Season 7 started off very rocky with the first three episodes "Hyperion Heights", "A Pirate's Life" and "Garden of Forking Paths", especially the first. "Beauty" was though a major improvement and a step in the right direction, one of the exceptions of a generally disappointing final season. "Greenbacks" was only slightly above average, but a couple of steps backwards. The season continued with three of the season's exceptions to the general disappointing standard.
"Pretty in Blue", the second of the two back to back episodes (after "Eloise Gardener"), is one of those exceptions and actually consider it even better than "Eloise Gardener". The same issues are still here, minus anything that was ridiculous or unintentionally funny, as well as the same strengths, but it is a little less over-stuffed, there is even more heart and more is answered, while also leaving room for new questions raised.
Do still think that it could have had a little less going on, the narrative is clearer here definitely but if there was less happening it would mean parts would have been more developed. Wouldn't have said no to more Regina and Rumple, their scene fascinated but was rather too short. The Wonderland trip didn't add much, other than the discovery of the connection, and the effects, always inconsistent in 'Once Upon a Time' were less than special.
Am still no fan of Jacinda, and never was. She and Dania Ramirez's acting always irritated rather than charmed, leaving one wondering what anybody let alone Henry saw in her. Although their subplot is the least compelling one of the episode, their chemistry though has marginally improved with it being a little less awkward and clinical and shows a little sign of progression, so have gone from hating it to being somewhat mixed on it. It is though still very derivative of other love stories earlier on in the show except done much better before, is pretty cliched and needs much more tension and charm.
Conversely, the production values were always a strength with even lesser 'Once Upon a Time' and they are not a problem here, ropey effects aside. They are beautifully designed and atmospheric, nicely photographed. The music doesn't ever sound cheap or out-of-kilter, fitting well with the mood and never found myself questioning its placement. The dialogue has the nuance and wit absent from too many of the previous latter season episodes, much less camp and soap here apart from the Henry and Jacinda subplot.
Hook and Alice's chemistry is very heart-warming and heartfelt, and there is a lot of mystery and intrigue (more so than a lot of latter season 'Once Upon a Time' episodes), like with the subplot concerning Jacinda's ex. The characters are mostly a fond reminder of the quality of the characterisation in classic-'Once Upon a Time', actually being furthered rather than being dumbed down. With the sole exception of Ramirez, the acting is strong.
Overall, very good. 8/10
