When 'Once Upon a Time' first started it was highly addictive and made the most of a truly great and creative premise. Really loved the idea of turning familiar fairy tales on their heads and putting own interpretations on them and the show early on clearly had clearly had a ball. Watched it without fail every time it came on and it was often a highlight of the week. Which was why it was sad when it ran out of ideas and lost its magic in the later seasons.
Season 4 had a lot to live up after Season 3 being as impressive as it was. At this early stage of the season, one can see a lot of promise, some may argue that it is capitalising on 'Frozen's' success but there is much more to the season than that. This promise was apparent from the get go, with a great season opener in "A Tale of Two Sisters". As far as the previous Season 4 episodes go, they were all decent to brilliant with the only small dip being "Family Business" and the best being the "Smash the Mirror" two parter and "Best Laid Plans".
"Mother" for me is a wonderful episode and one of the best of the fourth season. Certainly one of the most interesting and most emotionally investable. It sets things up for the season finale in a way that makes one excited for what is to come, but also advances both the characters and storylines. In particular dimension is added to Regina's past without making the mistake of reiterating what we know already or going round in circles.
All the subplots work, a lot happens and the characters have plenty to do yet it thankfully does not feel over-stuffed or like there is too much crammed in. Particularly good are Regina's/Evil Queen's past, elevated by its emotional impact and Lana Parrilla's and Barbara Herschey's performances. Regina and Robin's subplot of struggling with the aftermath of the big revelation seen in the previous episode "Lily" avoids being melodramatic or veering into soap-opera territory, not many previous 'Once Upon a Time' episodes made one genuinely feel for Regina but my heart out to her very tortured and conflicted characterisation here.
Gold and Hook's subplot has intrigue and tension, showing signs of plot advancing and promising setting up. Have always loved the character of Gold and how he is written, "Mother" is no exception. The Maleficent/Lily arc doesn't show signs of repetition or reiteration of things known already, credit is due for giving dimension to Maleficent without softening her too much while Lily shows signs of wanting revenge and getting more dangerous in motivations.
All the acting is strong, with Lana Parrilla masterly and Kristin Bauer von Straten on imperious form as Maleficent. Rebecca Mader is on point as Zelena, as is Sean Maguire, while Robert Carlyle and Barbara Herschey bring class and intrigue to the episode.
Furthermore, "Mother" is a very handsomely mounted episode visually, the settings and costumes are both colourful and atmospheric, not too dark or garish and never cookie cutter. It is photographed beautifully too. The music is haunting, ethereal and cleverly used with a memorable theme tune.
Writing has the right balance of humour, pathos, mystery and intrigue, or corn or cheesiness here. This aspect has come on such a long way since when 'Once Upon a Time' first started, much more complexity and nuance.
In conclusion, wonderful and a Season 4 high point. 10/10 Bethany Cox
