‘Shiptober: Can ‘Once Upon a Time’ season 6 turn things around for Belle, Rumpelstiltskin?

Mrs. Carter: Remember when Belle and Rumpelstiltskin were one of the happier love stories on “Once Upon a Time“?

We still argue that the introduction of Emilie de Ravin as the popular Disney character during the first season is one of our five favorite episodes of the entire series. It was passionate, heartfelt, and it really put forth a sign that she recognized the good in him and could help him accept that better part of himself. Unfortunately, since that time we’ve seen (repeatedly) Rumple submit more to the less-than-lovely part of his personality, embracing that darkness and showing no real regard for changing things around. He does love Belle — we don’t dispute that — but his fear of a life without power almost seems to completely overshadow anything and everything else.

Now, we are in a position where Belle is finally awakened after spending the whole cliffhanger in slumber, but a vision of her adult child is keeping her from Rumple once more. The logic this time is that he will find a way to destroy him, and as a mother-to-be, she has to look out for that child more so than tend to her own romantic interests.

So is there still hope that he could turn things around, and is it best for the show for the two to get back together? In the latest edition of our month-long ‘Shiptober series, we are going to do our best to try and sort this all out.

The case for “Rumbelle” being together this season – It’s a sign that love can conquer all, and it’s honestly what we prefer provided that certain conditions are met — namely, that Rumple shows a real effort to change and prove that he is not a danger to either Belle or their unborn child. At present, we’d hate for them to get back together without that. It’d make Belle come across as weak, and it’d show that she is a character that accepts having her heart broken time and time again by the same person. The time is now for him to make the right move and change their fate moving into the future. We think there are ways for that to happen while still keeping Rumpelstiltskin interesting.

The case for keeping them apart – Maybe you feel legitimately like there’s no redemption for the Rumpelstiltskin character at this point, and we certainly would not blame you for feeling this way. If the show is looking to create a perception of happy endings as things that are ultimately bittersweet, this may actually be the right way to go. Maybe you aren’t against the idea of them being together forever, but do feel like it’s best that they don’t rush back into each other’s arms this season. If you find yourself falling into that sentiment, maybe a season 7 storyline with greater distance could turn things around. Distance can give perceptive in a relationship.

Where do you lie on Belle and Rumpelstiltskin’s future? Share now in the attached poll, and also head over here to preview tonight’s “Once Upon a Time” episode! (Photo: ABC.)

This column is written by Jessica Carter and you can follow her on Twitter here or Facebook here.