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aaron carter

2012-02-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

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Aaron Carter

Review: Etude House Miss Tangerine Sweet Shower Lips

2012-01-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

Etude House has been steadily rising in profile ever since Sandara from 2NE1 became their main model. To be honest, I think she looks pretty hideous in the picture above :P But the fact she is (barely) pulling off all that ridiculous orange-ness is a testament to her beauty. Honestly, I did not try these for a long time because I thought if Sandara looks this bad with that lipstick, I hardly want to try it myself. Then I saw the swatches on Musings of A Muse and decided I should give em a try. Also I adore to this day my Etude House Orgel Light lipstick, so figured why the heck not ;)

Purchased at/Cost: From Ebay seller zinopark for $11.99/each. Now they're $9.99/each *sigh* Go figure.

Packaging: Super nice! Lots of attention to detail and the sheer weight of them feels expensive (seriously, these are remarkably heavy!). I love how the boxes line up when you lay them side by side and the satisfying little clicks the wheel makes when you turn it. The tubes have a pearly coat on them that looks expensive and pretty cute. I like how the overall style is sleeker than their usual pink-overload.

1: Twist the dial little by little until you have enough for just one use.

I do have a complaint though. The directions say to twist just enough product for one use (aka 1~2 mm). If you don't and accidentally twist out too much, well it sucks for you because you can't really "twist it back in." You'll need to gently push it back in with you finger. Also, you can't actually twist out more than 3-4mm at a time. Given, you probably will never need to, but just saying - the reason they ask you to just twist out 1-2mm at a time is because CAN only twist out that much at a time.

Scent: AH-MAH-ZING! I guess I shouldn't be surprised since the Orgel Light smelled so nice. It's basically a tangy tangerine scent, surprise surprise.

Texture: It's pretty slick and smooth overall, BUT sometimes a little chunk of glitter will fall off the stick. Also if you look closely, there is a certain graininess to the texture :\ In a nutshell, it's tolerable but nothing to write home about.

Formula: This will sink into EVERY FINE LINE you have on your lips. It is also extremely unforgiving on chapped lips. Thankfully, the colors are light so this tends not to be obvious, but honestly, the formula could've been better. The upside is that this is pretty moisturizing/not drying.

Pigmentation: Not as pigmented as they appear on hand swatches and in the tube I assure you. Etude House lip colors are, as a general rule, lean towards the sheer, glossy side. Think of it as lip tint in a stick. If you want a lot of color, this is not for you. However, these ARE more pigmented than their Orgel Light line (at least compared to the one I have).

Lasting Power: Not that great. It's a tinted sort of lipstick (at least on me it is), so it lasts no more than 4-5 hours really.

#5 Sweet Peach Shower

Of the two colors I got, I like #5 the best. I find that orange/coral based colors suit me the most. As you can see, this accentuates fine lines and chapped lips like nobody's business, but does leave a very nice hint of color and shine. The orange color turns more pink/peach on my lips; I do like this color a lot, it reminds me of a glossier, more glitter-y NYX Pumpkin Pie. It is very reminiscent of tangerine indeed!

#1 Shiny Pink Shower

As usual, I look a little sick with this blue-based color. It looks okay overall, but it's not a color that looks particularly flattering on me. Like #5, this one sinks into fine lines, leaves a lovely shine, and a scale 1-10, this is a 5 in pigmentation. I don't use this one anymore because it looks garish on me.

#5: Sweet Peach Shower

I was trying to get a Natural Sunlight shot but my hair turned out rather nice so I vainly posted the whole pic ;) This is what #5 looks like after a few hours. You can still see a hint of color but most of it has faded away. I really like the gloss it leaves behind though. It also seems to be pretty moisturizing as lipsticks go (despite accentuating fine lines when you put it on). This is a fairly accurate shot of what the color looks like most of the time - a peachy pink tint. Like I said, I like how this color looks on me. I don't wear #1 anymore as it tends to make my lips look rather purple from far away.

Overall
Would I recommend this? Ehhhh....sort of.

Pros: packaging appearance/weight, great scent, fairly wearable, gorgeous shine, decently moisturizing/not drying
Cons: sinks into every line it can find, not long lasting, slightly grainy formula

This is one of the products that I feel lukewarm about. I don't hate it but I don't really think anybody is missing out either. Try it if you like, but don't expect anything amazing. I think it would mostly depend on how the color turns out on you and unless you have an Etude House shop near you, it'll be luck of the draw. I won't be purchasing more personally, but it's a fun product to try out if you can.

Episode 10: 7:15 AM

2012-01-29T00:11:00.000-08:00

The focus returns to Charming and Snow and their chemistry makes this episode a joy to watch. We also get to see a lot of Red Riding Hood and I hope we get to see her fairy tale backstory soon :) A little bit more is revealed about The Stranger (though not much) and overall, this episode was less on action and more on David dealing with his undeniable feelings for MMarg.

The next episode is going to be about the Genie, who I suspect is the Magic Mirror enslaved by TEQ (see links to many juicy teasers at the end of this recap). I wonder if Jasmine and Aladdin will make an appearance especially since I SWEAR that that's Jasmine in the lower right corner.

From Episode 4.

Ahhh....anyway, my speculating has gone out of control... All in all, this was quite an enjoyable episode!

Episode 10: 7:15 AM

The Stranger (TS) fiddles with his bike (which conveniently broke down in front of Henry's house) and Henry takes the opportunity to interrogate him about why he's in Storybrooke. TS is cagey and answers Henry's question about what's in his wooden box with replies like, "Something I need to do what I came here for." Regina sees them talking but before she can confront TS, he rides off saying that there's a storm coming (though it's unclear weather he's talking about Regina storming towards him or an actual storm ^_~).

In MMarg's cozy cottage, Emma is having a leisurely breakfast while MMarg scrambles to be out the door by 7:15. She says that she needs to get to school early because the kids are making a volcano for the science fair as she rushes out the door looking cute as a button :) However, instead of school she races to Granny's, checks her appearance in a spoon, and fidgets impatiently as though waiting for someone. As soon as the clock hits 7:15, the person who walks through the door is none other than -

- ~~Charming~~ David himself! MMarg adorably pretends to be immersed in her book as David orders "one with cream and sugar and one black" for his wife and himself. She acts surprised when David greets her and they somewhat awkwardly banter while gazing at each other with moony, lovesick eyes xD The moment doesn't last, however, as she watches him give Kathryn her coffee and he bends over to give her a kiss.

Emma spots her and seeing David outside, quickly figures out why MMarg was in such a rush to get here. MMarg tells her that she comes to Granny's at 7:15 every morning just to see David for a few seconds and proceeds to recite his entire week's schedule from memory. Emma jokes that she's being a stalker (not untrue) but suggests that to get over David properly, maybe she ought to stop coming to see him every morning. MMarg laments that love is the worst and wishes that there was a "magic cure" to take away the pain of heartbreak.

Snow stalks a poor turkey (as a opposed to David, get it? heheh xD) and is irritated when approaching footsteps scare it away before she can get close enough for the kill.

The person Snow almost threw the spear at instead of the turkey is none other than Red bearing a basket of food. We hear that Snow has been spending most of her time away from civilization and deep in the wilderness, so much that she can't even keep track of the days. Snow inquires of news of the outside world and Red, looking at her sadly and knowingly, tells her that Prince James is marrying Princess Abigail in two days time. Snow crumbles and confesses that she thought being so far away would make it easier to forget him, but instead all she does is wonder about him every passing moment. She wishes there was a way to "get him out of my head."

Snow catches Red's look of hesitance and demands she tell her what she knows, after all, Snow helped her when no one else would. Hmm...perhaps Snow saved Red from a savage wolf of some kind ;)?! At that Red tells her of a "man who can achieve the most unholy of requests."

Snow rows through a misty river (reminds me of River Styx) and as she moors her boat, Rumple appears behind her. He teasingly asks how much her boat is worth. She coldly tells him that the boat is not for sale but Rumpel reminds her that nobody comes to him with a deal in mind...and nothing to pay. Rumpel reveals that he has been looking forward to meeting her and marvels at her exquisite beauty, "You truly are the fairest in the land aren't you?" One gets the impression he is talking about more than just her face, however, as he smiles at her knowingly.

He inquires as to why she has come to him and tellingly remarks that he can't make people fall in love, if that's her problem. It is not, she just wants to mend her broken heart - to forget him. Rumpel can do this and his whips out a glass bottle and dips it into the misty river. As he gently swirls the bottle, a mist clouds the clear waters into a opaque white (metaphor for a mist clouding a clear mind perhaps?)

To finish the potion, he snatches a handful of her hair and drops it in the bottle. It is ready - once she drinks it, she won't even recognize Charming's face. When Snow begins to express doubts - she just doesn't want to love him, not forget him altogether - Rumpel launches into a tirade:

"Love makes us sick, haunts our dreams, destroys our days. Love has killed more than any disease. This cure is a gift."

His price is a strand of her hair, nothing more. She takes the bottle and Rumpel vanishes into the fog, "Drink it in good health....Snow White."

Biggest candy bar I've ever seen....

MMarg is moodily browsing the candy isle for some chocolate to assuage her heartache when she bumps straight into Kathryn shopping with Regina. Regina is her usual (un)helpful self while Kathryn greets her warmly as they scramble to pick up their dropped items.

That's when MMarg sees that Kathryn is purchasing a pregnancy test - it seems like David, for all his lovesick looks at her, is trying to have a baby. MMarg is clearly devastated, but wishes them luck. Regina manages to squeeze in a cutting remark about the need for discretion, after all, MMarg has no business interfering with their lives *hinthint* >_>

King George finds James sulking in his rooms instead of participating in a celebration that they are having in his honor. As comfort, he gives him a solid gold crown that Midas has gifted him. James is not interested and coldly replies that the crown could be used to feed the country for a month. The King is not amused and reminds him that once he marries Abigail, the country can be fed for eternity. He doesn't just want James' obedience, he wants his heart. He demands James show enthusiasm for the union.

For all his pushiness, the King is not a fool. He knows that James is in love with another woman, "I know that look on your face." James doesn't deny it and admits that though he hasn't seen this woman since they first met, he can't get her out of his mind. Ol' George is not sympathetic and insists that James be grateful for the opportunity he had to become a Prince, "plucked from poverty to wanting for nothing." He also reminds him that not being able to do certain things, like marrying for love, is the price royalty must pay for being able to dictate the lives of those in their kingdom. Everything has a price. James must forget the other woman at all costs.

Something about what the King says stirs James into action. He quickly scrawls a note to "Dearest Snow" and binds the note to a carrier pigeon.

Did not know that doves could be carrier pigeons :D!

In another world, MMarg finds a dove trapped in a tangle of netting during a walk through the woods.

She hurries the critter over to the animal shelter and the vet tells her that the dove will be physically fine, though it's a pity it got separated from its flock as North Atlantic doves are unique for being monogamous for life. This stirs MMarg's heart and she declares she will reunite the dove with her flock no matter what it takes. David voices concern over MMarg going out into the woods with a severe storm approaching but she coolly says she does not need his help.

Regina approaches Emma, busy prepping for the storm, and requests that she investigate The Stranger. She wonders out loud why he seems so familiar (OOOOOOOOOO MUST KNOW) and Emma jokingly responds that he must be one of the "untold millions you cursed." Regina is taken aback by Emma's knowledge of the Curse, but recovers quickly when she sees that Emma simply sees the curse as "Henry's thing." In any case, Regina cuts to the chase and tells Emma to find out more about TS, especially since she saw him talking to Henry. Now serious, Emma agrees. Despite everything, it is good to see to see that Regina and Emma can work together when it comes to Henry.

As Snow contemplates taking the vial, the dove arrives just in time to deliver James's message and confession of love. To her tearful joy, James tells her that he can't get her out of his mind. If she loves him as well and comes to his palace within two days time, he is willing to risk it all to be with her. If she does not come, he will know he has to let her go.

Snow poses as a girl delivering flowers from Midas. The gatekeeper suggests she take the backstairs as the courtyard is swarming with people. When she reaches James' room, she is caught by guards just before he sees her and thrown into jail. The love note she is carrying reveals her true reasons for being in the palace and the soldiers go to fetch the King.

Snow fruitlessly tries to escape and when she fails, a fellow prisoner in the cell next to hers emerges from the shadows.

Holy crap it's Grumpy! The way he meets Snow is exactly the same way he met Emma in Episode 1: to the tune of "Whistle While You Work" and the bemused question, "Whatchu looking at sister?"

When Snow tells him that she must escape to be with her true love, Grumpy soberly tells her that love is what put him jail in the first place. He was deeply in love but got dumped. In an effort to win her back, he started working at the diamond mines and exchanged all his wages for a diamond so he could propose. Instead he was swindled and the foreman gave him a stolen diamond and framed him for the theft.

A slim black figure suddenly emerges outside his cell and Grumpy delightedly greets Stealthy, a dwarf we've never heard of before :)!! True to his name, he swiftly and easily breaks him out. Stealthy also gets a look at Snow and shyly comments on how pretty she is (SOOOOO CUTEEE) though Grumpy just rolls his eyes. Just as the dwarves are sneaking away, Snow, with a mischievous grin on her face - turns on the charm 100% and sweetly calls out to Grumpy and wishes him well. Even Grumpy is not immune to to a damsel in distress and grumbling under his breath, snatches the the keys from Stealthy's hand and frees Snow himself xD

Meanwhile, Snow has abandoned her car due to a closed road. She hears the coos of doves close by and heads towards them, but is startled by a rumble of thunder and slips. She tumbles down the side of the mountain and screams in terror as the branch she holding starts to break.

Right on time, David appears and rescues her :) He is full of concern but Snow has eyes only for the dove. However, when it begins to pour, David wins and they hurry to find shelter from the storm.

The escaped prisoners race through the tunnels, but when Stealthy suggests they cut across the courtyard, which is currently empty, Snow insists they take the backstairs and slip over the wall instead. However, Grumpy sticks with Stealthy who got him this far, and the duo leaves Snow behind with a worried look on her face.

Out in the courtyard, soldiers catch them escaping and Stealthy is fatally shot as they try to run (NOOOOOOOOOOO :( :( :( ). The King is only interested in finding Snow and when Grumpy feigns ignorance, he orders him killed too. Grrr....okay, King George is officially on my shit list now :(!

It turns out that Snow decided to follow the dwarves anyway and appears holding a torch, next to a bale of hay and near the thatched roofs of the courtyard buildings. She threatens to set the whole place on fire if they don't let Grumpy go. King reluctantly acquiesces and Snow is arrested (again).

They see an empty cabin (Red's cabin as we saw at the beginning of the episode) and head towards it. David breaks in the door and gets a fire going, though MMarg is worried that they'll be trouble for breaking and entering. David jokes that since she's roommates with the sheriff, it should hardly be a problem - in any case, he is more concerned about getting MMarg warm.

She snaps after David tenderly places a blanket around her shoulders. When he doesn't understand why she's so edgy around him (*sigh* boys), she confesses it's because she still has feelings for him. She even goes to Granny's every morning at 7:15 just see him. Her feelings for him are just too painful.

James chuckles and admits that the reason HE goes to Granny's every morning is to see HER. He goes in for a kiss *sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhh* and MMarg, who has proven to be better at tamping down her feelings far better than most people in love, pulls away at the last minute. She tells him to stop doing this - she knows that Kathryn thinks she's pregnant. Dun dun dun!

Emma finds TS at Granny's. It seems like electricity is out as everything is lit with candles. She bluntly calls him "suspicious" and asks why he was talking to Henry and what is in his mysterious box. TS toys with her, saying that he has no intention of telling her - unless she lets him buy her a drink sometime. What?! That caught me off guard. Well, whatever, it catches Emma off guard for a second too but she swiftly agrees. He whips open the box -

- it's a typewriter! Both Emma and I are a little disappointed >_> but it turns out that he's a writer and he's in Storybrooke because he finds the place "provides inspiration."

Emma: Wait, have you been here before?
TS: I didn't say that. [gets up to leave]
Emma: Wait, what about that drink?
TS: I said "sometime."

With that, he leaves. Mysterious-er and mysterious-er!

Back at the cabin, David tells her that they are NOT trying to have a baby as far as he knows. But the moment is cut short when MMarg realizes it has stopped raining and hurries to get the dove outside. David just wants to talk about their feelings but has no choice but to follow a single-minded MMarg out the door xD

They see the flock flying in the sky and delighted, MMarg sets the color-changing dove free, while David gazes at her like a sad puppy xD

As they watch the dove rejoin the flock, he goes in for a handhold ^_^ but again, MMarg gently rebuffs him, telling him that Kathryn might be pregnant. In any case, he can't love two woman at once and he chose Katheryn over her. Despite their feelings for each other, they will simply have to forget each other.

George tells Snow that she has poisoned James' impending marriage and is risking the entire kingdom's well-being because of her feelings. Snow stands by her belief that feelings cannot be changed, but he thinks otherwise. Echoing Rumpel,

"Love is a disease. And like a disease, it can only be cured by one of two ways - a cure or death."

He tells her the cure is this: Snow will go to James and tell him that she is here because she does NOT love him and wants him to let her go. His heartbreak will be the cure. Snow says she is not afraid to die, but George strikes back with his trump card. If she does not do this, he would not kill her at all. That would make James love her more and the marriage would ultimately fail. No, if Snow does not do what he asks, he will kill James. If James dies by the hands of an "assassin," he would become a martyr and Midas would forgive everything, sealing the bargain regardless.

Snow: You would do that to your own son?
Georgie: He is not my son.

.........well.......that's just cold. Though the Show made it seem like George might have some paternal feelings toward his "new" son, it is now scathingly obvious that George only sees The Shepard as a mere stand-in. While I empathize with his need to protect his kingdom, his moral depravity clearly knows no bounds.

James is thrilled to see Snow and holds her tightly as Snow steels herself to break his heart. Right as he goes in for a kiss, Snow tells him that she is here because she doesn't love him. She is only here only tell him to find love he deserves, "someone that can love you as I never have, as I never will." NOOOOOOOOOOOO ;_;!!!!!!

When David asks Kathryn if there is anything she wants to tell him, she says that yes, she thought she might be pregnant but the test came back negative. She confesses that she wants children someday but as the marriage stands right now - with David so distant - it would be a disaster to have kids. If he wants to give this marriage its "best shot," they need help. She suggests they see Dr. Hopper and get some therapy. David agrees to try and make it work. Looking at the clock, he adds that instead of getting coffee, they should have breakfast downstairs instead.

Meanwhile, across town Emma sees MMarg twirling her ring and staring at the clock as it ticks past 7:15. Emma sympathetically holds her hand as the minutes tick by.

Snow tearfully leaves the palace and finds herself surrounded by the dwarves, who find solidarity in her loss. After all, they all lost someone today too, now they are just seven. They will protect her since Grumpy wouldn't still be with them if not for her. Snow shows them the bottle Rumpel gave her but Grumpy adamantly states that erasing her memories of him would not do any good.

"I don't want my pain erased. As wretched as it is, I need my pain. It makes me who I am. It makes me Grumpy. Look around Snow, you're not alone anymore. I promise you that's all you need. If the pain's too much, you can always drink it. But for today, put it away."

Wise words, my friend. Wise words.

James rides through the meadow near Red's cottage calling out for Snow. Red tells him that Snow never returned here after she left for the palace. James declares, "Then I'll find her. I will always find her."

Grumpy bursts in, announcing that the kingdom is abuzz with the news that the wedding was called off and that James left Abigail. He finds Snow lounging in bed seeming more relaxed and girly than we've ever seen her.

He tells her again that Prince Charming is coming for her but she blankly asks, "Who?" With horror, Grumpy sees that she has drank the potion ><

gahhh??? Why weren't the other dwarves watching her X_X they were all in the same room for god's sake!!

At 7:45pm MMarg sees David coming into the coffee shop. She chases him outside and demands to know what he's doing here. It turns out that in an attempt not to see each other, both of them went to Granny's later than usual. But fate can not be denied I suppose xD After David tells her that Kathryn is NOT pregnant, MMarg can't take it anymore and they're on each other like white on rice ^_^

It doesn't seem like they have much practice having affairs though because while they are smooching on the street in broad daylight for all the world to see, Regina has seen the whole thing from across the street ><

Comments

While I understand David is confused by his feelings due to the false memories of loving Kathryn implanted in his memory, it's a hair annoying to see him cheat on his wife. MMarg seems to be trying damn hard to resist him and David comes off as rather hypocritical as he decides to go to therapy with his wife one moment and smooches MMarg the next. The only thing that makes his kiss with MMarg somewhat admissible is that we know that his feeling were Kathryn are a product of the Curse. The amazing chemistry they have with each other helps too ;) But yeah, his swaying back and forth is getting a little old and thank goodness he has some magical explanation for his actions xD

Charming in the fairy tale world is all man and totally swoon worthy though. I was definitely crying with him when Snow told him that she doesn't love him ;_; So curious to know how he broke off the marriage though! What DID he say or do to Ol' George without bring down the wrath of Midas?! Also I hope this is the last we see of King George. I understand his situation but good lord, even TEQ wouldn't be able to pluck out his heart as he doesn't seem to have one.

It's good to see Snow showing a bit of weakness. We've only seen her as the spirited, strong woman that she usually is, but her heartbreak is made even more moving by how she takes the easy way out - something we know Snow normally wouldn't have done. It adds a dimension to her character that we didn't see before and underscores how her ability to love so deeply is her greatest strength and greatest weakness. She seems to have gotten rather....airheaded along with the amnesia; I wonder if her new-found foolishness will be something TEQ uses to get her to eat the apple. That'd make a lot of sense as I wasn't sure how TEQ would get the smart, stubborn Snow we know and love to eat an apple without making her suspicious.

The addition of "Stealthy" as a 'new' dwarf was a small detail, but in my eyes, a truly ingenious way of paying homage to the original fairy tale and making it their own. Stealthy literally had less than 3 minutes of screentime but he was adorable and I felt a tug when he was killed off so suddenly. Also, I wonder what Rumpel is going to do with her hair. We saw very little of Gold/Rumpel this time but as usual, when he's on screen, he dominates it!

Last bit: The Stranger - who could he beeeeee?! He's definitely a fairy tale character since Regina thinks she remembers him but with his writerly ways, I don't think he is Gaston anymore. ahhhh I must know more! A fansite posted more tidbits on him but it doesn't seem like Episode 11 is going to reveal much more. Gahhhh!

Episode 11: Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Speculation
A lot of juicy sneak peeks reveal more about Snow's creepily adoring father (casting TEQ in quite a sympathetic light), reveals a new side of Sydney that seems oddly aware of his origins (and who I am betting is a genie in another form), and it seems like Henry's book (finally) gets stolen by someone too! I am guessing The Stranger steals it?!

Episode 13: What Happened to Frederick Speculation
I was totally reminded of Midas' side comment of "remember what happened to Fredrick" in Episode 6 when I read the Episode 13 description:

“What Happened to Frederick” – With their love for each other growing stronger, David finally agrees to tell Kathryn about his relationship with Mary Margaret and put an end to his loveless marriage. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, while runaway groom Prince Charming searches for Snow White, he agrees to aid Abigail on a dangerous mission to recover something precious that was lost to her, on “Once Upon a Time,” SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

I think fans in this forum are spot on, I'm guessing Frederick was Abigail's true love and to Midas somehow removed him from the picture with his golden touch while making it seem like an accident...

Episode 9: True North

2012-01-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

Eat me!

This week centered around the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel and there was a fantastic guest apprarence by Emma Caulfield as the Blind Witch. I am not a big fan of the less-than-stellar child actors nor the usually crappy special effects in OUAT, but this time around, I thought that the oldest daughter (Gretel) was quite good and the special effects came out rather nicely! Usually I find the special effects rather cheesy but this time around I think the cheesiness worked rather well for the gingerbread house! I thought the house looked wonderfully cartoon-y in a way that would be perfect to lure children and gosh, the treats inside really looked yummy! So yeah, the gingerbread house looked pretty fake but it seemed "purposeful," as the house was intended to tempt children to it. There wasn't that much momentum in the main story line this time around, it was more about exploring Emma's back-story in the modern world.

Episode 9: True North

Henry is reading comic books (Hulk vs. Wolverine) when a pretty blond girl, Eva, from his class approaches him. Henry seems to be rather flattered by the attention ;) and agrees to hang out her and her younger brother, Nicholas. Henry happily leaves with them when they get stopped at the door by the store manager, Mr. Clark, who accuses them of stealing.

Judging from his sneezing - he is Sneezy of the Seven Dwarves! When he opens Henry's bag, it's stuffed with candy bars. Henry, looking very hurt, realizes that Eva was only talking to him was so that Nic could put the stolen goods in his bag, though the kids at least have the conscious to look guilty about it :\

Deep in the woods, a woodcutter cuts down a large pine. His headstrong daughter asks for her own ax so that she can help him. To make her feel better the father sets her on the task to gather firewood with her brother. Before they leave, he lovingly places his compass around her neck,

"So you won't get lost. Family always needs to be able to find one another."

With that, the kids set off to gather wood and we see that Hansel is a rather petulant child who plays with his slingshot while his sister Gretel is responsible and focused on her task of gathering wood. As night falls, Gretel uses her compass to head back but their father is no longer where they left him. They hear a man's cry in the distance and they rush toward it and run headlong into The Evil Queen's henchman.

Gretel's fall causes the compass to break :( and they are dragged to the Queen's carriage...

...where the lady herself demands to know what they are doing in her forest.

Apollo = more Lost references.

Back at the store, Regina inspects the stolen items. Interestingly, after she exams the Apollo candy bar (Henry's snack of choice when he went tunnel exploring), she announces that her son couldn't have possibly stolen these items as he doesn't eat candy. It makes me wonder if she is knowingly lying or she just doesn't knows Henry at all >_> Anyway, as they leave they bump into Emma, who is there to deal with the shoplifters. Regina greets her with her usual warmth,

Regina: Miss Swan, must I remind you that genetics mean nothing? You're not his mother and it's all taken care of.
Emma: I'm here because I'm the sheriff.
Regina: Oh that's right. Go on, do your job. Take care of those miscreants.

That scene is honestly pretty funny xD

The number the kids gave is disconnected and when Emma presses further, Eva confesses that it's because their parents couldn't pay the bill. Emma sees that toothpaste is among the stolen items and sympathizes with how they were stealing just to help out. Eva begs her not to arrest them.

Mirrored in the fairy tale world, Gretel begs the TEQ not to hurt them. They are just looking for their father. Feeling more poetic than sympathetic, TEQ murmurs,

"Two helpless children, lost and alone. The family torn asunder. Such a sad and moving story. SEIZE THEM!"

Using a slingshot, Gretel distracts the soldiers and they flee into the woods.

Unfortunately, TEQ magically appears in front of them in a whirl of smoke and ensnares them with tree roots. She comments on how foolish it is to try and escape from her, but adds that she is impressed with their bravery. Thus she offers to find their father if they do something for her in return.

Eva begs Emma not go inside as their parents would be so embarrassed if they see her. Emma tells them of her super power - of always being able to tell when someone is lying - and asks them one last time if everything is okay. They say yes.

However, as Emma drives away, the kids quickly leave the front stoop (aka it wasn't their house), and head to the basement of an abandoned house. When they hear noises upstairs, the kids go up to investigate and find Emma waiting for them. She asks them again where their parents are and Eva admits that they just don't have any, which strikes a cord in the orphaned Emma.

The kids eat hungrily as Emma and MMarg wonder what to do. Eva and Nicholas Zimmer are in MMarg's class and she knows the mother, Dori Zimmer, died few years ago. The father has never been in the picture. When MMarg inquires about social services, Emma admits that she didn't report them. She plans on finding the father instead, who may not know the kids exist and may want them. It doesn't help that Emma also has a jaded view of the foster care system, where children are taken in as "meal tickets" and tossed out as soon as they become too much trouble. Emma was in the foster system for 16 years and fears that not only will the kids not be loved, they will be separated.

Overhearing this, Eva tearfully begs Emma not to let them be separated. Emma promises that she won't let that happen.

When Emma goes to the court house to get the Zimmer's birth certificates, she finds out they have been recently removed by Regina (of course). She goes to her and Regina says that she found out they were orphans and thus has already contacted the state's foster services. When Emma says she is looking for their father, Regina shows her the birth certificates listing father as "Unknown." The group homes are full, but one all-female and one all-male foster home in Boston have agrees to take them. In other words, they will be separated. The kids need a home and Emma is the one who needs to drive them to Boston tonight.

As she leads them through the woods, TEQ tells Hansel & Gretel that in return for finding their father, they need to break into the Blind Witch's house:

"She has something of mine. And I need you to get it back....It's something I need to defeat a very evil and powerful enemy."

It's kept in a black leather satchel and the enchanted home prevents adults from going in and getting it herself. But children can enter, hence her need for Hansel and Gretel. Once the witch is asleep, all they need to do is break in and get it. The only thing they must not do is eat anything. She then draws back the branches to reveal the home...

Hansel looks at it in fascination and Gretel with horror (which pretty much proves that Gretel is the brains of this outfit).

Henry visits Emma at the station and says he's figured out that Eva and Nic are Hansel & Gretel. Now why Henry doesn't tell Emma that Mr. Gold is Rumpelstiltskin is beyond me but maybe he's not sure of that yet. Anyway, Henry rather helpfully adds that their father must still be in Storybrooke because nobody ever comes or goes, other than Emma. He reminds her that Emma is the first and only stranger that came to Storybrooke.

He then changes the subject and asks Emma to tell him about his dad. After all, Henry told Emma who her parents were and now she is even living with her mom (aka MMarg). Adorably, Emma doesn't even try to deny it anymore. She reluctantly tells Henry that after she got out of the foster system, the only job she could get was at a 24 hour diner off the interstate. Henry's dad was a fireman, who worked a lot of night shifts and thus often stopped in at odd hours. He always complained about the diner not having pumpkin pie but always came back anyway. They never got married but they dated for awhile. Sadly, his life got better and Emma went to jail. Right before she went to jail, she found out that she was pregnant and tried to contact him. However, his dad had died saving a family from an apartment fire. She warmly tells Henry to always remember that his dad was a hero. To Henry's dismay, Emma does not have any keepsakes to remember him by or show Henry. But the thought triggers an idea on how she could find the Zimmer's dad.

Eating pretty cookies....allusion to the enchanted house of yum!

Emma shows the kids the only keepsake she has of her parents - the lovely woven blanket with her name stitched on it. She understands what it is like being an orphan and she knows that orphans are particularly prone to holding onto things of their past. She asks them if they have anything that belonged to their parents. After Emma promises to keep them together, Eva hands her a compass that once belonged to their ~~mother's dad~~ their dad (I swear this is a script error or the actress said it wrong because Eva says their "mother's dad" instead of "our dad").

Hansel and Gretel prepare to sneak into the house. Ominously, Hansel can barely resist the icing on the outside of the house and only Gretel's warning keeps him from eating it. Geez, if that was my brother, I would've put a gag around his mouth -________-

The house is packed with goodies and the witch is sleeping soundly in her chair. Gretel quickly see the satchel hanging by the fireplace and goes to get after warning Hansel not to eat anything.

Of course as soon as her back is turned, her rascal of a brother picks up a cupcake and takes a huge CHOMP out of it just as Gretel gets the bag >_<!

As soon as his lips touch the sweet, the witch wakes up and takes a loud whiff of the air as the camera zooms to the remnants of her previous meals....

Licking her lips (literally) and in a girlishly high voice says she smells dinner~ The fact that her voice is rather sweet makes it all the more deliciously creepy!

Genie's lamp again!!!!!!!!!!! Episode 11 is when Genie makes his appearance btw!

Emma interrupts Gold polishing a lamp to inquire about the compass. (Un)coincidentally, Gold does in fact recognize the watch, as it was sold in this very pawnshop. Though he doesn't remember the name, he keeps extensive records of all his sales and quickly whips out a card with the sale information on it. Without blinking an eye, Emma asks what his price is and surprisingly, he simply asks for forgiveness. Emma shortly replies that tolerance is all she has to give, which he remarks is a good start. He tells her that the watch was sold to a Michael Tillman. Although he has no further info, he comments that "often a name is all you need."

Emma thanks him and leaves. As she walks out the camera pans to the slip of paper that Gold read the name off of and was see that it was in fact blank all along....

When Emma shows Michael Tillman, a struggling garage owner, the kids' pictures, he denies the possibility of being their dad. He'd met Dori on a camping trip 12 years and 9 months ago and they'd only done it once. Emma tells him that the twins (huh...Nic/Hansel sure is the runt of the set O_o...he's so young looking) have been living in an abandoned house just so they won't be separated. He is their only chance of staying together. She shares her story with how she met Henry and it's clear that she regrets what she's done; she implies that she wishes Henry could live with her. In the end, to Emma's dismay, Michael refuses.

Emma can't bear to tell the kids that their dad doesn't want them and suggests that maybe they could hide the twins to buy more time. MMarg is incredulous, knowing that it's a bad idea and tells her that sometimes the painful truth can be cathartic - after all, Henry is coping just fine with the news that his biological dad is dead. Emma then admits that the fireman hero story is a lie and that Henry's dad was no hero and that he does not need to know the real story (rape?! assault?!). Before they can make further plans, Regina stops by and tells Emma to get a move on, the kids have to be in Boston tonight.

The Blind Witch throws the twins in a cage and hungrily reaches out to feel how "tender" they are and decides the boy will do. She opens the infamous oven and checks to see if it is hot. To protect her somewhat cowardly brother, the sister puffs up her checks and pretends to be him (you have watch to scene to see how she does it...kind of hard to describe). As the witch ponders whether to use gravy or butter to baste the kid with, Gretel manages to slip the key out of the witch's pocket and throw it to her brother. He gets out of the cage, grabs a can to whack the witch, and TRIPS ON HIS WAY TO HER.

In you go!

Hearing the commotion, the witch quickly figures out that they've tricked her and starts attacking screaming, "Butter it is!" Luckily the kids manage to shove her onto the conveniently located tray and push her into the oven. They lock her in, grab the satchel, and flee.

Interestingly, we see that the Blind Witch has a cookie mirror through which TEQ is watching all the events. Upon seeing the her enemy trapped in an oven, she magically sends a fireball through the mirror and lights the oven ablaze as she smirks, "I would have gone with gravy."

Note: Didn't the Blind Witch already have a fire going under the oven? Or was TEQ just helping things along? Why can't the Blind Witch magic herself out of the oven or at least take out the flames?

Anyway, it seems like the kids were transported there magically or they run really fast because as TEQ turns around, the kids are there, satchel in hand. She opens the satchel and the kids crane their necks eagerly to see what they risked their lives to retrieve -

- the poisoned apple. Hansel seems a little disappointed, "We did all that, for an apple?!" Though honestly, Hansel didn't do much but eat and trip but whatever -_-

Nonetheless, TEQ is impressed, especially with Gretel and creepily reaches out for her (heart), murmuring that she has a "strong heart." Clearly she is considering adding Gretel to her heart collection -_- but decides against it at the last moment. After all, Gretel "reminds me of myself at your age."

eeheh...I just had to include this because TEQ's face is so funny here ^0^

She tells them that this is no ordinary apple, it is for a particularly devious and dangerous enemy, who thinks she is safe from her grasp. She locks the apple away in a box as Gretel demands she find their father for them, like she promised.

TEQ wonders why they would want to return to a father who abandoned them. How about they stay with her instead? She would give them everything their heart desired, their own rooms, valets, carriages, everything. Hansel looks tempted *sigh* but to TEQ's surprise, Gretel firmly refuses, saying they want nothing but their father, who she is certain would never abandon them willingly. Furthermore, they would never want to live with someone as terrible as the TEQ. They'll find their father with out without her help.

Obviously this does not sit well with TEQ, "We'll see about that" and magically whisks them away.

Back in Storybrooke, Henry reminds Emma (again) that the twins cannot leave town without something bad happening. Emma reluctantly tells him that she must, there is nothing else she can do. Right on cue, as the car reaches the town border the engine stalls. Emma gets out her cell to call for help.

TEQ watches Snow hanging out with her posse with a genuinely (hilarious) baffled expression, "Now she's cavorting with dwarves? When did that happen?"

A moment later her soldiers arrive with her new prisoner, the woodcutter, who is demanding she let him go. His children were left in the woods and they may be in danger. She mocks him for leaving them with nothing but a compass, a compass that didn't help them find him anyway.

Then she turns vulnerable and asks him why his children refused her when she offered them everything - all because of "their blind faith in you." The woodcutter replies simply, "Because we're a family and family always finds one another." There is a moment when we see TEQ's eyes fill with tears and we know that though she hasn't cast the Dark Curse yet, her heart yearns for love. She orders her soldiers to release him and tells him to go back to his happy family - if he can find them.

Elsewhere, the children wake up in a strange wood. Hansel is scared but Gretel tells him that it will be alright. She holds the compass in one hand and takes his hand as they set off to find their father.

The camera pans out and we see that the children are stranded in what seems to be an vast and endless forest....

As Emma waits for help, inside the car, Eva notices the needle of the compass begin to move and it swings to point to an approaching tow truck.

Outside, Emma tells him that the car is fine (ooooOOO tricky) and that she wanted Michael to see them just once. She understands how scared he is, she was scared when Henry barreled back into her life too. However, once she got to know him and saw how much he needed her, she couldn't leave him. Despite everything, Michael is drawn to the car and after watching the kids look at him with puppy eyes ^^ he says that Emma doesn't need to take them to Boston after all.

Emma tells MMarg it all turned out okay and they marvel at how it must feel to be reunited with their father. Emma wonders what it must full like and confesses that she thinks that maybe she should stop looking for her parents. After all, if they wanted to her to find them, they wouldn't have made it so hard. MMarg tells her to give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe there were just extreme circumstances that she isn't aware of yet. Emma scoffs and says that it sounds like Henry's crazy theory of who her parents are and the pair chuckle over the absurd possibility of MMarg of being Emma's mom.

Feeling pensive, Emma says she wants a breath of air, grabbing a manila folder on her way out. MMarg finishes putting away her clothes when Emma's baby blanket catches her eye. She admires how beautifully made it is and almost against her will, raises it to her face as though lost in it's scent and memories. She quickly snaps out of it and continues with her tasks, shaking her head over her foolishness.

Outside, as Emma peruses the file she has kept of herself in her search for her parents, Henry pop up bearing pumpkin pie. Very sweet I must admit ^_^ He thanks Emma for telling him about his father (I know this is going to be trouble later) and hugs her warmly. Emma can't bear to tell Henry she lied and quickly turns to the pumpkin pie.

Suddenly a strange man on a motorcycle carrying a mysterious box rides up and asks if there is a place to stay in town. Shocked, Henry asks if he's planning on staying, which he is. Emma directs him to Granny's and is coolly told that she doesn't know his name because he didn't give it. He rides off leaving the pair baffled. When Emma skeptically comments that she though nobody came or left Storybrooke, Henry insists that they don't.

Comments
Can we just say that E.Caulfield was an awesome Blind Witch!? It was just a short cameo but she did a great job and she was eerily beautiful yet horrifying with her milky blue-white eyes and sweet, girlish voice. It was hugely more effective than having the cliched old lady crackling in the corner. I haven't been this creeped out since the Pale Man from Pan's Labyrinth (a must-see btw!).

Pale Man, Blind Witch - they both eat kids and use food to lure them in *shiver* It's a pity we won't be seeing anymore of her. Unless she used her magic to douse the flames or you know, magic herself out of the oven like a witch should? Movie magic does seem awfully convenient sometimes... -_-

As for Rumpel, not much of him this time around, but the blank card was a subtle reminder of his otherworldly powers and knowledge of Storybrooke. His helpfulness also underscores how mysterious his goals are, clearly he wanted Emma to reunite the family (and weaken the curse). Though why he wants to do this is still a big question mark.

Naturally, the biggest question now is who oh who is The Stranger!? Episode 10 (airs in 5 hours!), doesn't seem like it'll reveal who he is but looking at the plot pre-releases, I'm guessing it's someone related to the Aladdin (Genie is in Episode 11) or Beauty & the Beast (Belle is in Episode 12). I'm guessing Gaston or Beast, though I'm leaning towards Gaston since The Stranger seems rather cocky and good looking in a stuck up sort of way.

Anyway, Episode 10 in a few hours and it's supposed to be about Charming & Snow so yah! Can't wait to see how James wiggles out of his arranged marriage :}

Review: My Scheming Bamboo Charcoal & Cryste Marine Whitening Double Lift Mask

2012-01-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

My sheet mask addiction is rearing it's ~~pretty?~~ head again and I've started dipping into my sheet mask collection again ;) This was my first My Scheming mask evaaa. My Scheming is a pretty well-known Taiwanese brand (I believe) and from what I've seen on the net, competes with My Beauty Diary in the sheet mask arena.

Btw the slightly fanciful "cryste marine" is in fact a real ingredient (Kiehl's has a whole line based on it). To quote from Kiehl's: "The Criste Marine flower grows on rock formations aside the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its unique ability to boost cell renewal for a supple skin effect."

Purchased at/Price: Twas a gift from ssushoo! But you can also get it on Sasa here for $7.20/5 pieces.

Description:

My Scheming Bamboo Charcoal & Cryste Marine Whitening Double Lifting Mask contains bamboo charcoal extract to hydrate, repair and brighten all types of skin. Tea tree and allantoin help tighten pores. It leaves skin brighter and smoother.

The 3D elastic mask fabric, imported from Japan, is imprinted with over 600 elastic, rhombus-shaped grids to provide the face and the neck a comprehensive lifting.

Ingredients:

Bamboo Charcoal Extract - activates cells and boosts blood circulation, and acts as adsorbent.
Melaleuca Alternifolia - has antiseptic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, healing and anti-mould virtues.
Chamomile Extract - has anti-inflammatory, itching-relieving, disinfecting and allergy-alleviating virtues.
Cucumber Extract - has hydrating, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and calming virtues.
Water Lily - has astringent, antiseptic, wound-healing and antioxidant virtues, captures free radicals, calms, etc.
Glyoxyldiureide - has anti-inflammatory and soothing virtues, and aids in the regeneration of skin tissues.

Directions:

After cleansing, place the mask over your face.
Hang the up lift hook of the facial part on the ear, then do the same way to hang the up lift hook of the neck part.
Press it lightly onto your face.
Leave on for about 15 – 20 minutes before removing the mask.
Pat and leave for essence absorption.

Experience:
My first impression: what an oddly chemical yet oceanic smell this mask has.....

Second impression: this is the weirdest effing mask I have ever seen! It looks all innocent all folded up, but then -

So that's what "Double Lift" means: You are supposed to be able to hook the mask over your ears to somehow "encourage" you face to be subtly lifted. Also, the lovely quilted diamonds are supposed to help "lift" your face too, though I'm not sure how that would work. While that sounds good in theory, it's unrealistic in practice because you need to have a precisely shaped face to fit this mask. Anyway, I got the mask on my face (barely) and for one reason or another, my face warmed up a lot. No reactions/itchiness/breakouts though. After 20 minutes I took it off because it was starting to fall off my face as it dried, likely due to the heaviness of the cloth material. My face did seem brighter but overall, I was unimpressed. Perhaps with all the emphasis on "lifting" - this mask would be better for those with sagging skin?

yeah.....

Overall
Fit: Abysmal. I don't think I have a particularly large face, but the ear holes for both the face and neck did not reach my ears. Otherwise, the mask was wayyy too large (as you can see by the excess mask around my forehead).

Scent: A strange artificial scent that reminded me of the ocean. It smelled like a cross between an ocean breeze and a room freshener. Not offensive, but I could do without it.

Mask texture: Very cool diamond texture; soft and quilted (like toilet paper!). It was quite thick as well. The downside of the thickness is that as the mask dried, it started peeling off your my under the weight of the mask itself. It also has a tendency to wrinkle up, whereas thinner masks stick to your face better.

Excess serum: A good amount, plenty for your upper arms and such.

Claims: This mask is supposed to do a whole slew of things (see Description & Ingredients above), but for me it just did the bare minimum a sheet mask usually does: temporarily brightened and plumped my face. I only had one mask to try so I don't know what the longer term effects would be, but I'm not convinced this mask would do much in terms of "lifting" - even with all the fancy ear hooks and such.

Overall Results: This was a very interesting mask to try, but I doubt I would ever purchase it for these reasons:

Such a hassle to wear. The multiple ear hooks, the awkward fit...:P
The thickness of the mask, albeit luxurious, does not stay on your face very well as it dries.
Didn't do much for me. As a sheet mask, it was very ordinary.

I personally wouldn't recommend this particular mask, especially because I don't think the mask shape is very forgiving of most face shapes.

Review: Kiehl's Gift Set

2012-01-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

Kiehl's was giving this gift set away for Christmas and it included their famous Lip Balm #1, the Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, and Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Whipped Body Butter. I am a huge fan of Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate so I was pretty excited to try these :)

Luxuriously Whipped. Sinfully Addictive.
Luxuriously scented cream – light on skin, yet rich in 24-hour hydration.
Decadently air-whipped for instant penetration to restore, protect, and soften skin.
Quickly absorbed to deliver deep moisturization and leave a light, addictive scent on skin.
No parabens, glycols or silicones.

Starting with my favorite - the Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Whipped Body Butter. You're supposed to use it after a shower on slightly damp skin. It smells AMAZING. It smells better than any The Body Shop body butter I've sniffed actually and I think I can say I've smelled all of them. Sadly.

Good
Anyway, the scent is phenomenal - exactly like you'd imagine soy milk and honey to smell with a hint of coconut ^_^ Warm, sweet, and good enough to eat! It smells stronger in the tub but is not so strong on your body. The whipped texture makes it's lighter and it absorbs without leaving (as much) slick residue that heavy creams moisturizers usually leave. The whipped, airy texture is something that truly sets this product apart from The Body Shop body butters, which are more liquid-y and slick. The texture is unusual and luxurious, something I have never used before.

Bad

This is very moisturizing but a bit harder to spread compared to the more liquid-y TBS body butters. However, when you it apply it to damp skin like the instructions say, it does spread a bit easier.
I would say that I like this body butter more than The Body Shop's. That said, I'm not parting with $35 for 8 oz. For reference TBS body butters are 6.9oz and normally retails for $18.

So, do I recommend this? Yes, if you have disposable income and love body butters. A lot. For people not loaded or off their rockers, I would say that The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter is a more than adequate substitute.

Note: TBS Cocoa Body Butter doesn't smell the same (or as nice) as the Cocoa Butter Lip Care Stick strangely enough. Get the Coconut Body Butter, which smells nicer I think. Fyi I am so going to be jumping on the Chocomania lotions once they go on sale....haven't smelled one yet, but it sounds delicious...

Formulated for the driest, most active hands, this heavy-duty moisture treatment is a thick, rich formula offering all-day care and protection. Our blend of select ingredients allows skin to actually draw and absorb water from the air, forming a "glove-like" protective barrier against moisture loss. This formula, which contains a blend of botanical oils as well as natural wax derived from Olive Oil, further soothes, moisturizes and conditions skin. This most effective preparation helps protect against and repair the appearance of severe dryness caused by heavy industrial work, manual labor, neglect, or exposure to harsh elements.

Next up, the Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. I don't have particularly dry hands; at worst my hands get those faint white lines of dryness and mild flakiness on the top of my hands. However, this product was crafted for people with super chapped hands, though I can't attest to that myself.

Good:
It works. It's a lovely rich cream that absorbs quickly and leaves a very light sheen on your hands. It's very moisturizing, lasts all day, and leaves a very soft, smooth finish.

Bad:

Smells powerfully of cough drops, exactly like the Bosica Intensifying Moisture Pack incidentally. I like it but I totally can see people getting turned off by it. The scent lingers on your hands a bit as well.
I noticed some reviewers say that this is greasy. Personally, I don't agree since I think this leaves the least "grease" behind, but it does leave some residue.... Ultimately, it's a matter of preference I guess.
Expensive. It retails at $13 for 2.5oz.

I definitely like this product and think it works. However, if you are someone like me who just needs a quick pick-me-up moisturizer, I think other generic brands will do. I do like the sinus-clearing scent and the effectiveness; if my hands get drier in the future, I wouldn't mind buying it. However, unless your hands are chronically dry, I'm not sure it's worth the expense or the trouble of ordering it online.

Upper right corner from LT to RT: Creme de Corps, Hand Salve, Lip Balm

A Kiehl’s classic and #1 bestseller, soothing lips since 1969.
Temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked lips.

Helps protect lips from the drying effects of wind and cold weather.
Formulated with soothing emollients Squalane, Lanolin and Sweet Almond Oil as well as Vitamins A and E.

Last is up is the famous Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. I'll just cut to the chase and say I have no idea why this is so popular. It's basically just petroleum jelly. Or a slightly lighter Vaseline.

Good

No scent
Once you smooth it out and let it soak in, it goes well under lipstick
Has SPF 4

Bad

It leaves way too much of of a slick on your lips if you accidentally squeeze out too much. Speaking of, that tube design is ridiculous. I hate using my fingers, but the tube design isn't really made for applying on lips so I have little choice.
It's not particularly moisturizing imho. 6 hours max on me.
$7 for .5 oz. for what is essentially petroleum jelly.

Overall, I don't recommend this. I don't think it works shockingly well, it's pricey, comes in a tube of all things, and it's just...well it's just so ordinary. If you want lap balm with SPF, try the Sasatinnie Dolly Lip Smoothies or one of the many other SPF 4 lip balms available on the market. Basically, you're not missing much if you don't have this.

Episode 8: Desperate Souls

2012-01-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

We see a lot o' Rumpel in this episode and since Robert Carlyle proved that he could play pathetic just as well as sly, it was a heartrending peek into how the Rumpel became the slick bastard we know him as today. I feel like there is a ton more to flesh out of Rumpel's backstory though, he is definitely by far one of the most intriguing characters (even more so than Regina). The only character more mysterious is Henry - that little rascal knows way too much about everyone....

Not enough Snow-Charming, but can't have every episode revolve around them I guess ^_^ Ratings jumped this week after several weeks of falling...I'm not sure if this makes me happy or sad since I'm really enjoying the show BUT I don't want to have to watch a show that stretches for more than 2 seasons. If OUAT becomes another Lost, I will die. Slowly.

Episode 9 airs later today and is supposed to be about Hansel and Gretel. HMMMMMMMMMM....or should I say YUM ^_~ Thankfully, the next 4 episodes are airing in the next four weeks without interruption, taking us just over halfway through Season 1.

Episode 8: Desperate Souls

In a shabby cottage, we see a very different Rumpel spinning thread. A little boy, Baelfire, runs in to tell him that "Morraine" is being taken away.

Outside a man and woman plead to the soldiers not to take her, she just turned 14. Unfortunately, the recruitment age has been lowered again because of the Ogre Wars and a particularly nasty soldier (eyeing the girl rather lecherously if you ask me) orders her to ride with him >_> When the mother whips out a knife, a figure caped in black uses magic to hold them back as the soldier gloats that The Dark One agrees with him on this one.

Rumpel's son fears turning 14 in a three days and Rumpel promises the he will not let them take him.

Emma finds Mr. Gold waterproofing some items in his shop with a stinky substance called lanolin. She came over because he'd asked her to stop by so he could express his condolences over Sheriff Graham's death. When he sees Emma's deputy badge he reminds Emma that after two weeks, Deputy Sheriff automatically becomes Sheriff. She should claim her place.

As she leaves, Mr. Gold suddenly offers Emma the choice of a keepsake among some of the items Graham left behind (he lived in an apartment owned by Gold). Perhaps Emma would like Graham's leather jacket? When she refuses, he offers her two walkie talkies to give to Henry. After all, they grow up so fast.

"You enjoy these with your boy. Your time together is precious, you know. That's the thing about children. Before you know it....you lose them."

Looking at Gold with new eyes, Emma takes the walkie talkies.

Emma finds Henry at his castle and presents him her new acquisitions as something they can use for Operation Cobra. However, Graham's death has had a profound affect on Henry. He refuses to take the walkie talkies and says he doesn't want to upset Regina anymore because she kills everything good - like Graham and Emma. While Emma is touched that Henry is worried about her well-being, Henry says he knows Good can never win because Good has to play fair....Evil doesn't. He leaves Emma without taking a walkie talkies :(

More star symbolism!

Back at the sheriff's office, just as Emma is about to pin on the sheriff's badge, Regina waltzes in. She informs Emma that the Deputy Sheriff only becomes Sheriff if the Mayor doesn't appointment someone else within the two week time frame - which she is today. She has decided to appoint her puppet, Sidney Glass, as the new Sheriff. She coldly adds that Emma never earned the right to wear the badge of a good man. Emma strikes back saying that Graham knew what he was doing when he picked Emma as Deputy - he was trying to free the Sheriff's position from the Mayor's influence. Ultimately, there is nothing Emma can do and Regina leaves with the Sheriff badge.

MMarg finds Emma taking out her frustrations out on what is now definitely a broken toaster. Emma tells her that she was fired only to be replaced by Sidney Glass. She admits she wants to position back to "beat" Regina for once, but before MMarg can probe further, someone comes a-knocking at the door.

Mr. Gold is paying Emma a visit, bearing a copy of the town charter. He lightly chastises Emma for already giving up. "Two people with a common goal can accomplish many things. Two people with a common enemy, they can accomplish even more." He offers himself as her benefactor and remarks that it surprises him how few people actually read the town charter - if they did, they'd see that Regina has less power than people believe.

In the middle of the night, Rumpel and his son flee. Bae, unlike his father, wonders if running away is wrong. War is bad, but if the law says he should go...perhaps he should. Rumpel tells him that Bae doesn't know what war is like. Sending him to war would be a death sentence and he couldn't allow that. On the way, a beggar asks for alms and a kindhearted Rumpel takes a moment to give him a bit out of the little he has. His pause gives soldiers along the road a chance to suddenly pounce on them.

The Jackass Soldier that took away the girl at the beginning of the episode hops off his horse and sneeringly asks what Rumpel's name is, perhaps Spindle-shanks or Hobble-foot? When Bae proudly says his father's name is Rumpelstiltskin, the soldier suddenly recalls who he is. Despite Rumpel's pleas, the soldier tells Bae that his dad is the man who ran away from war leaving all his comrades to die and whose wife left him afterwards out of the shame of it. While Bae stands there shell-shocked over the news, the Jackass tells his soldiers to take Bae early since it is treason to avoid recruitment. When Rumpel piteously begs them not to take him, the Jackass says that since Rumpel has nothing to offer him except fealty, he needs to come kiss his boot :(((((((((((((((( As Rumpel does so the MEAN SOLIDER kicks him in the face before riding off laughing. He'll be back in two days for his son.

This was one of the saddest tidbits in the show so far, rivaled only by Archie's episode imho.... Rumpel's actor plays pathetic and mopey very well, though I find the son's acting very flat. I really wish they'd find some better child actors. Henry is annoying enough, but the kid who played Geppetto and now this kid...geez, they emote less than a wooden post :| But ah well...what can I say....they're young~

The beggar helps Rumpel up and says that in return for Rumpel's kindness to him, he will become his benefactor. Ooooooo....

More "golden crisp" apples -__-

Regina is holding a press conference to introduce Sidney Glass as the new Sheriff. Just as she is about to pin on the badge, Emma busts in and sets the record straight by telling the press that the Mayor only has the power to appoint a candidate for Sheriff. In any case, Emma is running for the spot. Though taken aback, Regina promptly nominates a clueless Sidney as well.

Rumpel reveals just how little he thinks of himself as he bitterly says that as a coward, he has no choices in life except to choose which corner to hide in. He is terrified of losing Bae, as he is all he has left in the world. "All I've got is my boy. If they take him from me, I will surely become dust." :( :( :( Latching onto this, the old man tells him that the Duke has a dagger that controls The Dark One, the only reason that Duke of the Frontlands has so much power. On the dagger is engraved the true name of The Dark One and if Rumpel steals it, nobody would be able to take Rumpel's son from him. Rumpel is far from the slick, bold deal maker we know and says he fears even the thought of controlling such a powerful figure. The beggar, frustrated by Rumpel's never-ending fears, tells him that if he fears controlling a powerful figure, he should just take the power for himself.

Hard to see it from this angle, but I wonder if they put the "scales of justice" between them on the counter on purpose...

Regina confronts Gold about going against her. It's a short scene but basically Regina needles Gold for his obsession with technicalities (aka finding that loophole in the town charter) and for backing a "losing horse." Gold replies that you should never underestimate someone who is fighting for their child. When Regina retorts that Henry is not legally Emma's child, he slyly replies that it seems like she's the one hung up on technicalities now ;)

Pumpkin Festival!? I guess Halloween is coming soon and maybe Cinderella will pop up again?!

The next day, Emma finds Henry reading an article revealing that Henry was born in jail. Since those records were sealed, Emma knows that this is Regina's dirty work. While Henry says he's not traumatized by the idea he was born in jail, he is still extremely depressed because he sees the slanderous article as proof that Good cannot win because of the way Evil uses dirty tricks like this. When Emma tries to comfort him by saying Mr. Gold is her benefactor now, Henry warns her that Mr. Gold is even worse than Regina....she already owes him one favor, she doesn't want to owe him another.

Emma demands to know why Regina would hurt Henry by lashing out at her so publicly. Regina blithely brushes it off by saying "everyone loses their heroes someday." In any case, Emma will have the chance to stick up for herself at the town debate :} Just as they are about to leave the building, an explosion throws Emma and Regina backwards. Regina's leg is twisted by falling debris and she (rather shamelessly) tells Emma that she is responsible for saving her life now since she can't move ><

As Rumpel and Bae make torches with wool, Rumpel tells his son that if he had The Dark One's powers, he would use it to end the Ogre Wars and bring all the children home, not just Bae. He calls war a sacrifice and an unnecessary one at that. Hearing this confirms that Rumpel did in fact flee war like the soldiers said. When Bae asks if the his mom actually did leave instead of dying like he was always told, Rumpel looks away before he replies that she is dead. Despite everything, Bae sticks by his dad's side and asks why they are making torches. Rumpel tells him that he is breaking into the Duke's castle to steal a dagger that will allow him to control TDO and that while the Duke's castle is made of stone, the floors and rafters are all wood, which burns....

Regina accuses Emma for leaving her to die as Emma runs off. But a moment later, Emma returns with a fire extinguisher and picks up Regina to take her to safety. Outside, photographers snap pics of the heroic rescue and Regina wastes no time complaining about how Emma hurt her ankle as she set her down. Annoyed, Emma leaves her after saying that she would save her again despite Regina's ungratefulness because that is what decent human beings do. Henry eagerly spreads the word that Emma rescued his mom.

It's adorable to see Archie, MMarg, Red, and Granny rally around Emma as they plan to get a picture of the rescue to use for campaign posters. Emma proudly tells Henry that this is how Good wins, but as she says this, something catches her eye. It's a twist of cloth that smells oddly familiar....

MICKEY MOUSE!!!

Emma storms into Gold's shop and accuses him of setting the fire using lanolin, which is flammable. He denies it (as he cleans his nails with a cloth just like the kind that set the fire), but insinuates that IF he set the fire, he'd only have done it because Emma needed a boost to win. In any case, even if she does expose him, she should think about who she would be disappointing....

After Rumpel and Bae set an animated castle on fire, Rumpel finds the dagger hidden behind a tapestry. While I wonder why the Duke would leave such a precious dagger so poorly hidden, he reads the true name of The Dark One inscribed on the blade, Zoso.

MMarg bumps into David putting up posters for Sidney, since Kathryn is friends with Regina. We find out David got a job at the animal shelter (replacing Graham perhaps?) and seeing as how David is still starry eyed looking at MMarg, it seems like he still has some feelings bottled up there -_- Hearing about Kathryn makes MMarg uncomfortable and she quickly excuses herself under the pretense she needs more posters.

eheh Glass looking into a glass! ehehehe....that is way funnier to me than it should be.

Archie practices his introduction, Sidney ponders which bow tie to wear, and Emma looks out onto the crowd searching for Henry. Emma finally reveals to MMarge why she wants to win so badly. She wants to prove to Henry that good heroes can beat evil. If Emma loses, then she is not the savior....and if she is not, then what place would she have in Henry's life?

Rumpel sends a worried Bae off, who insists that he has a bad feeling about whatever he's about to do. Alone, Rumpel calls out the true name of TDO three times. Nothing happens. Feeling foolish, Rumpel turns to leave and bumps straight into TDO ^_^

TDO is mocking and tells him to hurry up as Hordor (I dunno...I guess that's the MEAN SOLDIER's name?) is probably already on his way to get Bae, since today is his bday. Interestingly, TDO wonders Bae is even Rumpel's son. After all, Bae is brave and is not afraid to fight, not like Rumpel at all. At those words, Rumpel stabs TDO.

As he dies, TDO's face changes to that of the beggar! When Rumpel demands to know why he was tricked into killing him, TDO tells him that his life of power was such a burden - something Rumpel will now learn for himself. "Magic always comes with a price and now it's yours to pay." Rumpel made a deal he didn't understand, a mistake he'll probably never make again. When Rumpel questions why he picked him, TDO replies, "I know how to recognize a desperate soul." With that, he dies.

Tricky -_- It's not "Rumple..." - it's RUMPEL....

Rumpel sees his hand change color to a mossy green with flecks of gold and when he draws out the bloody dagger, a new name is written on the blade (albeit misspelled).

Archie awkward (and adorably) introduces the two candidates; Glass makes a suave opening speech "I want to serve as a reflection of the best qualities of Storybrooke" and we see Regina mouthing the words along with him - a very smart move on the director's part to emphasize that Sidney is her puppet through and through.

Emma goes up to the podium and tells the crowd that the fire was a setup. Mr. Gold offered to support her but she didn't realize at the time that it meant setting a fire. She refuses to win that way and she apologizes for letting everyone think what she did was real. Mr. Gold leaves the auditorium and Regina smirks in triumph.

Emma nurses a drink alone when Henry pops in to give her a walkie talkie (which I thought he never took with him?...plot hole?) Anyway, he says that Emma standing up to Mr. Gold was amazing - exactly the kind of thing heroes do. He apologizes for giving up on Operation Cobra. Just then, Regina and Sidney show up and we find out that Emma actually won! Everyone had been so impressed by how Emma stood up to Gold that they all voted for her anyway :) Regina very reluctantly hands back the badge, but cheerfully informs her that Emma should enjoy having Gold for enemy.

Back in fairy tale land, a new Dark One interrupts just as the Duke is about to leave with Bae. In a twist of irony, Rumpel demands that the Mean Soldier demonstrate a little fealty and kiss his boot. As he does so, Rumpel swiftly kills him and all the soldiers. However, Bae is horrified by the new Rumpel and backs away in fear :( We see how the power is already changing him as Rumpel crows that he fears nothing and will now protect what is his, even as his son stares at him in horror.

Gold brings Emma Graham's jacket and reveals that everything - including Emma outing Gold - was a setup. He knew even the rescue wouldn't be enough to get Emma to win, she needed something truly extraordinary - like standing up to him, the one person people fear more than Regina. Skeptical, Emma asks how he could have possibly predicted her actions. He replies that he knows a desperate soul when he sees one. Gold also reminds her of the favor she owes him. Now that she is Sheriff, surely they'll find a way for her to pay him back.

Comments
Though Rumpel killed to keep his son, clearly he loses him somewhere along the way afterwards. I wonder if Bae was killed or ran off to join the war on his own.... In any case, I think this explains Rumpel's obsession with children, "true names," and setting up deals that always bite back. I'm very curious to know how he loses Bae and what became of him. Also, if the dagger is Rumpel's weakness, I want to know why the Princes didn't try to steal the dagger instead if going through the whole hoopla with the enchanted quill. The dagger is kind of random in how it wasn't alluded to before (unless I missed it...)

It seems like Henry is 100% sure that Gold is bad news now (though I'm not sure if he knows he's Rumpelstiltskin specifically). Henry always seems like a loose end to me - he knows too much yet nobody does anything about his machinations. Though I guess Regina ignores it because it's her son and Gold ignores it because...maybe he was the one who put that book in circulation in the first place for whatever reason. Naturally, the next big question is what Rumpel wants from Emma and just what his real goal is. He's quite clearly established that he is nobody's friend and even now, the motive behind his actions is still very murky.

On a side note, lots of fire allusions: Baelfire, setting the Duke's castle on fire, setting the Mayor's townhall on fire... Perhaps it's a metaphor for the destructive power of magic. You can't control it and it can destroy you.

Anyway, Gold was pretty saucy in this episode and you really have to watch it for yourself to get the full effect. Great acting on Carlyle's part! Overall, even though this episode finally dove a into one of the show's most riveting characters, I was a little disappointed somehow; it just didn't have the emotional impact of Episode 5 and ultimately, even tho it was a good episode as a whole, it just isn't one of my favorites strangely enough...

Top 10 of 2011

2012-01-08T23:15:00.000-08:00

Apologies if this post spammed your blogroll multiple times....technical difficulties...arghhh!

I was inexplicably inspired by Elisa's alternating column post, I just had to do one myself :) Thanks Elisa! Unfortunately, unlike Elisa, I've been pretty bad on the review front in the past several months so some of my Top 10 picks have no full length reviews to accompany them. Also this list is my Top 10 favorite things I used regularly in 2011/currently (as opposed to the best 10 products I discovered in 2011). This is ranked in order of importance in my life ;)

	#1 - Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate I haven't done a full review post on this yet, but it deserves one. I got this after hearing about it from fuzkitte and bought it mostly out of curiosity. Plus the hygienic eye-dropper design appealed to my lab rat side~ As one of the most hyped items of 2011, I had low expectations for this, especially since I'm a strong believer in that there are no "miracle product" for skin. While this doesn't do everything (aka moisturize), this is one of two items I use every night and I think it has really improved my skin over the past year (started using it daily in June 2011). It has a lovely, light citrus scent and does not leave a residue in the morning. Though this is on the pricey side, even after 6 months of daily use (~3-4 drops), I still have half the bottle left. The reason I love this so much? I noticed the effects of this within 3-4 days of use (immediate redness reduction and glowing skin the next morning). It's like getting the results of a sheet mask without a sheet mask and sort of why I stopped using sheet masks for awhile. Long term use has smoothed of skin texture and overall permanently reduced the redness I had on my cheeks. I highly recommend this for anyone with sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation. Everyone's skin is different, but I think this product is worth sampling!
#2 - Vitacreme B12 I've been using this for about a year solid now and it is hands down my face lotion of choice (though I do sometimes extra-moisturize with the Boscia Intensifying Moisture Pack+ in the winter). It has no SPF and is not a heavy duty moisturizer. However, the quick absorption, gentleness, and the fact it goes very well under makeup is what I like so much. The delicate baby powder scent is also a plus. Make sure you massage this into your face up & out to get the full effects, like the directions say. I think that massaging makes a huge difference in the overall results. I didn't massage until 3-4 months in when I finally read the directions that came with the product >_> and seriously, give it 3 days and your face will seem firmer and tighter somehow. So, yes, massage a pea-sized bit on your face for about 1 min, up and out. This is pretty much a cult favorite and yeah, I'm in that cult :) Read the full review
	#3 - Boscia Cleansing Gel Been using this for a loooonggg time, since bloody December 2010! I've sampled other face washes through but I always come back to this one. I wear BBcream pretty much everyday and am still lazy now as I was in 2010....so a 2-step cleansing process would never work for me. This puppy takes off BBcream + Koji Wink eyeliner + Boi-ing Concealer everyday without fail. I use 1-2 pumps, lather it up with my hands, smooth the bubbles on my face, brush my teeth (yes, with the gel on my face), and rinse off. Yeahhh, kill two birds with one stone! The whole shebang takes 5 minutes on the days I don't take showers. Super gentle, effective, and can't put a price on a good cleanser (especially if you're a makeup-wearing, acne-prone lazy bum). Read the full review
#4 - Skinfood Mushroom BB Cream Like the Boscia cleanser, I've tried several BBcreams over the past few years but always come back to this one. I like the slightly heavier coverage, the dewy finish (tho some might say oily), and it just works with my skin color. It smells like grass (I like it) and it's never broken me out. It sometimes can be a bit tricky to apply naturally without getting the caked texture. Basically, you should pat it in and apply in thin layers, waiting 3-4 minutes between each layer. This is my favorite BBcream and I probably will never switch unless Skinfood discontinues it (NIGHTMARE). Read the full review
	#5 - Lioele A.C. Trouble Control Patches ahhhh....my favorite acne solution. I've tried a couple of acne patch brands (3M - review coming up, The Face Shop) and Lioele's is the best. All three are equally effective in the long run I think, but Lioele's patches are the most invisible, easiest to get in the U.S., and leaves the least residue. I slap these on every time I get a pimple and if anything, they keep me from picking at it with my dirty fingers. LOVE these and are my favorite acne control method :) Read the full review + The Face Shop comparison
#6 - Benefit Boi-ing Concealer Tried this after hearing rave reviews from Mara. I have since switched from shade Medium 02 to Light 01, which is a closer match to my skin and blends perfectly under my Mushroom BBcream. What I really like is how this "sticks" to your skin and actually covers redness with a thin layer; you don't have to cake it on. A little goes a long way and it's totally worth $18. I don't use this every day, just on days I look particularly pimply and red, but when I do I look like I have perfect skin...in pictures anyway ;) The only thing I don't like is that it works best (for me) when I use my finger and the hygiene thing kind of annoys me. Nevertheless, this is definitely my favorite concealer! Read the full review
	#7 - The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Lip Care Stick This is the only lip balm I use now. I just LOVE the scent of this thing....it just smells so damn good! It's a tad pricey as lip balms go ($8) but come on, one stick lasts forever - I'm still using my first one! It glides on like a dream (you may need to warm it up a bit first) and though some people may not like the butter-y slick it leaves behind, I like it. This has no SPF sadly, but it's super moisturizing and goes under lipstick well. Read the full review
#8 - Koji Dolly Wink Liquid Liner I never made a review post of this, but everyone and their grandma has reviewed it ^_^ In a nutshell, IT JUST WORKS. My mini-review: Contrary to popular opinion, this is not a "miracle" for oily lids. For me, this does rub off a little bit during the day. I find that the part closest to my hidden fold rubs off the fastest - basically, the line gets "thinner" as the day goes on. But the part closest to my lashes will last the whole day no matter what I am doing. What makes it for me is that it's so easy to remove, just a bit of warm water will do the trick. It's also SO easy to apply because the super fine tip. I've never tried an eyeliner that comes close to the ease of use as Koji's. MAC Fluidline is darker and richer in color, but it's a bitch to get off in my opinion. Plus I can't be bothered with the whole brush tip thing every morning. The popularity of this item has made it easy to find online; you can find it anywhere on Ebay, Sasa, Amazon for roughly $14.
	#9 - Boscia Moisturizing Pack I use this only in the winter and what I use when I need a good kick of moisture. It smells strongly of cough drops but it works for me since I use it in winter and it clears my sinuses ;) It has a liquid-y gel texture that I find really cooling and light, especially for such an intensive moisturizer. It's unique in that it's not a cream but still hydrates like one. A little goes a long way so don't slather it on or you'll wake up with a coat of oil on your face ;) Read the full review
#10 - Etude House Orgel Light (Coral Pink) Still my favorite lipstick. It's my lips but better and leaves a lovely shine and a faint pink tint. It's not super long lasting but it smells great (like fruit), always looks good, and I dunno...I just like it. One tube is lasting me forever, I'm still using my first one O_o Given I don't use this everyday but it's my fail-safe lip color and one that I use when I want to look nice but don't want to make it look like I am wearing any makeup ^_~ I've never seen these sold online anywhere, but they have a ton of shades and are totally worth a try if you're in Korea. Best scented lipstick (more like lip tint) that I've ever used. Read the full review

A couple runner ups that I love but didn't make the list: My Beauty Diary Apple Polyphenol Mask, My Beauty Diary French White, Zoya Freja, and the Zoya Sunshine Collection. I didn't put them on the list because I feel like I could "live without them" but they sure are great to use :)

I still love shopping *sigh* but have really cut back on my makeup/skincare purchases in the past few months because I am happy with what have (sadly, my shop-a-holic ways have transferred themselves to clothes now >_>). If you've tried any of these products below, definitely let me know your thoughts!

2012 Horoscope Predictions?

2012-01-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

Why is it when I want to look at last year's predictions to see if they came true, I can never find them ;)? hehe Well, I thought it would be fun to post a few 2012 horoscope predictions here just for kicks so I can check back on 1/1/2013.I am a Cancer but I also pasted Find Your Fate's predictions for other signs under the jump ^^

Find Your Fate Says for CANCERS....
General
Major changes in your relationships are in store for the year 2012. Some of your near ones are likely to drift apart leaving you in shatters. But avoid depending on others and rise and shine. Peace and calm shall prevail then in your life. Towards the middle of the year you may need to take an important decision in life related to personal and professional life of yours. If single you might meet the ideal partner. But beware of foxes in sheep’s clothing. New ideas of all sorts take shape this year. Keep your cool, and enter into actions to meet your plans. Success in legal processes are predicted for this year.

Career
Much effort and commitment would be needed this year for good results in your professional front. Unavoidable difficulties shall come from nowhere leaving you in tenterhooks. Confidence in yourself shall help you to ward off any negative effects in the career side. You would pursue your long fought ambitions with renewed vigor and strength. Reveal your inherent talents to the workforce. The first half of the year would be very much exhausting while the latter half shall see you off sailing smoothly.

Finance
Finances shall take a good shape for you this year. Maintain your financial balance in a sensible way. An increase of income flow is assured but make sure you do not put all your eggs in one basket. Instead, diversify your portfolio. You can go in for some artistic pursuits for augmenting your finances for this year. It would give you the much needed mental and financial satisfaction in life. The second half of the year shall see a fall in your debt levels which would be a great moral booster for you.

Love
Much peace and tranquillity shall prevail in your love front for the year of 2012. Stability in relationships is also guaranteed. Your ideals in relationships shall be met during this period. Be free to open up your heart to your loved one, be frank and try to understand the feelings of your partner. This is the apt time to clear any clouds of doubts in your relationship. Generally an average year as far as love and relationships are concerned for Cancers.

Health
You are assured great energy levels for the year ahead. There would be a stability in your moods which had been deviating last year quite a bit. This would give you mental and physical health on a positive note. Take a resolution to cut down in bad habits that had been haunting you for the last few years. Concentrate on your works and take good care of your health.

And just to add to the fun - Chinese Zodiac Horoscope ^_^! I am a Red Fire Rabbit with Metal as my good luck element (go here to find out yours).

Here we select an element from the Five Element chart as your Lucky Element. The Chinese Yin-Yang Five Elements describe the BALANCE......So your lucky elements are the ones that bring the Five Elements into balance. Usually the lucky elements are the ones with a lesser weight (score). Here we want to pick Metal as your lucky element, because your Five Elements have a better shape when the weight of Metal increases.

For the Metal-lucky:
When Metal is under Water. People cannot see the Metal, unless they watch carefully into Water. Also, Water can protect Metal, if a strong Fire element is around. Therefore the luck of 2012 is fine.

What will happen to the Metal-lucky?
Water represents your outlook or expression to show the public. So it is related to performance, speech, behavior , freedom and fame. Therefore, your social life will increase. You will have many opportunity to show your talent. People will talk about you. If you have a positive attitude, then you should earn a good reputation from people. If you don't have a strong mind and don't have confidence about yourself, then people might not paint you in the same light. More than likely, taking care of such a busy life will consume your energy when you have many activities with people.

Dragon contains Earth. Earth is the mother element of Metal. So Earth is connected to your parents, teachers or someone who supports you. It also related to your health, protection, housing or education. If your Metal is weak, then you will receive the help from people who support you. They also give you compliments about your behavior.

If your Water is strong, then your friends will provide you different advice or suggestions very often. Those opinions can confuse you and lead you to make the wrong decision or investment. If you cannot please your friends, then they may bring you a bad reputation. In general, you will have a mixed reputation in 2012. Since my water is weak.

.......uhhh....so I guess I will be fairly lucky, a bit more popular, and have the support of the people I love in 2012. Can't get any vaguer than that ;) But sounds like a pretty decent way to pass the year, so fingers crossed!

What's your sign and what does 2012 hold for you?

OTHER SIGNS

ARIES

General
Peace and tranquillity are predicted for you this year. Much of your efforts and projects that have been put in the back-burner shall come to the fore-ground this year. Take ample time to prune unwanted persons, things and ideas from your life this year. The pace of your life might slacken a bit but do not lose hope. Slow and steady always wins the race. This year is likely to give you more freedom, particularly in relationships and career areas.

Your energy levels would wax and wane throughout the year 2012. Emotions and sensitivity might run high for most of the period. Do try to keep your anger under wraps as venting it out might land you in serious problems. Keep communications to a medium level keeping out unwarranted calls as trouble might lurk around.

Career
Your career field remains uneventful for most part of the year but for the last quarter. You shall learn to evolve from your mistakes. A change in career course or some chances for higher education or research is also on the anvil. Artists are likely to get a beating rather than encouragement this year. You stand to get better in your relationship with authorities and peers in your work-place.

Finance
Find out the ways that would lead you into a state of financial security this year. The planets forecast you some luck and fortune in the financial area but do not expect a windfall. This is the apt time to make a change in your business ventures or services field. Better cash flow is predicted throughout the year, though occasional crunches canoe be ruled out. Be ready to show case your talents if it might fetch you better financial returns. Profits are likely if you pitch in hard work and practise humility to all extent.

Love
Your love life shall see a more calm and peaceful phase after the turbulent periods of last year. Forget the past and live in the present. It has a lot to offer in your love and relationship arena. Channel your feelings and romance in the best possible way. Intense passion is predicted for the last half of the year as far as your relationships are concerned. Exchange your views and likes with clarity with your partner if already in a relationship. Open up as this year offers much positive scope. Give way for your desires as well and do not always yield to the whims and fancies of your partner. Do not act in haste as this year is a period which calls for much introspection as far as relationships are concerned.

Health
Health is likely to go on a roller -coaster ride, at the peak in one time and touching the bottom of the rock the other instant. Your emotional and mental make-up has a lot to play in this time. The first quarter of the year shall see you in the pink of health. But the last quarter might call in for unwanted medical issues and expenditure. Do not push yourself too much into personal and professional work and take time to take a break which goes a long way in wishing you better health. For all Horoscope 2012 Aries.

TAURUS

General
Much changes had been experienced by you in the past one year, that you have to go in for many reworks and revamps on your life. This is the apt time for you to go for the same. You would come out unscathed periods as good tidings are ahead. Do not be a scatter-brain, instead focus on one thing at a time and come out with flying colors. Long term projects might meet with impediments but do not lose hope and heart. There is plenty of time ahead. It is yours for the asking.

Career
Much improvement is predicted in your career field for the year 2012. It does not mean that it would be a path of roses. En-route you have to untangle lots of knots. Try your level best if you want to have a change of position or job. Because the year is much favourable for this. Channel and focus your energy into the proper channels, that you can advance into a much favourable territory, much to the surprise and chagrin of your peers.

Finance
This year shall bring in more opportunity for you to make money. Develop strategies that shall help you to buy your dream home or vehicle this year. Certain financial constraints need to be done in order for your goals to be attained. A budget that is free from all sorts of tensions would be prepared for the eyar ahead. Double-check all your financial plans before leaping ahead.

Love
Your love life is in for better stability this year after much humdrum of the yester-years. Do make sure that your desires and wishes are met by your partner. Make all efforts to get you more closer and intimate with your other half. Your relationship shall have a constructive growth this year. Those unmarried shall see the necessity to get into a relationship at the earliest this year. Do take some time off from your works to spend quality time with your loved one. Better communication would be the key to a lasting relationship for you.

Health
Better management of your time with respect to exercises and work is needed this year. Your change of lifestyle might bring in tiredness and a loss of energy levels. Hence it is essential that a balance is found out here. Beware not to deplete your reserve energy levels. Avoid unwanted food stuffs that add nothing but calories. Do take some vitamin supplements as well for a healthy make-uo for te year ahead.

GEMINI

General
The year 2012 would be an eventful year for the Geminis. New ventures take shape with new ideas and new goals in life. You would be coming out of your shell and shall venture into unknown territories with renewed vigor and strength. Variety shall spice up your life this year. Relationships need utmost dedication for the year. Certain compromises ought to be made in your personal and professional life this year.

Career
Peace and tranquillity are forecast in your professional field this year. It would be a calm after the wild tempest that happened last year in this area of your life. Take stock of your present situation and plan what is to be done in future for better rewards. The middle of the year shall see you enter into a new phase of your career path. Financially it would be a rewarding year ahead from your career point of view.

Finance
The year 2012 shall begin on a positive note as far as your finances are concerned. Some pessimistic approach is advised for betterment. Consolidation of your financials is on the way hence you need not worry much about your future in money. Learn to balance your expenditure and savings to sail smoothly this year in the financial ocean.

Love
It would be a passionate year of 2012 for Geminis. You feel an urge to be loved but you need to love as well. Your emotions needs to be caged up for quite some time. Patience would be the keyword here. Your moods and emotional needs are to be kept under lock and key. Avoid all sorts of conflicts in relationships and wait for reciprocal actions from the other side, instead you always doing the thing. Single ones have maple time to meet their ideal man or woman in life. You shall get the opportunity of getting to know more about your partner this year. Of course, there would be certain errors in your relationships but do not give way for negative feelings.

Health
Your health is likely to get some negative aspects this year of 2012. Physical and mental strain is forecast hence do not hesitate to take a break or relax when time and finances permit. Artistic pursuits can be engaged to let the steam out. Rejuvenate, revamp and refresh your inner and outer self for a healthier you in year 2012.

LEO

General
Renewed energy levels are predicted for you this year which shall help you to achieve your long sought after goals in life. Your creative talents shall come to the forefront this year. Your wishes and aspirations shall materialize. You ought to make some major sacrifices for family or home sake. Take life as it comes by and live it simply in a positive sense. Some laziness might set in during the last quarter of the year. But beware that only strong actions shall give good rewards in life.

Career
Much orientation would be seen in your career front this year. Though personal problems might drag your feet, you shall come out with good colors in the professional field for this period. Teamwork shall suit you well this time unlike the last few years. Be sure that you do not enter into loggerheads with authorities and peers in work place. The last quarter of the year shall bring profits much to your suprise. New agreements and contracts can be signed during this period.

Finance
Savings shall be your keyword for the year of 2012. It would come in handy during a rainy day. Prepare a balanced budget and make sure you stick to it. Profits are predicted for the year 2012, only if some audacity is practised. Some legal or career issues might make a dent in your purse during the middle of the year, hence beware. The end of the year shall see you in good spirits as far as your financial standing is concerned.

Love
Do not chew more than you can bite. Do not venture into relationship with whoever passes by. Communicate your desires to your partner in the right sense. Some difficulties would be encountered en-route this year as far relationships are concerned. Many sensual and intense moments in your relationship are forecast for the year ahead. The first quarter of the year shall bring in luck if you are single and in search of an ideal partner. If already into a contract, then some tensions are forecast. But that would soon pass off as the passing wind.

Health
You need to maintain a balanced lifestyle for goodness in health this year. Else something bad might strike you any moment as you had in the previous few years. Of course, you need to enjoy the pleasures of the world, but let it be minimal. Do try your level best to maintain your shape and weight this year. The last quarter of the year shall see you in good health and cheer. Take ample time for rest, sleep and exercises for a more healthier you.

VIRGO

General
This year shall see to that your creative abilities are expose to the outside world. Express yourself as better as possible because this is the time to showcase your abilities. Some painful results can also be expected. But do not lose your cool. Work hard, put in all your efforts and you shall get positive energy in a rewarding way. Make efforts to improve your lifestyle. Be optimistic this year and try to avoid all sorts of nervousness and negativity that might creep in now and then. Do not get along with those who are likely to cause some discord in your life.

Career
Do learn to appreciate your hard work in the career field this year. Your efforts shall be giving tangible results this year. Decide precisely what is to be done for some betterment in your professional field and plunge into action. Strategic planning shall help you in this aspect. Let your ambitions and actions come to the forefront. Avoid wasting your time on unyielding projects. Instead focus on the commercial ones that might fetch you good returns as the year moves by.

Finance
Be cautious of your expenditure, avoid not to be much extravagant with life. Manage your finances well so that you do not land up in difficult situations. Avoid all unnecessary impulses to spend money. Take careful decisions and do not overspend. Ask yourself if something is needed or not more than one time before entering into a buying spree. The first quarter of the year shall fetch good returns. Towards the end of the year, some high value purchases are on the cards.

Love
Your love life shall get more stabilized this year after much fluidity of the last few years. Circumstances might ask you to doubt your relationships but do not heed to them. Assert your position to your partner and do not yield in completely. Open up your heart and soul, crush the strong wall that developed between you and your partner. Make all efforts to plough inroads into your partners heart this year.

Health
Take the year 2012 by its horns. It would be an eventful year loaded with high spirits and energy for Virgo natives. Take care that the limits of your health activities are not exceeded. Keep yourself engaged in some activity or the other. Mobility is the keyword for you this year. This year could help you to recuperate after some harsh health issues from the yester years.

LIBRA
General
Life would be much happier, contented and lighter for Libras this year of 2012. You would be empowered by much freedom than before this period. Concentrate on your inner-self and do some spiritual rejuvenation. New relationships are likely to come into your life this season. Peace and harmony shall prevail for most of the year. Financial and legal entanglements are forecast for the year, hence beware of the consequences. Deadlines and resolutions shall not be met and shall go with the wind.

Career
More scope for growth and achievement in your career field are forecast for the year of 2012. But be cautious not to spend much of your energy on the same. Go slowly, meeting one deadline at a time. Some high risk ventures are to be taken care with caution and ease. New contracts and agreements are likely to be signed in your favour this period. Teamwork shall do well and take your creativity to new heights. Make sure your give in a major share of your effort to any task that comes by the way.

Finance
Stability in your financial field is forecast for the year of 2012. However make sure you do not heed to unwanted expenditure in life. Of course, some expenses related to health issues for family members might hinder your financial development, but this cannot be avoided. Some spending might be needed for revamping your house or wardrobe. Do have a long term vision for your finances. Invest careful avoiding all types of speculative deals. The end of the year shall see you in a comfortable financial position than the year before.

Love
Your love life would see calm and settled waters this year of 2012. Whatever that happened last year can be taken as a warning signal in your love life. Take time to understand the moves, likes and dislikes of your partner. In that way, you can control your emotions and desires. If frustrations and loss of partner comes on the way do not lose your heart. It is just a passing phase of your love life. Avoid impatience of all sorts for this year. If already into a relationship this year shall see a more matured you as far as relationships are concerned.

Health
The first half of the year shall see you in good health and cheer. You are predicted with renewed energy and a positive spark in life. Indulge in some pleasurable activities but make sure you do not overdo the same. Do pat yourself on the back then and now to comfort your inner self that you are on the right health track. Some aches, pains, minor illnesses are forecast for the last quarter of 2012. Keep yourself going despite the hindrances.

SCORPIO

General
New projects and ideas shall take wings in this year of 2012. You shall pass through a new phase of your life and would be relieved of issues that had been haunting you for the past few years or months. You shall be able to enjoy much freedom in your life like never before. Much important decisions regarding career and personal life ought to be taken this year, hence take wise counsel in this regard. Do not remain idle or become lazy. This is just a passing phase and time once lost cannot be regained. Therefore put good use of the time you have in your hand this year to your utter fulfilment.

Career
Much struggle and moments of impatience are forecast in your career field for the year of 2012. You need a change imminently. Your competitive spirit shall come to the fore in this area during this period. If looking for a change of course, the second half of the year shall help you to achieve the same. Concentrate on the area of your interest and come out with flying colors. Help from authorities and peers would be a boon for you this year.

Finance
Better financial stability is forecast for you in the year 2012. More financials means are likely to come on your way this particular period of time. Be clear with all your financial transactions and let everything be transparent in this aspect. Else you would be at the mercy of the taxmen. Your honesty would certainly pay in the long term. Some luck and fortune is in store for you this year. Some high value purchases are predicted during the first quarter of the year.

Love
Stormy sessions are predicted in your love life for the year. Make sure your bond with partner remains intact despite the problems ahead. If not into a relationship, speak up your mind and settle down with your ideal partner for life. But choosing remains a difficult task as also settling down in a comfortable relationship. Live fully in the present and let the future take its own course. You would be able to explore new territories in romance and emotions this year.

Health
Your energy levels and actions would be on a high during the course of the year 0212.Make sure you concentrate and focus your energy on one common goal, to stay healthy. You need to exercise much restraint in your lifestyle. Make sure that you take a balanced diet, take good exercises and practise healthy habits. Mental health also need to be taken care with caution. Here’s to a healthier you in 2012.

SAGITTARIUS

General
Your life would be free from difficulties unlike the last year. You stand to gain much in terms of power and authority this year. Your social status and living also gets an enhancement. If willing there is scope for a change of residence, career or relationship. You shall be loaded with much potential energy which would take you into the road for success in life. Some retrospection would be needed to understand your past life deeds. Take decisions then and there and do not procrastinate. Remain optimistic throughout the year.

Career
This would be an average year as far as your career prospects are concerned. However the uncertainty that had been looming large shall leave you. Difficult testing times are also forecast for the period ahead. Some misfortunes would be met on the way. Teamwork shall be better suited for you though you would find it difficult to get along with others. The last quarter of the year shall see you get some recognition in your work place. This is also an apt time to venture into new projects that had been in the backburner for quite some time.

Finance
Your finances shall see a major surge or rise or revamp in the year of 2012. Much optimism shall come for you then in this front. However it is best advised not to venture into new projects that might make a dent on your finances. Wait and watch. Utilize your funds to settle old loans and debts. Better financial inflow is predicted towards the end of the year.

Love
This would be a decisive period in your love life. There would be a total change in your visualization of love, romance and emotions. Your charm shall be able to attract new partners into your territory. If single this would be an apt time to tie the knot or settle down in a relationship. Do not be too much selective and you might be left to wander alone. Love is in the air!!

Health
You shall be blessed with much energy and vigor this year. It would take you to new places hitherto unexplored. Be active though some occasional weaknesses shall weigh you down at times. Take care of your diet and maintain a balance. Make sure you relieve yourself of some of the bad habits. Take some time to exercise, relax and rejuvenate your spirit.

CAPRICORN

General
This year would be generally a year of low profile for you. It helps you to enter a serene and peaceful atmosphere. You can go in for introspection and spiritual pursuits for the year. Much reflection can be done on your future prospects of the course of your life. You are likely to give up some of your projects that were dear to your hear this year. Your ambitions might take a back seat. Don’t lose heart and let optimism take over you. Certain impulsive actions should be taken in your personal and professional life this year.

Career
New contracts and agreements would be signed in your professional field. Much precision needs to be implemented in doing your works. Show courage and commitment in all your endeavours. Be sure you get the goodwill of your authorities. If willing for a change, then this is the right time. Your hidden talents are likely to come to the fore this year. The first quarter of the year shall see some hindrances on your career path. But do not lose heart and keep going.

Finance
You are likely to have a firm footing with regard to finances this year. Long term projects shall see the light of the day after much delays and hindrances in the past years. Inflow and circulation of money would be satisfactory though you cannot expect a windfall. Business pursuits shall reward well during the first quarter of the year when compared to services. Some artistic pursuits shall also see a better flow of finances during the course of the year.

Love
Your love issues take up the centre of attraction in your circle this year. Much emotional happiness is predicted for the year ahead. You are likely to meet your perfect companion if not already into a relationship. You would be attracted to those who understand your feelings, emotions and sensitivity. Express your feelings with an open heart to your partner. This is just a passing year with no major events or mishaps in your love life.

Health
Do not take much risks with your health issues this coming year. Commit yourself to better health habits and pursuits this year. Manage your energy levels in the best possible way so that you do not end up drained at the end of the year. Do not procrastinate your visit to the doctor or dentist. Something bad would be lurking around the corners. The last quarter of the year shall see you in a more calm and peaceful atmosphere and is an ideal time for relaxing and revamping. For all 2012 Capricorn Horoscope

AQUARIUS

General
You would be able to enjoy the fruits of your hard toils of the last few years in this year of 2012. Much socializing is predicted in this year for you. You might meet up with unwarranted confrontations this year. Meet up with it head on. In fact this combating spirit would be good if healthy in a sense. Some of your resolutions shall take wings and land on better grounds. Though occasional minor unhappiness are predicted for the first quarter of the year, it would be a generally rosy year for you. Your perspective of life shall see a major change and put good use of your knowledge for a better rewarding future.

Career
This year shall land you in a new phase of professional life. You shall be armed with much freedom and independence in your work place like never before. Pursue your ambitions with renewed vigor and you would be able to meet a considerable amount of your pursuits. Legal and authoritative influences shall help you in your endeavours. Beware of people who might land you in troubled waters. Do not commit anything to such people.

Finance
It would be a better year when compared to your previous financial years. Better inflow of income is guaranteed clubbed with a better career performance. Some unwanted expenditure related to medical issues likely to bother your spirits. But do not lose your hope. You have much stored for the rainy das ahead. Do not be too stingy in your financial moves, make some way for charity and luxurious pursuits as well. Of course, you got a fully loaded purse!!. 2012 shall bring in some gains through speculative deals and real estate ventures.

Love
The year 2012 would be a more passionate and romantic year for you as far as your love relationships are concerned. Make sure you expose your inner self to your partner without any negative consequences. This is an apt time to settle down with a better agreeing partner than one who confronts you in all your personal matters with cynicism. If not into a relationship you will see a surge of sensuous longing. Do not restrain yourself into your cocoon. Come out and show the world that you have soft feelings too. This year shall provide ample opportunities for improving any strained relations.

Health
Health needs utmost care as you are aging as the years moves on. Practice better health habits and inculcate the same in your family members too. Your moral life might see some down slides. Beware not to fall into a deeper hole. Closely monitor your dental and mental health this year. It would be wise on your part to take a long walk daily or do some routine exercises to keep your bones and muscles strong and supple. For all Horoscope 2012 Aquarius.

PISCES

General
Year 2012 seems to be a calm and peaceful year for you much deviating from the hustle and bustle of the previous few years in your life. Involve yourself whole heartedly into any task which you undertake and ensure it continues and ends on a positive note. There would be much freedom for your thoughts, ideas and ideals in life this year. Time is on your side and hence do not compromise on quality and quantity of work done this period.

Career
You would be blessed with much peace and pleasure this year in your work place. But make sure that your tasks are on the right track. Certain unfinished tasks should be taken to the foreground and worked head on. You shall get the goodwill of your authorities in profession. Take any challenges that comes in your career field. Work positively with determination and grit. Do not doubt your inner self and energy levels. Luck is on your side this year.

Finance
Expansion of your financial status is on the cards this year. Reinforce your ideals in this area of life. The first quarter of the year shall see some rewards for professional efforts. Do not yield to temptations for high value purchases that come in the middle of the year. Of course, you can pursue them later on. Now is not the time for it. Speculative deals might meet with impediments. You might gain some finances through inheritance or goodwill. Be sure that you are financially strong during the end of the year as it might bring in some unwanted expenses from the home front.

Love
You would become more softer and calmer as far as relationships are concerned this year. But you need to radiate your positive energy too. Do not rely on any transitory partners or friends. They might desert you in times of need. Your desires and passions would be on the rise in the first quarter of the year. Those single shall end up tying the knot or settling down with a partner. You are likely to have moments of unhappiness in relationships as well. But channel your emotions into positive notes for your goodness.

Health
Do understand what your body really needs and do not yield to any unwanted temptations. It is by your sheer control and will power that good health is predicted for you. There would be a tendency to neglect your general health but beware. The last quarter of the year shall see some high energy deals for you. Make sure that your health and weight remain stable without much oscillations throughout the whole year. Generally a hale and hearty year for Pisceans in this 2012.

Episode 7: The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter

2012-01-01T22:29:00.000-08:00

Ooh, first post of 2012 :) Episode 8 airs next Sunday too, so I've caught up right on time - maybe a good sign of less procrastination/more efficiency in the new year?! Even though it's sort of cliche, I always feel "cleaner" after the New Year ^_^ I suppose it's all in my head, but it feels good to be starting another year with a mentally clean slate.

Anyway, revelation time! Yeahh...finally SOMEONE starts remembering their fairy tale origins. This episode is all about Graham aka the Queen's Huntsman (surprise surprise :P). Graham redeems himself and we get a good reason why he's bangin' ice queen Regina in the first place. We also get more Emma-Graham flirting, which is great since they do have a lot of chemistry :) I also went a little nuts with the wolf screencaps...could not resist!

Episode 7: The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter

Graham is being all emo and playing darts with expert precision. Magic Mirror/Sydney Glass bets him $20 that he can't hit the deer 3x in a row... so he shows off by hitting the deer square on the nose :P When Emma cold shoulders him and he throws a dart at her, narrowly missing her face. Though he states matter of factly that he never misses ^_~ it just pisses Emma off even more.

She tells him that she is not avoiding him as much as she doesn't care about what goes on in his personal life. Graham chases her down the street like a puppy, begging her to give him a chance to explain (I must admit it's kind of cute seeing Graham bounding after Emma ^^). He insists that she doesn't understand what it's like being with Regina, it's like "he doesn't feel anything" when he is with her. He apologizes to Emma for the secrecy but says he didn't tell her because he didn't want her to look at him the way she is now. Emma, in the typical smart-about-everything-except-love manner that seems to plague heroines everywhere, angrily asks why the he'd care the way she'd look at him anyway:

....so he swoops in for a kiss! Unfortunately, the kiss is less than pleasant for the both of them, especially because Graham suddenly gets flashes of a forest and white wolf that has 1 red eye, 1 black eye. While Graham stands there shell-shocked, Emma tells him that whatever he is looking to feel, he won't be getting it from her (girl power :) )!

Graham storms into Regina's house and after (somewhat thoughtfully I suppose) asking if Henry is asleep, begins kissing her passionately. One gets the idea that he is just desperately trying to feel something, rather than acting out of lust or love for Regina.

In a familiar castle (which eventually turns black, as we saw in Episode 1), TEQ comforts a grieving Snow by her father's coffin. She is deeply sympathetic and tells her though she is only Snow's mother through marriage, "I am here for you dear, truly and forever." Snow collapses in her arms and they share a sweet moment.

Sadly, it was all an act and TEQ was in fact responsible for Snow's father/her husband's death. Her next victim is Snow, though Snow is currently unaware of her plans. She rants about how nobody knows of Snow's wretchedness and what she did to her - unfortunately for us, she doesn't say what it was >< TEQ tells the Mirror that Snow's death must be planned carefully as she is well-loved by the kingdom - all the soldiers included. If they found out TEQ was responsible for her death, the entire kingdom would turn against her. They need someone who will not be sympathetic to Snow's charms, so the Mirror suggests a Huntsman.

Not the best deer mannequin I've seen...this one looks particularly plastic...those horns ><

Graham-Huntsman shoots a badly animated deer and in tears, begs for its forgiveness as it's death will not be in vain; the doe's death will save another's life.

Probably thinking: wtf....plastic deer....

White Wolf meanders up, whimpering for a bite of the fake deer and Huntsman assures him that he won't go hungry tonight.

Graham wakes up from that vivid "dream" and Regina, alert to the "reality" of his dreams, kisses him and tells him to stay the night. Graham, not to be deterred, insists that "It didn't feel like a dream, it felt like a memory." (Also a Lost allusion.) He irritably brushes Regina's offer to stay the night saying she never wanted him to stay overnight before anyway.

So cuuuuteeeeeeee...

Looking like the definition of a hot mess, Graham goes to fetch his car. To his sanity's dismay, White Wolf trots up to him looking all sorts of lovable (as wolves go anyway). He seems to be imploring Graham to follow him but Graham has had enough for one night xD

The next morning, Emma trashes the flowers she thinks are from Graham only to find they were in fact for MMarg from Dr. Whale >_> She had a one night stand with him *blech* and called him. She's never had a one night stand before and feels guilty.

Emma: There's nothing wrong with you did. Trust me. One nighters are as far as I ever go.
MMarg: Well that's because you're.....
Emma: Because I'm what?!
MMarg: Nevermind.
Emma: No, tell me. What do I do?
AWKWARD.
MMarg: You're just protecting yourself. With that wall you put up. GOOD RECOVERY ^^

MMarg calls Emma's lack of emotion over men interesting considering her morning "floral abuse." Thought she refuses to admit it, MMarg says it's obvious that she has feelings for Graham ^_^! She warns her that the wall Emma has put around herself may keep out pain, but it also keeps out love~

And I keep waiting for Mr. Gold to bop Graham over the head and bury him...

Graham is looking for his dream wolf when he runs into Mr. Gold holding a shovel. He claims that he's doing a spot of gardening (wtf?! Who gardens in a SUIT?!) and inquires as to what Graham is up to. It's a testament to Graham's state of mind that he doesn't press further. Surely any sheriff worth his salt (or any sane person) would be suspicious of a man in a suit with a shovel in the woods at the crack of dawn. Recipe for some kind of serial killer but I digress...

Interestingly, (I'm not sure if this is my imagination going wild) when Graham asks him if he saw anything unusual, Mr. Gold inspects his wet-tipped shovel (blood!?) before replying that he has not. Mr. Gold tells him that there are no wolves in Storybrooke as far as he knows, but adds that there are those who believe that dreams are memories of another life. He leaves Graham with the parting words, "I do hope you find what you're looking for."

Huntsman and Wolf enter a bar and 2 ruffians start messing with him. We find out that that he was abandoned as a baby and raised by wolves. He despises humans for their selfishness and loves animals for their pure hearts. One dude in particular mocks him for crying over his kills and when he threatens his "pet," Huntsman snaps and handily disposes of them all. Witnessing this through her Mirror and well-pleased to see his callousness towards humans, TEQ tells her soldiers to bring him to her.

Graham follows the sound of wolf howls through the woods and finally catches up to his 1 red eyed friend. In a moment of inspiration, Graham whistles and the wolf trots up to him, as sweet as you please. He reaches out to pet his head and when he does -

- he gets more flashbacks of his other life. Particularly of the woman he knows of MMarg and a stag emblem. When the vision ends, the wolf is gone.

TEQ seems to like the Huntsman even more in person *rawr* and though she presses him for his true name, he doesn't give it. TEQ offers him the position of official huntsman in her court, luxury, and so much more *winkwink* Huntsman isn't impressed and calls her palace a cage and refuses to be her "pet." When asked why she can't have one of her own soldiers do it, she says it's because her prey is well-loved so she needs someone who has no compassion for humans; someone who can pluck out a human heart and bring it to her.

She slinks around rather seductively and asks him what it would take for him to execute the task. He says he wants the hunting of wolves to be outlawed. Wolves are his family and they should be protected. In exchange, he will kill who she asks.

Spurred on by his vision, a very frazzled looking Graham goes to visit MMarg. He asks her if she can remember how they met; MMarg can't remember and Graham adds that not only does he not remember either, he can't remember how he met anyone. He also asks (looking like a very scared wolf pup ^^) if he ever hurt MMarg. Maybe in another life? MMarg laughs that off saying he must have been talking to Henry. Graham latches onto how Henry believes they all have other lives they can't remember and I'm betting his next move is to go to Henry :}

Snow and Huntsman stroll through the woods as Snow reminisces how she loves staying at the summer palace because she feels so close to nature. Huntsman fiddles uncomfortably with his armor and Snow offers him an apple to help cool off. He refuses and Snow watches him meditatively as she munches on hers.

She announces that she has figured out that he is not a soldier at all; all of her father's soldiers always offer their condolences when they first meet her and he has not. Furthermore, he has his armor on wrong. She quickly surmises that he was brought in from the outside by her stepmother to have her killed, as none of her father's soldiers would ever do such a thing. Taking advantage of his slow reflexes in his bulky armor, she whacks him with a stick and takes off into the forest.

Emma is attempting to play darts (she sucks) when Regina waltzes in. Regina is pleased to hear that Emma is aware of her fling with Graham and mocks Emma for having no emotions - that's why she's still alone. She also tells her to stay away from Graham as she putting thoughts in his head that will lead him to self-destruction (aided by your hands no doubt -__-).

Snow is writing a letter when the Huntsman catches up to her. She tells him that she doesn't know these woods and is resigned to her fate. He is baffled by the antics of "your kind" and reads the letter as Snow braces herself for the end.

The letter's contents bring a tear to his eye, but he draws his dagger anyway and.........!!!!!!

....swipes a reed and drills holes into it to make a whistle. He tells her to take it and run. The whistle will summon aid that can take her to safety if she should need it. Though confused, Snow is not one to look the gift horse in the mouth and flees.

Cut back to Graham sitting in Henry's room perusing his fairy tale book (if I was Regina, I'd have burned that thing, but whatever). After hearing that he tried to hurt MMarg/Snow in his dreams (and after being grossed out that he kissed his mom ^_~), Henry says he must be the Huntsman. He keeps seeing wolves because they are his family and are trying to help him. As for his connection with Emma, it is because Emma owes him her life. If she hadn't let Snow go, Emma would've never been born. Henry also tells him that in the book, TEQ takes his heart as punishment for letting Snow go - she wanted him to never feel again - something that resonates with Graham.

Flipping through the book, he recognizes the stag emblem from his dreams and Henry tells him that that it's her vault, where TEQ stores her hearts. Graham, totally on board with the fairy tale thing now, decides that the wolf is trying to lead him back to his heart.

Emma is waiting out front to take Graham home after hearing that he is running about town looking all kinds of crazy. Graham frantically tells her that he must find his heart by following the wolf. When Emma gently lays her hand on his chest to prove he has a beating heart, he insists that the physical beating of his heart is the Curse's way of misleading him. The fact that he is "missing" his heart is the only explanation for his lack of emotion (more specifically, compassion/love) in his life.

Emma is just about to declare him legitimately insane when the white wolf pops up behind them ^_^ Both take off after the wolf as it leads them to the graveyard with a mausoleum marked with a familiar emblem.

Seems like silver castle has gone all black now - the way we saw it in Episode 1.
Her conversion to evil is complete I guess :\

When Huntsman remarks how she's still in mourning clothes, TEQ replies that she found that black just suits her. She eagerly reaches for the heart but the Huntsman gives her the letter first. She commands him to read it to her.

Dearest Stepmother, by the time you read this, I will be dead. I understand that you will never have love in your life because of me. So it's only fitting that I will be denied that same joy as well. For the sake of the kingdom, I hope my death satisfies your need for revenge, allowing you to rule my father's subjects as they deserve, with compassion and a gentle hand. I know you think what you are doing is vengeance, but I prefer to think of it as a sacrifice, for the good of all. With that in mind, I welcome the end. I want you to take my last message to heart - I'm sorry and I forgive you.

That pisses off TEQ even more -_- and it doesn't help that the Huntsman berates her for hating someone who has put others before herself. We hear a bit more of what Snow did to TEQ: "I shared a secret with her. And she couldn't keep it. And that betrayal cost me dearly."

Tis the box like the one from Disney's Snow White!

Similar outfit too :D!

The Huntsman hands over the heart and watches nervously as she eagerly places it in a gold box in her vault. The ruse appears to have worked until a drawer in her wall of hearts fails to open - indicating the heart within is not human.

Graham's determination convinces Emma to go along with it and they break into the little building. He turns over vases and searches for a hidden door as Emma watches him with sad eyes.

Regina, holding a bouquet of flower which she brings to her father's grave every Wednesday, interrupts the party. Graham takes the blame for breaking in and refuses to go home with Regina. This enrages her and wants to know if he'd rather go home with Emma then. Graham says it has nothing to do with Emma, it's do with him - he doesn't feel anything with her and now he knows it's because of her. He wants to feel something and never will unless he gives himself the chance. Regina turns on Emma, demanding to know why she keeps taking everything she values away from her. Emma fires back saying she should take a good look in the mirror and think about why everyone is running away from her. A GENUINE catfight breaks out with both Emma and Regina throwing pretty painful looking punches. Graham separates them and Emma walks away. When Regina reaches out to Graham, he wordlessly moves past her and follows Emma.

Graham apologizes for his actions and Emma easily forgives him, admitting that she understands wanting to escape your emotions through mindless flings; it's the easy way out when what you are truly feeling sucks. The air is thick with unspoken words and sexual tension as we see both youngsters blushing at each other as Graham tends to Emma's wounds ;)

Meanwhile, Regina pays respects to her father, whose plaque mirrors the one he has on his gravestone in the fairy tale world.

After a moment, Regina pushes back the lid of the casket and lo and behold, a staircase! Kind of sucks because I'm sure Emma and Graham would've found it if they'd had a bit more time :(

....that's an unhappy recipient of a kiss if I've ever seen one.

In the circular room full of hearts (good lord, this woman needs another hobby), TEQ exacts her revenge on Huntsman for failing her. She plucks out a glowy heart and passionately kisses him.

She shows him her where she will cage his heart. To prove that he is now truly her "pet" and what she could do to him should he try to disobey her again, she squeezes the little heart. As she does he falls to floor in pain, in the throes of something like a heart attack. Her point made, she calls her guards and has him taken to her bedchamber >_>

Anddddddd Regina heads to her Storybrooke version of her heart room and pulls out a particular crystal heart.

Emma goes in for a kiss ^_^ And with her kiss, Graham sees his entire fairy tale life flash before him - the wolf, the thugs that threatened his wolf, Regina as TEQ and even how he lost his heart! He pulls away from Emma, whispering that he remembers. He tenderly takes Emma's face in his hands and thanks her.

In her lair, Regina holds Graham's heart in her hands. Though a moment of indecision flickers over her face, she begins to squeeze....and the heart bursts, turning into dust in her hands.

At the police station, Graham collapses... :( NOOOOOOOOO...

Comments
It was good to see one of the fairy tale characters actually regaining their full memory, though god knows the satisfaction was short-lived :( I was fairly lukewarm towards Graham's character most of the time - other than thinking he was nuts for getting it on with Regina - and happily, this episode fleshes out the reasons behind why he was. I also understand why he was killed off so quickly, though it was a pity to see him go just as Emma opened up her heart to him. His death definitively shows how serious the implications of the fairy tale world are to the characters in Storybrooke - the magic of the fairy tale world is just as deadly in the "real" world. While we all know that magic exists in Storybrooke, I think Graham's death shows just how powerful and immediate it is. It raises the stakes higher and his death is a good way to strengthen Emma's determination to free Storybrooke from Regina's clutches. It also underscores the enormous void that the Curse has left in Regina's life anas d it appears that the Curse is not so much that she can't love again, but that nobody will ever love her again.

One thing that baffles me: Narratively speaking, I think it would've been awesome if the wolf that caused Emma accident in Episode 1 was the same red eyed wolf.

Wolf from Episode 1.

Yet it can't be since that wolf didn't have the different colored eyes :\ I dunno, maybe Graham's wolf will come back later (hopefully to take a chomp out of Regina) and/or this golden-eyed wolf will become attached to Emma. Cuz you know, even though Graham is dead, maybe they can together via wolf "pets" :D?

Merry (Belated) Christmas & Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T16:58:00.000-08:00

Sooo I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas ^_^! As usual, I went on a cupcake-googling rampage looking for holiday dessert ideas again :) The fondant decorations are so pretty and festive!

I'm too lazy to work with fondant but one day...one day.... Maybe as a New Year Resolution ;)?

I found a couple New Year cupcakes (plus 1 cake) too. The silver disco ball ones fascinate me....but look disgusting >< Also I dug up my 2011 New Year Resolutions from last year, let's see how I did:

2011 New Year Goals List
1.) Procrastination! When something need to be done, do it right away!
Hrmm....not really. I think I got a little better, but I still have a way of putting things off to the last minute. This isn't going on my list again tho...I feel like everyone puts this on their list and it NEVER WORKS -_-
~~2.) Keep an updated address book.~~
SCORE. Though I am still decided what the ideal electronic contact book is for me.
~~3.) Sleep by midnight, get a full 8 hours. (tho I'm having doubts about this one already...)~~
WAY TOO SUCCESSFUL. I sleep far too much now -_-
4.) Keep up with this blog, strive to write more interesting posts and better reviews.
Hrmmm...ever since I've settled on my skincare routine, I think I've sort of lost interest in trying new products (aka no reviews). Also this goal was way too vague. I'm going to have to tweak this one to be more specific.
5.) Improve videos, make them more fun to watch, be creative...~~and start a vlog channel.~~
Uh....seeing as how my YT channel hasn't been updated for several months now....no. Though I did start a vLog channel ^_^!
6.) Take care of my health. Eat more veggies and try to cut back on sweets (...though my blog indicates this may not happen ^_~). Eat vitamin pills everyday (already doing this :D!). Overall, adapt a more balanced diet.
I do actually eat a lot more veggies and eat gummy vitamins everyday (Yum!) If I could just bring myself to exercise...all would be well.
7.) Master writing in Korean.
.... definitely not "master." My handwriting is that of a 5 year old. Gotta work on this more.
8.) Master speaking in Spanish and increase vocabulary.
What was I thinking? Mastering two languages in one year? I'm deluded.
9.) Make nonprofit work and volunteering an integral part of my life.
Sort of sort of. I volunteer regularly at an animal shelter now (yaaaaaaaahh) but I dropped the ball on donating. This goal is too vague...damnit.
10.) Drink more water! I hate drinking fluids (weird I know)...the need to pee just gets annoying :\ nic nic knows what I'm talking about ^_^. Yet when I do drink water I can really tell a difference in my skin....
Siiiiiii!!! I do :) I drink a lot more tea, which is just as good right :)?

4/10...not too good. Though I don't think it helped that I had way too many vague goals. Now for 2012!

2012 New Year Goal List
1.) Fine tune my electronic address book.
2.) Learn how to use Final Cut Pro: take that class in June. Make at least 1 video using new skillz :]
3.) Update blog at least 2x a week. And finish the Korea Trip 2010 series - good lord!
4.) Pass licensing exam by March.
5.) Finish Korean writing workbook.
6.) Donate $100 to H4H and $100 to another animal-related organization. Continue to volunteer at least 3 hrs/m at animal shelter.
7.) Visit NYC in March.

That is it! 4 hours till 2012 - man, this year has just flown by quick as a blink. This blog is already...1 year and 3 months old ^_^ Have a good one everybody!

Happy New Year!

A Small Bag Review (Vera Bradley, Tignanello)

2011-12-30T20:42:00.000-08:00

This is kind of a random review, particularly because I'm not much of a "bag person." I currently own 3 bags and really only use 2 of them; one is a Coach purse I only use for special occasions (aka never), one is a Tignanello black leather tote for work, and one a Vera Bradley mailbag in Java Blue for the weekends. I'm going to just chat about the Tignanello and Vera Bradley bags I've owned now because those are the brands I've used regularly.

First, my work bag! When one of the straps on my big, black Nine West bag snapped, I went on the hunt for a new work bag. I didn't care which brand, I just wanted it to be black, have a wide bottom, and be a shoulder bag. I found "the one" at Marshall's - a Tignanello tote that had the most sumptuous silk lining I'd ever seen ^_^ the picture really doesn't do it any justice - it's pure autumn in a fabric!

Features:

2 deep, wide pockets on the outside
1 zippered pouch on the inside
1 ID window on the inside
2 smaller (cellphone/passport sized) pockets on the inside (opposite of the zippered pouch side)
3 pen loops

The good (and there are many!):

The size. I can fit everything in here: my papers, my lunchbox, my umbrella, my makeup pouch :)~ love it!
The wide base with little metal feet. I was adamant on getting a wide bottomed bag because it "sits" better when you place it down and doesn't lose it's shape over time.
The generous pockets on the outside. This bag has pockets on both the front and the back, both lined in that beautiful silk. They don't close but the pockets are so deep that I haven't had a problem with things falling out of them. I keep my gum, tissues, hand sanitizer, and little odds and ends in these pockets.
The gorgeous silk lining! It's very "thick" silk...or satin (I don't know my fabrics well), so it hasn't torn and has a study heft to it that is MUCH nicer and durable than the polyester lining my Nine West bag had.
The zippered ends are protected with leather covers.
Overall, the stitching is impeccable with no loose threads or unraveling anywhere even after 6 months.

The bad (sadly this is not a perfect bag :( ):

The black leather material is very soft but is rather prone to scuffing. It's a decent leather but I dunno, it's not the prettiest leather I've ever seen in my life and I swear it sometimes transfers faint black smudges to my hands.
The brown leather strap material has a strange cheap shine to it. I haven't had problems with it at all, but something about it...
Another strap complaint. This is a little hard to describe...but basically, since the straps are wide and very, very smooth, the straps slide so easily off my shoulders. See how the straps on this one are folded in? The edges that pucker out make it so that it stays so much better on your shoulders. I wish they had folded in straps for this bag :(
The cheap looking zipper pull. Why did they put that stupid thread through it (see 1st pic)!?

Overall
Recommended! You can buy the bag here (has a different lining), though at $209 I don't think it's worth that much. I got mine from Marshall's for $80 (worth every penny), so I'd say poke around places like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx.

Ok, I admit it...I always thought Vera Bradley was a little tacky >< but when I recieved a Vera Bradley Mailbag as a gift last year, I fell in love! The Mailbag design is discontinued, but you can find it everywhere online in lots of different prints. Average prices run $50-65 on Ebay and more expensive for popular prints. I would say a bag like this is worth up to ~$60.

Features:

A front zip pocket
A zip pocket under the flap
3 little cell-phone sized pockets on the inside
Adjustable strap
You can zip the bag along the top as well

The Good:

Very well-made. This is an entirely cloth-quilted bag (a la Vera Bradley's style) but every stitch is in place and tight as a button.
Great bag design. The practical design of the bag won me over. The flap closes magnetically (so convenient) and the size is is just perfect. I regularly carry my iPad, a book, keys, cell, and wallet and it all fits great. I could also pop in an iPod and sunglasses with no problem. It gets a little "bludge-y"/out of shape if you put more in but if you want it to, it could fit in more.
The cloth material is remarkably durable. I had reservations at first, but it's been about a year and no stains and minimal fading so far. I'm still surprised how vibrant the colors are after all this time! And the shape of the bag has held up quite well too. I've grown fond of the whole cloth bag thing really; it's casual, fun, and makes a great pillow in a pinch ^_^ There's something quite cozy about it.
Great attention to detail, like the embossing of the brand name on all the zipper ribbons and on the adjustable strap ring. It's little touches like that that make a bag special.

The Bad:

I kind of wish the base of the bag could go a little wider so I could squeeze more things in but honestly, that's just me being picky.
If you don't have a lot in the bag and close the magnetic flap, the flap tends to puff up (see the last picture on the bottom row above).

Overall

Highly recommended. Obviously, I was being really picky but I still couldn't come up with many negatives. This is a perfect casual weekend-er kind of bag for people who aren't keen on slouchy, shapeless bags, which seem to be all the rage. I love this bag a lot, the crazy print has grown on me too :) Like I said, this bag is well worth at least $60.

.....which brings me to this: the Vera Bradley Mini Hipster. You know how I said the VB Mailbag design is retired? Well, they are currently selling a bag called the Mini Hipster that looks suspiciously similar in pictures to the Mailbag.

Features:

59 ¼" adjustable strap
Doubles as a purse and wallet
Four interior slots keep credit cards at hand (and a secure zip-top closure keeps them in place)
On back, one curved slip-in pocket for quick access
The full flap has a zippered front pocket and handy ID window underneath
Knot the strap to your perfect length

In a nutshell, I made the mistake of ordering this online because I thought it was an updated version of the Mailbag for a criminal $44 (go figure it's marked down now to $33.75). Let's just say when I received it, I almost shit a cow -_-

The Bad (there are no Goods):

This thing is TINY. While the the Mailbag could comparably fit an iPad or two, this thing will fit nothing but a Kindle, I swear. THIS THING IS BLOODY MINUSCULE. I'm not going to lie, I didn't read the fine print showing the measurements (6" x 8" x ½" - 59¼" strap) but I am telling you now - they aren't kidding when they say "doubles as a purse and wallet." You are literally getting a wallet on a string.
This thing is one of the most uselessly designed bags I've ever seen. The strap is very long (I'm 5'5'' and it goes past my butt) and this does not have an adjustable strap! i don't know what kind of poppycock they're going on about "knotting the strap" because let me tell you, it looks stupid. What a horrible, cheap idea.
The flap closes with velcro. Yes, the kind you see on kiddie shoes. So cheap, ugly, and not durable since velcro will inevitably lose it's "stickiness" after a couple uses.

The Good (an attempt at fairness):

Ok fine...the print is vibrant and the bag itself, for being a doll accessory, is well-made.
The packaging was very nice. It came in this monogrammed box and the bag was swathed in green tissue paper with a Vera Bradley sticker. Good for gift giving.

Overall
It beggers the imagination what this oversized wallet could be used for. I guess, according to reviews, if you carry nothing but a Kindle and lipgloss and are over 5'9'', you will love this bag. Otherwise, coming from a soul who likes to carry at least keys, a wallet, a cellphone, and a makeup bag and is 5'5'' - this thing was a poorly designed disaster. I returned this and do not recommend -_-

I will admit, however, most of the fault is on my side. Lesson Learned: Read the fine print very, very carefully. I still don't recommend this bag though.

Episode 6: The Shepard

2011-12-30T11:35:00.000-08:00

Heyyyy everyone :) I hope y'all had a great Christmas! I went on a Grimm marathon (all episodes are available rn) and finished writing these recaps over the holidays....man...there are few things in life as satisfying as a bag of chips, dip and Hulu. Grimm was a lot better than I thought it would be actually. The people I talked to all said it was kind of boring and while I hardly think Grimm is boring, I think I get why OUAT is more popular. Even though Grimm is well-crafted in its own right, there's something missing in the series for me - I don't get the gotta know what happens next feeling and there is little emotional resonance for me. Not sure why :\ but let's just say the only character I feel much affection for is Monroe and we're already 7 episodes in. Detractors of OUAT say it's just Lost with fairy tales thrown in, but I never got into Lost (only saw a few episodes here and there), so I guess I have the luxury of just enjoying this series as an easily impressed newbie :}

Dragon!

This episode gives us a peek into Prince James' aka Prince Charming's back story. Although I'd already read the short preview synopsis, I think this episode was still surprising in the way it deftly intertwined various fairy tales and made Prince Charming even more lovable :)

Episode 6: The Shepard

...I could do without all those awful lawn ornaments...

Kathryn and David Nolan stand in front of their marital home and Kathryn probes him whether he remembers how much he disliked the house at first and the windmill they used to have on the front lawn (which isn't there anymore btw). He doesn't remember anything and braces himself for the welcome home party they are holding inside.

Dr. Whale, Emma, Henry and Regina are among the party guests. In the corner, Henry tells Emma that the reason the curse hasn't had a chance to plant "fake memories" in his mind yet is because he has amnesia. Emma is her usual skeptical self, but Henry insists that just a few more encounters with MMarg ought to do the trick. After all, that's what woke David up the first place ;) Henry's pretty cute when he says that cuz he's so darn smug ehehe

David strolls up, feeling a little lonely in the crowd of strangers. When David forks a carrot with a toothpick, Henry coyly asks him if he ever used a sword before. David asks Emma is MMarg is coming tonight but no, Emma says that she can't.

Regina overhears David is asking Emma where MMarg is and she quickly approaches Kathryn, encouraging her to be with husband. Kathryn confesses that David is so emotionally distant that she doesn't feel that she really has him back. Regina comforts her, telling her that she once lost someone too, but that there was no getting him back (her dad?). Kathryn has a second chance with David, so she should go to him. Kathryn is grateful for Regina's advice and thanks her for being such a good friend *sigh* Despite everything, Regina does moved by her genuine offer of friendship....

...is that real emotion besides anger/greed I see on her face? So hard to tell >.< As for Kathryn, when she goes looking for hubby, he has vanished and nobody knows where he is.

David lovingly watches MMarg (unsuccessfully) hanging a birdhouse. He hangs it for her and asks if she quit volunteering at the hospital because of his confession. He tells her that whoever married Kathryn is gone and that the person he is choosing to be with is her. Pretty damn romantic....;_; MMarg (with valiant effort) turns him away saying that he is getting romantic feelings mixed up with thankfulness that she saved his life.

Charming is fighting a huge brute and appears to have been KO'ed. However, just as the giant goes in for the last killing blow, Charming leaps up (he was playing dead) and tells enemy to "make sure I'm really dead next time" before stabbing him.

King Midas is suitably impressed and the king in red, King George, proudly says that his son has "killed the un-killable." We quickly hear that Charming's kingdom is on the verge of bankruptcy and King Midas is offering quite a bit of gold if Charming can slay a dragon that has been terrorizing the kingdom. Midas warms him that the dragon has killed every warrior that has attempted to slay it, but Charming is confident in his abilities.

As a "down-payment", Midas has one of his soldiers remove the glove from his right hand "Be careful, remember what happened to Friedrick" (I'm betting that Friedrick is adorning someone's garden as a statue now) and turns Charming's sword into gold. While everyone is awed by Midas' power, Charming shows that he's not intimidated and jokes, "Forgive me if I don't shake on it." While everyone is horrified by Charming's audacity (his dad particularly), Midas laughs heartily and it seems that he is more impressed with Charming's cheek than his fighting prowess. He walks away with Charming's father to discuss the details.

Charming's band of loyal soldiers cheer over his victory but Charming tells them that this little fight was merely a test and that bringing the dragon's head to Midas is still crucial to saving the kingdom. Just as he smirks and says that it won't be as easy as killing that brute....

...the brute that he SHOULD HAVE MADE SURE WAS DEAD stabs him through the heart. Well...he did have it coming after what he said.

There is no timing for mourning, however, and everyone fears that Midas will pull his (monetary) support when he finds out James is dead. His body is removed quickly and King George has already recruited help in the form of a familiar face.

We find out that King George's son was the result of a deal with Rumple since the royal couple could not conceive. We do not find out what King George gave Rumple in the bargain, which I'm sure will be a nice surprise later :P. The queen has already passed away, unfortunately, so "conceiving" another son is out of the question. King George says he will give anything to have his son brought back. Rumple says in return for his dragon-slaying son, he wants to know the location of a fairy godmother that is a patron to King George. I wonder if this is the Blue Fairy or Cinderella's fairy godmother, who he killed in Episode 4. I suspect it would be Cinderella's fairy godmother....I'm guessing Rumple wanted a way to deepen his hold on a royal family aka have a royal child for himself/Cinderella's child.

Anyway, the King accepts and Rumple toys with him a little, revealing that "magic has its limits" and that he said "nothing about resurrection." After a bit more teasing, he finally reveals that his son had a brother - a twin.

...and we get a glimpse at the "real" Prince Charming we know and love (the other was a little too cocky for my taste), living a bucolic life as a shepherd.

MMarg is furiously washing dishes to distract herself from thoughts of David. Emma guesses what's on her mind and reminds her that David is still married.

Lost reference.

Also she needs to stop washing dishes...she needs a drink :) Emma tells her to stay strong and that if something feels wrong, it usually is.

At home, David is going through photos of his previous life trying to jog his memory. Kathryn tells him that she's going to bed and that he's welcome to join her. Sensitive to his discomfort, she says they can just sleep by each other's side or you know...*winkwink* To her disappointment, he says he'd rather talk.

She pulls him in for a kiss, but after a few moments he awkwardly pulls away, asking. "This...is it right?"

Charming is busy herding sheep when his mom comes home from the market. His mom tells him that the grain merchant's daughter is ready for marriage - and she has a dowry that could save the farm. Though you can tell Charming loves his mother, he is steadfast in his desire to marry for love. They will save the farm another way. She tenderly berates him, "When are you going to learn, you can't have everything."

"Or perhaps he can."

Charming finds out that they traded his twin brother back when they were poor(er). Their father had regretted the decision till the day he died. They never told him because the deal forbade it.

Rumple tells Charming that pretending to be his royal twin brother could be the farm's salvation. He wouldn't have to do any fighting, all he has to do is deliver the dragon's head to Midas after King George's soldiers kill it. He also slickly refuses to reveal what's in it for him and instead changes to the subject to how his mother will never want for anything again if he goes along with the plan. A brief flash of concern flickers over Rumple's face when Charming does not immediately agree. But in the end, he agrees, feeling that he has no choice.

While I was screencaping, the column to the right caught my eye - "Remnants of Seventeeth Century Colonial Settlment Uncovered at Harestock Bridge." Out of curiosity, I googled it and lord...I thought I was being so observant about these things but I guess not. That Easter Egg section is stuffed with bits of trivia...affirmation that I have delusional ideas about my observational skills and that there is no detail too small for a rabid fan to ferret out xD

Glowing clock = moon?

Dr. Whale swans up to MMarg, asking if she quit the hospital because of how he didn't call after their date. MMarg is dumbstruck, Whale-boy is ridiculous in his confidence, and I am barfing over what a slimy piece of work Whale is. Nonetheless, he somewhat nobly apologizes for being his actions and says that if she wants her position back, she knows where to find him *rolls eyes*.

As soon as he leaves, Regina sweeps in. She tells MMarg that David left Kathryn and is somewhat surprised to see that MMarg knew nothing of it. In any case, she tells her to back off as she is "this close to wrecking multiple lives." MMarg is not having a good morning.

Midas tells James that if he kills the dragon, he will be a legend. This "new" James is markedly less confident than his dead twin (for obvious reasons). One of King George's soldiers fixes his armor, which he put on wrong, and tells him that he need not worry about fighting. He's told to stay out of the cave and keep out of the way. All he needs to do is stay alive to deliver the dragon's head. "You may have the title of hero, but not the job." It's obvious that James isn't the only one who has little confidence in his dragon-slaying skills.

While trekking up the mountain to the dragon, we see the carnage of his previous victims. As planned, James is told to wait outside the cave. However, when he hears the screams of the soldiers inside the cave, even the two soldiers left to stay with him can't him from rushing to the aid of an injured soldier - the one that told him to stay out of the way no less.

Am I the only one who doesn't get why the bloody dragon didn't just breathe fire at him here?! Charming is friggin right in front of him! He just snaps at him for 5 minutes letting Charming take his jolly time chopping his head off...

A couple more soldiers get burned to a crisp as the dragon circles them breathing fire. I tried really hard to get a screencap of this, but failed. Basically, Charming leads the dragon into a narrow gap, forcing him to poke his head through the gap and getting stuck in the process.

With a single sweep of his golden sword, Charming slices off the head. Victory!

Speaking of, pure gold is pretty soft...so I dunno how a gold sword could make much of an effective weapon. Either that or Midas's hand doesn't create pure gold as much as gold mixed with alloy. But I digress ^^;;

MMarg is slicing open an envelope with a gold letter opener when David shows up all...charming...as usual. He declares his love for her again, but understanding where her refusal is coming from, he asks her to just think about it until 8pm tonight. If she wants to be with him, she'll find him where she saved him, if she doesn't show, he will never bother her again. He begs her think about it and tells her, "If you choose this, if you choose us - you know where to find me."....yup, that sounds a lot more romantic coming from David :)

Over at the police station, Graham comes bearing a ~~gift~~ bribe for Emma. He begs her to take the night shift just this once because the animal shelter he volunteers at needs someone to feed the dogs since the supervisor is sick. Hard to deny the whole animal shelter shtick (and donuts) so Emma sulkily agrees, munching on a bear claw.

MMarg comes running in, seeking advice from Emma on what to do. To her surprise, Emma tells her to go to him. After all, it's one thing to say he wants to be with her and quite another to actually take the initiative to do so. The fact that it would annoy Regina is just a bonus ;) Despite everything, you can tell MMarg is thrilled at the idea of choosing to be with him ^_^

At Granny's inn at 15 before 8, David prepares to leave for Toll Bridge. As he looks at the clock, he absently twirls his wedding ring.

Midas has quite suitably turned the dragon's head into gold and has it sent away to be placed in his garden. He congratulates James on his success and even bows his head to him, saying that he is the noblest prince he has ever met, but....

King Midas: I did not get to where I am by thinking small. I stand before you now because I dare to dream big. I was not just looking for a dragon slayer, I was looking for the strongest man in the land, a hero, someone who could unite the kingdoms, someone who I could be proud to call family. Bring her!

Gentlemen, may I present my daughter, Abigail. Beyond gold, beyond anything, I value her most. I promised her that I would only give her hand in marriage when I could find a companion worthy of her. And now I have.

Abigail: He killed the dragon? [insert haughtiest look in the world] I guess he'll do.

James just wants to go home to the farm but King George (who I'm starting to dislike more with each passing second) whispers that if he does not accept the marriage proposal, he will be bringing about the downfall of the entire kingdom. Also he will kill him, his mom, and burn the farm for good measure.

David is trying to find his way to the Toll Bridge when he bumps into Regina. He asks for directions and states that he has made his choice. Regina doesn't seem fazed by this at all and tells him to go to the fork in the road by Mr. Gold's Pawnshop, the left one will take him to the bridge. She sends him off with the cryptic phrase, "I hope you find what you're looking for."

When David gets to the pawnshop, there's no fork in the road so he heads into the hoarder's paradise. Go here for an obsessively detailed look into the many oddities David sees in the shop. He is drawn to the mobile that once hung over Emma's crib but Mr. Gold interrupts, remarking on the "charming" nature of the mobile. Mr. Gold doesn't seem surprised to hear he's lost and remarks that "she's has led you astray."

He gives him the correct directions but as David heads out, a windmill catches his eye. Mr. Gold says, "That old thing! That's been collecting dust forever." But as he watches the sails spin, David claims to remember once owning it. dun dun dun....

James comes to see his mother but the happy reunion comes to a jarring end when he tells her that Midas wants to unite the kingdoms and to keep the ruse up, mother and son can never see each other again :( The mother tells him to run away and essentially offers to die, at least then she'll know her son would be happy elsewhere.

Charming tells her he already accepted the offer, after all, "you can't have everything." His mum gives him her ring, which he should give to the one he loves, because "true love follows wherever this ring goes."

David runs up and MMarg, looking cute as a button, is thrilled to see him. However, he seems almost disappointed to see her and tells her that he remembers everything, particularly how much he once loved Kathryn. Even though David admits that he still has feelings for MMarg, the right thing to do is to go back to his wife. MMarg tells the right thing to do was to NOT lead her on but whatever, he's made his choice and "it just wasn't meant to be." (NOOOO)

While cruising around town during the night shift, Emma sees a dark figure coming out the window of the Mayor's house. She trips the guy as he comes around the corner -

- tis Graham :\! Clearly, not at the animal shelter. Emma quickly deduces that he is sleeping with Regina and is thoroughly disgusted when he tells her that he was going out the window because Regina doesn't want Henry to know. It's rather moving, though terribly pathetic, when Graham weakly adds that he does actually volunteer at an animal shelter :( But Emma is understandably having none of it and tells him to finish the shift - she's done working nights. She strides away with what looks suspiciously like a heartbroken look on her face :( :( :(

David goes back home and tells Kathryn he remembers enough to come back. He tells her that he never intended to leave her in the first place (before he got amnesia), he'd just needed some time to think. Basically, they kiss and makeup :|

Glaring at King George crowing over "mutual prosperity."

King George & Midas celebrate the union of the two kingdoms - George more delighted at the idea of "mutual prosperity" than anything else. Midas tells the couple to go on ahead to their new castle, the kings will follow shortly after they've arranged the financial particulars. Princess Abigail does seem to have a soft spot in her frigid heart for her daddy and as they part tenderly, George makes a small acknowledgement of the sacrifice the "new" James is making by thanking him and calling him "son." Somewhat resigned, the Shepard officially becomes "James" as he thanks his "father" :|

Abigail: Come, I'm tired of waiting.
James: Then our journey shall begin! I thought we might take the scenic route.
Abigail: *snort*
King George: Smile, son. You're on the road to true love.

*sigh* Not sure if George is trying to comfort the boy or just has a very loose definition of "true love."

Now we cut to scene we saw at the beginning of Episode 3, but this time we see the cloaked figure as well, smirking as she overhears Abigail haranguing James.

MMarg sits alone at the bar, twirling her ring. Dr. Whale joins her and offers her a friendly ear, "sometimes it's easier to talk to someone when you don't give a crap what they think."

MMarg: You ever walk into a situation when you know exactly what's going to happen?And then you go into anyway. And then when what you're afraid of happens, you kick yourself because you should have known better. But that's just who you are. So you keep punishing yourself.
Dr. Whale: No.
MMarg: How do you do that?
Dr. Whale: By never doing what's expected. Keeps life interesting. Can I buy you a drink?
MMarg: ...You can buy me two.

EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. Don't blame MMarg for living a little but meh, Dr. Whale weirds me out. Also I wonder if the Whale is buying her a drink cuz he likes MMarg now, knows how to hone onto a sad woman for a quick roll in the sack, or Regina put him up to it.

Comments

Overall, another solid episode! It added a nice layer of complexity to Charming and the silver ring; and it clears up why Snow and Charming are so particularly suited for each other. Though both are royalty, both have also lived as regular people and know money ain't everything.

Speaking of money, King Midas was a pretty cool king :) I like how they showed that the power of his kingdom wasn't (solely) based on his golden hand, but how he's a canny leader as well. I'd actually like to see more of Midas in the future. He seems like a smart guy who loves his daughter and I wonder how that will put him a odds with gold-spinning Rumple (surely the gold thing can't be a coincidence). Or perhaps Midas' golden hand is a result of a deal from Rumple!? Hmmmmmmmmmmm....^_^

The only things that somewhat irritated me in this episode werethe special effects and the stupidity of the dragon! I can live with the clunky special effects since they didn't detract from the story, however, that stupid dragon! Why did it suddenly stop breathing fire when Charming was 2 feet in front of his mouth?!

Episode 5: That Still Small Voice

2011-12-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh I have missed OUAT so much! Ahhhhh I need a life! I actually missed the last episode between work and sleeping (I must have been a bear in my previous life because I practically hibernate in winter). However, Episode 8 isn't airing till January 8....so plenty of time to catch up eh ;)?

Rumple's spinning wheel!

This was hands down one of my favorite episodes. The previous episodes were pretty good too, but most of the emotional resonance thus far has been centered around Snow White & Prince Charming's love imho. This story arc begins developing the back stories of one of the periphery characters - Archie Hopper aka Jiminy Cricket! We find out how Jiminy came to be as we know him today - a cricket and a conscience - and hits you right in the heart in the process. I think this episode is close to perfect in how it ties so neatly to the main Storybrooke storyline while still providing plot momentum, character development/growth for many characters, and fleshing out the worlds of Storybrooke and Enchanted Forest. Archie became one of my favorite characters after this episode and I hope this recap successfully captures why it did.

P.S. This isn't going to turn into a recap blog (believe it or not!). I have a couple reviews socked away that I need to edit pictures for *sigh*

Episode 5: That Still Small Voice

We open with a puppet show telling the story of a princess longing to be saved by a prince. As the audience watches obliviously, a little red haired boy creeps quietly through the audience cutting purses and stealing valuables.

The parents are supposedly a reference to the Pinocchio characters, The Fox & the Cat (see here).

After the show we see the little red haired boy's family gleefully counting their loot. The parents are a fascinating pair who have a dark sense of humor, few moral compunctions (or as we later find out - none), and little interest in their son's moral development or general happiness. The dad is exceptionally skilled at the sleight of hand and it's clear he is always practicing - after all, making coins disappear serve to both distract young Jiminy from moral questions AND is awfully handy for adding to his own purses ;)

Even as a youngster, Jiminny has a strong moral center and he's unhappy with their life as con-artists. He admires crickets because "they can do whatever they want - hopping from place to place. They're free." To which is his parents wittily reply:

Mom: You are free!
Dad: To do what we want.
Mom: To be who you are.
Dad: And you are who you are.
Jiminy: Well maybe I want to be something else. Maybe I don't want to steal. Maybe I want to be good.
Dad: All that from a cricket......"Good" is another word for "weak."
Mom: Let us do the thinking for you.
Dad: That's what parents are for.
Mom: To help you.
Dad: You are who you are and there's no changing that Jiminy.

Thus successfully summing up Jiminy's relationship with his parents :(

Henry sits with Archie in one of his therapy sessions and comments that Archie wasn't "always a cricket." Archie, in his usual warmhearted fashion, plays along and asks him why Henry thinks he's Jiminy Cricket. Henry tells him that it's because as a therapist, he shows people right from wrong - a conscience. When Archie playfully asks if all crickets in Storybrooke were once people too, Henry points out that there are no crickets in Storybrooke - there never have been. Archie just never noticed.

The conversation takes a serious turn when Archie asks him why it's so important to Henry that the fairy tale thing is true. When he replies that "It just is," Archie tells him to look deeper within himself because "I think something might be buried there."

At the police station, Emma and Graham banter over the deputy uniform having a tie (*sigh* kids ^_~) and their repartee is worthy posting because who doesn't love some smexy bantering ;)!? Clearly Emma's charming flirting techniques she inherited in healthy doses from both parents.

Emma: You don't have to dress a woman as a man to give her authority.
Graham: So you think you can get people to do what you want in that red coat?
Emma: I'm getting you to do what I want right now. [tosses tie+shirt back to Graham]
Graham: Well, at least wear the badge.

Jennifer Morrison is pretty cute when she's being flirtatiousness (rawr) and acquiesces to the badge wearing when Graham points out that wearing the badge means she's trying to be a part of the community. She needs to make an effort and make it official.

I swear there is a star motif going on with Emma!

As soon as Emma puts on the badge there's an explosion outside! This is very reminiscent of how the power lines crackled when Emma first got out of the car and the clock started turning in Episode 1....her acceptance of the badge has triggered another change ^_^ Clearly, Emma thinks so too as she nervously fingers the badge as phones start ringing off the hook.

Note: How glad am I that Emma isn't stupid? I hate it when TV show characters just don't get it and blindly deny things even when there is evidence otherwise. It's such a cheap plot trick to drag out the storyline and I'm glad that OUAT isn't taking the bait. A bit of denial is understandable and it's good to know that at least Emma isn't dismissing the whole idea out of hand.

At the outskirts of town, the old mines have collapsed and Ms. Mayor is none to pleased to find out Emma has to stay to help contain the crowds as the town's new deputy.

Regina's "bitch face." Can't be good for Graham.

Mayor and Graham exchange rather pointed, pissed off expressions though you have to admit, it can't be nice knowing your boy toy has a crush on the one girl who keeps making her life more difficult. Regina launches into Mayor-mode and tells the bystanders that she will make the area safe by bulldozing the area, collapsing all the mines, and paving over it.

Henry interjects telling his mom that she can't do that because "what if something is down there?" Well DUH. Even MORE of a reason for Regina to wanna pave over it wouldn't you say? Sometimes Henry is simultaneously both a genius and as dumb as a rock. After her speech, something catches Regina's eye and she bends over to pick up a shard of glass....

Ohoho...wonder what this is!

She slips it into her pocket but not before Henry notices - thus sparking his curiosity even more. Regina tells him to go wait in the car *snort* and on cue, less then 5 seconds later, Henry sneaks out and calls over Archie and Emma. Honestly, Regina is either a fool or a perpetual optimist for thinking Henry will ever do what she asks.

Henry, convinced that something is hidden in the mines, reminds them of Operation Cobra. Adorably, Archie is surprised to hear he's included in Operation Cobra though Henry exasperatedly retorts that "Of course you're in Operation Cobra. You know everything!" Uh...really? Anyway, Henry points out there's got to be something in the mines, after all it can't just be a coincidence that these mines just happened to collapse after Emma got here. Henry insists that it is Emma's presence weakening the curse that that Emma must have done something to make the mines collapse. A strange look steals over her face as she toys with her badge again and it's clear what is passing through her mind.

Regina interrupts and sends Emma away to cordon off the area and pulls Archie aside, furiously telling him that they need a new treatment plan. She's PO'ed that Henry thinks everything she does is some evil plot. In her opinion, Archie is just feeding Henry's active imagination and it's time to just pull it out by the roots. Archie worries that ripping away Henry's beliefs so suddenly will hurt him when Regina starts power tripping. If he doesn't do what she wants, everything he has will be taken from him. "This is my town. You will lose your office, lose your house and I will cut you down to size till you are a tiny shrunken creature." (whee cricket allusion!) With that, Archie bends and agrees to do what she wants :(

In fantasy land, Jiminy is now an adult but still very much under his parent's thumb. He pleads to just do the puppet show and cut out the "elf tonic" scam and stealing. His parents are the same as well - his dad is still a sleight of hand master and both are still adept at applying amusing and strangely logical arguments for their thieving lifestyle:

Dad: We steal from them. And they steal from someone else.
Mom: It's called an economy!
Dad: We're a vital part of it.

When Jiminy still wants to leave, his parents start laying on the classic guilt trip - a perennial favorite of aging parents - the "I'm going to die soon" card (some arguments never change, in the fantasy world or this one >_> eheh). "My hip! My liver! I have lumps in strange places. I have burning sensations. Just stay with us till we die!" *sigh*

Jiminy morosely sets up for another puppet show when a little boy with an umbrella bounces up, full of admiration over what he does. When Jiminy says he doesn't like what he does at all, the boy asks why he doesn't do something else. But Jiminy sadly says he can't because this is just who he is.

In the charming way of children, the boy says he came out in the rain to just listen to the crickets. The two share a tender moment as they listen to the crickets together and as he leaves, the boy gives Jiminy his umbrella. You can tell Jiminy is deeply moved by the gesture and the boy runs off saying he can't wait to see the show, leaving a wistful Jiminy listening to the crickets alone in the rain.

Marco pokes his head in for lunch but Archie, lost in thought, has forgotten to tell him that he has another patient. Marco is understanding and kindly tells Henry, who just arrived, to have a good session. Henry inquires if Archie is recruiting Gepetto aka Marco for Operation Cobra but Archie, in no mood for games, tells him to quit it. Undeterred, Henry says he can get proof for Archie and shows him a flashlight and candy bars (aka he's going to the old mines).

Archie snaps and tells him that everything Henry thinks is a delusion - a psychosis - and if he doesn't stop, he'll have to be locked up. Henry storms out leaving behind an broken Archie that seems as trapped as the Jiminy that umbrella boy left behind.

At the hospital, MMarg and David play hangman (ohhh perhaps an allusion to when Charming trapped Snow in a tree ^_^?) As always, this scene is full of cute as David says he'd never let MMarg hang/lose - he would've added "a toes, a hat, a horse." David still has no recollection of his past but has no trouble making new memories...adding meaningfully that maybe he'll like his new memories better (awwww still as charming as ever ^^).

The moment is interrupted when Kathryn arrives and a flustered MMarg excuses herself, leaving a rather lovelorn David behind :( It doesn't help that Kathryn seems to be truly loving and sincere in this life, warmly thanking MMarg for her help and bringing a box of photos to share with David. The last thing MMarg hears is David remembering Ajax, David and Kathryn's dog.

MMarg and Emma share s'mores (why are they always eating yummy chocolate-y things?!) as MMarg bemoans how nice Kathryn and how it makes it harder considering her growing feelings for David. Emma tellingly warns her not to get involved with a married man because it's just not worth the heartache. "Trust me." (Hmm....was Henry's dad a married man?)

Give this boy a cookie :'(

Before MMarg can inquire further, Henry shows up at the door in tears from his session with Archie.

Pongo Pongo Pongo!

Emma furiously confronts a depressed Archie who is nursing a drink with his dog (why is that rather endearing ^^?). She demands to know if it was Regina who put him up to this and wonders what could be worth "drowning out your own conscience." Archie is defensive but before he can argue, Emma gets a call from Regina. Henry is gone (again) and Archie, already guilt-ridden, tells Emma he knows where he went....

...the old mines...

Rumple is spinning gold thread (a hallmark of Rumplstilskin fairy tales) when Jiminy comes to his lair (clearly before his prison days), bearing possessions and names of the owners. In exchange, Rumple gives him a strand of gold thread. But with uncanny insight (it helps if you can see into the future I imagine), Rumple knows that Jiminy wants something more. Perhaps a potion, which can be drunk/sprinkled/whatever, to set him free from his parents?

Since Jiminy has nothing else to offer, Rumple "generously" offers him the potion in exchange for just leaving him what is left of his parents after the potion has done its work. Suspicious, Jiminy asks what will happen to them and Rumple mysteriously tells him not to worry since they'll be in safe hands. Despite the obvious fact nothing in Rumple's hands are safe, Jiminy takes the potion.

While Pongo finds a candy bar that Henry was carrying (apparently an allusion to Lost, Dharma Institute made Apollo Chocolate Candy Bars), inside the mines Henry finds another glass shard.

Not gonna lie, I thought it was the Magic Mirror.

As he ponders what it could be (or perhaps in reaction Henry discovering a physical piece of the fairy tale world), the ceilings of the mine begin to fall in - an aftershock! Archie dives into the mines just before the entrance collapses leaving Emma calling their names from the outside. At first Henry is thrilled to see Archie but when he sees that he's "still against him," he races deeper into the mines to find proof forcing Archie to follow.

Jiminy and family approach a cottage, zoning in on their new victims. Jiminy is still reluctant and his parents still don't care. They're going to pull the elf tonic scam whether Jiminy wants to to or not. The reasoning Jiminy's parents have for doing these crimes is quite astonishing and the episode is worth a watch just to hear them pigeonhole Jiminy with their oddly logical arguments. The Dad gives Jiminy the "elf tonic" which is in an identical bottle to Rumple's potion (I KNOW THIS IS TROUBLE).

Under the cover of a son with elderly parents needing a place to stay, the sweet couple welcomes them in. During the meal, the parents launch into a sob story of how the next town over is being ravaged by the plague. However, they're immune since they're taking elf tonic - something they only have a single bottle of left.

After cleaning them out, the parents waltz off leaving a guilty Jiminiy to hand over the little bottle. Their innocent gratitude has a profound effect on Jiminiy and after apologizing, he flings Rumple's potion at his parents.

Nothing happens O_o and after a beat, the dad laughingly reveals that he's not a sleight of hand master for nothing (I KNEW THE IDENTICAL BOTTLES WERE TROUBLE.) Horrified, Jiminy races back to the cottage.

But he's too late...

The dolls that we saw a glimpse of in the last episode.

We see just how callous Jiminy's parents are as they delight in the prospect of having new puppets for the show. To make matters worse, a familiar young boy runs in calling for his Mother and Father.

It's Umbrella Boy :(!

This was easily one of the saddest moments in this episode. Even with the Umbrella Boy's wobbly acting, Jiminy was just on-point, completely capturing his character's inner turmoil and helplessness. And I don't understand how actors do the "filling your eyes with tears without spilling a single drop" trick...! It's very moving when done correctly and boy does Jiminy deliver ;_;

Frightened, Archie is trying to convince Henry, who is distracted by "something shiny down there," to stop going deeper into the mines. Henry is still angry at Archie for saying he's crazy, but Archie's sincerity and blunt confession of how he's afraid not because of Henry's "craziness" but because they are friggin trapped underground with no way out - finally gets Henry to realize they are, in fact, in lots of danger.

How much do I love how Red is just lounging in the background holding Pongo's leash ^^?

On the surface, they are unsuccessfully trying to re-open the entrance. Marco is touchingly faithful in his belief Archie will keep Henry safe as the workers dig at the collapsed entrance.

Emma and Regina fight: Regina lashing out at Emma for encouraging his imagination and Emma accusing her of making Henry feel like he has something to prove. The level of distress on Regina's face is something we haven't seen since her father's death (or shall we say murder :\) and surprisingly, Regina actually asks Emma to help her. I was starting to question it, but it seems that despite everything, Regina does love Henry in her own way. Marco comes up with the idea of using explosives to punch open the entrance.

Meanwhile, by following the sound of Pongo's barking (yahhh!!), Archie and Henry find an abandoned airshaft that goes straight to the surface. Unfortunately, just as they get the elevator working, the workers on the surface set off the explosives.

Awwwwwww! Pongo's scared little whimpers just before the explosion went off brought a tear to my eye~

The explosion 1.) does not punch through the entrance and 2.) causes the elevator to stop working and 3.) is a glorious excuse to see Pongo looking all kinds of adorable in a fire truck.

At the hospital, David persuades Emma to escort him on a walk outside, which is part of his physical therapy. As they walk, he confesses that he still doesn't remember anything and in fact lied about remembering their dog. It's just that Kathryn is so loving that he feels guilty that he can't remember anything; he grumbles how anyone could name a dog "Ajax" anyway. He reveals how he "feels like he woke up in a strange land and none of it feels real"...except her ^_^

With impeccable timing, Kathryn *sigh* shows up bearing cranberry muffins, which used to be his favorite, and says she came even though visiting hours are over because she just wanted to see him - confusing MMarg even more :(

Meanwhile, since the explosives didn't work, Gepetto suggests that if they could just find exactly where they were underground, they could drill down to them and lift them up. Emma is way ahead of them and Pongo quickly finds where they are underground aka the entrance of the airshaft.

Underground, Henry apologizes for running off. Archie apologizes too and admits that he doesn't think Henry is crazy. He explains that Regina just gets scared when Henry wanders off the path she sees for him and adds that despite her wishes, Henry should be free to do and think what he wants. When Henry asks why he said all those things to him if he doesn't even believe it, Archie sadly replies that he's just not a good person...he's not the man he wants to be. Henry voices his faith in him and tells him that before he was a cricket, Jiminy Cricket was also a man, a man who took a long time to figure out who he was.

With the shaft open, Emma and Regina argue over who should go down to them though Regina eventually gives in since she has been behind a desk for the last 20 years :\ However, she pleads to Emma, in a way only Regina can, to just Henry back to her - a command wrapped as a request that unequivocally claims Henry as her own. Also, am I the only one who is wondering why Sheriff Graham isn't offering to go down there!?

Still waiting in the elevator, Henry and Archie share a candy bar and talk. When Archie asks again why the fairy tales are so important to Henry, he shows his first sliver of doubt as he answers that there just has to be more to life than this. He wistfully says he came into the mines to find proof for his beliefs, but didn't find anything. Archie comforts him, saying that before Henry found him, he was lost. Even though he doesn't "remember (his fairy tale origins)", he does now remember the kind of person he wanted to be, he just needs to listen harder :)

Just then Emma comes to the rescue, but just has Emma gets Henry into her arms, the elevator begins to shift with Archie still inside! Archie's last words before the elevator crashes down to the bottom of the shaft is that it will be okay ;_;

And it is! Thank god (my heart dropped with the elevator seriously) - the umbrella has saved the day! Archie hooked his umbrella to Emma's harness at the last minute. I didn't see that little twist coming at all - so unexpected and perfectly thematic ^_^!

Back on the surface, warm hugs all around (with Regina pulling Henry away from Emma). Most touching is the heartfelt embrace between Marco and Archie. I think this is when having strong actors for the side characters takes a good show to a great show - even though Marco has had a relatively small role, the emotion on his face when he sees Archie just really kicks the scene up another level~ I definitely shed a happy tear!

Sadly, Emma is quite literally pushed away from Henry and told to go clear the crowds while Regina lovingly tends to Henry.

Afterwards, Archie pulls Regina aside and tells her that he will continue to treat Henry the way he sees fit. Regina may do her worst, but he will always do his best. In any case, her threats are empty. He sees a custody battle in the future (ohoho) and to judge who is the most fit parent, an expert will be brought in. As the therapist who has treated the child, it would unquestionably be him. Keeping that in mind, Regina should let him treat Henry as his conscience tells him.

Looking up at the night sky, Jiminy wishes "so loud" that the Blue Fairy comes to his aid. But to his dismay, she can't bring the boy's parents back though Jiminy says he would trade his life to reverse the spell. The Blue Fairy suggests that although he may not be able to bring his parents back, he could perhaps help the boy, who will face many challenges. In despair he says he can't go to the boy because of his parents, they define who he is. However, if he could be anything he wanted...to the sound of crickets chirping, he makes his wish.

The Blue Fairy transforms him into an adorable cricket and he chirps in delight over how free he feels *squee* If he just finds the boy, he will live as long as the boy needs his help.

Jiminy: How will I? I don't even know his name.
Blue Fairy: His name...is Gepetto.

Whaatttttttt! I thought it would be Pinocchio or something - though it makes sense that it's not since we've already seen Pinocchio to have red hair. Speaking of, I wonder if a coincidence that the same red haired kid plays both Pinocchio and young Jiminy.... Anyway, it's so much more fitting that it's Gepetto after all :) And I don't even like bugs but the seeing a cricket dressed up in a little suit with an umbrella just...awww.....

Emma and Henry watch the two friends hash over the day's events; their closeness seems to be almost that of father and son. As everyone gets up to leave, Henry suddenly remarks that he can hear crickets! Something has changed...the crickets are back :)

DOTH I SEE A GENIE'S LAMP!? Omg, I would love to see Jasmine, Aladdin, and Genie! This can't be a coincidence! We got a glimpse of these dolls in the last episode so fingers crossed that we'll see the Aladdin crew soon.

The camera pans through town and we see Mr. Gold closing up shop with familiar dolls as company and MMarg submitting a letter of resignation from her volunteer position.

As the rescue party celebrates a successful day, Regina stands apart from the crowd, toying with the shard of glass she put in her pocket earlier (speaking of, what happened to Henry's piece of glass?) She seems to know what it is and drops down the airshaft.

...where it lands among the shattered remains of a familiar glass coffin....

Comments
There's a lot I liked about this episode, but most of all, I enjoyed how heartfelt it was. I think many people can connect to the struggles of becoming who you want to be and the longing for a different life. Marco and Archie's friendship are the core of this episode and I love how the fairy tale back story added a new depth to their friendship. The twist of how the little boy was in fact Gepetto, not Pinocchio, was surprising (to me at least even though it was pretty obvious it wasn't Pinoccohio now that I think of it >.<). I wonder if they will explore what happens when/if Gepetto ever found out who Jiminy Cricket was in human form...

The banality of evil also resonated with me. At first, Jiminy's parents just seemed to be greedy, selfish, and generally lacking a moral compass...but not evil. At least until we see how they delight in the absolutely unjust misfortune of the couple. I think their total lack of pity for the people who were kind to them - they even wanted to use them as puppets for god's sake - drove home the point that evil isn't always so...obvious and magical, like Rumple. Evil does not always crawl around on ceilings cackling psychotically. Evil can be common and rooted in everyday actions - Jiminy's parents were ultimately just as evil as Rumple and indeed their manifestation of evil is more dangerous because it seems so ordinary. There is nothing distantly magical about their evilness - their brand of evil is found everyday in the people that act selfishly without a care for others around them, in our very own world.

Last comment: Gosh, I love how Pongo got a small yet ever so important role in this episode *sigh* omg, can Pongo meet his mate too? And Jiminy Cricket...the miniature umbrella, top hat (in Episode 1), and waistcoats are just killing me...so cute. And the umbrella - an inanimate object saves the day!

We didn't get too much Snow-Charming this time around but the next episode is all about Charming so I can wait ;) Overall, this was sweet, well-thought out episode that was a fresh outlook and added a human touch to a classic fairy tale character.

Episode 4: The Price of Gold

2011-12-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

I just noticed that the intro for each episode is different depending on the story! This time there is a winged fairy, episode 3 it was a troll, and in episode 2 there was a unicorn ^_^ And no, I don't know if the fact I noticed that is actually a good thing. Anyway, we get introduced to a new character this time. Tis Cinderella! I initially thought that Kathryn Nolan might be Cinderella (the blue and blond hair threw me off) but I guess not.

Rumple is back to so yahhh -- he's so bad ass! I want to dunk him in the bath every time he's on screen but by gosh, he's a fantastic villain :)

Episode 4: The Price of Gold

Three fancily dressed ladies (no doubt the stepmother and two stepsisters) mount a carriage to go to the ball as fireworks explode in the night sky. Cinderella watches longingly, dreaming of escape from her life as a drudge. But today's her lucky day as her fairy godmother shows up!

The fairy godmother shows her her wand and says it can make all her dreams come true. Unfortunately for the fairy godmother, this is her unlucky day and in a blinding flash of light she's vanishes in a puff of smoke! A dirty hand picks up the wand of the dead fairy.

Yup, Rumple is back. This must be before the days he got pitched in jail because right now he's clearly roaming free (and slightly better dressed). He tells Cinderella that she should thank him for killing her fairy godmother because "all magic has a price." Cinderella, desperate to escape her miserable life, says she will do anything if Rumple teaches her how to use the wand. Pleased, Rumple says that all she has to do is sign on the dotted line, which Cinderella does eagerly.

Jeez, look at that fine print. Rumple clearly moonlights as a lawyer.

No reading the fine print for her I guess (of which there is a lot). With a flick of the wand Cinderella is transformed into a veritable princess, glass slippers and all. Rumple merrily sends her on her way telling her to watch the clock.

In Storybrooke, Emma walks Henry to the bus stop as he ponders the need for code names. Emma tells him to just call her Emma. After Henry gets on the bus, Sheriff Graham drives up and offersher a job as deputy - perhaps she wouldn't mind staying awhile, setting down some roots *winkwink*

Always one to ruin a good cup of cocoa, Regina swans in and remarks that she doesn't mind Emma walking Henry to the bus since it all comes down the number seven - the number of addresses Emma has had in the past decade. She knows Emma never sticks around in one place too long. She should consider a clean break since Henry will be hurt when she leaves again.

After she leaves, Emma spills her cocoa :( and Ruby lets her use the laundry room.

Here we meet a 19 year old Ashley Boyd, pregnant and living the life of a maid. She expresses her anger about how nobody thinks she can care for her child when it's born and this strikes close to home for Emma since she had Henry at 18. She tells Ashley to take her life into her own hands because there are "no fairy godmothers in this world."

As Mr. Gold closes up for the night, a strange expression crosses his face, but he continues to lock up and leave. Moments later, Ashley breaks in.

I think this is the mobile that hung over Emma's crib in the fantasy world.

:P creepy...

Clearly the odd expression on Mr. Gold's face as he was leaving was him having a premonition of some sort. He shows up behind Ashley and asks her what she is doing. "Changing my life!" With that, Ashley sprays him with mace, takes something from the safe, and flees.

At Regina's humble abode, Madam Mayor is primping to go to a Saturday morning city council meeting. She tells Henry to stay inside (aka away from Emma) and that she'll be back at 5pm. Henry, being Henry, waits impatiently for her to leave and promptly runs out of the house >_> Regina should just tie him to the bed, seriously.

At MMarg's house, Mr. Gold comes to visit. He requests Emma's help finding Ashley, who has taken something precious from him. He wants Emma to find her because going to the police will ruin Ashley's life and also he doesn't want to say what his stolen property is. Emma agrees to help for Ashley's sake and Henry bursts in.

Henry is a little reticent around Mr. Gold and asks Emma if she knows which fairy tale character he could be. Interesting that Henry seems to know just about EVERYTHING yet hasn't figured out that Mr. Gold is Rumple. Doesn't the fairy tale book mention him? He seems like such an important character. Makes me wonder if maybe Mr. Gold is one that put the book in circulation. Anyway, Henry guilt trips Emma into letting him look for Ashley with her - "I just want to spend time with you!"

Doth I see Jasmine in the lower right corner :D?

Cut to Cinderella, blissful on her wedding day to Prince Thomas. Prince James and Snow are guests of the wedding, already married themselves.

Ella is warmly welcomed by the royal family. The King is eagerly anticipating grandchildren and Snow tells her what an inspiration she is - she's changed her life. Then Rumple crashes the party (though nobody seems to be able to hear or see him except Ella).

Ella is unhappy to see him but admits that she has received everything she desired. He then names his price - her firstborn child.

Ella packs but her husband returns early from his hunting trip. She confesses that is leaving because she foolishly made a deal with Rumple before they met. Now she is pregnant and he wants their firstborn.

Thankfully, her hubby understands. He says though magic may have brought them together initially, it didn't create their love. He says the solution is to force Rumple to make another deal, though Ella fears the consequences.

To gather intel, Emma and Henry go to Ruby, Ashley's friend. She tells them that Ashley's boyfriend dumped her and hasn't spoken to her since he found out about the pregnancy.

Ruby's car is being towed and Ruby tells the workers to be careful since they almost shattered her good luck wolf charm O_o is SHE the wolf? Who is the wolf? Maybe the guy that MMarg had a terrible date with since the wolf lusted after Red in some versions of the story?

Anyway, we also find out that Ashley has two stepsisters and a stepmom she doesn't get along with - Henry immediately draws the (correct) conclusion that she's Cinderella. Ruby defends Ashley, saying that she is ready to be a mom. She's taking night classes and working hard to get her life together. In any case, Ruby suggests that they talk to the ex.

Sean Herman is Ashley's ex and lives with his wealthy father. Unlike the fairy tale version, the father is not warm and welcoming. He's the one that broke them up. The father is very domineering and though Sean is clearly concerned, the dad sends him away. He then tells Emma that he is the one that found Ashley the deal - someone is going to buy the baby from her for a great deal of money. Emma is horrified and quickly realizes that the baby is the thing of value that Mr. Gold wants from Ashley. Emma is determined to let Ashley keep the baby if she wants - even if it means breaking Mr. Gold's deal. Henry tells her nobody has ever broken a deal with Mr. Gold and why doesn't Henry still doesn't know he's Rumpelstiltskin?? Even tho he does seem to have an innate dislike of him....

Love how the wallpaper is woods a la Little Red Riding Hood :)

Emma returns to Ruby's place, annoyed that Ruby didn't tell her that Ashley had sold the baby, though Ruby says it's because it was none of her business. Then Emma sees the good luck wolf charm on the counter and she realizes Ruby sent her to Ashley's ex to give Ashley a chance to drive away in Ruby's car. Ruby refuses to talk in front of the "mayor's kid" and Emma sends him away - Henry being remarkably cooperative for once.

Ruby then tells her that Ashley's trying to go to Boston and left about 1/2 an hour ago. Lo and behold Henry has smuggled himself in her car! He's convinced that something bad is going to happen to Ashley since Storybrooke residents can't leave town. They need to hurry and find her before something happens so Emma doesn't have time to take Henry back home (to his great pleasure).

The two princes, Grumpy, and Ella walk through the mines that they have built to be Rumple's future prison. When she asks how they will get him into this prison they tell her of their plan. Rumple's greatest strength is also his greatest weakness - he can't resist making deals. And luckily (or unluckily), he wants to deal with Ella, as conveyed by one of Snow's blue birds.

What Ella will do is tell Rumple she is actually pregnant with twins. If he wants both babies, which he will, he'll have to sign a new deal. When he signs the deal he must use a red quill that the Blue Fairy created, which will make him magically impotent and allow them to imprison him. All Ella needs to do is get him to sign with the quill. Ella is frightened at the thought of using more magic because that too may come with a price. However, her hubby comforts her saying he will pay any price to ensure her and their child's safety. Drawing strength from seeing the prison that will soon hold Rumple, Elle decides to do it.

Henry and Emma find Ashley's car crashed at the side of the road. Emma is on the ground uninjured but on the verge of giving birth. Racing back to Strorybrooke, Emma asks Ashley if she truly wants the baby. If she keeps it, her life will change forever. Emma admit she wasn't ready to have the baby (Henry winces a little hearing this) and that running away will never be an option again. Ashley still wants the baby.

Ella meet Rumple and tells him of the twins. In exchange for twins, she wants the promise that her husband's lands are made fertile again. Rumple immediately agrees - so eagerly that Ella is taken aback by his enthusiasm. If he wants both children then all he must do is "sign on the dotted line."

Something I gotta say - if everyone knows Rumple can see into the future - one wonders why someone would try to trick him...won't he see it coming? Rumple even comments on the "pretty quill" (which sets my alarm bells ringing) and reminds her again that all magic has a price and that if she should say, try to use the quill to imprison him (cue me groaning) - her debt to him would only grow. Is she sure she will be happy with the new contract? Ella soldiers on and asks him to sign regardless. With a knowing smile (sighhh), he does.

As soon as he signs, he is frozen. But even as the king's men surround him, his smile does not fade.

Rumpelstiltskin: No one breaks deals with me deary. No one. No matter where you are, no matter what land you find yourself in. I assure you, I will have your baby.

At the hospital, Henry wonders why Emma is the only one who can leave Storybrooke. As for Henry, he left but he came back and he's only 10, he has no choice (this explanation doesn't sit well with me. He seems to be making a lot of choices on his own and his actions brought Emma in the first place...but whatever). He calls Emma the savior because she can choose to come and go as she wishes. The doctor (an Asian lady, Mulan perhaps :D?) tells Emma that Ashley is fine and had a healthy six pound girl. Then Mr. Gold shows up and thanks Emma for bringing back his merchandise.

Ella worries if they really won but is comforted when hubby tells her he picked out a name for their baby girl - Alexandra. She suddenly has pregnancy pains and he runs to fetch her water from a well. The pains pass and Ella calls out for Thomas to return - but he's gone, leaving behind nothing but his cloak by the well.

Furious, Ella confronts Rumple, who's sitting in a cage. Rumple claims he knows nothing but sneeringly reminds her that all magic has a price and it looks like "someone just paid." James tells her they will find Thomas but Rumple triumphantly tells her that until she pays her debt and her baby is his - she will never see Thomas again.

Emma tells Mr. Gold not to take the baby. True to form, Mr. Gold tells her that they have a contract and nobody breaks a contract with him. If Ashley does, he'll have to involve the police (since Ashley broke into his shop) and baby will go to the foster care system - a place Emma didn't enjoy too much herself. Emma is pretty fierce in this scene when she coolly challenges him to press charges. She suspects that Ashley broke in to steal back the contract promising him her baby. She bets that the contract isn't entirely legal and she wonders what other secrets about Mr. Gold would come out if they went to court.

Do I detect a frisson of fear on Mr. Gold's face :D? In any case, he recovers quickly, even voicing admiration for her spunk and her lack of fear towards him. But he's not going to just tear up the contract. After all, contracts, deals are the "very foundations of a civilized existence." Interesting way to put it...and not necessarily wrong.

He makes another offer - if he lets Ashley keep the baby, Emma will owe him a favor - yet unnamed - in the future. Though suspicious, Emma accepts the deal. While I sigh over the trouble this will cause later, I can't blame Emma for doing it :\

Henry and Emma tell Ashley that she can keep her baby. Thankful, Ashley tells them her baby's name is Alexandra. Noticing that it's almost 5pm, Emma and Henry race to get him home.

In another part of town, Regina is getting redressed from what was clearly not a Saturday morning council meeting. She was having a liaison with a man that's currently in the shower. She tells the man to pick up his socks, which are under the bed.

On the drive home, Emma tells Henry she wants her code name to be Pumpkin, in honor of Cinderella. Henry has a better name in mind for her (oOo Must know!!), but coyly adds he's not sure if she's ready yet >_> gahhhh Henry gets home in the nick of time, accidentally leaving a shoe on the stair (Cinderella!). He pretends he's been reading all day and Regina is none the wiser and scolds him not to leave shoes on the stairs because someone could get hurt.

At the hospital, Sean comes with a gift - baby shoes - which are a perfect fit. He's back for good and they reconcile. Emma has brought a happy ending back to one fairy tale couple :)

Stars seem to be a bit of theme with Emma...the star candle, the key chain thing. Hmmm...

Emma calls Sheriff Graham to accept the job offer to be deputy. When she inquires whether Regina would be okay with this, he says he doesn't care, it's his department. He says he'll see her Monday. He really does sound a little flirtatious.

Then we see Regina's lover who left his socks under the bed...

...it's Sheriff Graham.

Comments

The last twist was fabulous - I didn't see that coming! It's odd that they make it seem like Graham has a thing for Emma tho (even Regina commented on it) - but I wonder if it's genuine interest or a plot. I didn't peg him as type to want to have a fling with such a hard-nosed woman like Regina...but then if he likes Emma, who's also pretty tough herself (though not heartless)...maybe he just likes girls with a bit of edge. Naturally, the next question is who Graham really is - a devoted follower of Regina under the guise of a rebel or someone who is truly going through a change of heart. Accounting for how Graham is a "follower" of Regina yet has a soft spot for Emma makes me think he's definitely the Huntsman - specifically, the Huntsman who let Snow White go free.

And I was happy to see Rumple again - he's one of my favorite characters! I like how the fairy tale version is the stereotypical, crazy, evil villain but his Storybrooke counterpart is slick, soft-spoken yet no less wicked. I guess the message is that evil can have many faces and the Storybrooke version actually scares me more with his facade of politeness.

The Cinderella storyline was pretty entertaining but I want to see more Snow and Charming ^_^! And for god's sake why can't Henry just tell Emma who her fairy tale counterpart is >.<?!