I had one overwhelming thought while watching Once Upon a Time Season 5 Episode 12.

That the tone was very dark, but then again all of the heroes are in the Underworld so I suppose that light-hearted and cheery just isn’t in the cards.

Still, it did have a couple of enjoyable moments.

Once Upon a Time Photos: Souls of the Departed

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Neal made an appearance and I was happy to hear he wasn’t stuck in the Underworld, which appears to be the fairy tale version of purgatory. Neal didn’t die with unfinished business. Wherever he is, he’s happy and that’s enough for me.

I also appreciated that his first question was about the well being of his son, Henry and that he did his best to warn Emma off from her trip to the Underworld. He loves them both, no matter where he is.

Everyone in the Underworld version of Storybrooke was suitably creepy. Was that Emma Caulfield from Buffy the Vampire Slayer as the blind witch running Granny’s? When she asked Snow if she wanted gingerbread or children, I almost shivered. I’m guessing this won’t be the last we’ll see of her.

I’m also hoping we see more of James, if for no other reason than he knows how to give a kiss. It’s been a while since David has kissed Snow that way.

The flashbacks to the Evil Queen weren’t my favorites, but I had to laugh when she referred to the dwarves as Snow’s, “puny army of sweaty, little child beasts.” Regina really does get all the best lines.

Regina was able to save her father by standing up to Cora, and it was a relief to see that there was a way out of the Underworld. Having him meet Henry before he walked toward the light was also a nice touch.

Reveling in being able to save her father, Regina wondered if others in the Underworld could be redeemed, but Rumplestiltskin wanted nothing to do with it. Is that because he fears his father, or simply because being the Dark One brings out his selfish side?

The most disheartening moment was witnessing Hook’s distress. He’s alone, in pain and has no idea that Emma loves him so much that she mounted a rescue mission to the Underworld to save him. I’m looking forward to the moment when Emma and Killian finally come face to face. It should be epic.

Now we have Operation Firebird…or as Emma asked Henry in this Once Upon a Time quote…

Are you referring to the mythological bird or the muscle car?
Emma

Permalink: Are you referring to the mythological bird or the muscle car?

As far as muscle cars rank, Firebirds aren’t very high on the list, so I’m going with mythological bird.

So what did you think of the Underworld. Are you willing to spend the rest of Once Upon a Time season 5 exploring it, or are you hoping our heroes make a hasty escape?

Check back later in the week to see what our Once Upon a Time round table team thinks, and if you can’t wait for more, you can watch Once Upon a Time online here at TV Fanatic.