How would you rate the episode out of ten?

Personal Rating: 7/10

Thoughts:

The special effects are actually good in this episode! Pleasantly surprised, it is used artfully. They are putting in a lot of effort into this. The opening sequence was okay, in terms of the acting, and was a little campy.

The scene between Snow walking in on Emma and Hook reminded me of when Emma walked in on Snow and Charming. I like the dynamic between them and the comedy riddled throughout the episodes.

I liked Rumple telling Belle everything about the Black Fairy having Gideon's heart. I like the conversation between Belle and Zelena after that, even if it might not seem realistic for them to even be talking.

I'm glad they gave Henry and Charming screentime together. The writers have seen or forgotten them and their grandfather-grandson dynamic, which was built up in earlier episodes.

I like how the future Tin Man's name was Stanum, or silver, in Latin, but, The Wicked Witch of the North? Maybe it's just how he perceives her, but I remember she was a good character and guided Dorothy in the original story. Although I remember it was the Wicked Witch of the West who cursed him in the original, but in a way she was responsible for putting pride ahead of his life. And he wanted that heart specifically, it seems.

As always, the costume design is very well-done, same with the cinematography.

The writers are very self-aware about Regina's previous self-righteousness, but she's improved. On the other hand, I also liked them admitting of Zelena's selfishness and lack of self-worth, causing her to want to prove and justify herself to others, in both the present and in the flashbacks.

I liked the conversation in Granny's diner. Snow and Charming always light up the scenes. I loved all of the scenes in this episode with them, and I liked the prospect of returning to the Enchanted Forest, and the drama between them. I loved Charming caring for Emma's benefit.

Also glad we see the Cowardly Lion, as well as the world-building they are adding in more frequently in these maybe-final episodes. Now we know why he's cowardly. PTSD from Zelena.

I liked the confrontation between Zelena and Regina and the ending as a whole. It was sweet. Rebecca Mader handled those scenes well.

I liked how the flashbacks had revelance to the present day plot.

I think they might defeat the Black Fairy will be defeated next episode (or they think they did) then the musical episode, and then brought back somehow for the final battle. I don't see them having the wedding when she's still a threat, maybe when she's MIA somehow.

Interested in that cliffhanger!

Overall, I'm totally surprised at how much of a difference these writers have seemed to improve over that break. I wasn't expecting to enjoy these episodes so much. Remind me of both the episodic feel and the cleverness of the older seasons. I also see they are marketing the musical episode as a big event. Excited!