Once Upon a Time (TV Series) Tallahassee (2012) User Reviews

Once Upon a Time- Tallahassee

[tbmforclasstsar · 9/10 · 5 November 2012]

"Tallahassee" is one of those episodes of Once Upon a Time that, as of late, seems pretty few and far between. It's an episode that proves, for this show at least, that less is definitely more. A very Emma-centric hour, the sixth chapter of the second season already manages to stand out, not only because it gives the story a much-needed push forward, but also because it begins to answer some of the show's lingering questions.

Rather than divide its time between Storybrooke, the Enchanted Forest, a fairytale flashback, and perhaps even another magical world of its choosing as OUAT's oft to do, "Tallahassee" instead chooses to focus only on present-day Enchanted Forest and a very interesting chunk of Emma's pre-Storybrooke past—it's quite refreshing, really.

In the Enchanted Forest this week, Emma, Snow, Aurora, and Mulan, agree to Hook's plan of climbing up a giant-ridden beanstalk to retrieve a magical compass that will hopefully help them get back to Storybrooke. Emma, being the roughest and toughest of the ladies, decides she'll be the one to accompany the captain up, setting her fears aside and instead focusing her efforts on getting back home to Henry. Naturally, Emma's still having a bit of a hard time trusting the pirate (I, myself, haven't yet decided if he's an honest character—he very well may be just because everyone thinks he's so dishonest—but then again, that's half the pleasure of watching him), but it turns out they actually make a pretty good team; together they manage to knock out guest star and Lost alum Jorge Garcia's giant and retrieve the compass they set out to find. Not that that sways Emma in least—after realizing that the beanstalk's giant isn't as threatening as he seems (saw that one coming), she chooses to spare his life, and as a thank you of sorts, he, in turn, agrees to release Hook (who Emma has tricked and handcuffed) ten hours after she leaves, giving her and the princesses waiting for her below a decent head start.

A bit dramatic on her part? Perhaps; but subtlety's never been Emma's style, and, as is shown in this week's (non-fairytale!) flashback—probably one of the best this show's ever done—her inability to easily trust others isn't entirely unwarranted. The flashback begins with Emma picking the lock of a gorgeous (and familiar) yellow Bug, one she's surprised to find was stolen by someone before her. It turns out, the previous thief, who still inhabits the car, is none other than our season premiere Mystery Man, whose name we learn is Neal Cassidy (Michael Raymond-James). Falling for each other shortly after, Emma and Neal adopt a life of crime, touring the country in their yellow Bug and stealing necessary resources to get by. After deciding, one day, that their "Bonnie and Clyde" routine was getting a bit old, however, the two decide that after one last job, they'll settle down and make a home together in Tallahassee; but, as you probably guessed yourselves, things don't go according to plan.

Temporarily splitting up after stealing nearly $20,000 in watches, Neal is stopped by a second mystery man this episode; a man we haven't seen since last season: August (!!!). After showing Neal a mystery object that convinces him to believe in magic, August reveals the existence of Storybrooke's curse and tells Neal that Emma is the key to breaking that curse—all that Neal has to do is let Emma go on without him to fulfill her destiny. Initially reluctant (he really has fallen for her), Neal chooses to trust in August and tips off the police as to Emma's whereabouts—a tip that lands her in an Arizona jail for almost a year with nothing but their Bug (which Neal leaves her), and—surprise—baby Henry; at the end of the flashback and only two months into her sentence, Emma learns she's pregnant with Neal's baby—a baby he obviously knows nothing about. His sole consolation is the knowledge that August has promised to keep an eye out for Emma and will inform him via postcard when she's broken the curse.

To read the rest of the review (IMDb form too short) visit: http://custodianfilmcritic.com/once-upon-a-time-2-6-tallahassee/

Atop the beanstalk

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 16 January 2018]

When 'Once Upon a Time' first started it was highly addictive and made the most of a truly great and creative premise. Really loved the idea of turning familiar fairy tales on their heads and putting own interpretations on them and the show early on clearly had clearly had a ball. Watched it without fail every time it came on and it was often a highlight of the week. Which was why it was sad when it ran out of ideas and lost its magic in the later seasons.

Season 1 was a solid season, with most of the episodes very good to outstanding. Season 2 showed enormous promise from the get go, with everything feeling more settled, expanding on old characters and plot lines and introducing new ones with richer content. That can be seen in "Tallahassee", but the previous five episodes and the succeeding ones handle it better.

"Tallahassee" is another case of it being even better if it tried to do less and didn't introduce as many plot lines and new characters, instead giving more development to those already existing. It's a pretty good episode, it's just not a great one. It is convoluted in places in the present-day otherworld storyline, which was still very interesting but not quite fully thought out.

Most aspects of the visual production values are good, but generally "Tallahassee" is not one of the better-looking 'Once Upon a Time' episodes. The special effects are some of the most limited of the show up to this point, especially for the giant, and there is some sloppy use of green screen. Jorge Garcia from personal opinion does a decent job as the giant, he just falls victim to the character not looking or being written well and that after long associating him as Hurley from 'Lost' imagining him in another role fairly atypical for him it is not as easy to accept him as any other character.

However, "Tallahassee" does have a lot to like. Emma's flashbacks are beautifully written, illuminating and quite touching. Love her witty chemistry with Hook too. Much of the acting is fine, Jennifer Morrison continues to grow as Emma, Ginnifer Goodwin is charming as ever and Jamie Chung and Colin O'Donaghue prove that Mulan and Hook are the two best newly-introduced characters up to this point of the season.

Effects and the green screen aside, the production values are impressive in other areas. Enough of the settings and costumes are both colourful and atmospheric, not too dark or garish and never cookie-cutter. It is photographed beautifully too. The music is haunting, ethereal and cleverly used with a memorable main theme.

Humour, mysterious intrigue, charm and pathos are beautifully balanced, any signs of corniness that crept in here and there in the previous season are nowhere in sight here. Hook here has the best lines, only the dialogue for the giant and not so smooth chemistry between him and Emma missteps. The parallel and now merging of the two alternate worlds is as ever handled intriguingly.

In summary, interesting and pretty good but not wholly satisfying. 7/10 Bethany Cox

A step up from The Doctor and another solid continuation

[gavin-thelordofthefu-48-460297 · 9/10 · 21 January 2018]

Tallahassee isn't quite as strong as the first four episodes, but it's a step up from The Doctor. Yes, there are two problems I do have with it. It did introduced too many storylines at once and it's a bit hard to get into especially in the present-day storyline. It could've been better if it continued focusing on Emma and Snow's journey to get back home and expanded more on the other side characters. Also, the actor who played the giant, Jorge Garcia, who played Hurley from Lost, another show created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, did a fine job, but unfortunately, he wasn't as well-written as Hook, Mulan, and Dr. Whale.

That being said, everything else was fine. Mark Isham continue to make great music, the pacing's never dull. Despite what I said about the convolutedness of the storyline in this episode, the writing is still good, the performances are still solid with Jennifer Morrison growing into her role and Jamie Chung and Colin O'Donaghue continue to deliver more great lines as Mulan and Captain Hook. Oh, and the production designs are still beautiful aside from some shoddy green screen effects. Also, the blending of reality and fantasy continues to be interesting while retaining the humor, mystery, charm and pathos that made the first season engaging.

Overall, I understood the mixed reaction from other people and I respect their opinions, but I think this episode is another solid continuation despite some of the problems I've already stated. :)

What's in the box? What's in the box?

[landryhpritchett · 10/10 · 25 November 2018]

My sister and I made up a little jingle for scenarios like that. Like in red-handed when they wouldn't reveal the mysterious object until the end of the episode. It just puzzles me how one item can create so much understanding.

Movie on from that subject, Tallahassee was one of my favorites. Who knew Emma had been through so much? No wonder she's so tough and has that "wall" Mary Margaret mentioned in season one.

I need more flashbacks of Emma. Her stories are seemingly more interesting than most of the fairytale flashbacks.

I can't take the chance that I'm wrong about you

[sini-200 · 10/10 · 20 March 2023]

Finally, an episode with story about Emma! Tallahassee is one of my favorite episodes. We get to know Emma and her relationship with Neal. Now I'm not the biggest fan of him, he could have done her better. He was the reason she doesn't trust anyone.

What I really love about this episode is Emma and Hook. It is clear they have undeniable chemistry. Hook is interested about her, the 'I was hoping it was you' and the hand tying moment, oh my! It was totally not scripted and Colin's idea. But still, Emma being cautious, she plays safer than sorry. Yet, this ep is a great start of their slow-burn love story. <3.

Meh

[danajs24 · 7/10 · 24 August 2016]

The beanstalk climbing looks hella dangerous. Couldn't then have used ropes to use as insurance in case they fall? I mean Hook has only one hand and a hook. And how is that hook even attached? enough to hold his entire body weight without hurting? Doubtful. Emma's backstory wasn't as boring as I expected, seeing August come in and what I'm guessing is that he'll steal her money and live a lavish life somewhere. Hurley from Lost makes an appearance as the giant, but as much as I like Hurley, I didn't like him as the giant, but I think this is just because I can't see him as anyone else. He did was able to play that he was actually a literal gentle giant, but his anger wasn't very believable, and him attempting to squeeze Emma to death looked ridiculous.

Very poor

[jezfernandez · 5/10 · 8 November 2016]

The Tallahassee backstory was moderately interesting and highly reminiscent of the flashbacks from Lost. However, the otherworld story was appallingly executed. Standing at the foot of the beanstalk, the entire dialogue served no other purpose than to explain a highly convoluted plot arc. And what was all that business about a magic cuff that would enable one other person to climb the beanstalk? There was no other reason for this than to stop all five of them going up.

Then, there was the woeful miscasting of Hurley (Jorge Garcia) as the giant - why him? He's one of the most iconic character actors out there and was thoroughly unconvincing as a giant. That might be in part due to the truly awful CGI sets - has this show really got zero budget?

Season 1 had a finite location and a clear (if uninspiring) plot. Season 2 is falling foul of the "let's expand everything" blight and proving largely tedious.