After all, Red’s time in the spotlight was just that. Every week the show seems to layer our preconceived notions about these characters with more interesting convictions and ideas. Here, it was Red’s desire to hide one half of herself. When she ran into her mother she was a lost young girl, her wolf half completely repressed and confined. Anita wanted her to embrace that part of herself that she had hidden, and be who she wanted her to be. It may be animalistic, and at times scary, but it’s half of who she is. Why should she hide it?
Granny may have loved her, but she did everything in her power to keep that side of Red from coming out. She even brought that control with her to Storybrooke; we saw that when she locked her granddaughter away for fear of what she might do. She wanted Red to be human. The possibility that her wolf side may actually be overcome was never even considered. It was only Snow who wanted Red to be the one thing she never was; herself.
After all, Snow was the only person who never showed fear of Red’s wolf side, staying by her side even when her own safety was being threatened. I think that’s why Red stuck by her instead of Anita. She knew deep down that what this pack was doing wasn’t right, so she chose to save her friend. It may have cost her a place in her mother’s life, but she found out exactly who her family was, and gained a lot of clarity. That clear thinking might not have been on show when she decided her best course of action was to run right into that path of an angry mob, but now that she knows that she has no more reason to be afraid, she can be exactly who she wants to be.
Charming faced similar challenges against his sense of self. What are you to do when a man you loathe kills innocent people and destroys your one hope of getting your family home? I know Charming’s actions have been a little questionable lately, but when your wife and daughter go missing, you’d be crazy not leave any stone unturned. He stayed the opportunity to cross the line from mourning father and husband towards vengeful monster even when he lost all hope. He’s still a good guy; he’s just a little crankier than usual...
His mood might change if he knew how close Snow and Emma were to getting back, though. It’s a thought that’s really carrying the show right now, the idea that we might finally see their family back together. All of the mysterious insights about Henry and Aurora’s shared dreams, and Cora and Hook’s plots to find a way to Storybrooke seem to fuel that story even when it’s not the main focus of the episode. It may be a little while off, but at least I’m enjoying the journey towards this story’s eventual turning point.
8/10
Plus
Henry can control his actions within his dreams now. This could be just what they need to communicate between worlds.
Jefferson’s hat is destroyed. How will he feel about that when he finds out?
I really like the friendship between Snow and Red, I’d like to see more of them together. Same goes for Red and Belle. More female bonding please.
He Said, She Said
Red: “Know anybody who might want 38 frozen lasagnes?”
Charming: “I’m sorry, what?!”
Granny: “I know; nobody would believe it if you told them my lasagne was frozen.”
Red: “My mother wanted me to choose between being a wolf and being a human, Granny did too. You are the only person who ever thought it was OK for me to be both.”
Snow: “’Cause that’s who you are.”
Also posted at Billie Doux.
Why does an episode about Red end up being an episode about Charming? Couldn't any of the characters have an episode about themselves without Emma, Snow, Charming or Henry getting involved in a major way?
ReplyDeleteI don't see that. I think Red got ample screen time dedicated to her, and since he's a protagonist I guess his involvement is important. Same goes for all the others. It's a weird idea that they'd just completely disappear just because attention is diverted elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the comment though, Rosie.