Episode Report Card Cindy McLennan: A- | 288 USERS: B+ YOU GRADE IT For Whom The Belle Tolls
By Cindy McLennan | Season 2 | Episode 11 | Aired on 2013.01.13
On his knees at Belle's side, Rumpy weeps as he looks up at Hook. "What you've done cannot be undone." I don't think we have to accept this as reliable narration, by the way. Things just look bleak to Rumpy.
Hook shouts that now Rumpy finally knows how it feels, then tempts the "crocodile" into doing his worst. Saying he intends to, Rumpy raises his hand and conjures up a fireball. Before he can hurl it at Hook, a car comes speeding toward them. Rumpy dives on Belle and rolls her out of harm's way. The car crashes right into Hook and sends him sailing in the air. He lands on the roof, then slides off into a ditch. The car careens out of control and crashes into a tree. Thunder rumbles. Lightning flashes. Through the rain, we close in on the car's Pennsylvania license plate which reads 2KFL 138. Who can it be, now? I've seen people make note of the "sylvania" part of Pennsylvania. I quite like the spec attached to it, but I think some of it is spoiled, so I'll say no more and leave you to ponder.
I am still not crazy about the Belle/Rumpy romance. I do love a redemption story. I do love that Belle believes in him. I just don't feel her reasons. I never thought she saw enough good in Rumpy (back in L'enchantement, when she lived with him) to have this much faith. I'm also just having trouble with the final scene. Yes it was shocking and sad. I hate to see Belle not remember herself, but it's still a little... contrived. I mean, why did she go to the town line with him? She can't drive, so I can't see her taking the Caddy back. I would expect Rumpy to take the car on his journey, since he doesn't even know where he's going, plus he's got the limp, except he didn't cross back over the line to kiss Belle or get in the car. I feel we got a little bit of ends justifying the means, where this plotting is concerned.
I've heard quite a few fans berate Belle's stupidity. I don't think she's stupid. She's quite smart. But she is inexperienced and naive. She's also brave. Her bravery and spirit of adventure, combined with her inexperience make her do some foolhardy things, but heroism often has a foolhardy component, so I'm fine with that. How about you?
I'll be back with coverage of "In the Name of the Brother." In the meantime, please grade the episode at the top of the page and then come on over to the forum, where we're hoping Kristi Yamaguchi isn't in the mood to do a vanity Google.