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
Charming goes to his grandson and promises him things will get better. They just have to hang in there. When Henry says it doesn't feel that way, Charming says he knows. Just then, Pongo rushes in the apartment and runs straight for Henry. Following the dog in the door, Emma explains that Geppetto said Archie knew how much Henry loved dog and would have wanted Henry to have him. Emma adds, "That's if you're up to taking care of him, Henry." Showing his first sign of life since he learned of Archie's death, Henry gleefully asserts he is up to the task.
Snow smiles, but then looks down at Pongo's muddy paw prints on her floor. Emma tells Henry to take the dog outside and clean him up. I'm not sure how that works. Outside is where the dirt lives. Still, this silly instruction gives the adults time to talk. Emma knows adding another warm body to their small shared space is a lot to work out. Snow interrupts her and insists that giving Pongo to Henry is a great idea. She just thinks things might get a little cramped. Turning to Charming, she suggests they get their own place. Both Charming and Emma are taken aback.
Emma says, "After 28 years, isn't this all we've been waiting for -- to be together under the same roof?" Snow tries to explain that's what she means. "Yes. I just imagined a bigger roof, with turrets. Being here in Storybrooke, we have a chance at a fresh start. Let's take it." Some fans seem to think Snow means she and Charming will move out and leave Henry and Emma (and Pongo) in the loft. I admit her "our own place" wording could mean that, but I think she means about buying a place of their own -- for all of them. [And now, after finishing the episode, I'm starting to agree with the fans who think Snow wants to leave Emma and Henry, and live alone with Charming, so this was a big waste.] We cut to...
Hook's ship. Belle pokes around until she finds a locked chest. When she opens it, she is disappointed to see it contains gold coins, but don't worry Belle, the shawl is right behind you, in Hook's hot little hands -- well, hot little hand and hook. Belle lunges for the gun she left on the counter, but Hook beats her to it, and tells her she should have stayed with her books. He aims the gun and her pretty face and moves it to within an inch of her forehead. "Real life can get so...messy." We flash back to...
Yamaguchi Land. Night. Belle leads Mulan on their search for the beast. When they come to a clearing, they see a village below, burning away. When she congratulates Belle on her tracking prowess, Belle notices that the wound Mulan sustained while rescuing her has only gotten worst. Wounded Mulan is more likable than any other version of Mulan we've seen so far. When she insists she must save her village, Belle points out she is in no condition to hunt or fight. Mulan knows she's right and tells Belle that she must get the Yamaguchi. She tells Belle how she once had to prove her own warrior spirit, and she knows Belle can do the same. "The fate of my village depends on you." Giving Belle her sword, Mulan tells her not to be afraid. We flash forward to...