‘Once Upon a Time’ season 3 finale review: Princess Elsa, Marian, Robin Hood, and more
On tonight’s “Once Upon a Time” finale, we were thrust right into the past in order to save the future. This is a story that we have seen play out on a variety of other shows (see “Lost” and the “we have to go back” problem), but never quite like it was here with a mesmerizing, shocking story.
There were obvious complications from the moment that Hook and Emma were sent back in time as a result of what transpired back in Storybrooke with Zelena casting her spell. They could not do anything to alter the past, but unfortunately that is something that happened almost immediately when they ruined the first meeting between Prince Charming and Snow White. They managed to turn this around, but there were many problems that continued forward as everything with time happens like a domino effect.
This entire episode felt in some ways like a mini-movie, with Red back in the mix and also other characters from the Fairytale World that we have not seen in quite a long time. Of course, we all expected Emma to come back to Storybrooke with Hook and decide to stay there, and talking about that when there are some crazy things to discuss seems like a waste. Instead, let’s go ahead and chat about all of the insane events at the end of the two hours.
1. Marian’s back – Well, Emma found a way to ruin things for Regina AGAIN. This time, she brought back Robin Hood’s love by accident to the present. Regina now has motivation to be an Evil Queen again.
2. Rumpelstiltskin’s wedding! Who saw that coming so soon? We certainly didn’t, and we are still trying to figure out how to feel about it given his recent actions. We love him and Belle together, but it is still a pretty difficult pill to swallow. We would’ve rather seen there be more preparation, and for the event to happen next season.
3. PRINCESS ELSA. Seriously? This is the biggest shocker possibly of the series, that the show would choose to bring someone from “Frozen” on so soon. We get it, but at the same time, isn’t this a little quick given the movie just came out. If you have any concerns over her being on the show, you better be ready to just let it go. Sorry, we really couldn’t resist with that one.
4. Captain Swan is official. Fans of that pairing should be thrilled.
5. The baby for Snow White and Charming is named Prince Neal. So very appropriate, no?
Overall, what a crazy, but very fun, finale for the show stuffed full of things that we didn’t see coming. Grade: A-.
What did you think about the “Once Upon a Time” finale? Share your thoughts below.
Photo: ABC
onceaholic
May 12, 2014 @ 12:00 pm
Horrible finale.
So let me get this straight. In the original time line (before Hook and
Emmawent down the time portal) Regina captured Marian then executed her. Meanwhile Robin blames himself for Marian’s death and doesn’t seem to care that his current girlfriend executed his wife?
Even if Robin or someone else broke Marian out of her cell in the *original* timeline and Regina didn’t end up executing her, and Marian died another way, then he still has enough reason to hate Regina. So why is even attracted to her let alone with her? So confused. For this reason alone, I am giving this finale a 3/10. Points were gained for Rumple’s acting, Regina’s acting and Emma finding her ”home”.
Calli
May 12, 2014 @ 9:27 am
I’m so so so overjoyed over Emma finally (!) embracing home and Killian that I can’t form coherent sentences. This finale was so much more than I ever dared to hope or dream.
Emma and Killian’s story is the most wonderful, moving, beautiful love story even within this amazing show that is Once Upon A Time. Forever grateful to Adam and Eddy for following their vision, no matter what!
Lilly
May 12, 2014 @ 5:33 am
LOL my thoughts exactly! Love the article.
Christopher Dang
May 12, 2014 @ 4:38 am
For the record, the movie “Frozen” was based on a Fairy Tale (the Snow Queen) so technically it DOES make sense to have Elsa/The Snow Queen appear in the context of the show.
abby
May 12, 2014 @ 4:37 am
OMG I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT SEASON
Virginia
May 12, 2014 @ 3:27 am
My reactions during the last 5 minutes of the show (I was venting them to somebody via skype):
OH we’re going to find out who random other girl is probably in the last little bit! I’m excited now, knowing it’ll probably be enormously frustrating when they actually tell us.AWWWWWW he traded his ship to be able to reach Emma!!
And Rumple and Belle are getting married. And awwwwww everybody’s so happy!
So now of course here comes the crazy evil twist. Ooooh dear I sure hope this girl doesn’t try to kill Regina.
NO. BAD. BAD.
I told you it’d be horrible.
Wait ELSA????????????
bri
May 12, 2014 @ 5:19 am
that was me right there venting to my husband, he doesnt watch the show but when he saw who come out of the urn he was like “baby its frozen” lmao. i’m sure my 3 year old won’t be to fond of an evil elsa but oh well it’s mommys show.
Sean
May 12, 2014 @ 2:48 am
I screamed when I saw the ice on the ground. I figure they will follow the original story more than the story in Frozen. Either way, I can’t wait!
Evilqueenneedssomelove
May 12, 2014 @ 2:44 am
Boo! To bringing back Marion, Regina deserves a chance to be happy. She has has so many obstacles to overcome and she has grown so much as a character. I’m ready to see Regina get a chance at real love and be on team light magic!
Mia
May 12, 2014 @ 2:46 am
I know. My heart broke for Regina
upinout
May 12, 2014 @ 4:23 am
Don’t forget, she was the one who had Marion murdered in the original time-line. Emma SAVED Marion from certain death at Regina’s hand and returned her to her husband and child. Regina made her bed and can lie in it. She keeps complaining that no one else thinks about the consequences of their actions, well it’s time she took a look in the mirror, cause here’s a consequence of her own actions biting her in the butt. Blaming Emma is just wrong.
That said, I hope this brings back the Evil Queen. I like Regina much better when she’s evil. She’s much more fun that way and makes life much more interesting for everyone else.
Cooper
May 16, 2014 @ 12:06 am
Don’t worry, the road to true love is always bumpy.
Lindsey
May 12, 2014 @ 2:32 am
Just throwing it out there…you have a typo. It should be Queen Elsa not Princess Elsa. She was coronated.
Spice Boy
May 12, 2014 @ 2:40 am
Amen!!!
Leicester8
May 12, 2014 @ 2:25 am
Great finale
But so glad Emma and Hook are together now, its been going on all season now!
DeathJP
May 12, 2014 @ 2:23 am
When does the season premier air? I’m so excited for my two favorite shows/movies are going to join, hopefully Anna joins along and the two aren’t evil!
Lindsey britt
May 12, 2014 @ 2:21 am
I’m so excited!! I can’t believe Elsa is gonna be coming so soon!! Now to just count down the days until Season 4!
Mia
May 12, 2014 @ 2:45 am
When does season 4 begin?
Soup star
May 12, 2014 @ 2:17 am
OMG I SCREAMED when I realized it was ELSA!!!!
SO EXCITED! Can’t wait for it to come back!!!!!!!!!
Witchboi
May 12, 2014 @ 2:15 am
this finale was the most incredible episodes of the series I can’t wait to see what happens