Before we actually got to the Underworld, however, we had a little moment of nostalgia.
Okay, a big moment of nostalgia.
Are they in the Underworld?
Credit: Jack Rowand/ABC
Emma wakes up right as the crew approaches the REAL Underworld, which looks exactly like Storybrooke.
Except, predictably, this Storybrooke is tinted red because, you know…hell.
Also, this is kind of like a broken-down version of Storybrooke, complete with a broken clock tower.
Whats worse, the Storybrooke crew knows that half the people are only here because of them.
Well, okay, mostly Regina.
Either way, that cant feel very welcoming.
Snow visits the Underworld version of Grannys, where she runs into David.
Totally James, who plants one on her before leaving.
(Nice shot of Rumple noticing his old Pan doll right before Pan shows up.)
Arent you glad to see your dear old father?
No, hes really not.
If they pour it over Hooks grave, they can find him easily.
Best-laid plans, amirite?
Regina, meanwhile, is having some growing pains of her own.
And that includes trying to get Regina to leave because her friends and family are holding her back.
Most people can only leave the Underworld in two ways, both of which dont seem very appealing.
But Coras arranged for a boat to take her home safely with Robin and Henry.
be swallowed up by the flames of the Underworld.
The person who will suffer, in particular?
(To make it clear, Im not complaining.
Regina is one of the best things the show has going for it.)
She wants Snow Whites heart, which no one seems to be able to get.
Henry tells Regina that her mother is controlling her and that shes also the reason shes obsessed with vengeance.
Regina needs her birthday present, explains Cora because mothers ALWAYS take care of their daughters.
Did I mention that in addition to the best outfit, Regina has the best birthday cake?
Turns out in a bid to eternally save his daughter from falling into evil, Henry switched the hearts.
I guess thats one way to stop a convo.
Conclusion: This birthday definitely sucks.
Emma thinks she should go, while (unsurprisingly) Snow and Charming insist everyone stay and help.
Regina finds herself at her fathers grave, where she apologizes for his death.
But hes come to tell her something important: Cora is using her to get her to leave.
But something strange happens: Despite being consumed, Henry doesnt die.
And spoiler alert…its beautiful.
When youre a good person, you’re free to get redemption.
Regina introduces him to his grandson/namesake, and then he disappears into the light.
And a man sitting in a chair drinking wine with his feet up.
Its a good lair, honestly.
Apparently, Hades wanted Cora to get Regina out, which she obviously failed at doing.
Why does he want her out so badly?
Something to think about for all eternity, eh?
Maybe shell finally get an arc thats more than just waffling between good and evil.
