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 3 was a very solid one, for me there wasn't a misfire and even the weakest episodes ("Lost Girl" and "The New Neverland" as far as the previous episodes go) were decent. "Going Home", "The Heart of the Truest Believer", "Snow Drifts" and "A Curious Thing" were especially special of the numerous great episodes. "There's No Place Like Home" is another one of the best episodes of 'Once Upon a Time's' best season up to this point (and one of the best overall).
There is story advancing, lots of momentum and character progression, and everything concerning the past and how it connects with present events and how it may affect the future is highly intriguing, entertaining and emotionally impactful. A good deal happens but it doesn't feel too much. Revelations are both shocking and delightful, including the introductions of Maid Marian and Elsa. Emotional impact is huge, some of the biggest of the season, Emma's story has a lot of heart.
Particularly good here are how Rumplestiltskin is written, always one of my favourite 'Once Upon a Time' characters and "There's No Place Like Home" does nothing to change that, Mr Gold and Belle's heartfelt chemistry and Hook and Emma's witty but also beautifully tender chemistry. Found it easy to root for Emma, and didn't think her too passive or overwrought, she's written pretty poignantly.
Can't fault any of the acting, there is a lot of meat for everyone to sink their teeth into which all do with aplomb. Robert Carlyle, Colin O'Donoghue and Jennifer Morrison in particular.
Furthermore, "There's No Place Like Home" is a very handsomely mounted episode visually, 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.
Writing has the right balance of humour, pathos, mystery and intrigue.
Overall, a perfect way to end one of the show's better overall seasons. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Season 3 was a very solid one, for me there wasn't a misfire and even the weakest episodes ("Lost Girl" and "The New Neverland" as far as the previous episodes go) were decent. "Going Home", "The Heart of the Truest Believer", "Snow Drifts" and "A Curious Thing" were especially special of the numerous great episodes. "There's No Place Like Home" is another one of the best episodes of 'Once Upon a Time's' best season up to this point (and one of the best overall).
There is story advancing, lots of momentum and character progression, and everything concerning the past and how it connects with present events and how it may affect the future is highly intriguing, entertaining and emotionally impactful. A good deal happens but it doesn't feel too much. Revelations are both shocking and delightful, including the introductions of Maid Marian and Elsa. Emotional impact is huge, some of the biggest of the season, Emma's story has a lot of heart.
Particularly good here are how Rumplestiltskin is written, always one of my favourite 'Once Upon a Time' characters and "There's No Place Like Home" does nothing to change that, Mr Gold and Belle's heartfelt chemistry and Hook and Emma's witty but also beautifully tender chemistry. Found it easy to root for Emma, and didn't think her too passive or overwrought, she's written pretty poignantly.
Can't fault any of the acting, there is a lot of meat for everyone to sink their teeth into which all do with aplomb. Robert Carlyle, Colin O'Donoghue and Jennifer Morrison in particular.
Furthermore, "There's No Place Like Home" is a very handsomely mounted episode visually, 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.
Writing has the right balance of humour, pathos, mystery and intrigue.
Overall, a perfect way to end one of the show's better overall seasons. 10/10 Bethany Cox