Once Upon A Time Season 4 Episode 12 Recap: Out With The Old And In With The New (Sorta)

We all know what the mid season finale of "Once Upon A Time" means-- a quick wrap up of one story line and the beginning of a new one. Last week we saw the death of Ingrid (the Snow Queen). I'm still upset about that. She could have stayed. Storybrooke needs a good ice cream shop. Where can I sign a petition? Anyway in "Heroes and Villains" Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff say their goodbyes. They have to get back to Arendelle for Anna/Kristoff's wedding. Let's be honest though. I'm not sure the citizenry even missed them. I know Hans and his brothers didnt. I really enjoyed the final shot of Anna and Elsa holding hands right before the wedding. That was very sweet.

Is This A Great Pic of What?

Rumple is still working on his plan to use the sorcerer's hat to separate himself from the dagger. It of course also involves killing Hook. Rumple will then leave town with Belle (and hopefully Henry).

Why Cant Regina Catch A Break?

Meanwhile in the MOST important part of the show (ie anything that involves Regina) Maid Marian has come down with a case of the freezies again. I guess you cant let her die since she has a small child. Otherwise I'd say "accidentally on purpose" give her a little shove off the clock tower. The only solution is to send her across the Storybrooke town line (since magic doesnt exist there). But once you leave town you can never come back (thanks to the residual effects of the Shattered Sight curse). That means Robin Jr (OK his name is Roland) and therefore Robin will go with her. Robin's scene with Regina before leaving was heartbreaking (even to my die hard SwanQueen shipper heart). Is Regina EVER going to find true happiness?

More Of These Scenes Please!

Later Regina and Emma have a few shots at Grannys. Who knew she had a liquor license? Henry runs in. He has something to show them. Stop interrupting the Swan Queen scenes kiddo! Henry found a secret room at the mansion. Mental Note: When looking for secret rooms always remember to pull all the light fixtures. The room is filled with empty fairytale books. This must be "the author's" house. Who could the author be? Emma joins Operation Mongoose. Is there a chance Regina will still get her happy ending? SHE BETTER! I'm tired of this crap. No happy endings for anyone else until Regina gets hers!

Belle Loves Rumple & Rumple Loves Power

But I digress. Rumple is busy doing his wicked sorcerer thing. Emma and Snow try to stop him but he freezes them. Belle shows up with the real dagger and foils the plan. She's tired of Rumple's wicked ways. She takes him to the town line and demands that he cross over. Rumple begs her to let him say. That was kinda sad even though he is evil and all. I'm sure he'll be black. And I'm glad Belle finally got something to do on this show besides read.

Belle, Please Throw The Dwarves Across The Line Next (Start With Leroy)

Emma shoves Hook's heart back into his chest (and none too gently). There's a Captain Swan moment... blah, blah, I dont care.

The Queens of Darkness (as they are being dubbed) show up. What Ursula, Maleficent, and Cruella have to do with each other, I'm not sure. And what evil power does Cruella have? Will she turn your dog into a coat? Back in FTL (fairytale land) there's something about a gauntlet. Rumple stole it from Camelot. The ladies want it because it shows the wearer's greatest weakness. They will trade Belle (who they kidnapped) for it. Something, something. I'm not sure. I just wanted to see some Dalmatian puppies. And didnt Emma already kill Maleficent (in dragon form) with a sword? Remember she went under the library to fight her?

Fast forward six weeks. We see Rumple in New York at an aquarium. A women is there feeding the fish. It is Ursula (or whatever her IRL name is). Rumple is still up to no good as usual. His next stops will be Cruella and Maleficent.

Repeat After Me... I Love You Regina. Anything You Do On This Show Is A-OK With Me.

Photo Credits:
http://oncepodcast.com/heroes-and-villains-once-upon-a-time-podcast-177/
http://www.themarysue.com/once-upon-a-time-s4-ep12/
http://www.buddytv.com
http://www.buddytv.com
http://www.purebeat.com
http://www.afterellen.com
http://www.tumblr.com

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). The beginning was slow but bonus points for Regina and Swan Queen scenes. I'll take anything I can get at this point. I dont find the Queens of Darkness threatening in the least. They're actually pretty funny. This is what would happen if the ladies of "The View" visited "Once Upon A Time" But as I've said MANY times previously, I dont watch this show for the plot. I only watch it for Lana Parrilla.