1. Do you think Cora was really doing all of it for Regina?
I think she saw Regina as an extension of herself. It certainly wasn't about caring about Regina. Even though some people have been able to still care/love without a heart, I don't think Cora could. I think it was ultimately about power. Regina getting power meant she was getting power.
2. Do you think Regina knew what was going to happen if she pushed her mom through the Mirror?
No, I don't think so. It has been a while since I've watched season 1, though. Maybe it's time for a rewatch.
3. How do you think Rumple affected both of these women? (I found one fic that was a really weird three-way with Rumple, a younger version of Cora, and Regina).
Rumple is really the catalyst. Frankly, as we've learned more about how self centered he was and how he caused so many things, I've sympathized with him less and less and considered redemption possible for him less and less. Because he, unlike others, is still the same person. He is on the side of good right now because they are his family and the people he cares about. Family has always been his motivation, both for good and ill.
4. Do you think that once Cora had her heart back, she and Regina could have had a normal relationship? Or too much water under the bridge?
No, I don't think so. In that moment, Regina wanted it because Cora was her mother. But Cora abused her so badly, I can't see Regina ultimately being able to get past that. She would always both love and hate her mother, and the past wasn't going away.
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I think she saw Regina as an extension of herself. It certainly wasn't about caring about Regina. Even though some people have been able to still care/love without a heart, I don't think Cora could. I think it was ultimately about power. Regina getting power meant she was getting power.
2. Do you think Regina knew what was going to happen if she pushed her mom through the Mirror?
No, I don't think so. It has been a while since I've watched season 1, though. Maybe it's time for a rewatch.
3. How do you think Rumple affected both of these women? (I found one fic that was a really weird three-way with Rumple, a younger version of Cora, and Regina).
Rumple is really the catalyst. Frankly, as we've learned more about how self centered he was and how he caused so many things, I've sympathized with him less and less and considered redemption possible for him less and less. Because he, unlike others, is still the same person. He is on the side of good right now because they are his family and the people he cares about. Family has always been his motivation, both for good and ill.
4. Do you think that once Cora had her heart back, she and Regina could have had a normal relationship? Or too much water under the bridge?
No, I don't think so. In that moment, Regina wanted it because Cora was her mother. But Cora abused her so badly, I can't see Regina ultimately being able to get past that. She would always both love and hate her mother, and the past wasn't going away.