Once Upon A Time - Season 4

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4.01 A Tale of Two Sisters

Elsa creates a snow monster for protection; Regina wonders if Marian will thwart her happy future.

[AntiArbitrator]

Anna will play an important role this season. I have not seen "Frozen", but I want to watch it when I find it at a price I am willing to pay. The following description of the characters and a summary of the plot of "Frozen" will help us to understand the plot.

"Once Upon a Time' Season 4: Everything you need to know about 'Frozen' before the premiere

By Megan Vick
Sep 28th, 2014

The only way to have escaped the major phenomenon that was "Frozen" last winter was to live literally under a rock. Even then, the chorus of "Let It Go" probably slipped in without context. Now the instant Disney classic will be making its way to "Once Upon a Time" for the first half of Season 4, and if you are one of the select few people that doesn't know all the words to "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" there are a few things you should know before the Sept. 28 premiere.

Who are Anna and Elsa?
In the beginning of "Frozen" Anna and Elsa are the princesses of the fictional kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa is the eldest and Anna worships the ground her big sister walks on.

What's the deal with Elsa's powers?
Elsa was born with the power to create/control ice and snow. Think of her as a Disney version of Ice-Man from "X-Men." It's really cute when the girls are kids and she can create mini snow flurries for Anna. However, Elsa loses control of her powers one night and ices Anna in the head. The King and Queen rush their daughters to the trolls, who are adorable creatures that camouflage themselves as rocks. Pabbie, King of the Trolls, is essentially a medicine man. They are able to cure Anna because the ice beam hit her head instead of her heart, but they warn the King and Queen that they should help Elsa control her powers so no more accidents happen.

The King and Queen take this advice a bit too literally and instead of helping Elsa accept and control her powers, they try to force her to suppress them. Elsa, being a small child consumed with guilt over almost killing her sister, agrees and spends years locked in her bedroom alone trying not to be different.

What happened to Anna and Elsa's parents?
Since it's Disney, they have died. In the film version of "Frozen" the King and Queen of Arendelle leave their daughters to go on a diplomacy trip. They sail right into a storm and are presumed to have drowned at sea -- leaving their eldest daughter Elsa to inherit the throne.

What happens when Elsa becomes Queen?
Being Queen is a stressful job. When Elsa is stressed she starts turning everything into ice. On the night of her coronation, Anna is so excited to finally let the public into their castle and have a ball. She ends up falling in love at first sight with a handsome prince named Hans and they get engaged. Elsa is definitely not okay with it and loses control of her powers, revealing to everyone that she's magic. Everyone freaks out and Elsa flees so to protect the kingdom from her destructive powers. She builds a really beautiful ice palace for herself up in the mountains and feels pretty good about not having to hide anymore.

Anna can't go on without her sister though, and starts a pilgrimage to go find her and bring her back to Arendelle. The majority of the film is Anna trying to get to Elsa, and then convincing her to come back to Arendelle.

What about that Hans guy?
He stays behind to "watch the kingdom." Turns out, Hans had his sights on Anna and Elsa the whole time because he wants to rule Arendelle for himself. He becomes the real villain. He convinces the citizens they are better off without Elsa and when Anna returns to Arendelle with ice in her heart (due another errant ice beam while negotiating with her sister), Hans leaves her for dead. He is the worst.

So there isn't a Prince Charming character in "Frozen"?
Please, this is Disney we're talking about. He's just not a prince. His name is Kristoff and he was raised by the trolls that originally tried to help the Arendelle royal family. He encounters Anna on her pilgrimage and decides to help because Kristoff makes money by selling ice. He has no business if Elsa has turned the entire kingdom into a winter wonderland.

As they try to rescue Elsa and restore Arendelle to its former glory, Kristoff falls for Anna. He's the one that finally manages to convince Elsa to come home and thus Elsa can save Anna from her frozen heart. Together, they kick Hans out of Arendelle. Anna and Kristoff get engaged and Elsa takes her proper place as Queen.

What about the reindeer and this "Olaf" guy?
The reindeer is Kristoff's best friend and confidant, and yes a reindeer. Surprisingly, he does not talk in the film. His name is Sven though and will be a prominent part of Kristoff's life even in "Once Upon a Time" world.

Olaf is the magical snowman who appears in the film and was everyone's favorite character. "OUAT" creators Eddie Kitsis and Adam Horowitz have said that Olaf will not be appearing on the show though***

So in summary...?
Anna and Elsa's sisterly bond is the most important relationship. Hans is bad and Kristoff is good. Elsa is not evil or a villain, just scared and misunderstood. If she ever says "Let it Go" or "Conceal, don't feel," those are references to the hit song from the movie. Feel free to laugh at those references.

Now even if you haven't seen "Frozen" (though why haven't you? Do you hate happiness?) you'll still have a good grasp of what's happening in the "OUAT" premiere!

"Once Upon a Time" unleashes "Frozen" on Sun. Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. "

[KyleEl]

Can we have individual episode topics?

I'm glad they did the recap because that's very helpful. A lot of stuff I had forgotten.

I actually feel bad for Regina because of the Marian situation. I'm curious about the "vanilla" comment, though. I don't know what they're referring to. Certainly not her ethnicity, because she doesn't appear to be Caucasian.

The fight with the evil snowman was fun. Simply because of Emma's humorous comments.

Anna was so pretty. So poor Elsa isn't evil but just can't control her magic.

[AntiArbitrator]

I have not watched the episodes yet.

I do not plan to make individual threads for each episode and I am not able to keep up with everything at this time.

[KyleEl]

Okay, we can do it here. It's not like there a lot of us.

Anna is so pretty.

I find it hard to believe a community the size of Storybrooke has its own power plant. The power line crossed the town line from the outside and no one fixed it. At the end of the episode the pole was still down.

So now we keep learning about David's earlier life. And why is he David? He was James when Snow met him. And if he is so poor how did he become a prince? I know it had something to do with the real prince being killed ...

[KyleEl]

That was a good episode. Now we know who is actually evil.

I'm glad Robin Hood is still in love with Regina.

[AntiArbitrator]

Although I have not seen the movie "Frozen", I am enjoying the characters. I read there was a friendly snowman in the movie so I was surprised to see the giant snow monster that attacked the town. I thought Emma's magic would be stronger than it is, but Regina is the one whose magic they need to depend on. Elsa is not really evil, but she does seem to have anger issues.

Maybe I was not paying close enough attention, but I did not realize the woman brought through the portal would be Robin Hood's wife, Marian. That is so sad for Regina.

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4.03 Rocky Road

The town blames Elsa when a spell is cast on Marian; Mary Margaret struggles to find balance.

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I enjoyed the episode. I am happy to see Will Scarlett "Knave" from "OUAT in Wonderland". I know he became a fan favorite. Also, Elizabeth Mitchell from "Revolution" makes an excellent, and beautiful, villain. I wondered why in the world she would cast a spell on Marian since she did not even know her.

Mr. Gold is still a sympathetic character although I know he is not all good and I am not sure if Belle has the real dagger or not. Does she? I like the way he can perform magic without using spells or charms. He put the hair on his palm, waved his hand over it, and it turned into snowflakes. My hero!

Snow is stuck with being Mayor and her first fireside chat did not go well. First, she insisted on holding the infant during the meeting and no one wanted to stick to the agenda; then Marian collapsed. Could it get worse? Snow has not lost the weight she gained while she was pregnant.

Regina wants a "happy ending" and I think that is a great idea although I never thought that a "person" was writing the book. I thought it was written by pure magic. I do like the idea that Robin still loves Regina. She has been trying to be a nicer person although life keeps sending her disappointments.

I am not saying the show intentionally makes the women seem like weak leaders, but the men do not follow their orders.
...Elsa told her future brother-in-law to stay away from the enemy, and he disobeyed her although she is the Queen.
...Emma told Hook to go to the police station and he disobeyed her although she is the Sheriff.
...Mary tried to run the meeting, and the dwarf shouted her down although she is the Mayor.

Maybe they should put Regina back in charge...

I wonder if the ice cream lady is Elsa's real mother and that her sister trapped her because she was afraid of the magic.

[KyleEl]

I'm so glad Knave joined the cast too.

Anna is so sweet but she can be tough when she has to. Her problems with Rumpletiltskin were interesting. But that man was too nice to poison.

I'm not so sure I like the new Captain Hook.

[AntiArbitrator]

Captain "hand" Hook was meaner than I remember Hook being in the previous season. The way he attacked Will was vicious and uncalled for. Although I do not want OUAT to turn into a love story, I was hoping for more magic and less violence. When Mr. Gold told Killian the hand could change his personality, I knew Hook should be wary of reattaching the hand.

The only version of "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" I have a good memory of is the one with Mickey Mouse. I saw that one several times. Mr. Gold is already powerful, but he does have a weakness that he wants to be rid of and the magic hat can help him.

The way Emma's parents quizzed her about her date is funny.

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4.05 Breaking Glass

Regina teams up with Emma to search for Snow Queen; Mary Margaret and David prepare for date night.

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There was a lot of fire and ice, but it was not as scary as Game of Throne’s “Fire and Ice”.

I enjoyed seeing Sidney trick Regina and that the Snow Queen set him free.

I am not convinced that the Snow Queen is really murderous or would kill people in spite of letting her awesome monster challenge Regina.

I thought the Knave let himself out of jail, but even if he did not, it was obvious that David did not release him.

[KyleEl]

www.journalnow.com/relishnow/the_arts/visual_arts/recent-uncsa-grad-playing-anna-from-frozen/article_aa974a72-4ab9-5fd5-affb-80351f384fa9.html

I liked the flashbacks and thought it was really sad Emma lost her friend. But I knew there would have to be a connection to the Snow Queen. Emma sure was pretty when she was young.

I know what it's like even though it was the Internet, to tell people I'm not who I am. What I didn't know at the time was the person on the other end, when I first joined the WB site, would have liked me for who I was. I was wishing I could start over because I had developed a reputation on the WB site. When I came back with a new name, I actually found myself behaving worse with my new identity.

As old as she is the Snow Queen is prettier than Elsa.

I'm still curious about the glasses. Emma only wore them when she was with Henry's father. Now they're in a box.

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I guess we will find out tonight if Belle has the real blade.

4.06 Family Business

Belle attempts to use the blade to get her husband to tell her where the Snow Queen is hiding.

[KyleEl]

And now we know Ingrid's name.

I don't get why Ingrid didn't just catch Anna. That fall should have killed her. But then I guess in this world things are different.

I did like seeing how Ingrid kept so much of Emma's stuff. I still have my stuff like those pictures even though we moved so often.

Mr. Gold's relationship with Belle is going through quite a challenge. I do wonder why she thought his being a lookout just means being outside.

Mr. Gold had to pretend the blade was real because he can't let Belle know that's not the blade.

[KyleEl]

I have to wonder about little girls hearing the characters from "Frozen" are on TV. Last night's episode started out with these cute little girls but then it got violent. In fact, this show is frequently too violent for that audience.

I don't like what's happenng to Emma.

And I felt so sorry for Ingrid when she killed her sister. Everyone was so quick to defend her but at some point with that magic it can no longer be done.

And I really don't like what's happening with Mr. Gold. We keep thinking he's no longer evil and then it turns out he is still worse than we had ever believed.

[AntiArbitrator]

I wrote my comments before I read Kyle's and I think he made some good observations.

4.07 The Snow Queen - Emma captures and interrogates the Snow Queen; Henry begins an after school job in Mr. Gold's shop.

I am enjoying the stories of the new characters and the flashbacks are easy to follow. There is now a parallel between Emma’s, Elsa’s and the Snow Queen’s lives. When Emma held the baby’s milk bottle and the milk became boiling hot, Snow was scared to hand the baby to her. That was my first clue that there was going to be a problem.

Belle was the one person Rumple could trust and now that is tarnished. I do not like the direction their relationship is headed. She betrayed Rumple’s trust and I think I detected a bit of sarcasm in Rumple’s response to her later request for help.

In addition to Belle’s betrayal, Henry is also being duplicitous by pretending he wants to help in Mr. Gold’s store. Rumple might not recover his positive attitude when he finally realizes that his grandson is being dishonest with him. I do like evil Rumplestiltskin and his “Dearie”, but I am glad he experienced love and happiness for a little while. I know that is going to change.

What I like:
   Emma having powerful magic
   The Snow Queen
   Rumplestiltskin being the thread that weaves through all the lands and everyone’s life

What I do not like
   Emma being melodramatic
   Snow Queen not wearing the gloves Rumple gave her
   Not being sure who has the real blade

[KyleEl]

I'm dreading the two-hour episode. An hour of this is enough.

Ingrid did want to use the gloves, it appeared, but for some reason she didn't.

[AntiArbitrator]

There is no way I am watching two hours of this tonight. I need to look at the schedule to see if I can understand why they did that.

[AntiArbitrator]

4.08 Smash the Mirror

[New]  08:00 - 10:01 PM EST
The Snow Queen attempts to pit Anna and Elsa against each other; Regina's quest goes unexpectedly.

[Aeryn]

Nov 16, 2014 18:28:30 GMT -5 AntiArbitrator said:

There is no way I am watching two hours of this tonight. I need to look at the schedule to see if I can understand why they did that.

You know, I lost interest in this show awhile back...around the time Peter Pan showed up.

I really miss Rumplestiltskin...in his full make-up!! THAT'S the main reason I watched in the first place.

And when did Henry grow so much??!!!


I REALLY HATE EMMA MORE THAN ANYTHING!!!![/B][/move]

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Ugh I see a lot of people hating on Rumple in this episode! I haven't seen it I'm behind 3 episodes.

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Nov 16, 2014 20:15:01 GMT -5 Aeryn said:

Nov 16, 2014 18:28:30 GMT -5 AntiArbitrator said:

There is no way I am watching two hours of this tonight. I need to look at the schedule to see if I can understand why they did that.

You know, I lost interest in this show awhile back...around the time Peter Pan showed up.

[/img]

I really miss Rumplestiltskin...in his full make-up!! THAT'S the main reason I watched in the first place.

And when did Henry grow so much??!!! [/img]


I REALLY HATE EMMA MORE THAN ANYTHING!!!![/B][/move][/quote]

Yeah Emma annoys me. So does Hook.

[Aeryn]

I miss Rumplestiltskin's little giggle...that was a GREAT character.

[AntiArbitrator]

Rumplestiltskin still says "Dearie". I love it when he says that and he is still my favorite character.

[KyleEl]

I enjoyed this episode more than I thought I would. There wasn't as much weird stuff as I had feared and we got to learn a lot more about the histories of the characters.

And Emma is back to normal.

But we still have the potential for more problems, which is necessary if we're coming back.

I thought this would be the end, but they did say "in two weeks" or however long.

[AntiArbitrator]

The story was good but I think it would have been better if they had eliminated a lot of the dialog of Emma, David and Mary Margaret. They spent an extreme amount of time agonizing over Emma's power. I never thought for one moment that Emma would walk through the door to give up her magic and thought the amount of time devoted to that was a waste.

I enjoyed the flashbacks with Elsa, Anna and the Snow Queen. Now I am wondering if Anna is still frozen in the castle. Rumple has known their story all along, but let's not forget that the Sorcerer put the evil plan in motion because he wanted his hat so much.

Rumple is disappointed and now he has control over Hook and wants Hook to get Emma to do something contrary to what is best for her.

Could it be possible that Regina will get her happy ending?

Ingrid, Elsa and Emma are now bound by the ribbons. I wonder if they will soon embrace the relationship or try to fight it.

Good episode...just needed more action and less talking.

[AntiArbitrator]

4.10 Fall (11-30-14) Mary Margaret and David rally the town to prepare for the impending curse.

[KyleEl]

I was hoping this would be over or at least the curse would give us something to look forward to in the spring.

I was so glad to see Anna back. But she never took off those wet clothes. It made Elsa so happy.

I seem to recall this debate on "Smallville". Wasn't Chlooe willing to sacrifice herself for the good of the entire world? Or were they going to sacrifice Chloe?

I didn't want Anna to be lost either, but if it meant saving the town ...

Blackbeard was a real person. And I have heard Robin Hood was too. Only their accomplishments are exaggerated.