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Previously on Once Upon a Time: Fruit of the Poisonous Tree

This week, Emile de Ravin (Claire from Lost) guest stars as Belle, with Rumpelstiltskin filling in the role of the Beast in their ill-fated love story. Speaking of ill-fated love – Ms. Blanchard and David are falling apart almost as quickly as they began. And just when Mr. Gold was beginning to seem almost benign, his vicious side reappears when someone steals his property. To top it all off, Regina and Mr. Gold lay all their cards on the table, and I’m hoping this means the battle will begin soon.

In the Enchanted Forest, Belle and her father Sir Maurice are lamenting over their impending destruction at the hands of the ogres when Rumpelstiltskin arrives at the eleventh hour, ready to make a deal. In exchange for their kingdom, he wants Belle for his caretaker. She agrees. In his home, Rumpelstiltskin explains Belle’s duties to her. When she accidentally chips a teacup, he seems touched by her apology. Later, while attempting to open his nailed down curtains, Belle falls into Rumpelstiltskin’s arms, and a rapport is developing between the two. Months pass, and Belle asks about children’s clothing she found. Rumpelstiltskin explains he once had a son, then “lost him.” She surmises he was once human, and claims he’s not the monster he thinks. There’s a knock on the door and Gaston appears – before Rumpelstiltskin turns him into a rose, which he then gives to Belle. He asks why she came; she explains it was her chance to be brave, though she’d like to see the world. Rumpelstiltskin makes her an offer – get straw from the village, and if she comes back, he’ll tell her his story. On the road, Belle runs into the Queen, who mentions that true love’s kiss will break any curse. It’s enough to send her back. When she kisses him, Rumpelstiltskin starts to change, but he then flies into a rage. He accuses Belle of working for Regina, trying to strip his powers, unwilling to believe anyone could actually love him. He locks Belle in the dungeon then destroys everything in sight, except the teacup. Eventually he lets her go, she warns him he lost his once chance at happiness. The Queen late appears to gloat, claiming how sorry she is about Belle: she was shunned and tormented by her father upon her return, and leapt from a tower. The Queen leaves. Rumpelstiltskin stares at his teacup and cries.

In Storybrooke, Mr. Gold comes to repossess Mr. French’s (aka Sir Maurice) “Game of Thorns” (HA!) flower van – right before Valentine’s Day. Regina is impressed by his cruelty and wants a word, but he brushes her off. At Granny’s, Emma and Ms. Blanchard are interrupted by Ashley (aka Cinderella), who complains of an overwhelming baby and underwhelming boyfriend, prompting Ruby to suggest a girl’s night out. Emma gets called away – Mr. Gold has been robbed. He intends go after the perpetrator himself, but Emma convinces him to let her track down Moe French and the stolen property. She manages to find the goods, but one item – and Mr. French – are still missing. Mr. Gold is not pleased. He runs into David at the store buying two valentines cards, and warns that love is fragile. Mr. Gold goes back out to his van, which just happens to have a tied up Moe French in the back, and drives to a secluded cabin. He viciously beats Mr. French with his cane – first for his missing item, then for sending ”her” away, before Emma stops him. Meanwhile, Ashley is not enjoying her night out, explaining it’s hard to be with Sean and not be with him, which resonates with Ms. Blanchard. Of course, Sean then appears to propose to Ashley. Ms. Blanchard doesn’t get her happy ending though, because when David appears he gives her the wrong valentine’s card. Emma wants to know who the “her” was, but Mr. Gold won’t budge and she arrests him. Regina gets Emma to go out with Henry so she can have her one on one with Mr. Gold while he’s in lockup. She trades his missing item – a chipped teacup – for his real name: Rumpelstiltskin. He claims their newfound honesty “changes nothing.” Regina leaves the sheriff’s office to visit a secret floor of the hospital, where Storybrooke Belle is trapped in a cell.

Thoughts/Theories
o Mr. Gold and Regina know each other’s real identities. What this means for Storybrooke remains to be seen.
o Belle has a Storybrooke equivalent, so obviously she wasn’t dead. It seems to me that Rumpelstiltskin would have confirmed that for himself. It’s not like he trusts the Evil Queen.

Nicole N. decided to justify the countless hours she spends watching television by writing about it here. She enjoys a challenge and is currently re-watching all 15 seasons of ER. Follow her @nicolemnelson