![Picture](/uploads/2/7/3/8/27383753/7038349_orig.jpg)
"Smash the Mirror"
Episode Review
In my opinion, "Smash the Mirror" is leaps and bounds above any episode I've seen so far this season. That may be due partially to the fact that we were given two hours, a luxury that we almost never have. Because of the extra time, the storylines had space to breathe, lending each main character some major screen time, a pleasure we've not seen so far this season. We also got a lot of questions answered that have been simmering since the premiere, plenty of character moments, and a big step in the plot.
At last we learned how Elsa ended up in the urn as well as in Rumplestiltskin's vault. We found out how Ingrid got to this world, why Elsa's memories were taken away, and what exactly Gold needs to enact his spell. The mystery of why the ribbons are important was explained, and we got several leads on storylines. Emma got control of her magic, Regina made a big step in her book author search, and the Snow Queen succeeded with her spell, a huge jump in the plot. But the best thing about the episode was the character scenes, the type of scene where OUAT shines. We were treated to some of the best scenes in the series so far, with a beautifully done score in the background.
To begin with the Fairy Tale portion, I was pleased to find that Elsa believed her sister despite Ingrid's lies. It's rewarding to see development while keeping in line with a person's character. And Kristoff provides the voice of sense and amusement, a good and necessary contrast to the serious Elsa and spontaneous Anna. The best flashback scene came when Ingrid casts the spell of Shattered Sight on Anna. The palace book explains how Ingrid managed to learn about a spell even when she was trapped in an urn for over 20 years while explaining her motivation to the audience. It also gives us a preview of what may happen in Storybrooke, which could be chilling. The effect of the glass shards flying into Anna's eyes was well done, though I'm not sure why everyone in Arendelle just stands there and lets evil spells overtake them. And I have to admit, I enjoyed seeing a darker Anna. It was a little creepy, and I liked hearing her deepest thoughts; it was reminiscent of Echo Cave in Neverland, one of my favorite scenes in the show.
I've very much enjoyed Elizabeth Mitchell's portrayal of the Snow Queen. She proclaims herself a patient woman, proven by her willingness to wait until Emma is born and grows up for her wish to come true. She doesn't fall to pieces when Rumplestiltskin takes Elsa in the urn, nor does she shriek and beat her fists against the magical cage he erects. Her icy calmness and surprising honesty as well as her focused mission make her character intriguing.
But we found the best scenes in the Storybrooke portion, giving us some growth among several characters. First, it was nice to see some maturity in Henry. He found his mother and tried to warn her against running away, rather than pouting about her sending him packing, something he did with Regina at the start of the season. We got a very nice scene between him and Regina, where she tells him that even if a person isn't magical, everyone has a gift that makes him special. As a continuation, her advising the Charmings not to want to make Emma "ordinary" was well done, further cementing a slowly growing trust between them. And I never get tired of Charming's hilarious comebacks coupled with Regina's withering glares. We also received a big step in the book author mystery, one of the strongest storylines. I like the direction that story is going; apparently the author didn't doom villains to unhappy endings, opening up a world of possibilities for further storylines. I hope the writers take advantage.
We had a welcome surprise of an almost nonexistent type of scene: a heart-to-heart between Regina and Snow. They've been at each other's throats for so long that I've really enjoyed the couple of deep conversations between them. After all, they were close once, and it's nice to see Regina even cautiously seeking the loving and caring Snow for advice about an area she doesn't know much about. Although I'm glad it's not happened quickly, since it would be unbelievable to be immediately close after the unfortunate history between them, it's nice to see them slowly making progress to becoming accepting of each other, and perhaps eventually friends. Snow's soft and gentle advice is a nice contrast to the sharp, hilariously outspoken Evil Queen. And the thread about changing one's actions being able to affect his future for the better is an interesting angle.
In addition, I enjoy Jennifer Morrison's portrayal of Emma Swan. In this episode, her running away kept to her character's tendency to wall herself off from helplessness. Her somewhat reckless bargain with Gold also shows us that she also runs away from problems, not wanting to think it through before making a serious, life-changing decision. Her saucy replies to the Snow Queen were hilarious, but she was unusually vulnerable in this episode, being forced to put aside her tough, independent exterior to admit her fears and accept help, something that she's always found difficult. Her well-done scene with Elsa can introduce another good thread, with Elsa's urging her to do something that we've not yet thought about: the love of another person is important but not enough to control one's power or darkness. We have to love ourselves, accepting everyone part not as a curse, but as an important part that makes us who we are - that makes us special.
The scene between Gold and Emma was by far my favorite in this season, and one of the best in the series so far. While Emma stands outside the door that will, unbeknownst to her, suck her inside the hat, she tells Gold that she has doubts since the Snow Queen warned her not to trust him. It shows us sadly that despite much good, the past does matter, as Belle is the only person in town who fully trusts Gold. I found it interesting that Emma asked for his advice. Despite his dark tendencies, she values his judgment. Surprisingly, Gold is completely open and honest with Emma, acknowledging his selfish nature and weakness, something that he has only admitted so far to Belle and Bae. The chemistry between them is one of my favorite pairings, putting the greatest of light and greatest of dark together. But strangely, they are some of the most similar people in the show. Both have been betrayed, leading difficult and loveless lives; both were forced to make it in the world on their own, and both lost both their parents and a son. The result is a hard exterior that protects a wounded heart, longing for love with a resistance to let anyone in lest they be hurt again. But while Emma's power was born out of true love, Gold's is a cursed and dark magic. It seems that he almost envies Emma the ability to always do the right thing, something he has struggled with his entire life.
We were given the chance to see the Rumplestiltskin go full circle in this episode, the impish deal-maker, the cool and collected Gold using his cleverness to get the upper hand on the Snow Queen, the vicious Dark One ripping out Hook's heart, and the wise, honest man admitting his weaknesses to the savior. And as usual, Robert Carlyle was fantastic, pulling off each aspect of his character brilliantly. Although I don't understand him at the moment, he shines when given the chance to go completely evil. I always look forward to the green, snake-eyed Rumplestiltskin, as well as the tricky and clever Mr. Gold. But just like Emma, I enjoyed his rare vulnerable side.
That brings me to a theory about the amazing scene between Gold and Emma. I still need a lot of explanation as to his seemingly complete reversal of character progress, but I found that part very mind-stimulating. At a time when avoiding the subject would have made sense, given how desperate he seems to be for Emma's power, he bares his soul to the savior, something he has only done a few times, and only ever to those two dearest to him. He honestly admits his selfish nature and pull toward darkness, turning the facts around when she points out all the good things he's done. His son is still dead, the town is in danger even after all the times he's saved it, and Belle knows deep down what kind of man he is. He says it almost sadly, as if he wishes he could always do the right thing but is unable to.
This brings me to a theory. (More on that Rumple's arc in the theories section soon.) Is it possible that somehow Gold has given up on goodness like Regina did in season 2? If you think about it, his attempts at goodness so far have been somewhat empty. His attempt to save Bae from the Ogres War resulted in his becoming the Dark One, he saved the town but it's on the verge of another curse, he spent his life looking for his son only to lose him, and when sacrificing himself to defeat Peter Pan, he ended up being controlled by the dagger while trying to save Neal from the Wicked Witch. Is he thinking that he's stronger embracing the darkness? Or was his son his reason for trying to keep away from the darkness, a reason now gone? Rumplestiltskin is an exception to every other villain so far - his darkness is a curse, not entirely a choice. He tells Hook that he wishes he didn't have to betray her, and when Emma turns and thanks him for his "help," he replies, "We have no choice." We, meaning he has no choice in this path of evil? Is his dagger somehow pulling him back to his villainous self? Is there some spell involved? I sure hope so, because I need an explanation.
Gold is shocked when Emma stops the hat's magic. Interestingly, the savior is the only person so far who manages to surprise the Dark One. She got Mary Margaret back to jail before Regina had her convicted in season one, she got back instead of Cora, and now she resisted the easy way out and chose to embrace her magic. It seems she's made of stronger stuff than we know, and I'm hoping we can keep finding out how.
I thoroughly enjoyed the episode, although the Frozen section could still have been significantly trimmed, it was refreshing to finally get some main character screen time, although sadly Belle was missing. I liked where it ended, with the Snow Queen sending her billowing cloud of glass shards toward town. I give this episode an 8,5 out of 10. What did you think?