Episode Report Card Cindy McLennan: A | 157 USERS: A- YOU GRADE IT PANoply
By Cindy McLennan | Season 3 | Episode 7 | Aired on 11.10.2013
Emma is silent as she leads her boyfriends back to camp. Finally, Neal admits he screwed up. Emma swings to face him. "Yes you did. You both did. We almost lost our shot at capturing the Shadow because you two were fighting over a lighter." Hook says, "It wasn't a lighter we were fighting over, love." Emma says, "Okay, let me be very clear about something. If I had to choose someone... I choose Henry. He's the only love I have room for in my life." Way to go, Mama. She leaves her boyfriends staring after her, shamed by her focus and perspective.
Snow and Charming find Tink and tell them they've found a way off the island. Snow explains the Shadow plan. Tink isn't going to buy into it until she sees some proof. Just then, Neal leads Emma and Hook to Tink. He holds up the coconut contraption and says it's all the proof she needs. His smile is bashful as he adds, "It's been a long time, Tink." Her face lights up. "Bae. Is it really you?" I know, right? He looks nothing like himself. He explains that most people call him Neal now. That's right, Tink. It's Neal or Douchfire, these days. Hook asks Tink if she's ready to do her part. She says she is and takes the lead. As Emma follows the party, Neal calls her back. He tells her she's right about Henry being all that matters. "And if he's the only thing that came from us being together, I say we did all right." Emma smiles, but it fades quickly. "Yeah. Now let's go get our son back." That's the way to do it, folks. If you have any chance at all, Neal, being a good father is your best shot at earning Emma's devotion.
Speaking of... Henry finds Pan and asks him why he kept Wendy a secret and asks if she's dying. Pan says she is, like much of the island. The magic is slipping away. Blah blah blah heart of the truest believer-cakes. He manipulates Henry into thinking Wendy's life depends on him. Henry asks how he can save magic. Pan says the question isn't how, but where. He leads Henry to a waterside cliff and shows him Skull Rock. Pan says that's where their salvation awaits. "Salvation that only the heart of the truest believer can bring." Pan says it won't be easy. It will require heroism and sacrifice. "The only question is, are you up to the task?" Henry's expression is resolved as he stares at Skull Rock and calmly answers, "Yes."
I'll be back coverage of "Think Lovely Thoughts." In the meantime, please grade the episode up top, and then join us on the boards, where we might have lit Neal on fire to attract Pan's Shadow.