‘Once Upon a Time’ season 4, episode 11 review: Regina’s heartache; Ursula, Maleficent lie in wait

Tonight, the winter finale of “Once Upon a Time” arrived, and officially brought an end to the story of “Frozen” … for now. We presume that Anna and Elsa may return someday, but with that wedding for Anna and Kristoff, that tale seems to be complete.

Unfortunately, the rest of the night did not go so far when it comes to romance, at least other than Emma Swan. Regina allowed Robin Hood to cross the town lines, mostly because Marian and his child needed her, and Marian needed to cross in order to be alive.

Without Robin, Regina feels suddenly hopeless … or at least she did for a significant period of time. The reveal that the author may be out there somewhere is a reason to look forward to the second half of the season for her.

As for Rumpelstiltskin, we’re not sure he has anything to look forward to, at all. The end of this episode signaled that he really had lost everything, as Henry and Belle started to figure out that this entire time, the one thing that he really wanted above all else still was power. They banished him outside of Storybrooke, and now, he is enlisting the help of the Queens of Darkness to lend a helping hand: Maleficent, Ursula, and Cruella de Vil.

What we are struggling to understand at the moment is simple: How is this possible? Is the show completely rewriting their take on Kristin Bauer van Straten’s character? Last we saw, she seemed dead. Not only that, but she was in another costume! This seems mostly like an attempt to play up the Disney fandom, and we’re waiting to see how this plays out.

For the most part, though, this was still a powerful, super-engaging finale that has us interested in what lies ahead. Grade: A-.

What did you think about the “Once Upon a Time” winter finale, and some of its many surprises? Share with a comment, and head over here to find some more news, including a preview of what lies ahead! Also, sign up to get some further TV magic on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)