Fairy tales–they are the root of fantasy as we grow up. Being raised a Disney child, I yearned to be a princess and live in the magical worlds created so many years ago. They were magical, beautiful, romantic and all together enchanting.
As grown-ups, it’s hard to keep that sense of fantasy and wonderment alive between work, running the kids to and fro and the many trappings of adult life. We read the fairy tale books with our kids and even watch the movies with them, but up until recently, it had been close to impossible to recreate that fairy tale fantasy in a way suitable for adult tastes.
And then there was the new television show, “Once Upon A Time.” I tuned in to the first episode with a healthy dose of hope mixed with skepticism. I knew that if anyone could really pull off a fairy tale series for adults, it would be ABC (whose parent company is Disney), but I was nervous given the fact that Snow White is my favorite character and I’m pretty protective of her and her image. (As if we’re buddies, right?!)
By the end of the first episode I was hooked. Actually, “hooked” isn’t a strong enough word. Perhaps “enchanted” like I was with fairy tales as a child. The series focuses on the life of Emma Swan, whose life has been anything but a fairy tale. She is a 28-year-old bail bondsperson and has been taking care of herself since she was abandoned as a baby. But when Henry—the son she gave up 10 years ago—finds her, everything changes. Henry is desperate for his mom’s help and thinks that Emma is actually the long, lost daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Even stranger, Henry believes that Storybrooke, the sleepy New England town he calls home, is really part of a curse cast by the Evil Queen, freezing fairy tale characters in the modern world with no memory of their former selves. When the show isn’t focusing on the lives of the fairy tale characters in modern-day society, it flashes back to their lives long, long ago and show the relationships and events that shaped their lives and the stories we adore.
And how do I feel about Snow White these days? I love her all the more. Gennifer Goodwin, my favorite sister wife from the dearly departed “Big Love,” is perfect. She strong yet sensitive, sensible and beautiful. The writers got it right and she plays her wonderfully. In fact, all of the characters are outstanding and you’ll love learning their “back stories.”
All new episodes for “Once Upon A Time” will begin again this Sunday, January 8 (check your local listings). If you are a Disney fan (and I know you are), I highly encourage you to add this show to your television rotation.
I’m not going to lie, my husband works in television and we are both harsh critics when it comes to new shows. “Once Upon A Time” is well done with great attention to detail and I think you’ll agree that each episode leaves you wanting more.
You can catch up on the first seven episodes and watch them online now by clicking here.
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It’s also worth noting that any Lost fan should check out this series – similar story telling, with a different character backstory revealed each episode and tons of references to Lost – the clock was originally stuck at 8:15, the Mayor’s house number is 108, someone had an Apollo bar, etc.
I absolutely agree – and I am totally hooked too! 🙂