Teasers:
Though it often feels like major arcs are square-pegged into this round hole of a show for popular-Disney-franchise-related and/or Halloween-costume-sales-related reasons (*cough*FROZEN*cough*etc.), the Camelot themes settle nicely into the Onceverse. Additionally, the Camelot mythology is tied in pretty brilliantly, down to the core and right away. Color me invested.
Assuming the structure of the episode is not edited again before the official premiere, the 2-minute clip that was released a few weeks ago is not the opening scene, but does take place in the first act of the episode.
As far as screen time goes, every member of the core cast is pretty well represented (and few who haven’t been in the spotlight get their go at glory too).
In that vein, just about every ship is represented. Everyone is trying to save someone they love, so take from that what you like.
Not super relevant, but Blue is still around and still triflin.
In a recent interview, the Powers that Be called Zelena “the Hannibal Lecter” of the show. This is accurate during the premiere (one great WTF moment stands out) and her role in this light could have interesting implications for the rest of the season.
Merida is absolutely charming. Amy Manson is just right in the role.
There is a literary reference meant as a high-concept joke that was so bad it’s almost unsettling to me, though it makes sense basically. I hope they cut it.
The actual traveling part of the journey to find Emma is insane and a total blast.
There’s also a smaller Camelot reveal toward the end that sets up the season very well in the short term.
I am honestly a little conflicted about the final scene, which is maybe too familiar, but it absolutely shakes things up and serves as a launching point for rest of 5A in a way that is wonderfully intriguing.
“Your turn!”
“You’ve gone soft.”
“Please go, you’re ruining my chi.”
“What are you waiting for, Dark One? You know what you have to do.”
“Shut down the fryers, secure the condiments!” (#serverlife)
“…Certain?”
“Someone’s going to get a right good punch to the gut for putting me through this.”
“Terrible news, no onion rings!” (also #serverprobs)
“Well that’s ‘cause I know how to sheriff.”
Oh no, I've possibly said too much?? Or worse, not enough??? Feel free to speculate below, and ask any question you like about "The Dark Swan"- if I have a not-unforgivably-spoilery answer I will give it to you!
