Once Upon a Time

:

Season 3
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 23, 2011
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
tbd

No score yet - based on 0 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream On
Stream On

Critic Reviews

There are no critic reviews yet.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 129 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 104 out of 129
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 129
  3. Negative: 10 out of 129
  1. seventhbeacon
    Nov 23, 2014
    1
    Once upon a time, ABC was in talks with an amazing creator named Bill Willingham, whose comic series "Fables" is a long line of brilliance,Once upon a time, ABC was in talks with an amazing creator named Bill Willingham, whose comic series "Fables" is a long line of brilliance, mature exploration of character and fairy tale tropes blended into a modern setting. It is hands down one of the best series I have ever read, and it's still going (at least into 2015 when the story comes to a close).

    At some point, those talks fell through. Then, half a year later, ABC announces Once Upon a Time, based on the same basic conceit as the Willingham comic from Vertigo (DC). I'm sad it's not Fables, but I'm excited at the idea.

    Then, I watch it. I tried. I really did. It's so watered down, trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator, with annoying leads (though I liked Jiminy Cricket and I liked Rumpelstiltskin for what they were worth). It had a less-intriguing premise. It was far too soft and Disney-fied. They basically took this amazing mature story and tried to make it have mass appeal to the family audience. Already not what I wanted, but hey, I like a good family show on occasion, so I stuck it out.

    And the writing sucked. The plotting, the dialogue, the generic tropes done with a straight face, bland as could be. The kid is obnoxious. Snow's 'daughter' is obnoxious. Snow is less interesting than a bottle of Ambien (and it's sad, too, I loved the actress in Big Love).

    Jiminy and Rumpel are the only reason this review didn't get a '0'.

    If you want something that's actually good in this vein, go read Fables. Or watch Grimm.    … Full Review »
  2. JrAgujaIsAGleek
    May 15, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. This is the best season that Once Upon a Time has.

    Sure, it had its flaws but the entertaining value is higher than ever.

    Since the season is split into two story arcs. Let’s review the first half of the season, which is about Peter Pan taking place in Neverland.

    Yes. It was boring. First of, the setting of Neverland is just plain dark and boring. And the storylines weren’t strong enough to hold it. It had its plot holes and unsolved questions. Here are some of the few questions, all about the Darlings.

    1-How did the Hipster Darlings grow up looking young in the future?
    2-What happened to the Darlings after Peter Pan is killed in a “suicide” mission by Rumpelstiltskin?
    3-Did they leave Storybrooke to London?

    We may never know.

    But it did feature interesting new (likable) characters such as Ariel. Her hair color. Wow. I can’t stop looking at her. She is beautiful. That’s probably because I love redheads so much.

    The last few episodes of the “Neverland” story arc were finally getting to the point of the action. It made me go edge of my seat for the first time since the premiere of the third season.

    And oh boy, the last episode of the arc felt like a true season finale. Heck, even a bittersweet series finale if the last two minutes didn’t happen.

    After that episode, it’s quite hard to think what happens next. That’s brilliant writing right there ladies and gentleman.

    And now, for the second arc of the season which I would like to call "The Wicked Witch of the West Invades Storybrooke”

    Again, this arc has many unsolved questions and I would like to list a few.

    1-What happened to Mulan after she has eyes on Princess Aurora?
    2-What happened to Princess Aurora and Prince Philip after they became those “flying monkeys”?
    3-And the most important question of all after watching the finale. How the hell did Rumpelstiltskin got off the hook (no pun intended) from killing Zelena if his Rumple side is still showing despite he is the new “Mr.Gold”? They better address this next season.

    However, while it does add new more questions. It’s more entertaining than the last arc.

    I am so happy they’re doing this arc in Storybrooke. It’s more interesting to have fairy tale epic-esque battles in a small modern town where the FCC didn’t even know that town existed with TV stations.

    And also, the story was pretty straight forward and it didn’t drag on.

    Character development was very strong in this arc. From Regina’s redemption to happiness (now ruined) to Emma Swan’s “This is Where I Belong Now That I Am in Henry’s Storybook!" moment.

    I loved how they did with the time traveling plot device. But then again, it’s better to travel time by TARDIS because magic isn’t real and science is real and it doesn’t involve killing of babies.

    Overall, despite its flaws that cannot be ignored, this season of Once Upon a Time was their best. I hope the seasons get better and better without any questions unsolved.

    And dividing the season into two story arcs from on is a very good plot device to avoid dragging the season. I hope they do this until they reach their final season. And with Elsa being the next antagonist, it’s appropriate for the fall/winter season.    … Full Review »
  3. DoctorTorchwood
    Apr 19, 2014
    9
    The season is split into two parts. The first part takes awhile to get good. The first 8 or so episodes feature the cast walking around aThe season is split into two parts. The first part takes awhile to get good. The first 8 or so episodes feature the cast walking around a jungle and arguing. Most of the interesting stuff happens in the flashbacks. However, the second part is awesome right from the start. It's filled with suspense that leaves you wanting more. Overall a great season.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »