Take Three: Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time: Season 1, Episode 3 “Snow Falls” (C+)

I’m not sure what it is that compels me to continue to watch this show, but I suppose I’m decently interested to see how it all plays out, and its status as the only 8pm series I watch on Sundays makes it more manageable since the plethora of other Sunday shows doesn’t start until 9pm and 10pm. This episode is a game-changer for many reasons, not the least of which is the first sign, apart from the clock starting to work again, that Henry may in fact be right, provided we viewers weren’t fully aware of the existence of the fairy tale world already. That other universe has lost its sense of the old-fashioned and over-dramatic, now giving way to hastily-uttered conversations that sound much more like dialogue from the modern day. Snow White is far less sweet and lovely, and in fact sounds and acts quite a bit like her daughter Emma. One important discovery is that Prince Charming isn’t James’ real name, it’s just that Snow White decides that’s what his nickname should be. I’m not overly excited by the one-dimensional role given to David Anders of “Alias” and “Heroes” fame, but I am pleased to see Anastasia Griffith from “Royal Pains” and “Damages” as the real-life Prince Charming’s wife, as well as his fiancée in the fairy tale world. Mary Margaret definitely felt something when he grabbed her hand, and I think that Emma, logic aside, is coming closer and closer to realizing that Henry may just be on to something.