‘Once Upon a Time’s Midseason Return: Lots of Captain Swan and Christopher Gorham’s Debut!

‘Once Upon a Time’ returns this Sunday! After its exciting midseason finale, which felt more like a season finale, ABC’s hit fairytale drama is back on the small screen.

If you recall, the last episode left fans asking the following questions, among many others:

-Is Rumplestiltskin really dead?
-What have all of our favorite fairytale peeps been up to for an entire year?
-How is Emma and Henry’s family in danger?
-How did Hook get back to “Our World” from the Enchanted Forest?
-Will Emma and Henry ever remember Snow, Charming, Regina and the others?
-Lastly, but not least, what is happening -- in general?!

Well, I can say, some of those questions are kind of answered in ‘OUAT’s midseason return episode, titled “New York City Serenade.” Last week I screened the episode, and it looks to be quite an exciting season.

The episode pretty much kicks off right where we left off with a lot of scenes (as usual) flashing back and forth between the present day and the past (one year ago). Without giving too much away, here are a few teasers to hold you over until Sunday.

Of course, if you hate teasers and/or any type of scoop, fly away like you’re heading to Neverland to save Henry.

-The episode opens one year ago (the day Regina breaks the curse) with focus on Prince Phillip and Aurora, who is now visibly carrying a bundle of joy.

-With Snow, Charming, Regina, Hook and the others back in the Enchanted Forest not everything is hunky-dory, as another evil looms and it just might be very “wicked.”

-Christopher Gorham makes his debut as this mysterious character, who’s described as an “important character in the life of Emma Swan.” I can confirm he does play a key part in Emma and Henry’s life, but you’ll have to watch to find out just how.

-For those Hook and Emma shippers (aka me!), expect a lot of scenes with Captain Swan. Oh, and a lot of witty one-liners from the handsome pirate, including “I prefer dashing rapscallion.”

-We do find out how and why Emma and Henry are living in New York City, rather than Boston.

-Whether Rumple is alive or dead (I still refuse to believe he’s actually gone for good), it looks like Neal and Belle aren’t giving up.

-If you’re wondering, Robin Hood “smells like forest,” at least according to Regina. These two have quite the meet-cute.

-The episode ends in a bewitching good way that, I feel, sets the tone for the rest of the season.

‘Once Upon a Time’ returns this Sunday, March 9 at 8/7c on ABC.