Episode Discussion 2x14: Manhattan

[jadestrick.livejournal.com]

Episode Discussion 2x14: Manhattan

While Mr. Gold, Emma and Henry go in search of Gold’s son Bae in New York, Cora, Regina and Hook attempt to track down one of Rumplestiltskin’s most treasured possessions. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, Rumplestiltskin realizes his destiny while fighting in the Ogres War.

Posting a little early as I'll be out tonight. Enjoy the show!

Comments

[lady_songsmith]

He didn't try to lie, he tried to dodge, which isn't exactly the same thing -- basically he was like 'does it matter?' And she came out and told him she'd rather he'd DIED than remained to love and provide for her and their newborn son. That's seriously harsh and not at all what someone who loves you would say even if they were disappointed in you.

[alorarose.livejournal.com]

I kind of got the feeling that even though she was lovey dovey at the beginning, that she wanted rid of him... so him coming home? yeah, not what she wanted.

[londongirl27.livejournal.com]

I kind of got the feeling that even though she was lovey dovey at the beginning, that she wanted rid of him...

I had that same feeling, too. Now, I'm wondering -- did she really want to stop him from going in the first place? Or was that all just an act?

I mean, for someone who was extremely supportive and encouraging in the beginning (i.e., insisting that Rumple was definitely no coward), it seemed odd to me that she had no problem easily believing the rumor about his cowardly move. Not even giving the benefit of the doubt or wanting to hear his side of the story first? Just straight-up anger on her part? Weird. Again, it seemed like a major change from the beginning, and it made Milah's character seem more fishy to me.

[alorarose.livejournal.com]

Wondering if she was forced into the marriage with him. Because if being a coward was such a shameful thing, why would someone marry the son of a coward? Too many questions that they probably won't answer.

[lady_songsmith]

Yeah, I am sort of wondering if she was cheating on him already. Yikes -- what if Bae isn't his?! (That'd actually be an interesting contrast to the blood-over-adoption thing the show's had going on thus far, though; I kinda hope it turns out to be true!)

[alorarose.livejournal.com]

Well, unless Milha told Hook, there's no one there to tell if Bae's really Rumpy's or not. And even then, it's not like anyone's gonna believe a thing Hook says, haha.

I can't wait for the next eeeeep.

[dragonstarlin.livejournal.com]

I thought about the her cheating before, it could be interesting. But then issues on the foretelling and using his blood with the globe.

I never had a huge issue with Milah. We just don't see much of her- this is a show of misdirection and multiple sides to a story, and yet how quickly fans forget... Actually some of the reactions to her in her first episode may make me more inclined to like her... not logical but oh well.

Basically I think that Milah liked Rumple, but wasn't in love. Normal in the period being represented- very limited options, expected to marry, have kids, and very lucky if able to grow into a kind of love through shared experiences. I think that Milah liked how Rumple represented himself initially- someone with a desire to prove himself, go and fight the war- remember he had no issue leaving Milah for his big chance, it was all exciting. Milah never got to see the front lines, experience the affect that can have on someone.

It would have been better never had his "chance", than for him to go, be excited to go, than from what she later learned abandoned it. Her situation in the town probably got bad fast as other women's husbands died, other fathers, who were fighting FOR their kid's future. I think that's really missed thinking about the situation and is unfortunate she didn't hit it more squarely. That's why people go off to war, for their families, so what is running away? For it also to be why he cheated out of it? I totally understand her being upset. Wouldn't be surprised if she got treated like crap as an extension, with out any relief with deeper relationship with her husband.

Other thoughts- Rumple has no proof there was a seer, or way to really impress upon Milah it's truth- he didn't believe the Seer at first either. Milah doesn't have any of the shared experiences we as the audience get in a way to feel for Rumple. He started to explain, but how well, how well can you REALLY translate that. The possibility of dying to KNOWING it. It's one thing too if there is a strong bond of love already, communication, etc. to help bridge but they didn't have that.

Also, while I believe she never loved him, he too played a role. He was either truly blind to it, which isn't good, or choose to ignore it b/c he loved her...but could he REALLY have and know her so little not to understand/expect her reaction? Both of them entered into the marriage they could have at the time, not a one person show.

Now, her leaving Bae, I don't like how she did it. Probably seemed like her only chance- again looking at the time period- not many options, and was desperate. We have no idea her inner turmoil or possible depression issues. Not excusing, but context. The hard truth is that sometimes it's better to leave. It really makes me a bit upset when there is no recognition to differences of experience- taboo in our culture around mother/child relationships, but the truth is, not everyone bonds in the same way, or that truly loving can sometimes mean letting go. For me it comes down to have little we have, and some things that point away from souless evil person more than to. I certainly don't love her, but I could only hate with MORE context that shows her totally inhuman.

If through more context we can love and root for Rumple, Regina, Hook...baffles me some of the responses to Milah with so little. Like I said, show of misdirection...

[amarra-jade.livejournal.com]

This. I don't care if she was disappointed. There's just no excuse for what she said.