Thursday, November 3, 2016

Preview: CLONE CONSPIRACY #2

Preview: DAREDEVIL #13

Preview: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: RENEW YOUR VOWS #1

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1

The Top 10 Must-Read DOCTOR STRANGE Stories

The Doctor is in! Here are ten stories that defined DOCTOR STRANGE.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/30927-the-top-10-must-read-doctor-strange-stories.html


Entertainment Earth

DC's Legends of Tomorrow: How To Face Fears and Fight Zombies: A Survival Guide

DC's Legends of Tomorrow: How To Face Fears and Fight Zombies: A Survival Guide

Welcome back yet again, Legends fans. Hopefully you all made it out of this one without getting infected. Or, you know, if you did get bitten, here’s hoping you managed to get yourself blasted by that aerosol cure.


Meg Downey
via DC Comics

http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2016/11/03/dcs-legends-of-tomorrow-how-to-face-fears-and-fight-zombies-a-survival-guide


Entertainment Earth

SUGAR & SPIKE Join REBIRTH & Another DC Duo

DC's other DETECTIVE duo.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31874-sugar-spike-blue-beetle.html


Entertainment Earth

Best Shots Rapid Fire Reviews: UNWORTHY THOR #1, SUPERMAN #10, AVENGERS #1, BATMAN #10, More

Also SPIDER-WOMAN #13, FOOLKILLER #1, CATWOMAN: ELECTION NIGHT #1, and many more.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31875-best-shots-rapid-fire-reviews-unworthy-thor-1-superman-10-avengers-1-batman-10-more.html


Entertainment Earth

New Line's SANDMAN Screenwriter Drops Out... Because He Thinks It Should Be On TV

A case of Vertigo? Sort of.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31873-new-line-s-sandman-screenwriter-drops-out.html


Entertainment Earth

Inside DOCTOR STRANGE's Library - And Wong's Penalty for Missing Books

A new featurette includes footage and interviews with the key players of the film.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31872-inside-doctor-strange-s-library-and-wong-s-penalty-for-missing-books.html


Entertainment Earth

BIG HERO 6 Cast Reprise Their Roles For Animated Series

Hiro and Baymax will sound very familiar in the BIG HERO 6 animated series.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31871-big-hero-6-cast-reprise-their-roles-for-animated-series.html


Entertainment Earth

DORA MILAJE Boot Camp In BLACK PANTHER: WORLD OF WAKANDA #1 Preview

And the secret origin of Zenzi begins.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31860-dora-milaje-boot-camp-in-black-panther-world-of-wakanda-1-preview.html


Entertainment Earth

DC Super Hero Girls Debuts New Animated Short and Digital First Chapter

It’s an action-packed week for DC Super Hero Girls featuring world-saving accessories, time machines, dinosaurs and more!


Sara Ruiz
via DC Comics

http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2016/11/03/dc-super-hero-girls-debuts-new-animated-short-and-digital-first-chapter


Entertainment Earth

Wonder Woman Trailer Breakdown and Analysis

SUPERMAN & Civil Rights Movement, Animated

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via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31870-superman-civil-rights-movement-animated.html


Entertainment Earth

DAUGHTERS OF THE DRAGON United For DEFENDERS

COLLEEN WING is the latest Marvel hero to join Netflix's DEFENDERS.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31869-daughters-of-the-dragon-united-for-defenders.html


Entertainment Earth

Arrow: Human Target (Review)

By: Ashley Binion (@ashleybinion)
 
In Arrow’s previous episode, “Penance,” Renee, AKA Wild Dog, was kidnapped by Oliver’s current antagonist Tobias Church. This week, “Human Target” wasted no time in jumping right back into the action.
 
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
 
I was surprised by how quickly the series decided to kill off Church. It’s almost too early to get rid of an excellent villain. He’s been the complete opposite of the past few villains. Church’s true intention behind taking down the Green Arrow is one that is grounded in real world problems that could happen in any city. For a show that started out very grounded, it was a nice return to form.
 
Oliver’s storyline as mayor continues to impress. At the beginning of the season, I was afraid that he was going to treat being the mayor much like he treated being CEO of Queen Consolidated, which was neglectfully. He has shown that he’s grown up in the years since he was in charge at his family’s company. As a result, he is taking the mayoral position seriously and has realized that the Green Arrow and the mayor can symbiotically coexist. This creates a compelling storyline for not only him, but Thea and Lance as well.
 
Christopher Chance, aka Human Target, was fantastic. Can we permanently keep him please? He provided a unique skill set that proved to be very beneficial for the team two separate times. In the short time he was around, he did more for the team than any of the recruits have done so far.
 
The more I see of the new recruits, I’m starting to realize something: they are not only there as Team Arrow 2.0, they are there to be a foil to their Original Team Arrow counterparts. In the previous episode, Rory was there to aid in Felicity’s guilt about Havenrock. “Human Target” was Renee’s turn to be Diggle’s foil. Diggle is the mentor Wild Dog has needed all along. Speaking of the recruits, I didn’t miss Curtis at all. I’m starting to think his place is in the Quiver with Felicity, not out in the streets.
 
Arrow’s Bratva flashbacks are connected to the present day in a significant way that they haven’t been in years. This was due to the shocking revelation that Human Target actually saved Oliver while in Russia and that the reporter is hot on Oliver’s Bratva tracts. There haven’t been shocks like that pertaining to the flashbacks in seasons. Through season three and four, the flashbacks became predictable and as a result, they felt downright lazy. This season, they feel like they have a purpose and are more unpredictable in the way they factor in during the present day. And the fact that we know something that Oliver doesn’t excites me to no end. Side note, the quick Amazo reference was made of win.
 
This episode dealt with Olicity in a way they haven’t been dealt with all season. It felt weird to go through the beginning handful of episodes without the mention of their past romance. I actually had a theory going that Flashpoint changed their relationship and they never got together. That would have provided an interesting twist that could have allowed the writers to go back and fix past mistakes. But oh well. In the end, the writers made a smart decision to give their relationship some time to breathe and not address it right away. Last season, the couple became way too melodramatic, which actually ended up hurting the show. Judging by the heart eyes they were flashing each other at the end of the episode, I doubt either of them will fully move on. Sorry Billy.
 
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars


admin
via The Nerd Machine

http://www.nerdhq.com/arrow-human-target-review/


Entertainment Earth

Report: Liefeld's AVENGELYNE Picked Up For Movie By Paramount

Described as JOHN WICK with a fallen angel.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31868-report-liefeld-s-avengelyne-picked-up-for-movie-by-paramount.html


Entertainment Earth

New Wonder Woman Trailer Released

By Karen Valenzuela, @VictoriaNoir89
 
If you personally know anyone who is a Wonder Woman fan, have an ambulance sent to their house right now.
 
Because Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment released a second trailer for the first ever big budget live-action Wonder Woman film, and Wonder Fans everywhere will be in need of medical attention after this.
 

 
Wow, right?
 
The first trailer was released during San Diego Comic Con earlier this year to roaring enthusiasm, from both Wonder Woman’s fans and newcomers to the legendary Amazon warrior princess’ story.
 
After the first trailer’s release, everyone was asking who the mysterious woman wearing the mask is. We see a little more of her in the trailer released today. She might be Paula von Gunther, a Gestapo agent who butt heads with Wonder Woman in the earliest comics. Baroness von Gunther receives horrible burns on her face and is disfigured later on, so the mask we see on this mysterious character might be a clue, but it’s also a great historical touch as well. Masks like that were used by soldiers during and after WWI to disguise facial injuries obtained in war.
 
The trailer also shows the bad guys demonstrating mustard gas, which was arguably the most atrocious weapon of war used by the Central Powers against their enemies in trench warfare. Mustard gas resulted in long-term suffering for its victims, and, typically, eventual death by slow suffocation. If anything could make Wonder Woman give up on the world and humankind, it would be mustard gas.
 
That doom and gloom aside, the harshest critics of everything the DC Extended Universe has produced so far have claimed the films aren’t lighthearted enough, too dark, gloomy, and bleak. And while this film will revolve around WWI, which is probably one of the bleakest events in world history, we’ve also been gifted Etta Candy, Diana’s right-hand woman who is hilarious in every Wondy comic she’s ever been in. She looks like she will fill the role of Diana’s guide to fitting into 1910s society, the perfect blend of humor and women’s suffrage era feminism. SHE EVEN SAYS FISTICUFFS!
 
Three new posters were also released this morning before the trailer. Each poster represents the film’s tagline: “Wonder. Power. Courage.”
 
new-wondy-trailer-tnm-pic-1-wonder
 
new-wondy-trailer-tnm-pic-2-power 
new-wondy-trailer-tnm-pic-3-courage 
Wonder Woman hits theaters June 2, 2017. The film stars Gal Gadot (Fast & Furious franchise), Chris Pine (Star Trek franchise), Lucy Davis (Shaun of the Dead), Connie Nielsen (Gladiator), Robin Wright (House of Cards), and David Thewlis (Harry Potter franchise). It’s directed by Patty Jenkins (Monster), and the screenplay was written by Geoff Johns (The Flash) and Allan Heinberg (The O.C.).
 
Let us know what you think of the trailer in the comments!


admin
via The Nerd Machine

http://www.nerdhq.com/new-wonder-woman-trailer-released/


Entertainment Earth

Victim's Family Want Revenge in BLACK-EYED KIDS #8 Preview

The kids aren't alright.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31861-victim-s-family-want-revenge-in-black-eyed-kids-8-preview.html


Entertainment Earth

STARSHIP TROOPERS Ready For Reboot

But it won't be a remake of the 1997 film.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31867-starship-troopers-ready-for-reboot.html


Entertainment Earth

Behind DOCTOR STRANGE's Cloak With CUMBERBATCH, FEIGE, More

Doctor Strange featurette goes behind the scenes of the movie.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31866-behind-doctor-strange-s-cloak-with-cumberbatch-feige-more.html


Entertainment Earth

WONDER WOMAN Trailer 3 Most Revealing Yet

Hits theaters in June 2017.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31865-wonder-woman-trailer-3-most-revealing-yet.html


Entertainment Earth

Courage, Wonder, Power In New WONDER WOMAN Posters

Wonder Woman in World War I.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31864-courage-wonder-power-in-new-wonder-woman-posters.html


Entertainment Earth

DEADPOOL Big In Japan In UNCANNY AVENGERS #16 Preview

While Zombie Hulk stomps a mudhole in the Merc with a Mouth.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31859-deadpool-big-in-japan-in-uncanny-avengers-16-preview.html


Entertainment Earth

Another DEADPOOL Alum Quits Over Director's Departure

A divide amongst those involved with DEADPOOL begins to develop.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31863-deadpool-composer-quits-sequel-over-director-s-departure.html


Entertainment Earth

WOODY HARRELSON Is DAN CLOWES' WILSON In New RED BAND Trailer

A dysfunctional father-daughter story.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31862-woody-harrelson-is-dan-clowes-wilson-in-new-red-band-trailer.html


Entertainment Earth

Help DC All Access's Jason Inman Send 20,000 Comic Books to Soldiers

You know Jason Inman as the co-host of DC All Access and an occasional contributor to DCComics.com. But did you know he’s also an army veteran who spent time in Iraq?


Tim Beedle
via DC Comics

http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2016/11/03/help-dc-all-accesss-jason-inman-send-20000-comic-books-to-soldiers


Entertainment Earth

SHUTTER Artist Looks Back At SCARLET WITCH And Ahead to Astral Projection... Wait, What?

Leila Del Duca frames her current work, and what she's doing next.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31848-shutter-artist-looks-back-at-scarlet-witch-and-ahead-to-astral-projection-wait-what.html


Entertainment Earth

SAM: Storytelling Across Media is This Saturday at the SF Marriott Marquis!

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY IN SAN FRANCISCO!
SAM, Storytelling Across Media, Saturday, Nov. 5 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis

Join us this Saturday for our free event, SAM, Storytelling Across Media, at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM. Register online to attend panels!


CCI_Gary_SDCC
via The Toucan Blog

http://www.comic-con.org/toucan/sam-storytelling-across-media-saturday-sf-marriott-marquis


Entertainment Earth

Second WONDER WOMAN Trailer

DC's original bombshell drops a new trailer.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31857-new-wonder-woman-trailer.html


Entertainment Earth

Mortal Kombat X (2015-) #1 - Shawn Kittelsen & Dexter Soy

Shawn Kittelsen & Dexter Soy - Mortal Kombat X (2015-) #1 artwork Mortal Kombat X (2015-) #1
Shawn Kittelsen & Dexter Soy
Genre: Graphic Novels
Price: $0.99
Publish Date: January 6, 2015
Publisher: DC Comics
Seller: DC Comics

Years ago, a great war between realms brought the universe to the brink of destruction. In their most desperate hour, Earthrealm's champions rallied in strength and spirit—saving their world from the forces of evil. In the years that followed, there existed a peace between realms for the first time since the Mortal Kombat tournaments began. But peace did not last for long...



get it now at https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mortal-kombat-x-2015-1/id955539593?mt=11&uo=2&partnerId=11&at=1010ldoE


Entertainment Earth

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH Has A Back-Up Plan If DOCTOR STRANGE Bombs

Also, Kevin Feige is looking forward to a Doctor Strange/Iron Man team up.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31858-benedict-cumberbatch-has-a-back-up-plan-if-doctor-strange-bombs.html


Entertainment Earth

Best Shots Review: UNWORTHY THOR #1 Brings Humanity & 'Hell Yeah' To Hero's Journey of ODINSON

Jason Aaron celebrates his 50th issue writing Thor.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31854-best-shots-review-unworthy-thor-1.html


Entertainment Earth

THE FLASH Movie Delayed Due To Director's Departure?

While a report comes that Kiersey Clemons has already filmed her first scene as Iris West.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31856-report-the-flash-movie-could-be-delayed-but-iris-west-already-filmed-cameo-for-justice-league.html


Entertainment Earth

Exclusive Preview: GWENPOOL #8

First Look: GHOST RIDER #1

ROBBIE REYES Rides Again In GHOST RIDER #1 First Look

And the introduction of PYSTON NITRO.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/31855-robbie-reyes-rides-again-in-ghost-rider-1-first-look.html


Entertainment Earth

Once Upon a Time: Dark Waters Review

By: Marianne Paluso (@Marianne_P81)

The best episodes of Once Upon a Time are ones that balance character and plot, move us, and remind us of what really matters. Like my other favorite episode of season six “The Other Shoe, “Dark Waters” took things established in that episode, as well as others, and further expanded and explored them in touching ways, bringing some stories full circle with still the promise of more to come, as well as asserting the themes Once Upon a Time embodies: love, hope, redemption, forgiveness, empathy, and in this episode – above all else – family.

The plot moved ahead nicely. The Charmings and Regina presented a united front against the Evil Queen and rescued Archie; Belle had her first ultrasound and the left Rumple a copy of the photo; Zelena remained conflicted between the two halves of her sister and being a protective mother; Aladdin and Jasmine had an important discussion after Emma gave him wise advice; and Henry and Killian grew closer after some tension and peril with Killian’s vengeful younger brother Liam, in the end revealing to Emma that the shears are now disposed of. Or so they think, because at the end, the Evil Queen and Rumple seemed to form an alliance and she gives him those fateful scissors and a kiss, and says what she really wants is Snow White’s heart. The last point represents something I would like to forget as seeing the Evil Queen flirt and kiss Rumple felt so creepy and wrong and I felt a bit like that iconic moment in Friends when Phoebe shouts “My eyes! My eyes!” I wish I could un-see it and if this continues I will not discuss it more than necessary as I don’t like nor understand it. I want their old dynamic back. But the positives of “Dark Waters” were abundant in this truly wonderful episode and reiterated the importance and beauty of family in all its forms – biological, adoptive, step relations, and especially in this one, the family we create, reminding us once again that family is not only defined by those with whom we share blood, but also with those we would give our blood for.

Family was indeed out in full force. I’m really loving seeing that Regina and the Charmings continue to stand strong and united, something we’ve seen truly since season three but continues to be an important dynamic. Snow says nothing will tear their family apart and Evil Queen seems to be changing her strategy of trying to divide them. What will be interesting is that since Regina and the Evil Queen are still one in the same person, how this family dynamic will cope with the Evil Queen’s clear vendetta and unforgiving nature. But that will be a part of their journey this season. I’m also enjoying Belle remaining strong but understandably conflicted. I felt sympathy for her and she waited for her ultrasound appointment alone, and while the scene with Snow and Belle was very sweet, I was surprised that Snow didn’t offer to go in with her. And while you can understand why she would want to protect her son and herself from Rumple, the fact that she’s still willing to perhaps keep alive hope for father and son is admirable and unsurprising giving her kind and noble heart. But it was the most prominent depiction of family, as well as the other themes of love, redemption, empathy, and forgiveness in the flashbacks with Nemo, Killian, and Liam, and in the present day with Killian, Henry, and by extension, Emma that was the highlight and most poignant part of the episode.

I was quite excited to see how Captain Nemo and the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea story would be incorporated into the show and the result was amazing and such a perfect mirroring of Killian’s character and path to redemption. The classic novel by Jules Verne and 1950s film adaptation by Walt Disney is about a captain whose grief over the murder of his family and quest for revenge drives him mad, and yet his crew would willingly follow him, even to their death. He’s charismatic, determined, and truly a tragic figure. What I loved about Once Upon a Time‘s version of Nemo is that he embodies much of these characteristics, but softens him, and then connects to Killian’s story seamlessly. Faran Tahir captured the elegance and sadness of the classic character while bringing in his own sense of hope, nobility, and compassion that this Nemo epitomized. What was poignant was the way one of the film’s most significant quotes from Nemo was reflected in our story: “Do you know the meaning of love? What you fail to understand is the power of hate. It can feel your heart as surely as love can.” The film’s Nemo may be lucid in this understanding, but Once Upon a Time‘s Nemo comes to understand that vengeance will only leave your heart empty. It’s why he seeks out wayward souls like he once was and why he sought Captain Hook when he still was hell-bent on revenge against the Dark One. And it’s why he implores his first mate Liam to let go of his hate and not seek vengeance against Hook for killing their father. All of these flashbacks were incredibly captivating and the Nemo of the past is assuredly a reflection of the Killian of the present – a man who, like Nemo, realized vengeance will only leave you empty and went one step further and actually abandoned his revenge and instead has been trying to be a good man, finding love and family in the process. All of these flashbacks were a reminder of the power that forgiveness and redemption can have on our souls. Nemo offered those who were lost a family and a chance to fill their hearts with love rather than hate. In the past, Liam and Killian could not let go of this, but in the present they not only found peace, but also connected intrinsically with Killian and Henry in the episode’s most significant display of relationship development.

“The Other Shoe” established what “Dark Waters” further explored with Emma, Killian, and Henry and the family unit they are creating. But what I really loved about this episode was that those interactions between Killian and Henry were realistic, honest, and in the end, quite moving. Now that Killian has officially moved in with Emma, the dynamic irrevocably changes between him and her son, and while Henry clearly adores him and smiled sweetly at their flirtations around the breakfast table, there is a big difference between hanging out with the man your mom is dating and living with him in what he knows will someday be a permanent state. Although it was funny how his annoyance was brought on by his Pop Tarts being discarded as an unsuitable breakfast, that really was just a trigger that turned into anger when Evil Queen showed him that Killian kept the shears. And there was so much I loved about their scenes together in Storybrooke – the duality of their purpose, the natural performances, and the further exemplification of who their characters are and what they mean to each other. The perils experienced on the Nautilus were a way of revealing and resolving tension between them, revealing Killian’s younger brother, and connecting the past and the present in empathetic ways. While I have always loved their sweet moments of teamwork and bonding, I truly appreciated that “Dark Waters” explored the relationship on a deeper level. When Henry yells at Killian, asking why he would even care about Emma’s fate and telling him he’s not even a part of their family, I was simultaneously heartbroken for Killian and angry at Henry for such harshness. But then I realized that deep down, Henry didn’t mean it. This was him simply lashing out as many teens at his age do, especially when a man who is not the natural father becomes a part of their permanent lives. Furthermore, this was also the catalyst for their journey of understanding for the episode.

One of the things I loved about their scenes was how honest and frank they were, filled with underlying emotion. Killian admits his past sins against his family with regret and shame but not excuses, and Henry listens with compassion and not judgment. And when Killian and Henry are ready to escape and Henry realizes that he is only the only one leaving and that Killian is sacrificing himself, making sure he is the one that is going back to Emma safely, we are reminded of when Killian took Emma back to the elevator in “Firebird” and the heroism and sacrifices Killian will make for his loved ones. Just like Emma, Henry didn’t want to leave him behind. But movingly so, this time around, Henry was able to come back, proving to be quite the hero himself as his presence saved two families in the process: the two brothers and the one he has with him and Emma. From tension to honesty to poignancy, Henry admitted in his way that he does consider Killian family. Henry may have told him not to “push it” (which sounded so much like his Grandpa Charming), but his smiles say it all, as well as the simplicity of the statement that he knows Killian loves his mother, that they will find a way to save her, and then that he will see him at home. Their moments together not only became such a heartfelt part of the season, but also reiterated the importance of what family is. As Killian watches over his younger brother, sees him reach out to Nemo who was thankfully safe and alive, and admits that Henry is someone he lives for as well, I was moved to tears and we saw the way so many stories are truly coming full circle. Just as Killian turned the ship around, came back to be a part of something, and offered to help save Henry, now it was the boy who came back to save the man is becoming a father figure and does include him as a member of his very large family. Just as we’ve seen Killian’s willingness to die for those he loves, we now see he lives for them as well. He would sacrifice anything for Emma and do anything to keep her safe, but hearing that he truly considers Henry as another reason to live was such a touching moment and one that beautifully reflects that the family is not merely defined by blood. Emma loves her parents, but as an adult, the family she has with her son and the man she loves represents the family we create on our own – the family we choose. No one will ever replace those we lose, but that doesn’t mean there’s no longer hope that you can find love and family with others. Sometimes it happens when you least expect it and when you feel completely lost. But all it takes is meeting the right person for everything to change. When Killian tells his brother Liam he’s not that pirate anymore, he’s not boasting about his redemption but admitting that love changed him, or rather reminded him of what truly mattered in life. It’s what Liam remembered when Henry came back to save Killian. He didn’t want another boy to grow up with a heart filled with hate, and now has found peace with his brother. For Liam, it was Nemo who became like a father to him that showed him the path towards what matters. And for Killian it was when he met a brave, beautiful, and tenacious woman who reminded him of life’s greatest joys. It may have taken a while and a few missteps but in the end, Killian became a man who no longer was going to die for revenge but rather live for love and family.

If the growth between Henry and Killian’s relationship provided the emotional center for “Dark Waters,” the moment Killian reveals the truth about the shears provided its touching conclusion. Above all else, he kept them because they could save Emma’s life. Even if it meant she would hate him for it, all that mattered was her well-being. His act was unsurprising but what’s beautiful is the ways in which these two continue to surprise each other with how deeply they love and understand one another. Killian is awestruck and moved that she says she gets why he kept them and that she would’ve done the exact same thing. Her look is not one of forgiveness so much because there’s nothing to forgive, but more like compassion and perhaps sadness that they’re gone. And their embrace was one of not only relief but deep empathy. They are indeed kindred spirits, soulmates, true love.

I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss other wonderful aspects of “Dark Waters” from the clever allusions to the stunning visuals. The production design of the Nautilus submarine and its interiors were just gorgeous with rich colors of green, red, and blue and enough similarities to the classic design from the film with its own Once Upon a Time flair. I also love the nods to the giant squid, the way the Nautilus was thought to be a sea monster, and the reference to The Mysterious Island, the Jules Verne sequel to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I also couldn’t help but smile at Aladdin and Jasmine who continue to be as sweet and adorable as their animated counterparts, that Killian said the shears (which were used in the Disney film Hercules) were at the bottom of the sea where they can “tell no tales” just like in Pirates of the Caribbean, the blue tang fish like Dory swimming outside the Nautilus, and the fact that in the end they “found Nemo.” Lastly, given the theme of the episode, I cannot help but think of the iconic Lilo & Stitch line when Henry came back for Killian: “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind.”

What’s next in this wonderful season is sure to be intriguing and meaningful. I wonder if Snow and Charming sharing a heart will have consequences if the Evil Queen once again wants it. I also hope that Nemo and Liam stay in Storybrooke. I not only love their characters, but it would be nice for Killian to have a relative in the present day as he was the only main cast member who didn’t have at least one in Storybrooke with him. Now that Killian has officially moved in with Emma, I hope that we see a scene of them in their bedroom together. We’ve seen many beautiful moments for all the couples like this and for them I would love a scene of tender intimacy that was no longer about sorrow but rather physically expressing their love in a moment of happiness. And what is next for the two Saviors, Emma and Aladdin, is sure to be enthralling and meaningful. The conversations between Emma and Aladdin and him and Jasmine I think will most definitely be significant. Emma talking to Aladdin about her tendency to run was not only to demonstrate her character growth, but connect with her identity as the Savior. Jasmine told Aladdin that Agrabah has disappeared. Did this happen when he used the shears, not only changing his fate, but the city he was destined to be the savior of? While I rarely theorize in these reviews, I cannot help but wonder if not only we see both Emma and Aladdin discover more about themselves, but also if we do indeed see the shears used to change Emma’s fate. And if so, might it parallel Rapunzel’s story from Tangled in a way. Interesting how both would involve cutting away what is thought to be the source of their magic. But in the end I would venture to say that Emma’s magic, like Rapunzel’s, would still be inside of her. Remember, Emma was able to find Aladdin with their connected Savior magic even after he cut his ties. And could it be fully restored with a True Love’s kiss or belief in yourself? What I do believe is that Emma and others will learn that being the Savior is not what makes her special. I think deep down they know this and you know that Killian does. This journey may well be that realization for Emma that she is remarkable because of who she is, not what she does. After all, Emma Swan is Once Upon a Time’s most steadfast and inspiring hero.

Favorite Moments: It was all the moments of love, forgiveness, and family that provided such touching poignancy that moved me tears and made me smile. Henry coming back to save Henry, him telling Henry that is more important that he get back to Emma, the two talking with compassion and honesty and vowing to find a way to save Emma, Liam and Killian finding peace with each other, Liam and Nemo sweetly reaching out to each other as a father and son, Killian saying he also lives for Henry, and Emma telling Killian that she would have done exactly as he did – all of these moments were undeniably moving and meaningful and showcased that family is not only what matters, but that it comes in many forms. I also loved seeing Emma, Killian, and Henry in their home together, as well as all of the flashbacks which were captivating and proved to be such a perfect parallel to the present day. Seeing the Nautilus both above and below the waters in Storybrooke’s harbor were some of one is the best visuals of the entire series.

Favorite Lines:
Killian: What made you come back?
Henry: You said you couldn’t ruin one more family. Neither could I.

Killian: Henry, you were right. What you and your mother have is special. You wouldn’t want to lose that. If only one of us is going to get back to Emma, it’s going to be you.

Killian: I couldn’t lose the one thing that might help save you, even if it meant you hated me.
Emma: It’s okay, I get it.
Killian: You do?
Emma: I would’ve done the exact same thing.

Emma: You kid brother has a submarine?


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