I’d be surprised if we didn’t see Aurora and Phillip show up. And Ariel, too! Isn’t Mr. Hopper’s dog’s name Pongo? That could be an interesting development.

I agree with the “Come see who’s here!” motif. With Frozen I didn’t mind so much because of the bigger phenomenon that franchise was/is, and celebrating that impact (momentarily) in the form of a presence on Once. But momentarily is the key. It was fine, just don’t make that style of story the norm.

I wonder if Wonderland’s disappointment is the reason for such strong focuses on individual character groups for entire half-seasons. Each of the recent seasons could have easily (but perhaps not successfully) been its own spinoff series if the main Storybrooke cast was removed. Makes you think what hasn’t been tackled much that could be next… Cinderella (except for barely)… Aladdin… who knows, maybe even Merida.

Agreed, that’s a terrific way to put it. The Frozen stuff was super “shoe horned in” that’s exactly how it felt. I fear this Cruella stuff is as well…

I think this will be a make or break half-season for me. If they don’t get back to what once made Once great, I’m out of here after this season ends. Sorry, Once, but you’re too “selling out” these days and have forgotten your roots.