The previous eight episodes were variable in quality, four were disappointing, especially "Hyperion Heights" (which to me was a 'Once Upon a Time' low point) with the season starting off very rocky, and four were surprisingly good, especially "Beauty" and "Pretty in Blue" (though not perfect) and among the exceptions of the general disappointing standard of the season. Really enjoyed Seasons 1-5, though not every episode completely worked, was very mixed on Season 6 and was generally disappointed by Season 7.
Am somewhere in between with "One Little Tear", and when ranking the nine Season 7 episodes up to this point of the season it is bang in the middle, personally don't agree with it being one of the higher rated ones. It is mostly a good and intriguing episode with a lot to like, had absolutely no doubt what the strengths would be while being surprised by a few. At the same time it was a little frustrating too considering how good its ideas were on paper, with a few of the season's biggest flaws present, and had real potential to be much better than it was.
Will start with "One Little Tear's" good things. Like all (or almost) episodes of 'Once Upon a Time', it looks good. 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. Enough of the storytelling intrigued, the highlight being Lady Tremaine's back story, which was tense and touching with a revelation that was one of the season's most shocking. Never thought this would be said, but actually felt sympathy for her for the very first time. The beginning was also great, as was the confrontation between Weaver and Rogers and the Rumplestiltskin and Rapunzel having out.
Mostly did find the flashbacks interesting, the strained relationship between the characters being especially well depicted. The acting is very good, especially Gabrielle Anwar, some of her best acting of the show, and Robert Carlyle, yet to err though accents is not his forte admittedly.
Found the dialogue to be mixed though. Parts intrigued and moved, the best written scene being between Weaver and Rogers, others became camp and soapy.
Don't think my intense dislike of Jacinda is going to go, other episodes did far worse with her (i.e. "Greenbacks") but there is just nothing appealing about her whatsoever. Dania Ramirez's completely charmless acting doesn't help. Rogers and Weaver's subplot has still not really progressed.
"One Little Tear" again, and this has been a common problem with Season 7, tries to cram too much in and there is an over-stuffed feel. It raises more questions than answers, with things that don't make sense or things not explained enough so it can feel convoluted. Victoria's plan just doesn't add up. Anybody who is not familiar with anything else to do with Ella beforehand is going to be lost most likely, personally was familiar with the character and what we knew about her and even connecting all of that with what is told about her here was a struggle.
Summarising, intriguing episode with a number of good things but also frustrating, which would have easily been solved if it tried to do less, explored things further and made the storytelling clearer. 7/10
Am somewhere in between with "One Little Tear", and when ranking the nine Season 7 episodes up to this point of the season it is bang in the middle, personally don't agree with it being one of the higher rated ones. It is mostly a good and intriguing episode with a lot to like, had absolutely no doubt what the strengths would be while being surprised by a few. At the same time it was a little frustrating too considering how good its ideas were on paper, with a few of the season's biggest flaws present, and had real potential to be much better than it was.
Will start with "One Little Tear's" good things. Like all (or almost) episodes of 'Once Upon a Time', it looks good. 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. Enough of the storytelling intrigued, the highlight being Lady Tremaine's back story, which was tense and touching with a revelation that was one of the season's most shocking. Never thought this would be said, but actually felt sympathy for her for the very first time. The beginning was also great, as was the confrontation between Weaver and Rogers and the Rumplestiltskin and Rapunzel having out.
Mostly did find the flashbacks interesting, the strained relationship between the characters being especially well depicted. The acting is very good, especially Gabrielle Anwar, some of her best acting of the show, and Robert Carlyle, yet to err though accents is not his forte admittedly.
Found the dialogue to be mixed though. Parts intrigued and moved, the best written scene being between Weaver and Rogers, others became camp and soapy.
Don't think my intense dislike of Jacinda is going to go, other episodes did far worse with her (i.e. "Greenbacks") but there is just nothing appealing about her whatsoever. Dania Ramirez's completely charmless acting doesn't help. Rogers and Weaver's subplot has still not really progressed.
"One Little Tear" again, and this has been a common problem with Season 7, tries to cram too much in and there is an over-stuffed feel. It raises more questions than answers, with things that don't make sense or things not explained enough so it can feel convoluted. Victoria's plan just doesn't add up. Anybody who is not familiar with anything else to do with Ella beforehand is going to be lost most likely, personally was familiar with the character and what we knew about her and even connecting all of that with what is told about her here was a struggle.
Summarising, intriguing episode with a number of good things but also frustrating, which would have easily been solved if it tried to do less, explored things further and made the storytelling clearer. 7/10
