There is every reason for the show Once Upon a Time to have failed. On paper, it seems like everyone should hate a show about fairy tale characters who have forgotten who they really are and is stuck in a real-life town going on with a mundane life. It is a mystery why this show is as popular as it is but here we are. It is doubly mysterious that I really love this show. It is no secret that I love dramatic costumes so when you have television show with an evil queen waltzing around in larger than life gowns and outrageous head gear, I pay attention. I enjoy it even more that other people enjoy this show despite its wild wardrobe choices and fantastic story lines. I was 100% sure that people would dismiss this show as cheesy and it would be canceled in the first season like similar shows but Once Upon a Time has held strong.
Everything about Queen Regina is revolting yet compelling. During this season she has become less the black and white big bad and is a murky shade of grey who is now powerless and seeking redemption. I was certain a kid in the show would be obnoxious but Henry is an amazing character who is mostly responsible for moving the story along in interesting ways. Snow White and Prince Charming initially went through a heart-breaking reunion but are rightfully back together even after Regina tries her best to permanently separate them. Rumpelstiltskin is the most compelling character because you can never quite tell what his motive is. Like Regina, they both are a shade of grey but Rumpelstiltskin’s grey is a little darker. The story of Once Upon a Time is expertly designed and the has story staying power. I hope to see it last for many more seasons to come.
Once Upon a Time airs Sundays 9/8c on ABC and is streaming abc.go.com and Hulu.
I’m not as keen on this show as you are, yet I can’t bring myself to give up on it either. Maybe it’s because it’s the only show I watch on Sunday nights.
I agree that Henry and Rumpelstiltskin are interesting characters. I haven’t made up my mind whether I want redemption for Regina or for her to just remain clearly evil.
However, I’m growing tired of Snow White and Prince Charming, and their daughter Emma is often frustrating to watch. One podcast I listen to calls her Barney Fife, picking on her for how horrible a sheriff she is.
I’d actually prefer more screen time spent on Red Riding Hood, dwarves, and a few other minor characters.