The Take2 Guide to Lost is Here!

LOST Fans -  IT IS FINALLY HERE!!

The Take2 Guide to Lost - The Ultimate Compendium!

LOST is alive and well!  As a contributing author, I'm excited to announce the release of The Take2 Guide to Lost- The Ultimate Compendium!  Longtime "Island" residents and new recruits alike will love and appreciate all that this extensive guide offers you.  This super-size guide gives readers and viewers insight on every LOST episode, themes, characters and so much more.  You will want to keep this definitive resource handy while living or reliving the LOST experience.

A handful of my Lost episode notes from Karen's LOST Notebook have been included in this eBook.   And again, I am humbled and honored to be a part of this awesome publication, and to be included on this list of very passionate and respected Lost bloggers and authors. 

The Take2 Guide to Lost is available at all the major eBook sellers.  More than 50 contributors, comprising established reviewers, academics, award-winning sci-fi authors, and lay writers, ask and answer all your questions in this ultimate eBook compendium  on one of the most successful TV shows ever.

I'm also thrilled to make a very special offer to my family, friends, followers and all readers with a 20% discount on your purchase of The Take2 Guide to Lost.

Click here for your 20% coupon code for your purchase The Take2 Guide to Lost 

Click here to purchase your Take2 Guide to Lost ebook via Amazon, iBookstore, Google Books, Kobo, Nook, and the Take2 Guide to Lost store.

LOST Celebrates 10th Anniversary at SDCC2014

Because- WE HAVE TO GO BACK! IT'S DESTINY!!
 ... It IS my destiny, dammit! I can do this! It's destiny!!!

Spoiler TV: ONCE Upon A Time Finale Podcast... and Zombies!

Hello, Oncers!

I had the wonderful pleasure of being asked by the awesome guys over at Spoiler TV (@SpoilerTV)  to sit in with them and discuss the ONCE Upon A Time season finale. It was great to chat about the finale and tons of fun for me to jump once again into the podcast universe with my dear friends Anil (one of my two partners) of The ODI LOST Podcast (@TheODI) and CJ (@cjsonic) of Spoiler TV.

Not only did we discuss the magical ONCE Upon A Time finale, but we also dove into a debate about surviving a Zombie Apocalypse. Good fun! Plus Anil and I mention our plans to rejoin with our The ODI LOST Podcast partner, Danny, to give LOST fans a very special 10 year reunion podcast.

Here is the link for you to listen to this podcast: STV Podcast 73 - "What would you do in a zombie Apocalypse discussion, Once upon a time and more"

I can't thank the guys enough for the opportunity to hang out with them and discuss a couple of great TV shows.

The Tower

“He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.” ― Aristotle

Emma looking like a Swan Princess.

** All photos posted here are chosen for a reason **

Toys in the Attic

First off this episode caused me to have a few of my own Flashbacks, but that's another story.


This week's episode tells of fears and how to beat them. Fear is created in one's own mind by one's own thoughts therefore the only one who can truly eliminate fear and negative thought is the one who created them. I felt the writers did a great job illustrating this concept. I also loved the haunting and creepy vibe of this episode. Fear can be debilitating for some.  Fear can be looked at sort of like a "memory ghost."  Locked up deep fear seem to appear like a dreadful ghost just to keep us scared enough not to move forward, a phantom poking its eerie and shadowy presence to taunt you.
The bottom line is there's no such thing as ghosts or monsters- It's all in one's head. But in this case, Zelena needs to use one's fear to gain their courage, or at least a symbol of it.

David fears he can't be a good father to his impending mystery child, as he feels he failed his daughter, Emma. We also see that feelings of disappointment are involved with this anxiety.

A grown Princess still living in her nursery is Emma. She may be a grown woman, but somewhere inside she's still holding on to the past, carrying the pain of her growing up without her family, and the subsequent choices she made through her life- add to that having her heart broken by people she loved and trusted. Emma may also fear that she won't be a good a leader as her own parents are back in The Enchanted Forest.  Emma needs to learn and accept that she has magic in her- it's who she is.

I will touch on Rumple's fear a little further on down into these notes.

The Dream

David is dreaming. He seems lost and confused as he makes his way through the (winter) castle. An infant's cries lead him to Emma's nursery; the carved wardrobe is there too.  He knows this is impossible, whispering, "This shouldn't be here... This is all wrong."  Grownup Princess Emma appears to him, "You're right- Full grown Princess still living in her nursery. I don't even have a proper vanity." David is very confused as Emma shares that she is looking for a place to practice because she is a little nervous about her first Ball, which is tonight.  She eagerly takes his hands revealing, "I don't even know how to dance. Teach me."  Yet Emma seems to know how, as she's the one who leads. David feels she's a natural just like her mother. And Emma feels he is the best teacher a daughter could hope for. They spin and twirl, and then David picks up and cradles Emma in his arms. "Oh, Emma, this is everything I ever hoped for you."
Emma says "Me too. It's a shame I never got it." Confused David wonders what she means. Emma reveals "I'm not really here. I was never here. I should be, but I'm not. All for one reason.... You failed me."  The room turns dark, thunder roars and light flashes around; all while the toys in the room swirl around and fall, seeming to be possessed. Emma is ripped off her feet and is being pulled into the swirling power of the wardrobe. "Goodbye, Daddy!"  Emma yells as she's holding onto one of his hands. David apologizes, insisting he'll save her. {Note the intensely spinning unicorn mobile looks more like a dream catcher for a moment.}
But Emma tells him there's nothing he can do, "Don't fail the next one," and she is separated from his hands pulled into the wardrobe.

David bolts awake.  I'm going to note that for this opening we do not get a card indicating this is nine months ago, or any time frame; we only get happy Snow White's news that she is pregnant.

She's worried David's not happy, but he says he's thrilled- but he looks petrified.

We do, however, get a card indicating it is nine months later in Storybrooke, meaning David had that dream a few months after being back in the Enchanted Forest. In Mary Margaret's apartment the group (MM, David, Emma, Hook, and Regina) try to figure out how to track the "green skinned witch."  Maybe there's some physical evidence they missed. Regina tells Emma she can run around playing Nancy Drew, but her concern is for Henry; they can't have him wandering around alone with that witch and her flying monkeys out there. Hook passes a comment that one of those flying monkeys could turn out to be his father. Regina offers to protect Henry.  Emma reminds her to keep up the story that she's there on a case. Regina smiles feeling Emma has gotten good at lying. Regina won't slip up, as she's well aware of how Henry sees her.  Hook hurries them along to find the "wicked" in their neighborhood.


Keeping up Appearances

On the outside we show the world one of the faces we wear, but there is another. We use a facade to hide our painful fears and insecurities somewhere else. David may claim to be afraid, but he still puts on a brave face.

Living a lie? David may be feeling the repercussions and some insecurities of being a shepherd boy who strayed too far from his farm. Remember, David is born a shepherd, who takes over the role as Prince for his twin brother; James lost his life and was known to the land as the son of King George.

And why are "appearances" so important to Zelena? What else is being hidden with that witch?! Are there others whose appearance is camouflaging something... something big?

The following scene between Zelena and Rumple has consumed me!

Zelena heads down into the locked storm cellar to visit Rumple who is busy spinning gold at his wheel. She feels it's a toy. {Note that we're shown Zelena's green eye many times; Rumple's a few times.}
"Spinning. It cleans the mind soothes the soul- cleans the mind soothes the soul- cleans the mind soothes the soul..." Rumple repeats.
Zelena remarks that he sounds as awful as he looks. "What, you're not enjoying your cage, Hmm? Not appreciating your jailer? Oh no. You look like you want to hurt me. Go on then, give it a go. Love to see you try..." She is enjoying mocking him. Zelena magically unlocks the padlock to his cage. She knows he can't hurt her especially because she now has possession of the Dark One's Dagger.  The last time we see that dagger is when Rumple plunges it into Peter Pan/his father, and now here it is with Zelena. Curious, right?!
"You're a slave to it, and to me," claims Zelena; as she's the only one who do any hurting. Rumple backs off. She speaks to him like a controlling parent and Rumple behaves. She sits across from him- face to face.

Rumple doesn't want to stop her, he says in a sing-song manner, "All the voices in my head will be quiet when I'm... dead." But she's not there to kill him; but he really needs to keep up appearances. He wonders why. All he wants to do is spin- "Spin the madness away..."  Zelena thinks the spinning is bringing the madness. She decides to shave the stubble from his face with the dagger. "You're probably wondering how I know (learned) how to do this... Did I ever tell you about my father? His hands used to shake from drink or worse. I didn't ask- He didn't tell me..." Father couldn't go a day without a shave, so she had to learn how to shave him. Father used to say that no matter what we were feeling on the inside, "we had to put on our best face. In our land, you and I never had a choice, did we? No matter what we did our outside showed exactly what was rotting on the inside. But... we're in a new land now, aren't we? A land filled with opportunity- the least of which is to look our best."  Zelena nicks his neck drawing a tiny amount of blood; which she keeps on her thumb/finger.
Rumple seems confused because he knows she doesn't care about appearances, because if she did she'd change his shirt. "What is it exactly is it you want (are)?"  Zelena is after something Rumple has spent a lifetime seeking, something that goes against his very nature- "Something that I can't afford to wait that long for... luckily I won't have to."

I can't help but wonder about Peter Pan/Malcolm at this moment.  Rumple was a slave to the pain his own father caused him, that in turn caused him to have an unstable relationship with Baelfire, and Rumple was a slave to the power of the Dark One- and now... here's Zelena. It is too bad we don't have Peter Pan/Malcolm around... if he was maybe he'd be the one who would want Snow & Charming's baby so he could live with a brand new pure heart of a true believer in a New Neverland of sorts. Is Zelena connected to Peter/Malcolm in any way or just a relative of Regina.

Belle is overseeing Mr. Gold's shop. Zelena, assuming she's Mrs. Gold, is there to buy a baby gift for Mary Margaret. Belle shares Mr. Gold died, and proceeds to help Zelena with a purchase. But Zelena magically freezes Belle so she can use red liquid {assuming it is Rumple's blood- or berry} on her left thumb to get into his safe and take a root.

David, Emma, and Hook look for potential missed physical evidence at Regina's disheveled office. David finds a partial footprint and red "Holly berry" residue on the floor; the red berry is initially mistaken for blood by Emma. David's expertise with this berry comes from his time working in the animal shelter; dogs track it all the time. This berry grows on bushes- in the North West corner not far from the Toll Bridge. He checks his cell phone; Mary Margaret needs him to go back to the loft to meet the midwife because she wants to meet the both of them. He seems apprehensive and would rather stay on track with the investigation. But Emma tells him to go and then meet them later when he's done.

In the Enchanted Forest David enters the stables and drinks from a small bottle. Robin Hood enters carrying gold tipped arrows; payment for helping the Queen break into the castle. He admits he used to hide a bottle too. Robin mentions that it feels wrong to break in somewhere. But the Queen must like him, and her castle is the safest place for his boy right now.  Both men understand the priority of keeping their families safe. Robin remarks that David looks like a man who needs more sleep than a drink. David would if he could; Robin's also been there. David opens up to Robin about always knowing things would work out for the best, but continues on about the last time he was in the Enchanted Forest and how he dueled a Black Knight and put his newborn in a magic wardrobe to flee a curse and never once did his confidence waiver- he doesn't know what's changed. "I just can't seem to escape this feeling of dread."  He's upset but he needs to be there for Snow and he can't be distracted by this... fear.
"So, don't be," Robin says simply. Robin shares about the time after his wife died. Friar Tuck told him of root that if digested would help one overcome any and all fears. It is said to grow under the white moss at the edge of Sherwood Forest- just south of here; it has flecks of crystal within its flesh, looks like stars. It's called Night Root. It doesn't seem Robin used it, as he doesn't really dabble in magic unless he has to. Robin warns they say that part of the forest is haunted; David may need the Night Root for the journey to the journey to stop his fear. But David isn't afraid of a ghost story- not when his family's at stake.

Zelena enjoys a lighthearted chat with Mary Margaret about the time Mary Margaret was caught in a net when she robbed his/Charming's carriage. The handsome devil, David Nolan, joins them for the meeting. Since Zelena is there to make their lives as easy as possible she prepares three cups of Chamomile tea (calms the nerves)- but she crumbles some sparkly root into David's cup.

Mary Margaret is impressed with Zelena, while David is cautious. He knows they can't ask for references from their missing year. Mary Margaret tells him Zelena knew Johanna her nanny; they were friends. She does tell him that if any part of this feels wrong they can always change their minds. Zelena feels since Mary Margaret's already gone through labor once she already knows what to expect; yet it's been almost 30 years. The second birth can progress much faster than the first. Mary Margaret feels that's putting it mildly as she seems to have gone from Zero to due date in the blink of an eye. Zelena adds knowing losing their daughter in the first curse is tragic, as Mary Margaret expressed an anxiety of it; plus the missing the year and ending up back in Storybrooke.
Zelena thinks its best to get these anxieties out in the open. "Feelings, especially those we keep bottled up can affect a pregnancy just as much as diet and exercise."  Just get those fears out in the open! David eventually takes a sip of his tea. Zelena basically excuses brave David to get back to his work.

Prince David heads in to the haunted dark forest finds and digs up the Night Root. He's distracted by a woman's calls for help. He throws the root on the ground and searches for the voice. He comes upon a very tall tower which he climbs. We see that he has used the women's extremely long hair as a rope. He discovers a woman there all alone. Prince David is the first person she's seen in a long time; she's lost count of the years. He notes her tiara, "Are you a Princess?" She says yes, "But you can call me Rapunzel." Her parents are the King and Queen of her realm, they're great leaders and adored by their people. (In a way she just described Snow White and Prince Charming.)
He asks why she left her Kingdom.
"For the same reason you did...I saw what you were digging up." Now, how the fuck could she have seen that?!
The Night Root. She tells the tale of  getting older and knowing she'd never be a good leader like her parents; she had an older brother who was next in line, but he died and she began to suffer from fear- nightmares crippled her sleep. She took the Night Root but it didn't work. Before she could return home a witch appeared, her face hidden under a cloak, she attacked her and chased her into that tower.
David will rescue Rapunzel! But she says the witch won't let her leave- just then, the candles blow out and a cloaked figure is seen on the ground approaching the tower.
"It's too late... She must know you're here," claims Rapunzel. David insists he can save her.
The faceless figure creeps its way up and eventually makes its way into the open window. David is tied up with the long hair while the figure inches closer to Rapunzel. David tells the Princess she must face the figure, as it is her.

*Note the actions of David seem to be happening simultaneously in both realms. And note David in the tower did not ingest the root.

We see David drive his Ford Bronco out to the woods; he's armed with his sword. In the side-view mirror we see a cloaked figure.
He finds red berries and makes his way deeper into the woods where his comes face to face with the cloaked figure. (David leaves a voice mail with Emma to give her a heads up to where he is, as he thought he was in pursuit of the wicked witch.)  He tries to fight the figure but is knocked down. Pretending to be unconscious David bolts up, sword in hand and attacks the figure. The figure is strong! David removes its hood to reveal himself!
"What are you?" David asks.
"I'm you." David begins to fight himself.
Simultaneous to this, David tells Rapunzel "It's not a witch, it's you!" He tries to explain that the night root worked; it allows you to overcome your fears by facing them. "She's your fear! Only you can defeat her!"

In Storybrooke Regina and Henry walk by a pond eating delicious ice cream. Henry recalls his mom taking him for gelato in Little Italy; but this is just as good.  Henry feels Storybrooke is nice. N.Y.C. is great but has so many people that it can make you feel... "Alone," Regina finishes his sentence. Henry agrees. Regina feels the best part of a small town is everybody knows everybody and it can feel like a big family.  Henry confesses that he feels it isn't just the case that brought his mom to Storybrooke; she needed to get out of NY for a while because of Walsh's (the boyfriend) proposal. Two days later Henry was taken out of school for some job in Maine- "She wouldn't take a job in Queens if it meant I'd miss school."  Henry admits he liked seeing how happy Walsh made his mom; plus it might be nice having two place settings during the holidays. Regina thinks one day he'll have more family than he'll know what to do with.

Hook shakes some red berries from a bush- knowing they're in the right place. He and Emma will start searching. Hook mentions that whenever Emma is around he seems to be trekking through forest or woods courting danger. And here Emma thought he wasn't afraid of anything, always looking for the next adventure. She wonders what he was doing the last year alone on that ship; figuring it was one swashbuckling tale after another until he decided to go back there and save her. But she feels he's lying and that there's more to his story.  In addition to giving Emma back her memories, Hook feels he saved her from a loveless marriage, "He was a flying monkey."   Emma didn't know that.  She admits she was considering his proposal because she was in love.  "As usual he wasn't who he said he was and I got my heart broken..."
{I'm just going to ask it... is Emma talking about Walsh only, or is there a Neal tale here too?!}
Hook is glad to hear it because if her heart can be broken... "it means it still works." They share a moment looking into each other's eyes and then Emma turns away.
They come upon an old farmhouse and they investigate. Emma notices a locked storm cellar. Knowing the difference between fear and strategy, Hook feels they should have some magical backup before descending into the one way cellar with no way out. As Emma's about to call Regina she sees the voice mail from David and goes to him.

Rapunzel, now free from her tower prison, shares the story of her swimming the river where she shouldn't have been, (Parents warned them to avoid it), she got caught in the rapids and her brother saved her but couldn't save himself. She didn't know if she could be Queen and if she didn't believe in herself, how could her parents believe in her?
David- "It's who you are. You can't hide from it forever..."  He's confident that she is their child of course they'll forgive her.

Prince David returns Princess Rapunzel to a crowed ballroom to reunite with her parents.  A few of our Enchanted Forest/Storybrooke residents are in attendance as well. David admits to Snow that he was out in the woods all night because he was afraid- because they lost Emma twice. "Because we lost her I was never her father." Snow insists he is a great father. But he knows he didn't raise her and he's worried about raising the new child. Snow assures him he can, "We're going to do this the way we do everything... together."
David wonders, "Now, how did I forget that? Now come on, we have a nursery to build."

In the woods Hook mentions they think they found the witch's farmhouse. Determined David wants to send that witch back to Oz.
Regina feels, "She's toying with us."
Hook asks David "Any particular reason why she would send a demon that looks like you?"  David shares with the group, "I was just there wearing my face, harping on my deepest fears;" it knew things he never told anyone, even Mary Margaret.  It wasn't until he admitted it that he was able to defeat it by killing it with the hilt of his sword. After the killing the hilt disappeared.
"When we face our deepest fears our true courage comes out. When you used the hilt of your sword to vanquish your fears your courage transferred into it," Regina says. The witch stole a symbol of David's courage and symbols can be powerful totems.

It is here we see Zelena readying to leave her meeting with Mary Margaret and she already has possession of the hilt of the sword in her purse. After hearing so many stories about Mary Margaret's courageous Prince, she just feels very lucky to have met them both. But it's Mary Margaret who feels that they're the lucky ones. Zelena smiles, "There's no reason to be scared. That's what I'm here for."  Mary Margaret hugs her goodbye.

Emma and the gang return to the storm cellar to find the lock is now busted.

They descend into the cellar. Regina claims there's definitely dark magic here. "Can you feel it?"  Emma's not sure, but knows whatever she feels it's not good. They wonder what could have been locked up in the cage that has now broken free. David turns on the light and finds a piece of spun gold/straw and the spinning wheel.
Rumpelstiltskin.
Regina seems pleased.

Things to Note...Questions to Ask...

๑ Where the hell is Neal?! Has he taken Simeon form and is flying around somewhere?
๑ What ever happened to Spencer/King George?
๑ We know Rumple was a slave to the Dark One's Dagger, power and the childhood pain from his father and the pain of failing Baelfire
๑ David faced David. Rapunzel faced Rapunzel. Rumple faces Zelena
๑ Dreaming David loses Emma into the swirling forces of the wardrobe.
   -Rumple lets go of Bae and he falls away into the swirling magic bean portal 
๑ The Wicked Witch takes brave David's hilt of his sword with the symbol of his courage. Rumple is losing his mind/head
๑ I can't put my finger on it but Hook has had a weird way about him the past few episodes
๑ Night Root. Dream Shade
๑ Queen
๑ Eye
๑ Teach/teacher. Learn. School.
๑ Sleep. Dream. Awake
๑ Pregnancy. Birth. Growth
๑ Drinking. Alcohol
๑ Opening a (blood) lock
๑ Root
๑ Communication
๑ Zelena knew Johanna, Snow White's own nanny
๑ Caught in a net- "Snow Falls"
๑ Episodes I found give some connection to The Tower:
 "The Outsider"
 Child of the Moon

Vocabulary and Research...

๑  "The Swan Princess": musical film based on the ballet "Swan Lake"
King William, widowed father of newborn Princess Odette, and Queen Uberta, widowed mother of young Prince Derek, decide to betroth their children in the hopes of uniting their kingdoms. Odette transforms into a (white) Swan
-Reawakened: A Once Upon a Time Tale  by Odette Beane
๑ The Tower: The Tower (XVI) (most common modern name) is the 16th trump or Major Arcana card in most cartomancy Tarot decks. It is not used as part of any game. The Tower is commonly interpreted as meaning danger, crisis, destruction, and liberation.
Upside down: To be currently in a harsh and chaotic situation but exiting in a good manner. Indeed you are falling but landing with your feet over the soil.

✔ Golden LOST Thread Woven into the Tapestry of this Tale

✈ Alcoholic Desmond Hume shaved every day even though he was hold-up inside of the Swan Hatch with Kelvin Inman for three years. Episode "Live Together, Die Alone"
✈ In "Live Together, Die Alone" John Locke told Mr. Eko he was being a slave to the countdown timer (and pushing the button) just like he was. "It's not real! We're only puppets- puppets on strings! As long as we push it we'll never be free."
✈ Root
✈ Eye
✈ Eye
✈ Teach/teacher. School. Learn
✈ Sleep. Dream. Awake
✈ Pregnancy. Birth. Growth
✈ Drinking. Alcohol
✈ Communication
✈ Caught in a Net: Jack and Kate, Henry Gale/Ben Linus
✈ "It didn't work", but it did work

Witch Hunt

"Someplace where there isn't any trouble...do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat or train. It's far, far away... behind the moon... beyond the rain." - Dorothy Gale

** All photos posted here are chosen for a reason ** (This episode's photos will be added over the next couple of days)

This episode of ONCE Upon A Time was great and wonderfully witty. I enjoyed it immensely.

I, I can't get these memories out of my mind, And some kind of madness has started to evolve.

Feeding the madness is feeding the monster! People come into your life to be mirrors, mirrors to show habits that you need to change and things you need to move on from. How can Emma and her family and friends end their suffering when they're constantly presented with new challenges and bits of their past rearing its ugly hurtful head? 

Some cope by securing feelings inside a bubble, shielding any future emotional trauma. And when they drop the shield some resort right back to old habits of hiding or fighting back. Either way these old habits must be changed in order to grow and move forward in life. They need to learn they no longer need that old pain.

I feel that in a way this episode is trying to tell us to keep the light in our heart lit, even when we're feeling broken- especially when we're broken.  And that we must also learn to extinguish the pain that burns inside preventing one to let go. They must find a way to learn there's always Hope and another chance for things to get better.  It is with open eyes one can see this- but it is important not to mistake a new opportunity for use in negative behavior, it should be used as a step in a positive direction. Owning past mistakes is part of the process of moving forward.

In the Enchanted Forest inside of Regina and Snow White's castle, Zelena rummages through the pretty things, dresses, and jewels (Onyx, Black Pearls, and Diamonds) that Regina left behind when she casts the Storybrooke sleeping curse. Zelena feels a family can live off of what those jewels are worth. She instructs her flying monkey to go find the Evil Queen and let her know that she's there; with no need to be gentle.

On their trek Ruby notes that it seems like old times, except now they're not running from Regina but with her.  We can see Regina has that old focused look in her eye. In many ways Regina has changed and she is always thinking about Henry. She's also thinking the tunnels that run under the castle may enable them to go beneath the spell; But not with an army- just Regina. At that moment the flying monkey dodges toward the ground and Regina shields and saves little Roland from the attack. Magically she turns this minion into a cute stuffed animal monkey, a toy she presents to the little boy.  Regina had a protective motherly instinct for Robin Hood's son.

"Who the hell was that thing?!" David asks. So, David knows that flying monkey is a "who"! Belle and Regina know that the only land that has creatures like that is Oz. This confirms it is the Wicked Witch whom has taken up residence in their castle. "East or West Witch?" Grumpy seems to know about Oz Witches too. David armies up the gang to fight who their up against, but Regina insists she can lower the protection shield on her own and the gang will wait for her on the other side.  Robin Hood insists on going along, noting he realizes that flying monkey was really after her. He wants to help her- owes her a debt.

There's a fire that burns in the center of the courtyard, as long as it burns the shield will stay up. Regina needs to put it out.  They make their way through some traps and come upon an open door- a door that should sealed with "blood magic." Apparently Regina's not the only one who can open it. The Wicked Witch is a formidable foe. They enter the crypt that also contains Cora Mills' coffin. Here Regina shares that her son isn't dead, he's just lost to her forever.

Regina mixes a sleeping curse and is interrupted by Robin Hood. Regina doesn't care about the witch; she plans to use it on herself, feeling no one will miss her. Empathetic Robin Hood shares about when he lost his wife and that he knows what she's feeling, like she doesn't want to go on. But he found a new reason to go on- his son. Unfortunately Regina already lost Henry. Robin explains that they all get a second chance she just has to open her eyes to see it. Regina claims this sleep isn't an end- it is  an "eternal middle" that can be broken by the only true love in her life and the only reason she would want to wake... "My son."  Regina will keep her word about lowering the protection spell so that Snow and Charming can be victorious- then she will go to sleep.

At the center, we see Regina lower the protection spell and the dome protecting the castle comes down. Charming then orders his army to move in on the castle.

Heartbroken Regina readies for slumber. "I'm sorry Henry, maybe one day you'll find me and wake me up... but until then..." As she's about to prick her finger with the needle coated with the sleeping spell she's interrupted by a green witch. The green witch magically takes the needle from her.
Zelena reveals the truth about them.  Regina shares that both Cora and Rumple are dead, but that's OK with Zelena, as Regina is the only one she needs alive because she is going to take everything away from her. She needs Regina to suffer; that's a fate worse than death. Regina isn't afraid and challenges Zelena to "bring it."  Newly energized Regina realizes the sleeping curse isn't the answer. She's found stimulation in the task of destroying someone.

Cora is quite the secret keeper! Zelena is the older half (blood) sister of Regina. My initial thought upon this revelation was that the girls were twins, but then Zelena goes on to tell the tale to Regina.  Zelena was born first before Cora wormed her way into the dregs of wealthy. "Our mother gave me up and sent me away. But you, you she kept- you she gave everything." Regina feels Zelena was lucky to escape Cora.  But abandoned Zelena is the one who had to grow up without a mother.

Is the baby we see Cora present in the episode "The Miller's Daughter" really Zelena and not Regina?  Zelena is Regina's "older" (half) sister. They share a "connection" to Rumple- Cora is mother to both girls. Rumple may have taught Zelena magic (as she implies Rumple had other students). We kind of got some fuckin' shenanigans with Cora's intimacy/love with Rumple before she weds. Remember Cora ripped out her own heart because she didn't want to feel certain feelings (what she felt with Rumple), and who knows, possibly distancing herself from the pain of parting with a child, etc..

Zelena may be green with envy that Regina is the one who was positioned to finally get into the life of royalty and riches, but more importantly is jealous Regina got to grow up with a mother and that Regina was the one who cast Rumple's curse.

If Zelena is Rumple's child, maybe he took her from Cora, or was able to acquire her through a loophole in their contract. Remember Rumple changed the contract so he would only get his own child; note Cora says any baby she has won't be his, which of course could be a huge lie. Or did Cora simply have a child before Regina with another man.  Also, maybe Zelena isn't telling the whole truth to their tale. And why was Zelena in OZ? Hmm...


One Year Later: In Storybrooke Regina is suffering knowing Henry doesn't remember her; and the rest of the residents don't remember the past year.

Henry is asleep upstairs while Emma, Hook, and her parents discuss what has happened. Pregnant Mary Margaret recalls Regina casting the spell to return them to the Enchanted Forest and then everything went black. The next thing they remember is waking up in their beds like it was any other morning in Storybrooke- except it clearly wasn't; as Mary Margaret is now pregnant.
"Almost harvest time but you can't remember the planting. It's bad luck, mate,"  Hook says.
Emma knows a year has passed as she was in New York.  Hook confirms the rest of them left Storybrooke as he was with them when they spent brief time with a Prince and Princess named Philip and Aurora, but he left the little community when they were making their way to Regina's castle. As he was sailing the realms a bird landed on his ship's wheel with a note (and a small vile of memory potion that was only enough for Emma and not Henry) instructing him to retrieve Emma and bring her back to Storybrooke. He assumed Mary Margaret sent the message. David thinks a message sent via a bird does sound like her.

Remember this... A bird brought a note/postcard to Neal in N.Y.. in the episode "Broken". That was sent by August.

Grumpy and Happy come in to inform the group that they lost another one; residents are being picked off and they are down to 4 dwarfs. Ever since they all woke up people began disappearing. Emma asks if Neal is there; and I noted an interesting look on Hooks face when she asked that. Neal isn't there but Hook feels he'll turn up, "He always does."

Henry is introduced to David and Mary Margaret at Granny's Diner as old friends from Phoenix and then "here."
"I thought you were only in Phoenix for being in that place?" Henry asks. Mary Margaret says that they were cell mates; she was in for Banditry. "People make mistakes. The important thing is to find a way to keep moving on."  Henry asks her if she knows his dad, but that question doesn't get an answer as David distracts and Regina is stunned to see Henry right there.

While turkey hunting with his stolen bow Little John is captured at the town line by a "Monster with wings." Emma warns Robin Hood and his Merry Men not to cross that town line. Hook shares that Emma almost married one of those "monsters" while in N.Y..  Later David, Robin and the men find a barely alive Little John. They take him to the hospital where he is cared for by Dr. Whale. Little John goes into shock and when he's about to be sedated turns into a flying monkey and escapes the hospital through the broken window.

Zelena has incorporated herself into the town of Storybrooke. She watches while the residents blame previously guilty Regina for their current situation. But Regina insists that although it looks like her fingerprints are all over this, she's clueless about this new curse.

Emma hatches a con to smoke out the perp with innocent Regina to find out who really cursed the town. They need to get their memories back and find out who took them in the first place- and find their missing town's people. In an effort to try and wake everyone up Regina tries to replicate the potion from the small blue vile- even though she tries she can't do it.

Mary Margaret reads and rabbit ears pages in an old baby book while Henry is focused on his hand held video game. Very concerned over babies getting Cradle Cap, Mary Margaret tries to get Henry to the Library. While Henry is away from the booth, Zelena meets Mary Margaret and claims to just be a supporting player back in their land; no one Mary Margaret would remember. And now we see that the convenient mid-wife Zelena will have access to Snow White's/Mary Margaret baby- will Zelena take Snow's baby?

Leroy gets the word out to the town that Regina's making a memory potion (as planned for the real perp smoke-out) and we see Zelena become concerned and exit Granny's.

While on the stake out of Regina's office, Emma shares with Regina some of Henry's new life in N.Y. and also admits she came back because she feels although Henry doesn't remember all of this, she does. Henry would say "A hero would come back."  Emma spots a shadow up in the window. Confident Regina sealed the room with "blood lock" ensuring a trapped perp. Once inside they see a cloaked figure in the corner, but it magically turns into green smoke and escapes. Shocked Regina says "No one can break through Blood Magic no matter how powerful they are."

Henry is still focused on his hand held video game when Emma brings Regina to the apartment to meet him. Emma introduces him to Regina Mills, the Mayor of the town. Henry likes school and is good at English. Emma's shared this info about him to Regina because she couldn't be prouder of him. Regina offers to take the boy a tour of the town one day; and some ice cream. He'd like that.

David and Hook tell the ladies that the taken town's people are being turned into flying monkeys. There's still no sign of Neal. The clues show Regina that the Wicked Witch (of the West) is the one who cursed the town. Note: It is Emma who uses the phrase Wicked Witch of the West. Emma wonders, "It's not like we're in Kansas. Why would the Wicked Witch of the West want to come to Storybrooke?"

Zelena brings a tray of food to caged Rumple. "You never should have brought me back," claims Rumple. Zelena tells him to eat up, "We've got work to do."  She leaves.
Alone, Rumple recites, "You feed the madness and it feeds on you. You feed the madness and it feeds on you.  You feed the madness and it feeds on you. {giggles}"






Regina, although taps into her evil side often, shows that she was able to leave all the riches behind when she cast the curse, only taking the things that were most important to her.  Regina even currently mentions in Storybrooke that she doesn't care about being in her (mayoral) house.

The mention of Kansas makes me recall that August/Pinocchio rode a motorcycle and the license plate is from Kansas; as seen in "The Return". 

I love the use of feathers in the costume designs, as they give us a great metaphorical visual to this story. Plus, I get a kick out of seeing Regina use Darth Vader's choke-hold on Robin Hood. We've seen Rumple/Dark One do this too.

I'll leave you with this... "A hero would come back" and yes, Emma has returned to Storybrooke, but we also see that Zelena has brought Rumple back. 


Things to Note...Questions to Ask...
๑ Henry is really attached and focused on the video game
๑ Didn't they previously want to go under Storybrooke to avoid curse in another episode?
๑ Where is Neal?
๑ Monster (flying monkey) Emma was going to marry (in N.Y.).  And at one point she would have married Neal.
๑ Con
๑ Mirror
๑ People are being picked off and taken, like the others took the survivors. tunnels under the castle
๑ Zelena claims to be a midwife.
๑ Tunnels: Dig under Storybrooke to get under...
๑ It was great to see Red Riding Hood again
๑ Sleep. Wake up/awake
๑ Dream
๑ 4
๑ Monster/monkey with wings. Shape-shifting/transforming monkeys
๑ List: crossing people off the list
๑ Search grid
๑ Honor
๑ Coffin
๑ We've got work to do.
๑ Episode "Into the Deep"
๑ Episode nods to Oz: : "The Return",  "The Doctor"  and "Tallahassee"
๑ Video game/game

Vocabulary and Research...
๑  Zelena (Zeleny) in Slovic means green
๑ A witch hunt is when someone unfairly looks for and punishes another person who is accused of having opinions that are believed to be dangerous or evil

 ✔ Golden LOST Thread Woven into the Tapestry of this Tale
✈ Rebecca Mader played the role of Charlotte Staples Lewis; returning Island resident, anthropologist, later in the Flash-Sideways in S6 says she's an archaeologist. She succumbed to the side effects of "temporal displacement" due to the "Flashes" caused when Ben Linus moved the Island and made the wheel slip off its axis
✈ Jack discovers he has a half blood sister- Claire Littleton
✈ Con
✈ Tunnels under the stations, Dharma houses, Temple, Island, etc.
✈ Juliet was a researcher in the field of fertility and later a doctor of obstetrics
✈ Sleep. Wake up/awake
✈ Dream
✈ Wheel
✈ 4
✈ Mirror
✈ Monster
✈ Search Grid
✈ Coffin
✈ Honor
✈ Jacobs lists: Crossing people off the list
✈ A bright light in the center
✈ I've/We've got work to do.
✈ Video game/game

More Islanders Cross the Bridge

This hat reminds me of the Sorting Hat from Hogwarts in Harry Potter's world.

If you know anything about me you know that I am a huge fan of ONCE Upon A Time... and of course, my constant, LOST.  Sunday can't get here fast enough as I'm anxiously awaiting the return of ONCE Upon A Time! I'm also thrilled to see the bridge that connects LOST to ONCE Upon A Time is being well traveled. I consider the "Island" is neighbor to Storybrooke and the many magical and mysterious lands of ONCE Upon A Time. More and more LOST alumni are making their way over to the adventurous fairy tale.

Two such alumni include the lovely Rebecca Mader and awesome Eric Lange.  Both have scored roles on the beloved abc TV show, ONCE Upon A Time. LOSTies will remember both Mader and Lange's LOST characters are shown to exist in more than one "phase" of the "Island's" reality, and with variations in each one's stories. They do however share a past living with/in the DHARMA Initiative.

Rebecca Mader’s role on LOST was as the Geronimo Jackson loving anthropologist – archaeologist, Charlotte Staples Lewis; whom fell victim to the side effects of temporal displacement. Mader’s witchy ONCE character will have history with the Evil Queen Regina, and we hear that this green skinned character will be wicked! I can't wait to see where this OZ influenced journey brings us.

Eric Lange's LOST character was famed Stuart Radzinsky. Radzinsky was a member of the DHARMA Initiative and worked at the Flame Station; we see him crafting a model of the Swan Station in 1977. Radzinsky also served as hatch partner to Kelvin Inman in the Swan Station. Lange's ONCE role is as young Prince Leopold, Snow White's loving father. I'm very excited to see him in this new role.

Oncers Embrace Enchanta Con

Photo courtesy of Enchanta Con

Once upon a time...

A spark of inspiration gave Laurie Mahoney and Scott Distasio an idea to create an enchanting event where fans of the hit TV show, "ONCE Upon A Time", could have an intimate gathering with its cast. Passionate about ONCE Upon A Time, Laurie and Scott did just that. EnchantaCon was born. More than that, it gave Oncers from all over the globe a time and place to gather and meet each other, most for the very first time. All of these experiences would forge cherished memories and new friendships. The enchanting weekend was held in a realm where magic already exists, Orlando, Florida. Fans booked rooms at the Doubletree by Hilton Resort Sea World in Orlando, paid for Enchanta Con tickets, and gathered in their fairy tale fantasy attire for the festivities.

 Fly Your Fandom Flag!

Like a page right out of Henry's beloved book of fairy tales.

When I arrived with my husband on Friday we were happy to see fans in their Cosplay best. We headed to the Michigan Room for the official "Welcome to A Weekend with the Stars of Once Upon A Time".

Photo credit: Jose Carradero

There, we were introduced to Laurie (Vice President), Scott (President) and our MC for the weekend, the exuberant and entertaining, Joshua Reid-Davis.  Josh was a fantastic host and was always accessible to the fans.

Hanging out with Joshua Reid-Davis

Photo credit: Jose Carradero

There were fun trivia contests; one of which I participated in. Winners were escorted to the Ball by a cast member of their choosing. How cool is that?! There were other chances to win many other special prizes over the weekend via raffles.

Other side of the Mirror with Hope Mullinax

The hubby and I sat in on the first of two fan panels for the weekend. The first was held by the Other side of the Mirror Podcast gals, with their guest host, Hope Mullinax. It was a casual three hour discussion of many Once Upon A Time topics, theories and of course... fandom.

Once Upon A Fan Staff. Photo courtesy of Gareth.

The other panel we attended was the Once Upon A Fan panel. We learned how the happy staff of fans and their love for ONCE Upon A Time, plus their gift for writing/blogging, was brought all together by the site's founder and Editor-in-Chief, Gareth Hughes (whom was called away suddenly and was unable to attend the panel). Both of the panel's conversations covered the depth of the characters and their issues within the story. We all had a great time. I believe we all came away with a little something extra by sharing our thoughts in a huge round table of sorts. Additionally, it was these two panels and their intimate settings that gave fans in attendance the chance to meet each other face to face and really connect.

Rebecca of the Operation Cobra Podcast made the rounds interviewing and documenting her Enchanta Con weekend. The hubby and I chatted with her about our love of ONCE Upon A Time and, since the hubby and I were wearing our LOST tee-shirts, we touched on LOST connections within ONCE.

We sat in on an entertaining Q&A with Tony Amendola (Marco/Geppetto), Keegan Conner Tracy (the Blue Fairy/Mother Superior) and Raphael Sbarge (Archie Hopper/Jiminy Cricket). I was thrilled to be able to ask them a question. After that, there was another fun Q&A with Gil McKinney (Prince Eric). All of the cast were witty and very kind, answering fans questions.

Sadly, we didn't get to see the Mermaid performance by Eden Sirene that took place at the hotel's Lagoon pool. But we did head down to Karaoke!

We had a blast meeting up with new friends at Karaoke, and enjoyed hearing their beautiful voices while they serenaded the crowd with familiar Disney songs, show tunes, and a couple of rock songs. They were all so talented and you can see everyone had a good time and enjoyed each other.

A little personal side note about the evening's Karaoke:
The hubby sat across from me at the table during Karaoke, constantly and quietly encouraging me to get up and sing. For people who know us this wouldn't be a bizarre request, as in the past I made a living performing in rock/top 40 bands (also as an actor). The thing that nobody (except for my hubby) knows is that since I had been sick (cancer) I had not sung a single note in public. Sure, I've played/sung the game Rock Band at home with the family, but that's not the same thing as using your voice in a professional manner. While I was sick I gained a great many things that changed and enriched my life (especially with my special and close to my heart LOST experience), but I kept the secret that I did lose something as well- my confidence as a singer. I don't know why that was the thing to lose, but gone it was. Anyway... The hubby nudged me all night at Karaoke until I reluctantly folded. Here I was all of a sudden standing in front of people about to sing- petrified and anticipating that my voice simply wouldn't just fall back into place. I don't know where it came from; I just remember taking a deep breath and believing "Don't be stupid. You can do this."  I sang the song. When the song was over Cris and I made eye contact and no words needed to be spoken. All I can tell you that in that brief moment we were happy- happy that I sang in public at least one more time. It really came down to "Believing"... Believing I could do it. It was a tiny secret struggle and triumph. It really was kinda magical.

After Karaoke, we had the good luck of sharing an elevator ride with the sweet David Anders.
 
Five of the Once Upon A Time cast members that were originally booked for EnchantaCon had to cancel their appearances a few days before the event. Earlier on Chad Michael Collins had to cancel due to scheduling conflicts as well. But this is Hollywood, the land of magic- and sometimes, magic comes with a price. It is completely understandable that they need to on set filming the great show that we all love. We understand and respect that shooting schedules are priority over promo and appearances- Otherwise there is no ONCE Upon A Time to promote!

Photo credit: Joshua Reid-Davis

EnchantaCon came through with a special Skype session for a hall of ONCE fans and Beverley Elliot, Michael Coleman, Gabe Kouth, Faustino DiBauda and Lee Arenberg. Other than a few minor "Skype tech" glitches, the session was wonderful and entertaining. The cast Rocked and we all loved it!

The autograph session was a wonderful experience. Oncers were given time to meet the cast up close and get an autographed photo. Again, each cast member was so friendly and engaging. Keegan even asked me about my accent; as she remembered me asking my question at the previous day's Q&A session and that she detected a bit of an accent. (I'm originally from New York City.)

A totally romantic moment was when I got to go to the Ball with my Prince Charming- How often does one get to say that?!

The Ball was so much fun and it included all of the celebrity guests, including David Anders (Dr. Whale/Dr. Frankenstein) and Ethan Embry (Greg Mendell). There was a Costume contest, lots of dancing, photo ops, and a table full of sweets. All of us Oncers enjoyed the party atmosphere together. It was truly a special evening.

David and Ethan held Q&A sessions on Sunday. Regrettably we had to miss those due to our travel plans. I wish we'd stay to participate in them.

Although we would have loved very much to experience the benefits of every event the weekend had to offer, the hubby and I weren't able to afford the Diamond package. Diamond Package ticket holders had the most availability to the stars via their additionally paid for weekend events. All of the Enchanta Con packages gave fans a wide variety of jewel tier packages to choose from. We purchased a much less pricey package and stayed at the hosting hotel for the weekend. We wanted to be a part of that world as much as we could all while on our very small budget.

We totally loved the intimacy of this event. With extra-large conventions everyone seems to get lost in the crowd, you have to pick and choose which panels and events you want to participate in, and the stars are usually kept at a distance from fans. But with Enchanta Con the experience was engaging and very personal- and to me... that is priceless.

The one thing I wish was made available to Oncers over the weekend is a commemorative tee-shirt for the event. Maybe this is something the organizers could consider for the next time; as I know many Oncers would purchase such a keepsake.

A huge "Thank You" goes out to the hardworking Laurie Mahoney and Scott Distasio and their amazing team, for bringing Oncers & cast closer together. They all did a beautiful job on the entire event. It really was a great time- and I'm thrilled to be able to connect with so many Oncers from our on-line universe. The hubby and I got to share some special and memorable moments with everyone. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Many new friendships were made- and that is awesome. I truly hope Laurie and Scott get to continue on with this magical venture.

Thank you all for being awesome, bighearted and welcoming Oncers.We will always find each other!

And we will always get to say we were together at the very first Enchanta Con!
Until the next one...


Check out:
Variety  Radio Online
Joshua Reid-Davis
Once Upon A Fan
Once Upon a Fan Podcast- Hosted by Zachery Van Norman and Amy Hood
Other Side of the Mirror- Hosted by Bri and Alex
Operation Cobra Podcast -Hosted by Rebecca.- Her EnchantaCon Experience
The Storybrooke Herald Podcast  -Hosted by Jose Carradero

Site Update

Dear Oncers,

I can't tell you how badly I feel about being behind on posting my ONCE Upon A Time notes. As always, I take my notes the night the episode airs; but take time to organize them, detail the episode and screen shot the images I want- all while avoiding spoilers, other sites, etc.  I thank those of you that visit my site -I appreciate it.

On my side of the island I've been very overwhelmed with personal priorities over the past few months that are resulting in the delays. Writing about this fairytale brings me so much joy and my own flashbacks- plus it gives me a fun creative outlet that I love and need. It is pissing me off that I've fallen behind in all of my writing, but I will catch up. I know it really isn't important to anyone else about me keeping my site current or not- that is a goal I put on myself. Whether I take notes and post stuff or not, for me the truly important and special thing is that this beautiful show strikes a very deep chord with me. It encourages me to find and treasure the good that is truly in my heart… and it reminds me that I too must hold on to Hope, Love, Light, Family, and Home.
I hope it does the same for you.

Thank you! 

Quite a Common Fairy

 "An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward."

 ** All photos posted here are chosen for a reason **


Children, assemble! Let's leave time and space at home where it belongs.

Firstly, who has two thumbs and loves an episode of "ONCE Upon A Time" that shows the cast traipsing through the jungle and them mentioning the word "lost" a bunch of times?! THIS CHICK!

I still feel like I should begin every one of my notes posts with "When I was a little girl..." because every episode of this show immediately transports me to my childhood and how I would engulf myself in whatever story I was reading at the moment. Again, each story whisked me away from the tiny apartment and the chaotic and poor life in N.Y.C., and into a magical world where I could dream, imagine, be anything or anybody I wanted... and I could even fly.


We're running with the shadows of the night. So baby take my hand, it'll be all right. Surrender all your dreams to me tonight- They'll come true in the end

Tinker Bell isn't the only one who has lost her light, her magic and her wings. They're all missing those special things- but they can get them back... if they just believe.


While these people are marked with scars that seem to stem back to their childhood and/or younger days, this wondrous and mysterious island of trickery hints to be a place that, in some bizarre way, helps one confront what ails them, and may play a role in their healing.

Regina accuses the King of his heart being with his dead wife- and we see that her heart is still with her dead fiancée. Regina can't let go of her past pain. Carrying it around is a sort of comfortable habit, and getting out of that particular habit is frightening to her.  But on the island we see that Regina is slowly realizing her habitual ways of handling things. Also she understands that her past behavior has left her with enemies, loss, without a soul mate, anger and a confused heart and mind. How is the man with the Lion tattoo part of Regina's happiness? Is he Regina's "soul mate" or just a step along the path in her getting to her soul mate?

I'm very intrigued about Peter Pan's own wants and needs and how they coincide with how the island is functioning into the current journey of the members of "Operation Henry".  Could it be that Pan and the island work together toward a common goal or are there two different agendas? And while we're at it I have to wonder about ... Henry's world.  And what's with this Felix dude?

Tinker Bell literally breaks the rules and outright points Regina in the direction on the path she needs to take to find happiness. And since Regina has found a twisted comfort in her misery, and only thinking of her own feelings, she in turn affected the lives of her soul mate and whoever else would be part of that path.

Everyone deserves a second chance. You learn through your own mistakes and the mistakes of others. And yes, every day you awaken you are given another chance to do better- to be better.  It sucks that the Blue Fairy only gives two chances and then you're out; Robin Hood only gives Bae one chance, and Tinker Bell tells Emma they only get one shot as well.  Damn! Even in baseball you get three strikes!

In my opinion you must keep on trying... trying to find your light- love- and your way home.  Home is where the heart is.


Things to Note...Questions to Ask...

๑  David is feeling the effects of the Dreamshade. "David Nolan let himself go." Well, did he or didn't he?
๑  LOST
๑  Pan's lair moves
๑  Pixie Dust doesn't lie. The ax never lies.
๑  Do all the Merry Men have that Lion tattoo or just Robin Hood?
๑  Merry Men come in all sizes
๑  Sleep.  Poppies.
๑  Tulips. Sunflowers
๑  Wake up
๑  Alive. Dead
๑  Pregnant. Born
๑  Destiny. Fate
๑  Operation Henry
๑  Arrow. Target
๑  Red Apple
๑  Blue. Green
๑  Portal. Beans. Magic Mirrors. Ruby Slipper and some kinds of ashes
๑  Game. Broken rules
๑  Lesson. Choices. Teacher. Guide
๑  Fake. Farce
๑  Match. Mate
๑ Ruin
๑ Band  + Ring =  Circle

Vocabulary and Research...

 ๑  Lady Bells - A dangerous (Blue) perennial weed with roots that look like turnips and spread out in large mats far beyond the ground.

๑ The Tinkerbell Effect: is a term describing things that are thought to exist only because people believe in them. The effect is named for Tinker Bell, the fairy in the play Peter Pan who is revived from near death by the belief of the audience.

Tinker Bell: is a fictional character from J. M. Barrie's 1904 play Peter Pan and its 1911 novelization Peter and Wendy.  She has appeared in multiple film and television adaptations of the Peter Pan stories, in particular the 1953 animated Walt Disney picture Peter Pan.  She also appears in the official sequel Peter Pan in Scarlet by Geraldine McCaughrean and commissioned by Great Ormond St Hospital as well as the "Peter and the Starcatchers" book series by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry. At first only a supporting character described by her creator as "a common fairy", her animated incarnation was a hit and has since become a widely recognized unofficial mascot of The Walt Disney Company.  In her animated form she leaves a trail of twinkling pixie dust.
In the original story Tinker Bell was described by Barrie as a fairy who mended pots and kettles, like an actual tinker. Her speech consists of the sounds of a tinkling bell, which is understandable only to those familiar with the language of the fairies. She was represented on stage by a darting light "created by a small mirror held in the hand off-stage and reflecting a little circle of light from a powerful lamp" and her voice was "a collar of bells. Disney's Tinker Bell is a Pixie who sprinkles Pixie Dust and she now lives in Pixie Hallow with her other Pixies family and friends.

* The Tinkerbell map: is a discrete-time dynamical system; A dynamical system is a concept in mathematics where a fixed rule describes the time dependence of a point in a geometrical space.

 ๑ Roland

•  Roland (Frankish: Hruodland) (died 14 August 778) was a Frankish military leader under Charlemagne who became one of the principal figures in the literary cycle as Matter of France. Historically, Roland was military governor of the Breton March, with responsibility for defending the frontier of Francia against the Bretons. His only historical attestation is in Einhard's Vita Karoli Magni, which describes him as Hruodlandus Brittannici limitis praefectus ("Roland, prefect of the borders of Brittany"). Roland became an iconic figure in medieval minstrel culture. Many legends made him a nephew of Charlemagne (whether or not this was true is unknown), and turned his life into an epic tale of the noble Christian killed by Islamic forces, which forms part of the medieval Matter of France. The tale of Roland's death is retold in the eleventh century poem The Song of Roland, where he is equipped with the olifant (a signaling horn) and an unbreakable sword, enchanted by various Christian relics, named Durendal.
• Childe Rowland is a fairy tale, the most popular version being by Joseph Jacobs in his English Folk and Fairy Tales, published in 1892
•  English poet Robert Browning composed an epic poem, Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came; the title of which comes from a line in William Shakespeare's play King Lear
•  American writer Stephen King has written a seven-volume series of epic fantasy novels called The Dark Tower, concerning the thousand-year quest of Roland Deschain, of Eld, based in part on Browning's Childe Roland.

๑ William Tell's Feat: Shooting an apple off one's child's head, also known as apple-shot (from German Apfelschuss) is a feat of marksmanship with a bow or crossbow that occurs as a motif in a number of legends in Germanic folklore.

๑ "Tulips": is a poem by American poet Sylvia Plath about her experiences in a mental hospital. Written in 1961 and is included in the collection Ariel published in 1965.

✔ Golden LOST Thread Woven into the Tapestry of this Tale

✈  The "Island" moves
✈  4
✈ Destiny
✈ Light. Dark
✈ Game. Broken rule
✈ For a moment Tink reminds me of S6 "Crazy Claire"
✈ Source
✈ Lessons. Teacher. Guide
✈ Infected. Darkness growing
✈ Plant and tend to a garden
✈ Fake. Farce
✈ Match. Mate
✈ Ruin
✈ Pregnant. Born
✈ Destiny. Fate
✈ Band  + Ring =  Circle
✈ Nuclear (Bomb): Daniel Faraday wants to detonate it, Sayid carries and modifies it, Jack and Juliet detonate it
✈ The Other's had been waiting for John Locke for a very long time in "The Brig."
Horace tells Locke "He's (Jacob) been waiting for you for a real long time in "Cabin Fever"
✈ "Happily Ever After"
✈  "The Incident" part 1
✈  Sawyer says, "... let's go find an island somewhere and sit on a beach drinking Mojitos 'til we go "toes up..." in "The Long Con"
✈  "It didn't work" is said a few times on LOST- as is "It worked"
✈  "...What about me?"  Ben asks Jacob in "The Incident" part 2
✈ " The Moth "  Charlie was bait


Enough of my rambling... Here's your episode recap! Enjoy!

The rescue party tries to follow the straight line course of Pan's map, but the magical map shows that Pan's camp/lair is moving and is now behind them.  Hook knows that trick playing Pan is moving it. If Pan's camp keeps moving, how are they going to find Henry? As if she hasn't even been listening, Regina says if they just use magic they can materialize in the camp and grab Henry. Hook feels Pan would have shields against magic and any attempt would result in her death, and more importantly, his. "Which is why we're walking." Hook suggests they way to find it is to use someone "he trusts."  A fairy who still might be on the island; she'd be an inside source- knows all about the camp and can get them in. "She might even have some Pixie Dust left. Perhaps we could fly in."  Not fairy dust, as Pixie Dust is stronger, like nuclear fairy dust. With this clue Emma realizes he's talking about Tinker Bell. "Every kid in the world knows her."
This doesn't sit well with Regina. "Mark my words... this Tinker Bell is not going to save us."


Pan wakes up sleeping Henry and tosses an apple at.   Henry claims to not like apples, "It's a family thing."  Game playing Pan tells him they're not for eating- they're for playing a really fun game. He calls it "Target practice."

Pan dips the arrowhead into a jar of the nasty poison, Dreamshade. He knows of a story of a man who once shot an arrow off his son's head with an arrow, "Let's find out if it's possible."  Henry wonders if you're shooting at the apple, why the poison. Pan claims it to be motivation not to miss.  Pan calls Felix over. Nervous Henry asks if Felix's aim is good, but that doesn't matter, as it is Henry who will fire the arrow toward a much taller Felix. Henry doesn't want to and is egged on by the Lost Boys chanting for him to "shoot."
Pan encourages Henry. "You won't hit him. Trust yourself. Go on. It's exhilarating."
With Felix ready with the apple atop his head, Henry turns and shoots at Pan- who in turn catches the arrow right before it hits his chest and pierces his heart.
"Told you it was exhilarating. Come on. I have something to show you."

Bae rummages through the cupboard in his father house to look for a (way to create a) "portal" to get to Emma; he doesn't need a horse to get to her. He tells that Henry's trapped in Neverland with Peter Pan, who is hands-down the nastiest person Bae ever met.
Mulan notes that Emma in that (magic glass) ball- not Henry.  Bae explains that he was in Neverland "Pan was looking for a boy- specific boy, I, I know he had some picture of him on a scroll he called him the 'truest believer'."  Bae believes that has to be Henry and that's the only reason Emma would be in Neverland. Bae wants Robin Hood and Mulan to help him look. "Lots of things make portals- beans, magic mirrors, ruby slippers, some kinds of ashes."  Bae knocks something over and it alerts Little John and the Merry Men to enter the room- with Robin's 4 year old son, Roland. This causes Bae to have an idea on how to get to Neverland- to Henry.

Robin Hood's son Roland will be bait for Baelfire to summon the Shadow. Bae assures the very concerned father that the Shadow won't touch Roland. Bae has dealt with it before; it's what took him to Neverland as a kid. Both men have suffered loss and value family. Robin Hood reveals that Baelfire's father intervened and saved Robin's pregnant wife. With Robin reluctantly agreeing to let Bae "use" Roland, Robin could consider his debt to Rumple paid.  Very protective Robin gives Bae only one chance in the Roland-Shadow Mission- he gets no second chance.
Bae informs him, "You gotta understand, this is my second chance."

Mulan directs the men with a plan to get everyone in position for the arrival of the Shadow.  Bae admits that although he's going to save his family, he'll have to see about them being back together. I felt the same way about Emma as she did about him, but took too long to tell her. He hopes she'll forgive him; learning that lesson the hard way. He won't make that mistake again. "When you love someone you don't keep it in, you say it."  This strikes a chord with Mulan.

Robin Hood hugs his little man and assures him that even though it may be loud, nothing will hurt him. Roland remembers what he has to say once he's instructed to do so. With everyone in their positions Roland is given the Okay by his father to say it.
Standing facing the large closed window, Roland declares, "I believe." But the Shadow doesn't show.  Bae thinks the boy should say it once more, but Robin says no.  All of a sudden the window flies open and the Shadow flies in, heading toward Roland and grabs his hand. The little man is scooped up by his father through this tug of war, and Mulan uses her sword to separate the Shadow from Roland. The angry Shadow takes off out the window and Bae runs after it, jumping to grab hold of the Shadow mid-flight! Bae is en route to Neverland!

Rumpelstiltskin makes an appearance at the opposite end of Regina's feast table; which includes "roast Swan", as amused Rumple hints he knows means something in her future. Rumple thought Regina was dead/toes up because she didn't show up for her lessons. Feeling a bit persecuted, Regina shares she's not sure about these lessons anymore. "I don't want a future that looks like... like you." After all, she's the Queen, "I'm practically a prisoner. With a husband who's heart is still with his dead wife and his insipid daughter."  She finds it intolerable. She feels trapped and longs for freedom.

Rumple, "Uh, Can't be done.  See this is how it is. You think you're the diner at the feast, tasting the offerings. A little love. A little darkness. What you don't realize is You are the feast. And the darkness has tasted You!"  The darkness likes how she tastes. It doesn't mind the bitter- and now that its started the meal, it's going to finish it. "You can no more fly from your fate, than can that swan. {He points to the swan on the table} See ya tomorrow. Don't be late. Oh! And bring that simmering rage. It's all ya have." He disappears.
Frustrated Regina walks over to the railing at the balcony, when all of a sudden in anger she pushes it, causing it to loosen and she falls.

Regina is halted mid-fall by Tinker Bell's bright glittering green magic. Glowing Tink is giving Regina a second chance. Tink magically elevates Regina back to the balcony.

Tink shares a meal and drinks while listening to Regina spew about how the monster Snow White is indulged and adored. "She sort of ricochets through life telling people's secrets. She had my fiancée killed." The only way Regina can get through it is that Snow and the King (her husband) are gone all the time. She admits it's not a marriage- it's a farce. Regina's alone in that palace. "I feel like the Queen of nothing."
"No wonder you jumped," Tink replies.
Regina corrects her, "I didn't jump. I fell."  But if she had... she toasts to "good reasons."
Tink can help people find what they need. She tells clueless Regina that she needs "Love."  It is possible to find love again. "I've never seen Pixie Dust fail." It will find Regina her perfect match- if she lets it, she'll find her happy ending. Tink encourages doubting Regina, "Well, I'm a fairy. You might wanna try believing in me."

"I'm late," claims Tink. She'll see Regina soon.  Regina watches Tink become tiny and fly away up toward the stars.

Tink flies through the center of a bright colored flower that is surrounded by many extra-large brightly colored tulips.  A green tulip opens and reveals the Blue Fairy. "Good evening, Green," the Blue Fairy greets Tink. Tink/Green calls her "Blue."  Blue reprimands Green for being late and breaking every rule in the book "Curfew, dust discipline. You got big for no reason."  But Green is excited she was helping the Queen Regina in the Enchanted Forest. Blue tells Green who "she is," and that her mother was Cora- who ripped out hearts and her teacher is the Dark One. Green should consider herself lucky she is still alive. Blue insists Regina isn't a woman she can help, as she is surrounded by darkness. To Green, this sounds exactly like someone who could use her help. She asks for some Pixie Dust, but not a chance. Blue warns "You'll fly away from this one, Green."

"My name isn't Green. It's Tinker Bell. And I can't believe you want me to ignore someone who needs help. It's not very fairy-like."  Annoyed Blue will be the judge of what is fairy-like! Until further notice Green is to remain there and continue her training under Blue's direct supervision. Blue flies away and Tink heads back from where she came from.

Tink flies into Regina's open window and asks her "Wanna fly?" Tink feels that helping Regina find her happiness and saving her in turn will save Tink.

Tink uses "stolen" Pixie Dust to ensure the duo takes flight.

Tink leads Regina to a tavern where she points out Regina's happiness is sitting inside with his back to them. "Inside here lies the beginning of your happiness. All the pain in your past will be just that- the past."  There's a guy with the Lion tattoo. Pixie Dust doesn't lie. Tink feels it's Regina's fresh start and a chance at happiness- with no baggage. "You can let go of all of the anger that weighs you down."  Tink encourages her to go in and get him, and then she leaves. Regina happily swings open the door, but sadly isn't brave enough to walk in.


Regina walks through the hot jungle alone; as she's fallen behind the group. She wipes the sweat off her forehead and unknowingly drops her handkerchief when she tried to put it in her pocket.  It is picked up by Tinker Bell; whom seems to have lost her light.

Regina catches up to Emma to again appeal to her for the use of magic- their magic. Emma's not interested because the one thing she learned is that it always comes with a price. But Regina feels sometimes not using it comes with a price too. "I bet you and I combined... are strong enough to overpower Pan."  Emma would rather see the original plan of finding Tinker Bell through.  Annoyed Regina asks "And you think it's the best plan because your boyfriend came up with it?"
"My boyfriend? Hook?"
Mary Margaret reminds Regina that Emma just lost Neal. Regina apologizes, "I'm just worried about Henry."

Hook asks poisoned David if he's going to tell her; as he saw what happened to him.  David shows Hook that the poison is spreading even though the arrow barely nicked him.  Hook is sorry because he knows David has only days- weeks at most. "You won't see summer. It's really a bad break. You might want to tell her."  David thinks perhaps he doesn't have to because he hopes Tinker Bell and her Pixie Dust can help. Hook believes in her power and the dust.


Regina shares with Emma that she has a complicated history with Tinker Bell, and if Tink sees Regina "she won't help."  Regina staying out of her sight will help them find a way in with Tink on Operation Henry. That's what Regina's been calling it in her head, because that's what he'd call it; only with a better name.

Tink finally catches up with Regina who's all alone in the dark jungle. Tink overhead everything she told Emma. Regina notes that Tink looks terrible.

"You think you're so smart. But you're all gonna fail." Tink blows pink-ish sparkly dust into Regina's face and this causes her to fall asleep.  By the way- it's not magic... maybe poppies.

The search party arrives at Tink's tree house and look around for Pixie Dust, but its not there. Emma finds the bare dwelling reminds her of someplace- "Where I used to live, that's it."  Mary Margaret notes that just because it's just a place to sleep.  She also shares with her daughter that she too had a place like that once; a tree stump- when she was running from the Queen. She claims to understand "this Tinker Bell." The real question is why does she have a ladder when fairies have wings? David finds Regina's handkerchief and they realize Tink was tracking them- watching them.  With that Hook states "We're in the wrong place."


"About time you woke up," Tink says to groggy tied up Regina.  Tink knows why Regina is there. "You're trying to find your son."  There's no way Tink will help her after the way Regina burned her after Tink interfered in her life. Regina knows that Tink doesn't have magic- but she does. Regina magically frees herself but is immediately frozen by Tink holding a Dreamshade arrow at Regina's neck.

Regina wonders "How the hell did you get like this?" Tink's reply is simple, "I met you."
Thinking Tink wants to kill her Regina makes it easier and rips out her own heart, counting on Tink to crush it. "Show me who you are... Tinker Bell."

We saw that back in the Enchanted Forest Tink flew into Regina's room to find out how her meeting the guy with the Lion tattoo went. She notes Regina isn't glowing with love- she should be glowing!
"Because it didn't work. The Pixie Dust, it was wrong."  Regina lies, saying she went in and met him and he was awful.  Tink asks if she's sure she went to the right man. Regina claims the problem is that Tink is a terrible fairy.  Tink realizes Regina didn't go in because she's afraid.
Regina claims she's not afraid of anything, and can't believe she let Tink distract her. Tink assures her she needs love.  But heartbroken Regina had love, and now he's dead, and she's suffered. Nothing is going to change that.
"What about me?" asks Tink. She stole for Regina! Again, friendless Regina claims Tink is a terrible fairy. "Fly away, Moth. Don't let the doors catch your wings on the way out."

Tink is stopped by the Blue Fairy, who knows she stole the dust.  Tink misunderstands what being a good fairy is. She should have been a good fairy by listening to her instead of following her instincts. The Blue Fairy says that this can't be forgiven. Tink feels everyone deserves a second chance, as that's what they always tell people.  But this was Tinker Bell's second chance. Crying, Tink pleads for another chance to regain her trust. Unfortunately this won't be, as the Blue Fairy no longer believes in Tinker Bell. Tink is stripped of her wings and falls to the ground.

This cost Tinker Bell her wings.

With Regina handing over her heart, upset Tink asks her why she lied. Tink "... That spell worked! And you never went in!"  Why couldn't Regina just go through the door and meet her soul mate?!  Regina admits Tink is right; that being happy would be a terrible fate. She also admits not going in because she was afraid and feeling that without the anger that was weighing her down she would float away. "That anger was all I had. What would I be without it?"
"Happy," claims Tinker Bell.
Regina disagrees, "Weak."
But what did all that "strength" get Regina when here is Tink holding her heart in her hand and not hearing one reason not to squeeze her heart into ash. Regina enlightens Tink to the fact that Tink is making the same wrong choice as Regina did back then. "I picked revenge over hope... and you're holding the result- a small, hard, dark heart. If you make the same choice I did... then what you're looking at is your own future."  Either kill Regina or "...act like the fairy you are."  Regina wants her to prove her wrong- that Tink isn't a terrible fairy. "Pick hope over anger. Choose love and help me get my son back."  With Regina living with Henry, she feels as if she finally got something right. She wonders if Tink wants the same thing.
Tink, still holding Regina's heart, thinks "It's too late for me." Tink won't kill Regina, but she won't help her either. "Besides, it's probably too late. He's been with him too long." Tink hands Regina back her heart.

Look at the fun they're having. "The thing of this place, Henry, is that no one ever tells you 'no'. You can do whatever you want."
Concerned Henry wonders "They never hurt themselves?" to which Pan admits "All of the time. At one point I had four boys with missing fingers. Cost of the game. They didn't mind."  Henry feels "I don't belong here."  Pan disagrees, as they've been waiting for him for a very long time- long before he was even born. But Henry doesn't believe that.  Pan feels he should. "This place runs on imagination. On belief. But . Magic is dying and you, Henry, need to save it."your world stopped believing
Henry states, "In my world, you mean."  Pan means "In every world. You need to bring it back. That's your destiny.  To return the magic- To be the savior."  Henry thinks his mom Emma is the savior. Pan fluffs it off as "Yeah, she broke some curse, yeah..."  That's right, Pan knows more than shocked Henry thinks. Pan asks what if breaking the curse wasn't the thing that made her the savior, "What if having you was? Think about it... You're descended from the greatest of Light- and of Dark. What, do you think its a coincidence that the spawn of the Dark One met your mother? You were created for a reason. And I can help you find it." Pan believes Henry is the one who is supposed to save magic. He shows Henry a small rolled up parchment; he's had it for a very long time- long before Henry was even thought of.  This is why he's so sure Henry's the hero that magic has been waiting for. But Henry purposely drops the parchment because he doesn't believe Pan. Henry  reminds Pan of Henry's father.

After a while, Henry picks up the scroll and sees the drawing of him.  All of a sudden Henry hears a Whoosh.

Robin Hood offers skilled Mulan a job with his Merry Men; she'd be the first woman. Mulan is honored, but there's someone she needs to talk to before it's too late.
Robin Hood- "A loved one."
Mulan replies, "We shall see."

Aurora is in her garden watering the plants when Mulan arrives gathering her courage and bursting with news. Aurora is glad she is back. Mulan isn't there to see Philip, she excitedly wants to talk to Aurora. Aurora jumps in with her own exciting news that she and Philip are expecting a baby- a dream come true. This causes Mulan to keep the dialogue she had planned to share with Aurora to herself, and instead mentions she's leaving them and joining Robin Hood's band. Mulan ends up walking away with tears rolling down her face- just like Philip walked away from Aurora in Broken.

A pissed off mother and the rest of her #SaveHenry search party run into Tink and Regina. Regina tells the armed gang to "stand down" as tough Tink won't hurt them.
"But is she going to help us?" Hook wonders. It's true that Hook and Lady Bell already know each other. Tink doesn't have any magic, no Pixie Dust, and not even her wings, therefore won't be able to help them.
Tink shares "I guess people just stopped believing in me." And even if she wanted to help, "He's too powerful." She knows where Pan is and can get them inside his compound. To get Tink to help, Mary Margaret reveals "Because I believe in you."  They offer Tink a chance to go home with them once they've saved Henry; it seems that's what Tink wants... a home.  Tink agrees and lets them know that Pan trusts her and will let her in, and just maybe, she'll leave a way open for them. "But you've only got one shot. So you better have a good plan." They'll return to camp to figure it out.

David is worried about Henry. He asks his wife how she knew that offering Tink a home would work. She knew because when she was a bandit living alone, that's all she ever wanted. "The thing is I never found it 'til you came along. Even now when I'm with you... I mean, that's all I need."  She asks him if he's okay. David just tells her "I love you."  Hurrying him, Mary Margaret says "Come on. The last thing we need is to get lost in here."

Whoosh!
The Whoosh Henry heard when looking at the photo is the Shadow flying and dropping Baelfire onto Neverland.
Baelfire is instantly greeted by Felix who welcomes him home. "Pan will be so happy to see you."


With his hook, Hook pokes holes in coconuts so they have something to drink.

Regina sits looking at her ring when Tink goes over to ask her if she ever went back to find the man with the Lion tattoo.  Regina admits she didn't.
Tink finds that unreal. "Do you know how selfish that is?" Enlightening Regina about how it is selfish, "You didn't just ruin your life... you ruined his."

Mulan meets up with Robin and his Merry Men while they sit around their campfire. Robin shakes Mulan's hand, welcoming her. We see Robin Hood has a Lion tattoo on his right forearm.