Once Upon A Time Season 4 Episode 21 Review: Do Dragons Celebrate Mothers Day?

I was secretly hoping that "Mother" was a mashup of "Once Upon A Time" and "Bates Motel" (cause I would SO totally watch that). But instead we get to see lots of mothers and daughters battle it out. This seems only appropriate since Mother's Day is upon. Snow and Emma reunite. In a flashback we learn more of Cora and Regina's damaged relationship. Maleficent finally gets to meet her baby dragon Lily.

After last week's Swan Queen road trip, Emma, Regina, Robin, Roland, Lily and Zelena return home. Just a reminder that Regina's sister Zelena is preggers with Robin's baby. This show is starting to sound more and more like Jerry Springer.

If I Cant Be Happy, No One Can (PS How Do You Like My Outfit?)

A large amount of time this week is spent on a Regina FTL flashback. And anything with Regina in it is A-OK with me. She happens upon a young couple marrying. They didnt ask her permission so she pulls out the groom's head and crushes it. It's in moments like these that we understand how much Regina has changed since she came to Storybrooke.

Regina is at Daniel's grave when Cora appears. She has popped over unannounced from Wonderland. Side Note: I guess the budget ran over the week they filmed this episode since that tombstone looks like something I bought at the Halloween store for $10. Anyway, Cora says Daniel was not her one true love. Remember it's supposed to be someone with a lion tattoo. Regina meets the guy and they're supposed to live happily ever after except... 1. The guy is a bit of a jerk; 2. Mommy set the whole thing up; and 3. That's not even a real tattoo. It was "magiced" on. Cora is trying to control Regina's life yet again. Regina brings the lion to life and it bites the guy on the neck. Sure that was hokey looking but still funny.

It Takes Some Major Hatin' To Decide This Is A Good Idea

Regina has decided there will be no grandbabies for Cora. Her bloodline will end. So Regina drinks a potent that makes her sterile. That seems a bit extreme (or is it just me)?

Dragons = Old School Drones

Back in Storybrooke, Lily waits at the bus stop. Regina arrives telling her bus service is very erratic (meaning there is NO bus). They chat a little. Lily wants revenge on the Charmings and Maleficent is not helping her. Regina has her own agenda. She needs ink (ie dragon blood) for the author's book. Regina cuts Lily's hand with a knife which turns her into a baby dragon. She flies around town for a while. I wish I was a dragon... but I digress.

There Sure Is A Lot Of Hugging In This Episode

Maleficent has sought the help of the Charmings to help find Lily. They locate her but DragonLily knocks Snow against some rocks. Is she seriously hurt? Nope. Emma heals her and they make up (thanks to Emma's previous heart to heart with Hook about the situation). I thought this would happen in the finale but I guess not. Lily returns to human form. She and Maleficent sit against a log. I wanted to hug Maleficent. Kristin Bauer van Straten really sold it in this episode. Lily is still scared to expose herself to anyone but she agrees to stay for one week. I hope the dragons become permanent residents.

Oh The Feels...

Across town, Rumple is dying as usual. Regina steals the author from him. Thanks to the dragon blood ink from Lily, he's ready to write. I would have used a Bic pen (but thats just me). She goes to visit Zelena in her room (cell) in the hospital's basement. Remember we've been there many times before with Belle (among other people). Regina must decide how to rewrite Zelena's story. Will Zelena live, die or never have existed?

No Thanks, All Good Here

In the end, Regina doesnt need the author to write anything for her. She says "My happy ending is finally feeling at home in the world. Robin is just a part of that world." Everything is perfect just the way it is. SERIOUSLY? She's waited four years and this is what she decides? I find it hard to believe but whatev. She also will not kill Zelena. She will be kept under close tabs so she cant ruin everyone else's happiness.

The Author is wasting time listening to these people babble so he heads on over to Rumple's place. Rumple has a change in strategy planned. Will Rumple make it to season 5? It's not looking so good.

Favorite Quotes:

"Youve always been a favorite of mine. Very clear goals plus totally damaged personality with a self destructive streak is a recipe for compelling."- Author to Regina. At least we've finally publicly acknowledged that she's the best thing about this show.
"We can be happy in the future or we can be angry about the past."- Maleficent to Lily.
"Fair warning, bus service in these parts can be spotty."- Regina to Lily. Haaa. Funny.
"She looks like me"- Maleficent when she sees Lily in dragon form.
"The only one standing in the way of your happiness is you."- Cora to Regina.
Author: "Of all the characters I've written for, you really do get screwed over the most." Regina: "Im well aware." Yes we are all VERY aware!
Zelena: "Another woman defining her happiness relative to the love of a main. Its sad, really." Regina: "My happy ending is finally feeling at home in the world. Robin is just a part of that world."
Lily (after Regina cut her hand): "You're out of your mind." Regina: "Welcome to Storybrooke.
Lily: "I thought that you'd be this scary dragon bitch and we'd go get our revenge. You know, blasting all those who did us wrong. But you're just this real person, and you're so freaking open it kills me." Maleficent: "Why dont you stay for a week and I can teach you about being a scary dragon bitch?"

Grade: 4 3/4 Monsters (out of 5). A great episode with a number of season 4 stories wrapping up. We get a better understanding of Regina (although I'm still not buying that she's cool with the author not writing her a happy ending). I loved the dragon story line. I hope Maleficent and Lily stay in town. I'd like to see their relationship progress. In the two hour finale we have villains and heroes changing places. I cant wait to see Snow and Regina and Regina as Snow. This will give all the actors a chance to show what they're made of.