The previous Season 7 episodes of 'Once Upon a Time' generally were disappointing, especially "Hyperion Heights" which couldn't have been a more unsettled, if not entirely unwatchable, start to a season that felt like something else entirely, lost the show's initial magic and lost what made the show so good in its prime years Seasons 1-5. There were two exceptions. One was "Beauty", one of the show's most heartfelt episodes in a while. The other was "Wake Up Call", thanks to Regina and Drizella.
While it was not perfect, "Eloise Gardener", following on from when "Wake Up Call" started to introduce it and set it up for what was to come in this episode and "Pretty in Blue" is another one of Season 7's better episodes. Its good things are a great many and its best elements are great. Rather than feeling like filler or things coming to a standstill with lots of padding, characters feel advanced as does subplots and it is the closest the show (even more so than "Wake Up Call") has come in Season 7 up to this point to capture the mystery and intrigue of classic-'Once Upon a Time'.
"Eloise Gardener" could have been better in a few aspects. There is a lot going on, perhaps a little too much, so at times things get a little on the convoluted side (Weaver and Victoria's relationship still feels a bit vague and indecisive). Jacinda still does nothing for me, irritating rather than charming though her chemistry with Henry doesn't feel as stiff or cold as before with a little progression.
Also found the bit with the garden gnome truly ridiculous and misplaced, am not sure whether that unintentional humour was intended but that's what it came over here.
On the other hand, the production values continue to impress, have never really had an issue with them though, the odd dodgy special effect 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 (like with Hook and Smee) that was absent from most of the previous seventh season's, and a lot of the sixth season's, episodes. There is plenty of mystery and intrigue, especially with the central mystery and furthering the backstories of especially Hook's.
Which boasted a few unexpected moments, like a big twist that left me floored, one of the few moments of Season 7 to evoke that sensation. Hook is a fascinating character here, while Roni and Smee's roles are handled with pathos and entertainment value (especially the former). Loved Hook and Rapunzel together, it had a lot of heart. The acting is strong, especially Lana Parrilla and Colin O'Donaghue.
In a nutshell, well done episode. 7/10
While it was not perfect, "Eloise Gardener", following on from when "Wake Up Call" started to introduce it and set it up for what was to come in this episode and "Pretty in Blue" is another one of Season 7's better episodes. Its good things are a great many and its best elements are great. Rather than feeling like filler or things coming to a standstill with lots of padding, characters feel advanced as does subplots and it is the closest the show (even more so than "Wake Up Call") has come in Season 7 up to this point to capture the mystery and intrigue of classic-'Once Upon a Time'.
"Eloise Gardener" could have been better in a few aspects. There is a lot going on, perhaps a little too much, so at times things get a little on the convoluted side (Weaver and Victoria's relationship still feels a bit vague and indecisive). Jacinda still does nothing for me, irritating rather than charming though her chemistry with Henry doesn't feel as stiff or cold as before with a little progression.
Also found the bit with the garden gnome truly ridiculous and misplaced, am not sure whether that unintentional humour was intended but that's what it came over here.
On the other hand, the production values continue to impress, have never really had an issue with them though, the odd dodgy special effect 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 (like with Hook and Smee) that was absent from most of the previous seventh season's, and a lot of the sixth season's, episodes. There is plenty of mystery and intrigue, especially with the central mystery and furthering the backstories of especially Hook's.
Which boasted a few unexpected moments, like a big twist that left me floored, one of the few moments of Season 7 to evoke that sensation. Hook is a fascinating character here, while Roni and Smee's roles are handled with pathos and entertainment value (especially the former). Loved Hook and Rapunzel together, it had a lot of heart. The acting is strong, especially Lana Parrilla and Colin O'Donaghue.
In a nutshell, well done episode. 7/10
