We just got back from a screening of the first two episodes of the second half of Once Upon A Time Season 4, and after the screening, ABC hosted a Q&A with the show’s Executive Producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis.
They talked about many things – most of them spoilery – but what you’re probably wondering about is the state of Emma Swan’s relationships with Captain Hook and/or the formerly-evil Queen Regina, right?
“As far as her and Hook, she’s beginning to open her heart up,” Edward Kitsis told the room of journalists. “So, for us, it is watching Emma open her heart up, even though she’s about to find out some really bad information. For Hook, we are going to realize that he’s got some things going on in his head that he’s concerned about,” he teased.
“With Regina, I think what’s fun is that, in the premiere this year, she knocked on the door and said ‘I want to be your friend, and I want to get your happy ending as well,’ and then she joined up in Operation Mongoose,” Kitsis continued. “Regina was kind of like ‘that’s great, but I like your mom more.’ Regina hasn’t been that open to her friendship, but I think we’re going to see that change a little bit, and I think that the natural evolution of their growth is kind of fun for us. I think the show… Regina & Emma is a huge part of it. It started with her trying to get her out of town, and they fought together, and they fought against each other, so now I think whether or not they can be friends, we’re going to see in this second half.”
Emma will face some new challenges in Season 4B, and those challenges might form a new alliance between the two women. “There is a new common ground between the two characters that I think will build on that friendship. In addition to Henry, now, they have something else that they can share,” Horowitz added.
Once Upon A Time returns Sunday, March 1. See some images from the midseason premiere below:
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ONCE UPON A TIME - "Darkness on the Edge of Town" - With Gold banished from town, the residents of Storybrooke attempt to resume their normal lives. Hook and Belle search for a way to release the fairies from the Sorcerer's hat, while Emma, Henry and Regina continue to look for clues that could lead them to the Author. But when a terrifying darkness descends on the town, Emma and Regina are forced to confront the true nature of evil. Meanwhile, in New York, Gold and Ursula enlist Cruella De Vil to join their cause, on "Once Upon a Time," SUNDAY, MARCH 1 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Jack Rowand) VICTORIA SMURFIT, KRISTIN BAUER, ROBERT CARLYLE, MERRIN DUNGEY
15 Comments
I’m really looking forward to learning more about Killianand his past; and to see his and Emma’s journey continue, to see them face whatever comes their way together – as a couple. Their love story is the best one I’ve seen on TV in a long time, maybe ever.
As far as Emma and Regina becoming friends, it still seems very far fetched to me. Even if they both have magic. Considering everything Regina has done and how she’s responsible for Emma growing up as an orphan. Not to mention that Regina killed Graham. But somehow Adam and Eddy want to make this friendship happen. It does feel very forced to me – the fifth episode of this season made that very clear. I only hope this friendship was planned from the beginning and isn’t the result of certain fan reactions.
I’m so looking forward to more Emma and Regina, like imagine those two end up together? (mind blown)
As soon as Regina comes clean about Graham, I will accept their friendship. Until then, no.
Thanks. Can’t wait.
Especially to see more development of Emma. With her family and her Killian.
All looks so good.
I love that Emma and Hook are together and will face things together and that is how you grow as a couple and a relationship grows and strengthens and facing the world together. Emma Swan is not alone.
Not a fan of Hook, but I’m liking the dynamic between Emma and Regina. I wish the show would focus on that instead of silly romances that feel rather stilted.
I love Emma and Regina and can’t wait for more. I love that they developed their relationship over the seasons. That’s been such a good constant and always growing to more. Enemies, then reluctant allies, frenemies, allies, and now friends probably even best friends? If the show gets more seasons we’ll hopefully see them grow into lovers. And that’s going to be amazing and groundbreaking and a true slow burn. #SwanQueen
Other then the Queens of Darkness, I’m looking most forward to #Swan Queen. Regina and Emma is a beautiful story, and would be a amazing love story.
Can’t wait for more Emma and Regina! #SwanQueen
Craig, you derserve a standing ovation from #SwanQueen nation due to inclusivity in this article. Tagging #SwanQueen, understanding that fans are interested in Emma’s relationship with Hook “AND/OR” Regina, the use of the ambigious term “relationship” (leaving it up to interpretation if its friendship and/or romantic), focusing on what the FANBASE wants instead of what you as the editor likes (a.k.a. “fangirling”). This has been difficult for some press to accomplish.. even if #SQ has one of the largest online followings. This means a lot to us.
I haven’t watched the show in a while. I might pick it up again for the swan queen interactions. Love their relationship :)
I’m most looking forward to seeing the relationship progression of two people who are arguably the center of this show, and that’s Emma and Regina (and their son, of course). With #SwanQueen the writers have crafted an ever-strengthening partnership between two women who now see one another as equals and, while it may not be blatantly obvious, have absolutely grown to respect and care for each other even when facing hardship or while they’re at odds. Unlike a lot of other relationships on this show Emma and Regina have had quality, believable relationship development going back to the very first episode and I’m excited to see where that continues to lead in 4B, and, hopefully, S5.
Love watching the Emma and Regina dynamic. Those two have incredible chemistry. Thank you for addressing Swan Queen. As Lana Parrilla said, they’re ying and yang, light and dark. I love how their relationship is the best progressed relationship on the show.
VIVA LA SWANQUEEN
I’m so excited for more Emma and Regina this next half! I love Swan Queen and Henry!
I love Emma and Hook. So glad we gonna see them grow as a couple.
I adore Hook.