User Reviews

Unfortunately, this episode reminds you of how weak the writing can often be on this show. After the show having two or three decent episodes, it has the type of stinker which they try to save using a beloved character, and they waste the opportunity. Then, with things in Neverland, they try to make the Charming group interesting by forcing them to reveal secrets, but they are nothing juicy and even with Regina splitting off and finding Gold, we don't get something which makes you excited, just another story slapped together.

Peter Pan & The Echo Cave

Peter has the smallest amount of scenes since introduced to the story, due to the focus being shared with the introduction of Ariel to the show. Because of this, while he gets time to do his usual mind games, he doesn't get to be effective as usual. However, his interaction with Gold was worked well for the short time given. In the scene it is laid out that to kill Peter Pan is to kill Rumplestilskin making us wonder further what is there connection, or if it would take all of his magic to kill Pan? Then, Pan reminds Rumple that he has options outside of saving Henry. After all, Rumple never forgave his father for what he has done, so why expect that from Neil or Henry after what has been done? Pan says that instead he should go home to Belle and start a new family. Pan even uses his shadow to push the point by having his Shadow masquerade as Belle.

Luckily for Rumple though, Regina steps in and dispels the ghost. From there, the two head to where Neil looked to meet the squid, or octopus, for its ink, and rather than recall it, they call a fair maiden we are all familiar with: Ariel. Leading us to seeing another acquaintance of Regina who has found themselves in Neverland.

Then comes the story with the Charming family, Hook and Neal. Naturally, it is the weakest part and due to that I'm going to speed through it. Basically, Pan moves Neal to a place called the Echo Cave where to leave, or get what you want, you have to reveal a dark secret with Hook saying the hope is the secrets would divide them. As you expect, no one reveals anything serious. Emma still loves Neal but wish he was dead so she could move on; Charming can't leave the island; and Snow wants a baby to compensate for not raising Emma. With such reveals, they get Neal and seemingly we begin a possible love triangle in which two men may vie for Emma's affections, though Hook looked a bit defeated so maybe he'll stay out of it. I will say though, it seems Snow maybe a little upset with Charming, but we know they will find a way for love to conquer all.

The Little Mermaid

Throughout the whole story we get bits and pieces of the movie, such as corny dialog choices, or else references dealing with anything from Prince Eric, the whole leg situation, and her losing her voice. Even Ursula shows up, though not as we expect, or rather hope. Anyway, the story gets modified so that Snow can be part of it and with this comes Ariel's introduction as a girl who is as sweet as the character in the cartoon, but perhaps not as inquisitive. Still, the actress they chose takes on the role well and does fit the character good enough to not lead to complaints.

However, to accommodate for Snow they change things so that Ursula goes from a sea witch to a celebrated goddess and due to this, Regina ends up taking the sea witch form to be the villain, which is disappointing. Then, to make matters worse, Regina once again plays the Joker to Snow's Batman and despite having her in a position which she could quickly take her out, she prolongs it and ends up losing the chance to finally end thing. Due to that, it further ruins Regina's character for it makes her seem like she may have all the powers in the world, but incapable of utilizing them to be a competent villain, or even anti-hero.

But, being Once Upon a Time, they can't let a big time character go like Ariel. So, despite Ariel being tricked by Regina to get to Snow and Regina taking Ariel's voice to retaliate for Ariel helping Snow escape, she calls upon her. For, despite her past with Ariel, she wants Henry and to get Henry she needs Rumple to go to Storybrooke and get something from his shop, and only mermaids can cross realms without issue. In return for this favor, Regina is to give back the ability to talk, walk on land, and she lets Ariel know that Eric is in Storybrooke.

So far I've never seen an episode that angered me as much as this one.. I've read all of the fairy tales in this series and so far I've loved how they mixed all of them together and I like how they have been able to rethink Peter Pan as a villain.. Here's my problems

1. Ariel is in it!! She actually dies in her real fairytale 2. It's not the fairytale, but the Disney version of the fairytale which only has about 5 things right. 3. Ursula is Regina in yet another form (Ursula isn't evil in the original story, just a sea witch getting paid for her service. she makes her dance beautifully instead of singing and even let the sisters of Ariel give Ariel a choice to either live or kill the man who married another woman whom she loves)

I almost turned it off but kept going because I hoped it would get better.. It didn't and even the stories going on besides the Ariel one.. Wasn't impressed..