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Looks like ABC/Disney might be pulling a few more stops on one of television's more imaginative and ambitious fantasy series as a brand new season of "Once Upon a Time" kicks off.
[Spoiler-lite synopsis] "A Tale of Two Sisters", as one might expect, possesses some serious Disney ambiance and after the ups and downs (lookin at you Peter Pan) of the previous season, it seems the writers have sort of recaptured the mystery element of Season One while continuing to hone the seamless blending of magical realms with our own. In spite of the mostly happy tenor of the Season Three finale, the more than slightly awkward reunion of Robin and Marian seems to have provoked a relapse for Regina, but thankfully Emma won't let it get her down as she continues to assume the role of savior (wish they'd think of another title) in more than name only and thankfully less of a third wheel or simply Henry's mother. Of course the biggest question on everyone's mind is about the bomb dropped in the final few seconds of last season and may I say that the introduction of "Frozen" was excellently handled, with events picking up at the end of said film and flawlessly woven into "Once". There's a remarkable resemblance between actress Georgia Haig and her animated counterpart Queen Elsa and may I say kudos on some phenomenal casting as she not only plays the part with dual lightheartedness and gravitas (as they switch between back-story and current events) but furthermore seems to have immediately established herself as another major player which only helps to enrich an already impressive list of characters. Speaking of which, for all of us fans of Mr. Gold, be prepared for a very moving scene followed by some of that ambiance I was referring to earlier, all of which demonstrates just how integral this character continues to be for the series. Overall a very fun episode; be on the lookout for some great eye-candy as far as special FX as well as a sort of cautionary message which is - NEVER make Sleepy the designated driver!
I think "Once" has always been a show for the young at heart and if this season opener is any indication of things to come I suspect number four will be more appealing than ever to kids in particular and will continue to be a great reason for getting together with friends and family on Sunday evening as a simple recipe for good fun and lasting memories.
[Update 12/15/14 *SPOILERS*]: If I could summarize this season so far I'd say it's about the fierceness of one woman's desire to be accepted, another's to reunite her family and how these two paths collide. Not too crazy about losing such an excellent villain so quickly (i.e. Snow Queen), the Regina/Robin thing (glad it went the way it did), or Hook as a lovesick lackey; but I thoroughly enjoyed the Frozen theme as well as the addition of Wonderland's Will Scarlet and never liked Emma more than now. Absolutely loved the mid-season cliffhanger with Gold stranded but far from helpless and the intro of Maleficent, Ursula and Cruella (who apparently smells of "desperation and gin"), and with this sort of momentum building I can't wait to see what 2015 will bring! :o)