When 'Once Upon a Time' first started it was highly addictive and made the most of a truly great and creative premise. Really loved the idea of turning familiar fairy tales on their heads and putting own interpretations on them and the show early on clearly had clearly had a ball. Watched it without fail every time it came on and it was often a highlight of the week. Which was why it was sad when it ran out of ideas and lost its magic in the later seasons.
"Going Home" is one of the most (near-universally) acclaimed Season 3 episodes and one of the most acclaimed of 'Once Upon a Time' up to this point. It is not difficult at all to see why that is the case. Season 3 is back on top form after lapsing a little with "The New Neverland" with its most hard-hitting and emotional episode yet, and a strong contender for its best. Also one of the best of the early seasons and up to this point of the show, and perhaps of the show in general. It's only a mid-season finale but it actually feels like a season finale.
Things feel as if they are moving forward, with existing ideas coming to a close and new ones being introduced with enormous potential. The time jump is really quite something to take in and intrigues hugely. Regina and Mr Gold are especially well-realised of the well-rounded characterisation, which also feels like it is progressing.
Most striking about "Going Home" is the emotional impact. None of the previous 'Once Upon a Time' episodes emotionally affected or moved me as much as "Going Home" did, especially with the single most devastating scene (which won't be spoilt) of the show up to this point and one of the show's most hard-hitting.
All the performances are without complaint, with Robert Carlyle being exceptional. He has always been one of the consistently great actors on 'Once Upon a Time', but this is him at his most heart-wrenching.
Furthermore, "Going Home" is a very handsomely mounted episode visually, the settings and costumes are both colourful and atmospheric, not too dark or garish and never cookie-cutter. It is photographed beautifully too. Which is why it is sad the Medusa was so poorly done. The music is haunting, ethereal and cleverly used with a memorable main theme. Writing has the right balance of humour, pathos, mystery and intrigue.
In conclusion, wonderful and quite special episode. This is how to do a mid-season finale. 10/10 Bethany Cox
"Going Home" is one of the most (near-universally) acclaimed Season 3 episodes and one of the most acclaimed of 'Once Upon a Time' up to this point. It is not difficult at all to see why that is the case. Season 3 is back on top form after lapsing a little with "The New Neverland" with its most hard-hitting and emotional episode yet, and a strong contender for its best. Also one of the best of the early seasons and up to this point of the show, and perhaps of the show in general. It's only a mid-season finale but it actually feels like a season finale.
Things feel as if they are moving forward, with existing ideas coming to a close and new ones being introduced with enormous potential. The time jump is really quite something to take in and intrigues hugely. Regina and Mr Gold are especially well-realised of the well-rounded characterisation, which also feels like it is progressing.
Most striking about "Going Home" is the emotional impact. None of the previous 'Once Upon a Time' episodes emotionally affected or moved me as much as "Going Home" did, especially with the single most devastating scene (which won't be spoilt) of the show up to this point and one of the show's most hard-hitting.
All the performances are without complaint, with Robert Carlyle being exceptional. He has always been one of the consistently great actors on 'Once Upon a Time', but this is him at his most heart-wrenching.
Furthermore, "Going Home" is a very handsomely mounted episode visually, the settings and costumes are both colourful and atmospheric, not too dark or garish and never cookie-cutter. It is photographed beautifully too. Which is why it is sad the Medusa was so poorly done. The music is haunting, ethereal and cleverly used with a memorable main theme. Writing has the right balance of humour, pathos, mystery and intrigue.
In conclusion, wonderful and quite special episode. This is how to do a mid-season finale. 10/10 Bethany Cox