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Monday, December 5, 2011

The Shepherd

"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales." - Albert Einstein
 
This week's episode was absolutely wonderful!  Is destiny fate or chance?
Although we see struggle, sacrifice and heartbreak, it also gives us a glimmer of hope that one's path ultimately leads to where one is supposed to go and meet the people one is supposed to meet along the way.  All of life's bizarre and troubling, as well as the wonderful occurrences and interactions are connected in a chain of events that, although one might not realize it, is the universe putting certain challenges, goals and rewards in our grasp. You just have to pay attention to the signs to see clearly.  

In this episode we see that the shepherd has to make choices and sacrifices, and he does so out of his good heart and not wanting to see others (his mother and the people of the Kingdom) suffer.  He is noble.  But alas he does also have the right to be happy and have true love. 

Are You Lost?
Well, you better hope you find what you're looking for.

The questions asked within this story keep coming back to- "Who am I?" and "Where do I belong?"  These questions are surrounding John Doe aka David Nolan aka Prince Charming James aka the shepherd.
Are you wondering if there is still two brothers involved here?  I found David's statement about- "Whoever married Kathryn is not me" very telling.  Is this him just explaining that his heart wasn't really into marrying Abigail/Kathryn?  Playing this new role he knew his marrying her is to be for the greater good of everyone else, but what about the real him and what is in his heart and good for him?

Currently John Doe is still John Doe "having memories" of David- while the shepherd is playing the part of Prince James.  All of this pretending to be someone/something he is not is not living who he truly is.

John Doe and the residents of Storybrooke are learning to become the people they should be and living the life they should be via tests and choices.

Example: although the new shepherd Prince didn't think himself a dragon slayer he proved he was wrong and was very brave and passed the test; as it is he who indeed slays the mighty dragon.  He is a warrior.

Choice along the Path
Some roads may seem quicker, but is that really the right way to travel?  There are obstacles on the path, but one must face them head on; even when one doesn't understand why it is there and where and whom the delay and/or detour lead to.  One must stay on the path, deciding to go left or right, and make the choices needed at the time, hoping they're the right choices; and believing that the path will ultimately lead to where they need to go.
The people one meets along the path, no matter how strangely the paths cross, just may be the way it is supposed to be.
The shepherd, or knave as some might see it, takes on a huge task to save his mother, their farm and the poor Kingdom.  But he told his mother "As poor as we are love is the one thing I can afford. I will find a way to save this farm. But I won't do it for marrying for riches. When I marry I want it to be because I choose to spend the rest of my life with someone I love."  But his situation changed and he had to take a new road based on the new events on his path, causing him to alter choices he may have entertained previously.  In other words sometimes circumstances change, plans change, and cause us to take a different road, sometimes making us go against the grain of who we really are.  In that case we need to find our way back on our path.

We also see John Doe/David trying to make "the right" choices in Storybrooke. But are these choices based on what is truly in his heart or are they decisions based on loyalty, honor, habit, or simply doing the right thing for other people?

In Storybrooke John Doe/David literally uses a map to try and find his way to the TrOLL BRIDGE and Mary Margaret.  But he needs some shepherding along the way, some help- which he does get. 

Rumpelstiltskin lays out the dragon slaying ruse but is sure that the young shepherd twin knows he has a choice in the matter.  Although the young shepherd makes his choice it becomes a sacrifice and he must live with those consequences- After all- there's always consequences.
But, it is still by those events and choices and passing the "beheading the dragon test" that his path does indeed cross with his true love...Snow White.  Let us not ignore that it is Mr. Gold who shepherd's John Doe/David to the TrOLL BRIDGE to meet with Mary Margaret.

Confused John Doe/David chooses to be with Kathryn but admits to not knowing if he really loves her. Let me tell you something mister! If he really and truly loves her- he'd fuckin' know it!  Why doesn't he remember that deep emotion; the very emotion that would be important to him. Is it locked up somewhere?

Mary Margaret feels her choices are really her punishing herself for things. She is the one who put that idea in her own head; no one else did that.

How can one align their heart and mind and stay true to who they are? Should you only follow your heart or your mind?  There must be a way to unite both...maybe with a key.

The Key
What or whom is the bridge between both realms?  Henry's explanation of what is going on in Storybrooke is amazing.
Does Regina know?  Who else is putting some of the pieces together?  There seems to be some shepherding going on in this story. That would mean someone holds the key.  

It is important to learn the difference between the things one is attached to isn't notions just put into one's head by others; be sure they're things that really belong in your heart.

I guess we'll have to wait and see who holds the key to David's heart and the door back to...

Family
Ask yourself these questions:
What is more important to you, love or wealth?  What are you willing to sacrifice to save your family and your home?  Are you willing to live without all of the material comforts for only the comfort of love and family?  What are you placing more value in?

Everyone has to realize you can't have everything...or can you?  Do you dare to dream big?  Well you should!  But we also must learn to keep things in balance and in perspective.  Midas has wealth but also knows family is the greater treasure.  He sees his snooty daughter as having more value than any material things and Ruth loves her son so much that she is willing to let him go and do what he must.
The value of family and the love shared by each other is indeed more valuable than material things.  But unfortunately in our real lives we can't live without cold hard cash; and lots of it.  Our society can't live a simple life. Our society places more value on money, wealth and riches.

Anyway, the goal is...to return home.

Things to note...Questions to ask...
  • Everyone there has fake stories preventing them from remembering who they really are.  Henry says- "Which is preventing the curse from replacing his fairy tale story with fake memories."  Is this a literal statement to this story or strictly a metaphor?  How are their identities and memories erased for the purpose of this journey?
  • Amnesia. Memory
  • Twins. 
  • Time
  • Two sides.
  • Sleeping. Wake Up
  • Hearts and minds
  • Dead. Alive. Resurrection
  • I only recall Kathryn wearing a diamond engagement ring and not a wedding ring- yet David now wears a gold wedding band, and Mary wears the Periodot  "ring of true love" that belonged to Ruth
  • King Midas in Greek mythology- has the ability to turn everything he touches into gold.  Mr. Gold/Rumpelstiltskin and King Midas both turn things into gold
  • Mary wears a gold key around her neck
  • What is Graham's story and how is he in cahoots with Regina? Why can't Henry know about the two? 
  • Does David remember "enough" or "everything"?  He still seems confused to me
  • They like their liquor in Storybrooke
    Golden LOST Thread Woven into the Tapestry of this Tale  
     ★  In LOST there was a need to protect the "Island" to ensure its survival- In ONCE it feels like we have to do the same for the Kingdom
    ★  Shepherd- Jack and Christian Shephard. There was indeed shepherding going on the LOST story
    ★  MacCutcheon Whiskey- Is a special whiskey that was drunk by Charles Widmore, Anthony Cooper,  Desmond Hume, Charlie Pace and Hurley. It was stashed away by Sawyer
         *  Antonio B. MacCutcheon is also mentioned on the Ajira Airlines website
    ★  When Mr. Gold asks David if he's sure about the windmill belonging to him it reminded me of Richard Alpert asking child John Locke in Cabin Fever, which of the things on the table belongs to him...already/really.
    ★ Amnesia- Claire had amnesia
    ★ When King George whispers into "James'" ear- "If you say anything else but yes.. you will be solely responsible for the destruction of everyone and everything in our Kingdom"- this reminds me of Flashes Before Your Eyes, when Eloise Hawking tells a very similar thing to Desmond about going to the "Island", pushing the button/turning the failsafe key  "...and if you don't do those things, Desmond David Hume, every single one of us is dead. So give me that sodding ring."
    ★  I'm not saying it is the dartboard from The Swan Hatch, but I put it here for you to decide what you see
    **All photos posted here are chosen for a reason.**
     
    Enough of my rambling...Here is your episode recap! Enjoy!
    Kathryn Nolan stands at the front of the home she says she shares with her husband David Nolan; who is there with her. They are there for a WELCOME HOME DAVID party with neighbors and friends whom are there to help jog his memory.   David just stands with Kathryn looking at the house from the outside.
    Kathryn- "You know you had that same look on your face before we bought it too. You couldn't see past the ugly windmill on the lawn and said you'd never buy an old ladies house. Do you remember what made you change your mind?"
    David notices that the windmill is gone. Kathryn hurries him along as everyone is waiting.
    David asks "Who's everyone?"

    Inside David is greeted and introduced to 'friends and neighbors' he can't recall. {Gene, Ellen, Frank} Dr. Whale tells David this is good for him "The smallest things can trigger your memories. Just try and have fun".   David will do his best.

    Sitting quietly away from the group is Emma and Henry.
    Henry- "You know why he doesn't remember? The curse isn't working on him yet."
    Emma- "Henry, David has amnesia."
    Henry- "Which is preventing the curse from replacing his fairy tale story with fake memories."
    Emma- "Right- Because everyone here has fake stories that prevent them from remembering who they really are."
    Henry- "Right. And now's our chance to help him. We just have to get him to remember that he's..."
    Emma- "He's Prince Charming."
    Henry- "We have to jog his memory by getting him and Miss Blanchard together."
    Emma- "Didn't we just try that?"
    Henry- "And it woke him up."

    David approaches the two whom saved his life; and the only two people he knows at the party.  Emma welcomes him to hide with them.  David poles a snack with a toothpick and curious Henry asks if he ever used a sword. David  knows Emma lives with Mary Margaret and asks if she will attend, to which Emma mentions Mary couldn't make it tonight.  David looks disappointed.

    Nervous Kathryn and Mayor Regina are in the kitchen. Regina encourages Kathryn to go out there "Go. Be with your husband."  Kathryn feels she's lost him once and now she has him back but "...it's like I still don't have him back. You have no idea how that feels".   Actually Regina does. Seemingly compassionate Regina reveals that she too lost someone once. "But the love I lost- there's no bringing him back."   She goes on to tell Kathryn "You have a chance here. Go to him."   Realizing Regina is right, she thanks her for being such a good friend.  "It's been so lonely. I'm not used to having one."  Neither is Regina.
    Kathryn smiles- "Well, like it or not...you have one now."  She returns to the party leaving Regina in the kitchen to think.
    In the living room Kathryn asks Emma, Henry and Dr. Whale if they've seen David. They have not.

    David appears at Mary Margaret's white picket fence. She is attempting to hang up a birdhouse.  David asks her "Did you not get the invite?"   He hops the fence and 'gallantly helps her.  He heard she resigned from the hospital and realizes it's because he told her how he felt.  But that is not one sided; but she knows he's married.  Knowing he's married Mary feels it should be 'no sided'.
    David- "What should be doesn't matter. Whoever married Kathryn it's not me. I didn't choose her. I'm choosing you. Now I know you feel it- I can tell."
    Mary feels it but is obviously fighting it. "I know you think that we have this connection but maybe...it's because I happen to be the person who saved your life? So. Why don't we leave it at that."   Although they continually look deeply into each other's eyes, Mary Margaret walks away from him.

    In The Enchanted Forest
    The Prince is engaged in an intense sword fight with a monster sized man {Behemoth}! The Behemoth knocks the Prince off of his feet and the Prince plays dead.  The Prince manages to stab the Behemoth in the heart and says "Next time...make sure I'm really dead."  The two Kings and their audience are pleased.
    King Midas- "Well done!"
    King George- "Well Done? There's an understatement. You see what my son did to that brute? He just killed the un-killable."
    King Midas feels it's a gallant feat "But it is still just a man. Can he do the same with a dragon?"
    King George- "Do Fairies sprinkle dust? Do Trolls live under bridges?"
    The Prince assures the two Kings that he can kill whatever beast they set after him.  King Midas shares that his Kingdom is plagued with a dragon like nothing he's ever faced before; he has killed every warrior that's ever tried to slay him.
    The confident Prince feels the dragon's has yet to face him. King Midas needs this threat vanquished and King George's Kingdom needs gold. The royal men are sure they can reach an accord.
    King Midas has his protective metal glove removed, being sure to warn the knight removing it what happened to Fredrick.  Midas touches the Prince's sword with his golden hand- turning it to a gold sword. "Consider it a down payment. You'll get the rest when you deliver the dragon's head to me."
    The Prince-"It's a deal."
    Of course the Prince doesn't "shake" on it (as he would be turned into gold).  The Kings leave to work out the details. The Knights want to toast their fearless Prince but he stops them, as there is no celebrating today.
    The Prince- "This was but a simple test. The task before us is too big. Too important to make light of.  Just because I was easily able to kill this brute doesn't mean..."
    The Prince is stabbed from behind- right through the heart! The Brute woke up and kills the Prince! {And those damn knights never saw the huge brute make a move?! WTF?!}
    King George cries over his son's dead body "Goodbye my son".  The knight informs him there's no time for grieving, "If Midas learns he his dead he will find another warrior to slay his dragon...and we will never see an ounce of his gold."  The King agrees and knows the Kingdom must survive.  He has asked for help and it will be there soon.  From behind, Rumpelstiltskin claims "Oh, it's here!"
    The King commands the knights to "move" so the two can speak privately. {The visual here reminds me of two kings and pawns on a chess board that are being moved.}

    Rumpelstiltskin- "So- this is how you treat my gifts. You really must be more careful."
    The teary eyed King states "He was not a gift! He was my son."
    This son was given to the King by Rumpelstiltskin in a deal they made.  Rumpelstiltskin feels he did him a favor as the King and the Queen couldn't conceive a child on their own.  Rumpelstiltskin's price for that was a pittance and now that she's gone he assumes conceiving another heir is out of the question "Let alone a dragon slayer".  The King suggests they do another deal, "Bring him back. I need my son to do this. I'll give you anything".
    Rumpelstiltskin desires a magic wand. "It belongs to a certain...Fairy Godmother who's patron to your family. I wanna know her whereabouts."
    King George- "Done. Now tell me how I bring my son back to slay the dragon."
    Rumpelstiltskin can't bring him back "That's out of the question, he's dead. Magic can do much but not that!"
    Although Rumpelstiltskin agreed to help he never said anything about resurrection. The King fears his Kingdom is lost and he is all alone. Man of his word Rumpelstiltskin did say that he can have his son slay the dragon. The King's son is gone forever- but his twin brother is not.
    Sly Rumpelstiltskin- "Did I not mention there was another? Hahaha"
    Reveal- the "Other brother"...
    In Storybrooke
    Emma remarks to focused Mary Margaret that her scrubbing so hard may cause the Brillo pad to press charges.  Mary claims the dishes were piling up. {Time appx 9:10}.  Emma guesses this has something to do with the "sulking" David she saw leave Mary as she pulled up. Mary says David made a petty compelling case to her but she still did the right thing; because David is still a married man. Mary wonders what she should do, so Emma suggests she stop cleaning and have a drink. But not just any drink, my friends...MacCutcheon Whiskey!
    Emma pours two generous glasses- "Here's the thing...I don't know a lot about relationships other than having many that failed...But generally speaking, if you think something you wanna do is wrong...it is. So, you gotta stay strong and he has to figure out his life. Cheers."  They toast.
    David is going through the box of photos. Kathryn mentions "You look different. Your hair. It's longer. You used to always have a buzz cut. You used to complain that long hair was itchy and hard to take care of."   David, who is wearing a wedding ring, says his hair must have grown while he was in there.
    {Note the duplicate photo}
    Kathryn touches his head and asks him if he wants to join her; she's going to be.  David just wants to sit and talk some more. She kisses him and he pulls away and says "This isn't right."

    In The Enchanted Forest
    The twin shepherd man playfully chases a goat and he corrals it. "You didn't see that comin' did ya?"
    Mother, Ruth, has returned from her interesting market trip; she usually comes back cursing the prices, which is still the case.  This time she had an interesting talk with the grain merchant.  He has a daughter who is ready for marriage and thinks the two kids would make a great couple.  Mother hates herself for even bringing it up, but they are running out of money and the girl has a dowry that will save the farm. They are running out of options.
    Son- "As poor as we are love is the one thing I can afford. I will find a way to save this farm. But I won't do it for marrying for riches. When I marry I want it to be because I choose to spend the rest of my life with someone I love."
    Mother- "When are you going to learn?...You can't have everything."
    "Oh, perhaps he can" says happy Rumpelstiltskin.
    Mother admits to her son she gave his twin brother to that man; Rumpelstiltskin, who happens to be imbibing from a silver flask. "We were poor, barely surviving- Then he came along with an offer, one of you for the farm."  The deal forbade them from ever speaking of it and father regretted the decision the minute that man took his brother. "He carried the guilt with him to his grave."
    Although Rumpelstiltskin hates to interrupt that tender moment, he will, "Time is of the essence."  Mother waits in the house while her son deals with this.
    Rumpelstiltskin informs him that it's the King who is in need; needing a Prince to slay the dragon.  The young man admits to not being a dragon slayer {not a Prince} and Rumpelstiltskin informs him his brother was.  Rumpelstiltskin- "This new found kinship...will be your salvation. Simply play the part. The King's knights will take care of everything else.  All you must do...is deliver the dragon's head to Midas!"
    The young man wonders what's in it for Rumpelstiltskin, but Rumpelstiltskin says that's his business;  instead the young man should ask him "...what's in it for you?! You do this...your poor mother...well the King is gonna make sure she never wants for anything ever again. Your farm will be saved. And you... should you survive- you shall come home the conquering hero! Now don't tell me you don't want that?"
    The young man believes he doesn't have a choice.
    Rumpelstiltskin- "Oh everyone has a choice, Deary! Just make sure it's the right one."
    Mary Margaret is having coffee and reading the newspaper.  Dr. Whale comes in and takes credit for John Doe waking up. "No way he wakes up on someone else's watch."  He also hears that Mary resigned from the hospital and hope it wasn't because of him.  Mary wonders why it would be because of him.  He thinks it's because he never called her after their date; he apologizes for his un-classy move. If she could find a way to get over it she knows where to find him. {Mary wears a gold key around her neck}
    As Dr. Whale exits Regina walks right in to have a word with Miss Blanchard.  Regina wants to talk to her about her friend, Kathryn. "More specifically I want to talk to you about her husband David. You don't belong together.  He's not yours, he's taken- find somebody else."
    Mary hasn't done anything and isn't aware that David just up and left his wife on a whim.  Regina warns her to stay away because he's in a fragile state, "He doesn't know who he is or what he's doing and you're this close to wrecking multiple lives.  So before you do something that can't be undone...let him remember who he was."  Regina just up and walks out.
    The shepherd Prince looks at his reflection in a shiny shield; it's as if he's looking at an invisible scar or something on the right side of his face.  Excited Midas approaches him and announces him as the savior; the man who is going to tear the dragon limb from limb.  As the shepherd takes his gold sword Midas tells him that if he does this, he will be a legend.  As the shepherd Prince readies himself for the fight a knight comes over and fastens his armor and takes away the sword.  The shepherd asks "How will I fight? How will I protect myself?"
    The Knight - "You won't! You will stay outside the cave while we kill the dragon. If you don't come out of this alive Midas won't give our Kingdom any gold. You might have the title of hero... but not the job."
    A loud ferocious roar is heard coming from the mountain!
    The shepherd Prince and the accompanying knights pass by burned bodies and wheels as they make their way to the dragon's lair. The lead knight tells the shepherd Prince to stay there while they go and kill the dragon.  They draw their swords and head into the lair.
    While waiting, the shepherd asks the knight guarding him if he knew his brother well. The guard reveals he did know him, "He was the bravest man I ever met".
    As screams, roars and fire pour out of the liar the goodhearted shepherd is motivated to help the men in need.  He is stopped by the guard who informs him "We stay here! Our orders are clear!"  The guards restrain him as he fights to help the others.
    The shepherd-"People are dying!"  He manages to break free and run toward the lair. {Look at all the wheels!}  He pulls a burning knight out of the smoky chaos. The knight tries to cut into the passing by flying dragon, but to no avail.  As the shepherd asks the knight were his sword is, the flying dragon flies over the area burning the two guards to death.  The shepherd grabs for one of the crispy guards hot sword and burns his right hand.
    The dragon takes after the shepherd. The shepherd sees he has a plan- a place to run and that will protect him from the pissed off dragon.  He grabs the gold sword and makes way for the narrowing rock formation.  The dragon chases and blows his fire at him and then tries to push his way through the narrow opening to get at the shepherd. Knowing he has the winning move the shepherd says to the dragon "Didn't see that comin' did ya?"  And now in a perfect position, the shepherd cuts off the dragons head.

    In Storybrooke
    In the classroom- Mary Margaret slices open an envelope as David pays her a surprise visit. 
    Mary-"You can't be here."   But he needed to see her. 
    Mary- "Tell me you didn't leave your wife because of me. I do not want to destroy your marriage."   David insists that she's not.  He admits it's him and doesn't want to hurt her/Kathryn either. "But the most hurtful thing to Kathryn would be me pretending. She needs someone to feel about her...the way I feel about you."
    Frustrated Mary is trying really hard to stay away from him and to do the right thing, "Because you already have a life."
    David- "With someone I didn't choose. The man who chose that life- whoever married Kathryn...is gone. The man here wants someone else."
    Mary shoves him out the classroom "You really have to leave me alone."
    David asks if that's what she truly wants and tells her to meet him tonight, "I'll be at the bridge where you found me at 8:00 and think about it until then. And you decide if you don't show- I'll know, I'll never bother you again. But if you choose this...if you choose us...You know where I'll be."

    Emma sits reading a file in the sheriff's office. Graham enters bearing donuts. {Note the dartboard behind him and the Fire Escape door}.  Graham brought the donuts in an effort to pay Emma for having to work that night; even though the position said she wouldn't have to work nights.  He tells her a story about his volunteering at an animal hospital and the supervisor being sick and someone needs to feed the dogs. Emma will do it- evidently she can be bought with a "bear claw" pastry.

    Mary hurries in to talk to Emma, so Graham leaves to patrol his {glass} office.  Mary is excited when sharing the news of David leaving his wife and that he did it for her.  She goes on to tell about the suggested night time meeting between the two.
    Mary- "I mean- I'm trying so hard to be strong but he just keeps coming! I mean... how do I stop it? You know- how do I let him down? What would you I do?"
    Emma says she would go; after all he left her.  David didn't just say he wants Mary; he actually made a choice.  Knowing Kathryn is friends with Regina, Regina wouldn't be happy. But that point would actually give Emma motivation to do it.
    Mary thinks- "Good Lord, is this really happening?"
    Emma smiles-"You tell me."
    David has taken a room at Granny's. He looks at himself in the mirror and primps his hair, then takes a look out the window at the library clock tower. It is 7:45 pm.  David feels the wedding ring around his finger.
    King George is proud that his son did everything Midas asked for and more. He battled the dragon and prevailed.  Midas instructs his golden knights to bring the gold dragon head to the palace.  King George whispers to the shepherd Prince "We did it! We pulled it off."  All the shepherd Prince wants to know is how much longer until he can return home.  The King refuses to discuss it now.
    Midas proclaims "From this day forth may that beast's head be a reminder to us of the valiant warrior who killed it.  The bravest most noble prince I have ever met.  You have earned my utmost respect."
    King George- "We treasure that respect, King Midas, just as we respect your treasure."
    Of course Midas will give them the gold he promised "But I did not get to where I am by thinking small.  I stand before you now because I dared to dream big. I was not just looking for a dragon slayer- I was looking for the strongest warrior in all the land- a hero...Someone who could unite the Kingdoms. Someone I would be proud to call family."
    He orders his guards to "bring her". {Snooty Abigail/Kathryn.}   Midas feels it is she, his daughter, who he values more than gold or anything else.  He promised her that he'd only give her hand in marriage when he found a companion worthy of her, and now he has.  Abigail gives him a slight glance and guesses he'll do.  Midas offers Prince James his daughter's hand in marriage.  The humbled shepherd "Prince James" is about to decline when his father tells Midas "Done!" and then whispers into "James'" ear "If you say anything else but yes.. you will be solely responsible for the destruction of {everyone on this Island, uh....I mean} everyone and everything in our Kingdom.  You will marry this girl... or I will kill you. I will kill your mother.  I will turn that farm to ash. Do you understand me? I'll take your silence for wisdom. Follow it...I know you'll make the right decision."
    Obviously lost David is trying to follow a map; he even gets turned around.  Regina just happens by as she was heading home from work and saw him; she didn't mean to startle him.  "Are you lost?" asks Regina.  Admittedly lost David is trying to find the TrOLL BRIDGE.
    Regina- "Ah, where you were found. Trying to jog your memory?"
    David- "No- I'm meeting someone."
    Regina- "So you made your choice."
    He looks her right in the eyes and says "Yes".
    Regina can't change his mind and she can't change how he feels.  Regina guides him to walk down the street to Mr. Gold's Pawn Shop "You'll find a fork in the road- go left, that'll take you to a hiking trail that leads directly to the bridge.  David thanks her for understanding.
    Regina- "Good luck, David. I hope you find what you're looking for."
    Motivated David hurries off.

    Happy Mary is already there waiting at the TrOLL BRIDGE. She anxiously checks her watch and looks up at the full moon.

    David arrives at Mr. Gold's Shop, but doesn't find a trail- only an ally parking lot.  He heads into Mr. Gold's shop and seems interested in all of the goods {Some items of interest to me- the two shrunken people, genie lamp, tea set, ship wheel w/bell, bicycle, scale, and overturned hanging row boat, bird cages}
    David seems drawn to the unicorn mobile.
    Mr. Gold- "Charming."  He is standing behind the counter.  Gold feels the mobile is charming, exquisitely designed and masterfully crafted; he can get it down if David wants.  David just wants directions to the TrOLL BRIDGE. "The Mayor said there was a fork in the road by your shop but..."
    Mr. Gold- "It seems Miss Miller has led you astray."
    David- "Huh, yeah...You'd think the Mayor would know her own town."
    Mr. Gold- "One would think. Out of the door turn right...two blocks you'll find a trail- can't miss it."
    As David is leaving he is stopped by seeing a small windmill. Gold wonders if David saw something he likes.  He says that old thing has been gathering dust...forever.  Drawn in David spins the paddles of the small windmill {Like you would if it was the Wheel of Destiny game}.  Looking like he's hypnotized, David thinks this belonged to him.
    Mr. Gold-"Really? Are you sure?"
    David stares- "Yes...I remember."
    Mr. Gold gives a very slight smile.

    The Enchanted Forest
    The shepherd returns home on his white horse. Mother Ruth is very happy for his return and that he's alive. She is living a much more elegant life on the farm. She's impressed on how much he looks like a Prince. Mother is happy that "The King has already started taking care of us."
    The disappointed shepherd shares the news about Midas wanting to unite the Kingdoms by marrying him to his daughter. This makes the grain merchant's dowry look like sheep dog. Mother feels it's right of him to turn down that offer as he should turn down Midas's offer too.
    Every day since he's been gone mother has felt shameful, she respects his freedom to choose. She offers to give up the farm, but the shepherd shares because of their ruse Midas can never know who he really is.
    Mother understands with this news "We can't ever see each other again."  She tells him not to do "Run away."  The shepherd Prince can't because they will kill her.
    Mother- "I lose you either way. At least I'll know you'll be happy."
    But the new Prince has already accepted Midas's offer. "I didn't come here for advice, mother...I came here to say goodbye."  He feels he can't let the Kingdom suffer on his account and he can't let them hurt his mother. He knows his mother is right about one thing...You can't have everything.
    Mother offers him her ring to take to give to his wife to be.
    The shepherd Prince- "I don't love her, I don't even know her. I can't take this."
    Mother feels just because he doesn't know her doesn't mean he won't grow to love her. "True love follows this ring where ever it goes, my son. I had it with your father- well, I've had it as your mother. Now you will have it."  She literally puts the ring in his hands "And I'll know even if I never see you again...I know you'll find love. I'll know you'll be happy." They cry and hug.

    Mary Margaret twists the (Ruth's) ring around on her finger as she awaits David's arrival.  {She's wearing it on the middle finger of her right hand} David runs over to her, surprised (and a bit disappointed) to see she's there.   As they both stand on the rocks under the TrOLL BRIDGE David blurts out "I remember....everything."
    Mary- "And you love her?"
    David-"I don't know. But I know I did. I remember how I felt...and I think I have to honor that."  {Oh come one! If he really loved Kathryn he'd know! He sounds confused.} Everything he said to Mary Margaret is true, he does have intense feelings for her; feelings he doesn't understand.  He's going back to her because it's the right thing to do.  Upset Mary feels the right thing to do was to not lead her on. He knows this.
    David's made his choice and he's really sorry.
    Mary- "It's OK. I guess it just wasn't meant to be."  Sad and hurt Mary walks away.

    Emma is patrolling in the black and white sheriff's car as she sees a man climbing out of a upper story window of a house.  She sneaks up on the person and hits him with the nightstick/billy club/baton.  It's Graham. Emma wonders "This is volunteering?"  Graham says "Plans changed. Regina needed me too."
    Emma-"To sleep with her?"
    Graham- "No."
    He sneaked out the window because Regina didn't want Henry know as he is sleeping.  This stuns Emma, "Oh my god, I wish I was Henry right now. This is disgusting."
    Graham says he really does work in an animal shelter.  Emma tosses him the keys "I'm done working nights."

    David rings the doorbell to the Nolan house. Kathryn opens the door. David tells her she was right "I  did hate that windmill out front."
    Kathryn- "How much do you remember?"
    David- "Enough. I know we weren't in a good place when I left. I know you thought I was leaving you but I wasn't. I wanted to work things out, I just...needed some time.  And I had my accident and got
    much more time than I expected. I'm sorry."
    She's sorry too.
    David- "I know we have work to do. Let's see what happens."
    He holds out his hand for her to take...

    The Enchanted Forest
    ...holding out his hand for her to take.  The Prince and Abigail stand in front of their royal fathers.
    Midas- "Let this mark the beginning of a new era. Of a new Kingdom, united and strong."
    King George- "An era of mutual prosperity."
    Midas will work out the particulars of their new land with King George, he tells the couple to go to their new home in his palace and later "The celebration will be beyond your dreams."  Abigail trust that her daddy knows best.
    King George takes his "son" to the side "I'm glad you made the right decision" and holds his hand out to shake.  His "son" shakes, "Thank you...father."  Although you can plainly see the Prince is reserved.
    Abigail retrieves her man as she's tired of waiting.
    The Prince- "Then our journey shall begin. I thought we might take the scenic route."
    Snooty and annoyed Abigail walks away. King George tells his son to smile, "You're on the road to true love." 
    The Prince touches the pouch that contains the "ring of true love".

    The white carriage transports Abigail and the Prince through the scenic route.  Snow White is camouflaged in the tree as she anticipates the approaching coach.  Abigail complains about how they should have taken the TROLL BRIDGE as it would have been quicker, but the Prince isn't listening; he's looking out the window at the beautiful day.
    A guard- "Halt- There is something in the road!"

    In Storybrooke
    Mary Margaret sits at the diner counter crying over a drink and twirling her ring around her finger. Dr. Whale sits next to her; noting she must be having a rough day. Mary doesn't feel like talking. He feels it may be easier to talk to someone when you don't give a crap what they think.
    Mary confesses- "You ever walk into a situation where you know exactly what's going to happen? And then you go into it anyway...and then what you're afraid of happens...you kick yourself because you should've known better. But then it's just who you are. It's like you're punishing yourself."
    Dr. Whale- "No."
    Curious Mary wants to know how he does that. His secret is- by never doing what's expected, "Keeps life interesting."  He offers to buy her a drink. Mary says he can buy her two.

    1 comment:

    1. Another fantastic write up! Love, LOVE this show so much! The Easter eggs, shout outs, and similarities of/to LOST are just an added bonus! I think this show is so good, I would love it even if (perish the thought) LOST had never been thought of. (Damn that just made me shudder)It's that damn good. Who doesn't love fairy tales and happily ever after. This was one of my favorite episodes so far :)
      Excellent job Karen!

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