'Once Upon a Time' 5x02 Review: 'The Price'

Conclusions

It would appear to me that a large part of Emma’s journey to the dark side involves the loss of her identity as the savior. Although using magic is alluring, I think she could have accomplished what needed to be done without fully embracing the darkness if she were able to do it as the “savior.” My thoughts are turned to the lonely and insecure Emma that we met in the beginning of the show, the Emma who though she shunned it, desperately wanted to be loved. That was Emma before she carried the mantle of the savior and all the strength and self-confidence that came with it. Taking the title “savior” away from her is like stripping her down to that scared little lost-girl, and creating a void that the darkness could easily fill. The darkness could make her feel strong, and if she couldn’t be the savior, then at least being the Dark One would give her purpose.

After confronting Emma in Storybrooke, Regina finally understood that she was the one who needed to pay the price for Robin’s life. However, Mary Margaret decides she won’t let Regina face death alone. She grabs her hand, and her life force is joined with Regina’s. David, Leroy, and Arthur follow suit, and with the five of them together, the fury is defeated. It isn’t clear exactly how the price was paid except that it was a joint effort. Perhaps a little bit of life from each of five people was enough to equal one whole life. What ever the reason, this trial appears to be over. Is Regina one step closer to being the new savior? Does Emma want Regina to be the savior, or is she just bitter from feeling replaced?

In the end, everyone is gathered at Granny’s as usual. Emma stands across the street and watches longingly as Henry meets Violet, a lovely young lady from Camelot, for the second time. The first time they met was at the ball in Camelot where he told her he saved everyone from an alternate universe, and that he was better than a knight, he was a writer. Not to sound trite, but it was cute.

As Emma watched, she began walking toward the cafe, but rather than go in, she turned and walked away. Back at home, Rumpelstiltskin returned to coax her into attempting to make Excalibur whole. It appears that who makes Excalibur whole will determine how it can be used. So far, the assumption has been that putting the pieces together would be a victory for good. However, the premise has been presented that if the Dark One is able to reunite the dagger with the sword that she can then use it to “snuff out the light.” Thankfully, it’s not quite so easy a task to accomplish.