'Once Upon a Time' was to me was a very addictive show when it first started. What really intrigued me into seeing it in the first place the fascinating and creative premise (yes as you may have said, do have a thing for being intrigued by good premises) of turning fairy tales and characters on their head and putting own interpretations on them. Loved it with very few exceptions for Seasons 1-4 and the first half of Season 5.
It was the second half of Season 5 where 'Once Upon a Time' started to become hit and miss, although actually still liked the arc despite reservations. Season 6 was even more variable, leaning generally towards the disappointing. Personally thought that the first three episodes of the season were very good to great, especially "The Other Shoe". From "Strange Case" onward, the lack of new ideas and magic began as did the increasing campiness and soap opera and less interesting characterisation. There were definitely exceptions but none were 'Once Upon a Time' high-points, until here with "Page 23". Not only for me by far the best episode since "The Other Shoe" (episode 3 of the season so going back some way), but one of the best of Season 6 and of the latter seasons. Really refreshing and assuring after finding "Ill-Boding Patterns" a let-down.
Can't really find much to fault "Page 23". Will say though that seeing Tinkerbell again since what feels like forever promised much more on paper than it did in the actual episode. Did find her screen time too brief and that she didn't contribute to the story as much, so one sort of questions her presence.
However, there are so many improvements here in "Page 23". It is one of the few episodes of Season 6 to feel like the storytelling is advancing, with answers being offered and more of a sense of closure. The characterisation, especially for Regina, is not the kind that goes backwards, goes round in circles or contradicts, anybody smarting from the insulting character distortion of Baelfire in the previous episode "Ill-Boding Patterns" will be in relief that nothing of the kind happens here. There is some genuine emotion here too and it is very easy to invest in what is going on.
Loved the character writing for the Evil Queen and particularly Regina, always among the most interesting characters on the show and don't disappoint. Another high point was the chemistry between Emma and Hook, the magic, emotion and wit is back, both are also closer in characterisation to earlier seasons too than since the Underworld arc when Hook started to become bland and Emma for some of Season 6 became less rootable. In fact, the whole episode feels like an earlier season episode. Captain Nemo makes a welcome return after "Dark Waters" (a disappointing episode overall but he was one of the better assets of it), and provides dignity and mystery to his subplot with Hook.
"Page 23" doesn't make the mistakes, or as much as other Season 6 episodes that is, of having too much going on or feeling rushed. Nor is the writing as melodramatic, soapy or campy, much more wit, thought-probing and pathos here actually the odd corny line aside. Gideon continues to intrigue and has a suitably formidable presence. The acting is on point with a truly splendid Lana Parrilla coming out on top. Visually, the episode looks good, nicely photographed and designed with atmosphere without being drab or garish. The music fits well, is atmospheric and is pleasant to listen to.
On the whole, a great episode and one of Season 6's best. 9/10 Bethany Cox
