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The wait is almost over for fans of ABC’s fairy tale drama Once Upon a Time. We’ve only got a few days to go before the series returns for its third season and the network has already sent some magic in our direction in the form of an advanced screener.
We’ve seen “The Heart of the Truest Believer” and we loved every second of it (bonus: we’ve also seen the second episode of the new season “Lost Girl” and we’ll have more details on that next week). But in the meantime, we want to share some spoiler-y goodness with fellow fans or as much as we can without ABC putting a sleeping curse on us (although that doesn’t sound that bad).
Before we get into the premiere, let’s quickly rehash the season finale. Tamara and Greg (ugh, those guys) shot Neal, who fell through a portal to save Emma from the same fate. Not only that, but they snatched Henry and opened another portal to take them to Neverland where they plan to check in with their home office and further their quest to rid the world of magic.
Naturally, Emma was not going to let that stand and neither were her parents. Regina was also determined to save her son and Mr. Gold got into the mix because he was not about to let his son’s boy die, even though he knows Henry will lead to his own death. He left Belle in charge of Storybrooke and then boarded the Jolly Roger with the others and Hook took them through a portal – destination: Neverland.
ABC/Jack Rowand
The season premiere opens on the ship and as any regular viewer might guess, putting six people who all have various conflicts with one another (aka have threatened or tried to kill each other) on a closed-quartered ship might not be the easiest smoothest sailing (pun intended). One of the passengers bails pretty early with a plan of his own and the remaining five continue to bicker and punches are thrown (lots of punches and it’s so much fun to watch).
Meanwhile, Neal has landed in the Enchanted Forest and after being away for so many years, it’s a safe bet that he’s not thrilled to be there. Mulan, Aurora and Prince Phillip are on hand to help. Naturally, they have questions, especially once they learn that was his original home. Aurora wants to help him get a message to Emma and offers to try and reach her in the altered state only people who have been under the sleeping curse can access, but will it work?
If all of that is not enough to get you super excited for the premiere, maybe the following nine teasers will to do the trick.
#1 There are mermaids in Neverland and they are not very nice people/fish. We know Ariel won’t arrive until episode six, but after watching these creatures in action, we’re even more intrigued by her upcoming arc. Bonus spoiler: Regina has a BAMF moment that we loved.
#2 Greg and Tamara arrive in Neverland and Henry is quick to point out some of the major flaws in their schemes. But they insist they know what they’re doing. Does anyone really believe that?
#3 Did we forget to mention the opening scene that flashes back 11 years? Jennifer Morrison knocks the scene out of the park. It’s totally normal to start crying before the title card, right? (It’s not just me…?)
ABC/Jack Rowand
#4 Speaking of the lovely Emma, ‘Captain Swan’ fans are in for a treat. You might have already seen the clip of Emma and Hook toasting to Neal, but there are some great moments to come that will have shippers flailing and squealing.
#5 What if you prefer ‘Swan Fire’, you ask? Don’t worry; Neal and Emma might be in different realms, but there are still a few moments that will have fans of this ship holding their hands over their hearts and swooning.
#6 If family drama is more your thing, there is plenty of that to go around too. Charming and Emma have a fantastic scene in the premiere and Snow and Emma do too, but fans will need to wait for episode two to see what might be our favorite Snow-Emma moment to date (tissue are required).
#7 We mentioned that Regina has a great BAMF moment and so does Mr. Gold. You’ve probably seen the clip where he goes toe to toe with one of Peter Pan’s lost boys, but there’s an even more satisfying moment in the episode that had us cheering for his ‘dark’ side.
#8 Speaking of dark sides, Peter Pan is so the villain of this story. He appears earlier than we were expecting him to and the most important thing to know about him is that he’s all about the mind games.
#9 Oh and did we mention Robin Hood was back? We were more than a little surprised at where he turned up…
What do you think, Oncers? Are you on the edge of your seat waiting for the premiere? Hit the comments and tell us which parts you’re most looking forward to.
Once Upon a Time kicks off its third season this Sunday, Sept. 29 at 8/7c on ABC.
I actually feel this way too. I love the romantic stuff because I’m always a fangirl at heart and it’s a fairy tale, but I don’t have a super OTP. I definitely think you will enjoy the first two episodes because there is a lot of great family stuff and some phenomenal Emma scenes that have nothing to do with men.
Yes! I’m hoping we get to see some Hook/Pan flashbacks. Hook obviously worked hard to get out of Neverland, I want to know why.
There’s a lot of butting heads over who has the best solution to certain problems. Glad you’re excited! Season 3 is great so far from the episodes I’ve seen.
If we prefer ‘Swan Queen’ is there anything good on those two first episodes???? :D
And if we put the shipping things aside, I’m SOOOO excited for saeson 3!!!! Can’t wait!
Finally captain swan. They have so many potential!
I am looking forward to everything lol
Finally more of Emma
Captain Swan shipper here… who sees real potential here between these two ppl who connect. About time we have someone for Emma.
I also want to see more of Hook and his backstory, we in Neverland and we all associate Hook and Pan to that.
I can’t wait to FINALLY see the premiere!
Besides Snow/Charming & Rumple/Belle I’m not really that invested in the other couples that much (This is the only show I watch with no OTP investment), So I’m fine with either CaptainSwan or SwanFire (Maybe Season 3 will change that! Lol!).
I’m more interested in seeing Emma do and learn MORE about her magic, The Charmings bonding as a family (Especially some Father/Daughter moments with David and Emma), and what the heck is Peter Pan’s evil deal and his history with Rumple!
With every passing day I find my excitement increasing as we get closer to the OUAT Season 3 Premiere date! :D
You’re welcome. Glad you’re excited for the episode!
I can’t claim to know what the network was thinking, but sometimes they purposely release the least spoiler-y pictures because they don’t want the big stuff to get out. I don’t know if you watch ‘Revenge’, but the pictures they released don’t even have Emily in them.
I promise you that there are plenty of amazing Emma scenes in 3×01 and 3×02 that have nothing to do with Hook at all.
I gotta be honest, i’m REALLY getting tired of all the Captain Swan talk… but i’m EXTREMELY excited for everything else, especially Emma and the Charmings moments. Thank you for the teasers, can’t wait ’til Sunday!
I have to wonder why the network is pushing this hard for a non original character, though. Pirates are cool and all, but Hook hasn’t won me over, and I can confirm a lot aren’t interested in him either. Why did they released all these Captain Swan pics? Emma is the lead, all right, but many people are kinda put off by this particular promotion. Give me emotional scenes, character growth, and I’m happy. Emma Swan is a lot more than silly romance, seriously.
There are some big family moments in both episodes. So good!
Even though those were the only promo pics the network released, there’s a lot going on in the episode that doesn’t involve Hook/Captain Swan.
Hahaha, I understand fangirl feels all too well. You’ll love the episode, trust me.
All these teasers about Captain Swan are making me so excited! I’m excited to see Neverland too and everything else but Captain Swan! Captain Swan has taken over me
Meh so bored of Hook and Captain Swan, but YAY for all the rest.
Captain Swan!!!
I cant wait to see Emma this season and her journey about time we see focus on her and Charmings as a family