By News Editor: Kayla McClain
Before I get started, please excuse any moments of extreme fan-girl outbursts. I will do my best to be professional, but one can only contain so much until the amount of deep character development and surprising plot twists get the best of me. First of all, if you don’t like this show, you need to rethink your life choices. If you have never heard of this show – and most have not, because it is definitely underrated – come along with me as I enlighten you.
As children, generally we are brought up with knowing the basic fairytale characters, such as Snow White, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and so on. Going back to 2011, creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz invented new stories for these classic stories we all know and love. In order to explain the show, I don’t want to give out any ‘spoilers’ for those who have not witnessed this beauty, but it is a bit confusing, so try to keep up.
The first season introduced the main characters in their magical land, The Enchanted Forest. Snow White, as is in the original story, was put under a sleeping curse by her ‘nemesis’, The Evil Queen, otherwise known as Regina Mills. She soon wakes up from Prince Charming’s kiss, with still having a vengeful Queen after her.
The twist is that Regina wasn’t always evil, but with the help of the powerful Rumplestiltskin, also known as The Dark One, he taught her magic and the ways of destroying happiness. In my opinion, although Rumple is evil, he is one of the most loveable characters on the show. He always believed with his cowardly actions, nobody could love him. And nobody did, that was until, Belle came along.
As for Snow, she woke from the sleeping curse, and she has a baby with Prince Charming. However, Regina casts another curse on all the land that sends all the characters to a town that she created in our world, Storybrooke, Maine. Everyone lost their memories, time stood still, and thought they were all citizens that lived out their fake lives in the small town. In order to break this curse, they needed a Savior.
The Savior happens to be Snow White’s and Prince Charming’s daughter, Emma Swan. She was brought up in the land as an orphan, never knowing The Enchanted Forest exists, or who her real parents were. At age 18, she has a son named Henry, but she gave him up for adoption because she didn’t believe she was fit to be a mother. She becomes aware of her fate ten years later when Henry shows up at her doorstep, dragging her to Storybrooke to break the curse.
As you can see, the show likes to intertwine characters from their original stories. The first and second season sets out for depth and Emma spends time in The Enchanted Forrest, meeting more colorful characters, such as Captain Hook, Mulan, and Sleeping Beauty. While she is still trying to absorb her new life, she attempts figuring out how to get everyone back to their homeland.
Currently in the third season, fans are drooling over the fact that the writers introduced the new character, The Wicked Witch. During the events of the midseason finale, all characters were sent back to the Enchanted Forrest except Emma and Henry. To say the least, it was not the happy ending the family was hoping for, but rather far worse.
As a hardcore “Oncer”, as the fans are called, I can’t help but flail at every new character, or every suspenseful plot with the magical aspects that are incorporated. Ever since I discovered this show, it is probably disturbing of how much I look forward to watching new episodes every Sunday. But it is not only me who feels the same way. Senior Daniel Bonello was the one who introduced me to the series, and he agrees that it is definitely worth a watch.
Bonello says, “People should watch it because it’s a fun and deep show that a lot of people can relate to with the characters. Obviously, people can’t relate to being ripped out of their land and being put under a curse, but they can relate to the feels.”
As much as it pains me to say it, I also think there are some faults to the show. There are times when lines or phrases seem repetitive, such as “Magic always comes with a price” or “I will always find you.” But, those are some catchy themes that the show wants to get across, and to touch the hearts of fans when used at the right moment. Some plot points are a bit redundant and predictable, but the show makes up for these faults by adding new rivalries and magic that is just irresistible. Nobody’s perfect, right?
The premise of this show is not just about magic and stories, although that is one element that intrigues me. As it may bring nostalgia, it adds twists and intensity to the setting and characters. Not only does it explore the land of imagination, but the morals bring the show back to reality. Throughout every episode, you can bet that there are deep and true meanings that can relate to anyone’s lives. Whether it is about love, family, hate, or even loss, it is incorporated in the show. And so it does not get too deep at every waking moment, there is added humor and sarcasm to lighten the feels. There is something for everybody to enjoy, so next Sunday at 8 p.m., be sure not to miss the next enticing episode.
“I’m looking forward to getting all my questions answered with this next season,” Bonello says.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rga4rp4j5TY&w=560&h=315]
