Finale Recaps & Questions: 'Once Upon a Time', 'Revenge'

"And Straight On 'Til Morning"

Developments in the storyline for ABC's spellbinding fantasy/drama series reached new depths this season. Emma's former lover, Neal, is also Baelfire, the abandoned son of Rumplestiltskin (Mr. Gold), not to mention Henry's father, making Henry the grandson of the Dark One. We met Captain Hook's scheming character and learned of his storied rivalry with "the crocodile" (also Mr. Gold). We saw Mary Margaret (Snow White) blacken her heart by murdering Regina's mother. We saw Emma struggle with the idea of returning with David (Prince Charming) and Mary Margaret back to the enchanted forest, and the constant dissonance between Emma and Regina over Henry. More crucially, we encountered the first outside intruders to Storybrooke, Greg and Tamara, who nearly succeed at vanquishing the town of it's magic. Of course, the episode prior to the finale brought into play what Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz began developing after season one: the incorporation of Peter Pan and Neverland. Baelfire landed in London after being abandoned by his father, where he encountered Wendy Darling. Although, Horowitz and Kitsis have chosen to treat Pan as a ghost villain, and seemingly the primary antagonist for next season. The "lost land" is not the Neverland of typical depictions, but rather a loyal troop of orphans serving Pan, who is never shown or referenced by name (in Voldemort fashion for Harry Potter folks). As we now await the third season of TV's most intricate fantasy series, here are the burning questions fans should be asking in the meantime:

- Rivals became allies in the final scene as Captain Hook, Mr. Gold, Regina, and the Charmings sail into the portal to rescue Henry from Neverland. How will sworn enemies co-exist in these efforts?
- "The prophecy" states that Henry would be "the undoing" of the Dark One. Is Mr. Gold truly bent on saving him, and to what end?
- WHAT EXACTLY is Captain Hook's connection to Baelfire?
- Is Baelfire even dead?
- Mr. Gold mentions his familiarity with Peter Pan in the final minutes. What experience has he had with Pan, and just how dark will his character be?

"Truth" (Pt. 1, Pt. 2)

The drama lives on in the Hamptons. To back track, this season began with priorities surrounding Emily Thorne's mother and "The White Haired Man". We've since met members of the constructed Initiative, Emily's fellow revenger/lover Aiden, learned of Victoria's abandoned son, scowled at Conrad's rise to power as governor of New York, and witnessed the death of Jack's wife and Emily's devoted cover as Amanda Clarke. The two-hour conclusion this past Sunday night produced epic implications. For one, Conrad Grayson is governor of New York, and the Initiative technically never existed. Meanwhile, Jack's ongoing cold war with the Graysons led to Declan's death, by Conrad's hands no less. Aiden's impatience with Emily's plan made him impulsive enough to murder Takeda and bankrupt the Graysons, which has seemingly landed Nolan in dire circumstances with the feds. Let's not forget that Charlotte is pregnant and yet unaware that the father of her child is dead. But, as promised from the finale promo, "the confession you thought you'd never get from Emily Thorne". In the wake of chaos around her; Aiden leaving, Declan's death, and Jack's misguided mission, the real Amanda Clarke revealed herself. Just like that, the game has changed for next season. Here are the pivotal questions 'Revenge' fans should be asking in anticipation for season three:

- Did Daniel Grayson channel his season one antics (Tyler) and kill Aiden before attending his father's acceptance speech?
- How will Charlotte respond to the challenge of single motherhood, as she looks to disconnect from the Grayson name?
- How will Victoria handle the arrival of her abandoned son, Patrick? What role will he play?
- HOW WILL JACK PORTER HANDLE THE REINCARNATION OF AMANDA CLARKE?
- What effect will Jack's knowledge of the situation have on the show's storyline and Amanda's plan?