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.
"Fruit of the Poisonous Tree" is pretty good, but after the previous episode "7:15 A.M" was Season 1 back on track it felt like the season took a couple of steps back. A lot is done right, can't say anything wrong about the production values, music and acting, but it just lacks juice on the whole, with the script and story and character development being things that were far stronger elsewhere in 'Once Upon a Time'.
The writing has had more of a balance between wit and emotion in previous and succeeding episodes. It's hardly bad here, there are humorous moments and touching ones but in comparison to a lot of episodes there is a going-through-the-motions quality at times.
Some of the pace of the storytelling seemed a little hurried and it consequently makes things not as developed as they could have been. Of the characters, only Regina here is fully developed with the Genie coming close if hurt by the writing being too safe.
However, "Fruit of the Poisonous Tree" is a very handsomely mounted episode, settings and costumes that are both colourful and atmospheric, not too dark or garish and never cookie-cutter. The special effects are good. The music is haunting, ethereal and cleverly used with a memorable main theme.
Writing has enough good moments as does the story, more could have been done with the Genie's story but it resonates somewhat. Really liked what was done with Regina here, with the episode giving her a real motivation and a softer side that was appreciated. The real world and fantasy world parallel is adeptly handled.
Lana Parrilla never fails to enjoy herself, while the star of the episode is Giancarlo Esposito, a season highlight performance that has authority and tragedy. The rest of the acting is fine, but these two stand out.
Overall, quite good but a couple of steps back for the season. 7/10 Bethany Cox
"Fruit of the Poisonous Tree" is pretty good, but after the previous episode "7:15 A.M" was Season 1 back on track it felt like the season took a couple of steps back. A lot is done right, can't say anything wrong about the production values, music and acting, but it just lacks juice on the whole, with the script and story and character development being things that were far stronger elsewhere in 'Once Upon a Time'.
The writing has had more of a balance between wit and emotion in previous and succeeding episodes. It's hardly bad here, there are humorous moments and touching ones but in comparison to a lot of episodes there is a going-through-the-motions quality at times.
Some of the pace of the storytelling seemed a little hurried and it consequently makes things not as developed as they could have been. Of the characters, only Regina here is fully developed with the Genie coming close if hurt by the writing being too safe.
However, "Fruit of the Poisonous Tree" is a very handsomely mounted episode, settings and costumes that are both colourful and atmospheric, not too dark or garish and never cookie-cutter. The special effects are good. The music is haunting, ethereal and cleverly used with a memorable main theme.
Writing has enough good moments as does the story, more could have been done with the Genie's story but it resonates somewhat. Really liked what was done with Regina here, with the episode giving her a real motivation and a softer side that was appreciated. The real world and fantasy world parallel is adeptly handled.
Lana Parrilla never fails to enjoy herself, while the star of the episode is Giancarlo Esposito, a season highlight performance that has authority and tragedy. The rest of the acting is fine, but these two stand out.
Overall, quite good but a couple of steps back for the season. 7/10 Bethany Cox
