Well, that was a thing. While I think I would have preferred a Beast who was someone else in the town, I think the cast and crew sold me on this spin. Carlyle (along with Parrilla) has great chops. I accused him of scenery chewing (in the Rumpy role) early on in this episode, but that's the kind of character Rumpy is -- at least here. I would still like to know how he went from hobbled deserter to Dark One and then to this fey, psycho being. I'm sure we'll get there. I just hope I don't tire of him before we do. Bravo for Emilie de Ravin in her turn as Belle. I hope we get more of her, but I'm not sure how we could, until the series is almost over. She must be some sort of magical trump card for Regina.

I know Henry and Emma grate on some people, but their relationship is one of my favorite parts of the show. It's the Storybrooke reality that continues to resonate with me. This week, most of our Storybrooke action revolved around Gold, so while I appreciate the character, I didn't latch on to the emotions quite as easily. I find I don't want to get emotionally attached to his character, because while I think there's some good in there, it's not enough to assure me he's worth my time.

I hope we get some progress in or a recess from the David and Mary Margaret storyline. A few weeks ago, I was saying the "adultery" doesn't bother me, because it's not actual adultery. But even if, as I believe, it's the curse that is preventing David from breaking off with Kathryn, I'm getting tired of his seeming inaction. Shit or get off the pot, David. I'd also like to see some progress on the Mysterious Stranger storyline. I almost wish he hadn't been introduced until they were ready to use him.

I'll be back, Monday morning, with my recaplet of "What Happened to Frederick." In the meantime, please grade the episode at the top of the page and then join us in the forum, where no one's got a swell cleft in his chin, like Gaston.