ONCE UPON A TIME - 2x04 "THE CROCODILE" (REVIEW)

Episode Rating: ****/5

ABC's Once Upon a Time never fails to surprise it's audience with all it's twists and turns. It also never ceases to amaze you how easily it weaves different stories and plots together and comes up with a bigger master plot! Twenty six episodes in, and still doing it perfectly!

Welcome aboard the fourth episode of OUAT which tells us the story of Peter Pan's archnemesis, Captain Hook and his history with our very own Rumplestiltskin. The Crocodile also deals with Rumple and his lady love Belle in Storybrooke. So much happens in the short span of forty minutes, so gear up for it, because it's going to be a bumpy ride!

The episode shifts between the Enchanted Forest and Storybrooke, both places telling the story of Rumplestiltskin. On one hand we have his extremely dark history with Captain Hook alias Killian Jones (played by Irish actor Colin O'Donoghue) and his wife Milah, and on the other hand we have Belle leaving him because he isn't honest enough with her. How the story unfolds is for you to see, but let me warn you that it's a stormy ride!

Some of the highlights of the episode were: 

Captain Hook: Oh this guy is sure to become a fan favourite in no time. With his smouldering looks and bad boy attitude, he's going to have the girls swooning for him by the end of the episode. Even though he was described to be a malicious pirate, a villain worse than Rumplestiltskin, you get to see that he is in fact a noble man and not a petty thief, and that he has reasons for his intentions. The key fact that has been reinforced in OUAT over and over again was brought out again, and that is 'Evil isn't born, it is made.'

Colin O'Donoghue as the smouldering Captain Hook.

Rumplestiltskin and Belle: This episode is a must watch for all 'Rumbelle' fans, as it has some really great moments of the couple. Belle was once again upset because Rumple was practising magic and also because he wasn't being honest enough with her. We see real couple problems for these two and it was really nice to see how they work it all out. One thing is for sure, Belle is definitely part of his salvation and redemption, and it's going to be interesting where the writers go with their story line.

Rumplestiltskin (Robert Carlyle) and Belle (Emilie de Ravin).

Belle's Independence: Even in Skin Deep Belle had mentioned how she wanted to be independent and brave, and while in the Enchanted Forest she might have not gotten enough scope for that, she is definitely getting it in Storybrooke. In the episode we see how she wants to be an independent working lady and it is such good sight. By the end of the episode she was completely independent and was living on her own, whilst managing the Storybrooke Library.

Belle looks at the books in the library.

The Ruby and Belle Friendship: Yay to this! Ruby is definitely the friendliest people in Storybrooke and she wastes no time in making Belle completely at home. She helps her out in adjusting to the new world, giving her place to stay in, and telling her how to eat pancakes with maple syrup. I hope to see this friendship blossoming with them getting closer in the upcoming episodes.

Ruby (Meghan Ory) and Belle bonding at Granny's Diner.

The Peter Pan References: Aaah, this definitely has to be one of the cleverest episodes of OUAT. There are SO many Peter Pan references, starting with Captain Hook to Neverland, William Smee and also the crocodile. It is wonderful how Rumple is not just himself, but also the beast in 'Beauty and the Beast' and the crocodile that takes off with Hook's hand. In the end we see the Captain take his crew to Neverland to plot a revenge on Rumple, and I'm not joking when I say that this part had me positively squealing with excitement.

Captain Killian Jones becoming Captain 'Hook'.

Robert Carlyle has once again done an excellent job in portraying Rumplestiltskin, and he manages to bring out all his emotions and feelings to life in an excellent way. Emilie de Ravin is brilliant as Belle, and she has done a great job in portraying the role of a strong-willed independent woman. Colin O'Donoghue makes a fantastic and mind-blowing debut as Captain Killian Jones alias Hook and I'm excited to see where his character will go.

The Crocodile is hands down, the best episode of OUAT's 2nd season and there is no way I'll be able to wait for the next one. It was such an exciting episode, full of interesting twists and turns. It's going to fun to see where they head with the story. I definitely missed Emma and Snow, and August needs to come back, as I need to see his pretty face on my screen asap!

The promo for the next episode reveals Dr. Whale's (David Anderson) fairytale counterpart. If you are curious for more, click HERE.

Come back soon for more reviews on tv shows, movies, books and other such stuff!

Until then,

Nidheya Suresh