Darkness on the Edge of Town
- Episode aired Mar 1, 2015
- TV-PG
- 44m
Hook and Belle search for a way to release the fairies from the Sorcerer's hat, Emma, Regina and Henry continue to look for clues that could lead them to the Author, and Gold and Ursula enli... Read allHook and Belle search for a way to release the fairies from the Sorcerer's hat, Emma, Regina and Henry continue to look for clues that could lead them to the Author, and Gold and Ursula enlist Cruella to join their cause, as flashbacks show their first meeting.Hook and Belle search for a way to release the fairies from the Sorcerer's hat, Emma, Regina and Henry continue to look for clues that could lead them to the Author, and Gold and Ursula enlist Cruella to join their cause, as flashbacks show their first meeting.
- Henry Mills
- (as Jared S. Gilmore)
- Will Scarlet
- (credit only)
- Maleficent
- (as Kristin Bauer van Straten)
- Cruella's Husband
- (as Micheal Querin)
- Fast Food Worker
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaGold, Ursula, and Cruella go through the drive-thru at Mr. Cluck's, Hurley's place of employment in Lost.
- GoofsCruella's vanity license plate spelled her (former) last name incorrectly as DEV IL instead of DE VIL. This is because it is a British number plate (DEV 1L). This is the same plate as in the animated film, 101 Dalmatians.
- Quotes
Emma Swan: Regina, we're not sure it's after you.
Regina Mills: Of course it's after me. Ursula said it devours the heart with the darkest potential, and now that Gold's gone, well who else could that be? I mean, is there a dwarf named Evily? It's me!
- Crazy creditsThe opening sequence shows Cruella De Vil's car.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Animation Lookback: Walt Disney Animation Studios +: Part 4 (2020)
Season 4 had a lot to live up after Season 3 being as impressive as it was. At this early stage of the season, one can see a lot of promise, some may argue that it is capitalising on 'Frozen's' success but there is much more to the season than that. This promise was apparent from the get go, with a great season opener in "A Tale of Two Sisters". As far as the previous Season 4 episodes go, they were all decent to brilliant with the only small dip being "Family Business" and the best being the "Smash the Mirror" two parter.
"Darkness on the Edge of Town" for me is another great episode and a fine start to the second half of Season 4. My only quibble with the episode is that for my tastes Chernabog's appearance/role could have been bigger, though he is awesomely intimidating and he looks great.
It is notable for continuing the arc with the three arch villains Maleficent, Ursula and Cruella De Vil. The last two still have a lot more room to grow but they do provide a good deal of intrigue and makes one want to know more about them. Their scenes together do have tension, though it's not with these villains where "Darkness on the Edge of Town" shines most.
Where it shines most is in the character writing of the existing characters. Emma is written with a lot of heart and has come on a long way since 'Once Upon a Time' first started. Her chemistry with Regina is a pleasure and is refreshingly much more interesting than the standard good versus evil conflict. Belle's character has not gone backwards, if not progressing as much as the others, which is a relief.
Love that 'Once Upon a Time' has returned to its roots, while showing how far it has come on since it began while showing too what the show is all about.
Credit is due for the character and plot progression, Gold/Rumplestiltskin and Regina/Evil Queen have wonderful moments and development, the former's interaction with Maleficent, Ursula and Cruella really shines, and the three arch villains have even more to give and are already showing huge potential.
All the acting is strong. Lana Parrilla and even more so Robert Carlyle are splendid and Jennifer Morrison has grown so much. Kristin Bauer van Straten, Merrin Dungrey and Victoria Smurfit continue to make positive impressions, Smurfit has proven to be a big surprise as Cruella though van Straten is the most imperious of the three and Dungrey is advantaged by having the most interesting development.
Furthermore, "Darkness on the Edge of Town" 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. The music is haunting, ethereal and cleverly used with a memorable theme tune.
Writing has the right balance of humour, pathos, mystery and intrigue, or corn or cheesiness here. This aspect has come on such a long way since when 'Once Upon a Time' first started, much more complexity and nuance.
Overall, another great episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jun 2, 2018