Once Upon A Time Season 4 "Let's Hope You Didn't Bring Anything ELSA Back"

[JRawkSteady]

I didn't read anyone else's review on purpose. I just want to give my opinion here before I see how other people felt.

So, I was VERY vocal about my disdain for the idea of Frozen coming to OUAT so quickly after it's release. But as always, I still gave it a fair chance...and here are my thoughts:

1. The fact that it takes place AFTER the Frozen story made me soooo happy. They did good on that.

2. Anna was phenomenal. The actress really captured the spirit of the character.

3. Elsa was meh...she didn't really do it for me and she didn't seem to fit the character at all...of course, I'll give her a few more episodes to smooth into the role.

4. Sven & the snowman were the worst. Seriously. The snowman was just horrific. It reminded me of the scene in Jurassic Park: Lost World that everyone hated when the dino came to NYC. Just pathetic CGI, and no reason to bring that back from the movie. Sven...bad CGI. His character is unnecessary to the plot - they just brought him in for fan service. These two aspects are the ONLY things I disliked about the episode.

5. The troll = excellent. The biggest plothole in the movie was that they disappeared halfway into it with no explanation... so I was soooo excited that they actually have a part in this show. Can't wait to see what they do with it...and by the way, the CGI HERE was excellent. Why can't they do that with the two abominations for #4?

6. Everything with our normal recurring OUAT characters was amazing. I loved the Belle/Beast ballroom scene, I loved Regina trying to fight to be good with such hate in her heart, I loved Giancarlo's return as Sidney...and I loved the fact that Henry is almost as tall as Emma now. lol.

All in all, I was impressed with the episode. I went in thinking I was going to hate it, but I LOVED it. The snowman and Sven were really distracting and I never want to see them again...I'm so frightened about what Olaf is going to be... But the storyline, along with Anna's character, made up for the nonsense and left me wanting more.

So as I said I would, I will say that I was wrong. I am still not happy with the oversaturation of Frozen...but the writers really do know what they are doing and I applaud them for it. Can't wait for next week!!!!

 

[SmallWorld71]

The kids and I really enjoyed the show.

Do we know whose house Belle and Gold were in?

 

[NCRedding]

I didn't read anyone else's review on purpose. I just want to give my opinion here before I see how other people felt.

So, I was VERY vocal about my disdain for the idea of Frozen coming to OUAT so quickly after it's release. But as always, I still gave it a fair chance...and here are my thoughts:

1. The fact that it takes place AFTER the Frozen story made me soooo happy. They did good on that.

2. Anna was phenomenal. The actress really captured the spirit of the character.
3. Elsa was meh...she didn't really do it for me and she didn't seem to fit the character at all...of course, I'll give her a few more episodes to smooth into the role.

4. Sven & the snowman were the worst. Seriously. The snowman was just horrific. It reminded me of the scene in Jurassic Park: Lost World that everyone hated when the dino came to NYC. Just pathetic CGI, and no reason to bring that back from the movie. Sven...bad CGI. His character is unnecessary to the plot - they just brought him in for fan service. These two aspects are the ONLY things I disliked about the episode.

5. The troll = excellent. The biggest plothole in the movie was that they disappeared halfway into it with no explanation... so I was soooo excited that they actually have a part in this show. Can't wait to see what they do with it...and by the way, the CGI HERE was excellent. Why can't they do that with the two abominations for #4?

6. Everything with our normal recurring OUAT characters was amazing. I loved the Belle/Beast ballroom scene, I loved Regina trying to fight to be good with such hate in her heart, I loved Giancarlo's return as Sidney...and I loved the fact that Henry is almost as tall as Emma now. lol.

All in all, I was impressed with the episode. I went in thinking I was going to hate it, but I LOVED it. The snowman and Sven were really distracting and I never want to see them again...I'm so frightened about what Olaf is going to be... But the storyline, along with Anna's character, made up for the nonsense and left me wanting more.

So as I said I would, I will say that I was wrong. I am still not happy with the oversaturation of Frozen...but the writers really do know what they are doing and I applaud them for it. Can't wait for next week!!!!

Shameless brag: the actress playing Anna is a dear friend of my DD. She has spent many nights at our house. I've seen her in performances in high school plays and church productions. She and my daughter participated in mock trial competitions. Our town is so proud of her. She just graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts in May.

I never watched OUAT before, and was completely lost last night. I plan to see if I can find it on Netflix, etc.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

If I remember right the only reason August has not on was because his actor was a major player on Revolution?

 

[ashley0139]

Shameless brag: the actress playing Anna is a dear friend of my DD. She has spent many nights at our house. I've seen her in performances in high school plays and church productions. She and my daughter participated in mock trial competitions. Our town is so proud of her. She just graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts in May.

I never watched OUAT before, and was completely lost last night. I plan to see if I can find it on Netflix, etc.

Very cool! She is adorable. You can find the first 3 seasons on Netflix. You should definitely watch them if you plan to continue watching. It will make it much more enjoyable.

 

[ashley0139]

If I remember right the only reason August has not on was because his actor was a major player on Revolution?

He wasn't on Revolution, it was Sidney (Giancarlo Esposito).

 

[reelmom]

Since August was turned back into little Pinocchio, if he is the writer, Regina will need to go back in time again. Think of all the trouble this could lead to. Gonna be a fun season.

 

[Mr.MouseFan]

...I'm so frightened about what Olaf is going to be...

The creators of the show have said that Olaf will not be a part of Once Upon A Time.

My thoughts:

I get why they basically ripped things directly from the movie and plopped them on Once. It grabs the attention of all the Frozen fanatics who have never watched Once before. I also don't think it was any coincidence that the ballroom scene (which I loved!) and the sorcerer's hat with the familiar music playing when it appeared, as well as the "Mirror, mirror on the wall.." line were all also in this episode. With all of the new people watching (ratings were up 30% over last season's premier), it instantly identifies the characters and hopefully gets people interested in the other storylines. After all, Elsa and Anna are only in for the first 11 episodes. If Once wants to build their audience, as good as the Frozen arc is going to be, the other stories need to be even better to carry everyone into the second half of the season.

"What you need is a weenie, which says to people 'come this way.' People won't go down a long corridor unless there's something promising at the end. You have to have something the beckons them to 'walk this way.' - Walt Disney

Frozen is the weenie.

 

[Lehuaann]

Shameless brag: the actress playing Anna is a dear friend of my DD. She has spent many nights at our house. I've seen her in performances in high school plays and church productions. She and my daughter participated in mock trial competitions. Our town is so proud of her. She just graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts in May.

I never watched OUAT before, and was completely lost last night. I plan to see if I can find it on Netflix, etc.

NCRedding, how awesome is that!?

Yes, all 3 seasons are on Netflix and it's worth binge-watching asap. I couldn't imagine not seeing the previous seasons and only starting with season 4. There are way too many important scenes, elements, and etc. that bring the viewer into connection with the characters. My DD has only seen S1E1, so she was lost last night as well.

Too bad it wasn't a 2 hour season premiere since I was only able to catch the last 1/2 hour, boo! But from what I saw of the actress playing Elsa - pretty girl, but not impressed with her acting.

I also feel so, SO bad for Regina...

 

[ashley0139]

I thought the episode was great. Regina is my favorite character by far, and I just want her to be happy. However she gets that, I'm good.

 

[loveysbydesign]

The kids and I really enjoyed the show.

Do we know whose house Belle and Gold were in?

I thought at 1st that it was the Mad hatters, but then Belle said you could see the ocean from it? So

 

[CourtasanSatine]

He wasn't on Revolution, it was Sidney (Giancarlo Esposito).

My mistake! I must have mixed my actors up again.

 

[superme80]

I loved it!!!!! I can't wait to see how it unfolds. I hope there is someone else out there for Regina. I love her! I thought the Belle and Beast dance was so cheesy! Cannot wait to find out who wrote the book. So excited for next week!!!!

 

[HelloMimi]

I was really disappointed with the last season of OUAT, and a bit skeptical about how they were planning on incorporating the Frozen storyline, but I was surprised by how much I liked last night's episode.

Casting did a great job with the new characters, especially Anna! She's pretty much exactly how I'd imagined an IRL Anna to be. And kudos to the costuming department for Elsa's dress! If only park Elsa's dress was that pretty!

I still think the script can be really cheesy/awkward at times, and I'm pretty sure I laughed out loud during the ballroom scene, but I'm mostly excited for this season. I'm dying to know why A&E's parents really left and if Regina's ever going to get a break!

 

[FINFAN]

I liked it a lot...good casting for Anna and Elsa...Kristof not so much, not sure why, but for me, meh.
Hook...swoon....more please
Regina, they say the show is centered around Snow White, me thinks not, lol..It's all about Regina and I'm just fine with that. As a huge fan of the Disney Villains, can't WAIT to see who gets added as the story lines (hopefully) change
Belle and Rumple, so far so good, but if Regina is able to change endings for the Evil one's, he's got to be a casualty
I thought the house was the Knave's, from OUAT in Wonderland, but looked far too posh for that..since it had the Sorcerer's Apprentice box, it will be interesting.
I too, wished it was a 2 hour premier..went way too fast.

 

[Diznygrl]

I was willing to give the concept of a Frozen storyline the benefit of the doubt and didn't want to be cynical about it being nothing more than capitalizing on the current popularity of the movie, but dang I have to say the way they ended up handling it just frustrated me. Like a poster above, I think it was WAAAY too much like the movie. They made it like Frozen the Sequel instead of Frozen characters being integrated into Once Upon a Time. Part of the beauty of the show is that all the fairy tales take on their own identities that are more "inspired by" the original (or Disney) versions with subtle little homages here and there and aren't like direct copies. Anna and Elsa even look like their meet n greet counterparts at Disney Parks. Even the rock troll and the giant snow monster looked exactly like they are in the movie!! It's obvious that this storyline is less about what the Frozen characters can do for OUAT, and more about getting new people to start watching just so they can see more Frozen.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Shameless brag: the actress playing Anna is a dear friend of my DD. She has spent many nights at our house. I've seen her in performances in high school plays and church productions. She and my daughter participated in mock trial competitions. Our town is so proud of her. She just graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts in May.

I never watched OUAT before, and was completely lost last night. I plan to see if I can find it on Netflix, etc.

So cool!

The creators of the show have said that Olaf will not be a part of Once Upon A Time.

My thoughts:

I get why they basically ripped things directly from the movie and plopped them on Once. It grabs the attention of all the Frozen fanatics who have never watched Once before. I also don't think it was any coincidence that the ballroom scene (which I loved!) and the sorcerer's hat with the familiar music playing when it appeared, as well as the "Mirror, mirror on the wall.." line were all also in this episode. With all of the new people watching (ratings were up 30% over last season's premier), it instantly identifies the characters and hopefully gets people interested in the other storylines. After all, Elsa and Anna are only in for the first 11 episodes. If Once wants to build their audience, as good as the Frozen arc is going to be, the other stories need to be even better to carry everyone into the second half of the season.

"What you need is a weenie, which says to people 'come this way.' People won't go down a long corridor unless there's something promising at the end. You have to have something the beckons them to 'walk this way.' - Walt Disney

Frozen is the weenie.

Great points!

I thought at 1st that it was the Mad hatters, but then Belle said you could see the ocean from it? So

Hmmm....interesting idea. The knave of hearts is supposed to be coming this season from OUATIW, so maybe. Although, the water comment throws me, too. Maybe something from Frozen or the Little Mermaid. Or maybe all the water is from the Sorcerer's Apprentice.

 

[superme80]

BRING BACK JEFFERSON!!!!!!


Ok that is just wishful thinking on my part. He is so hot!

 

[diz8297]

I am a huge Beauty and the Beast fan, and have a crush on Robert Carlyle so I swooned during the ballroom scene. My season was made!!

 

[CourtasanSatine]

BRING BACK JEFFERSON!!!!!!


Ok that is just wishful thinking on my part. He is so hot!

In total agreement!