. That resonates with me somehow, because what is a library, but where the stories live? The clock is still ticking and chiming away.
Henry wonders if it's okay to be seen out in the open with Emma, but she pretty much tells him Regina can bite her. Henry declares her brave and says, "We'll need that for Operation Cobra," then asks if they should start using code names. I love this kid. Emma points out that Operation Cobra is the code name. Henry explains: "I mean us. I need something to call you." Oh, he wants to call her "Mom," poor little punk. Emma stammers and tells him to just call her Emma, "...for now." Henry says, "See you later... Emma," and hops on his bus.
Sheriff Graham pulls up in front of Emma, blocking her way down the sidewalk. When she asks what's up with the siren, he tells her he has to get her attention, somehow. Oh, he's so crushing. He's not just there because he's crushing though, he offers her a job. When Emma points out she has a job, the Sheriff points out she's not going to get much bail bonds work in Storybrooke. He gives her a card and encourages her to stay a while.