As a fan of the series since day one, it was a thrill to be in the press room with the cast. They all seemed really excited about what's in store for the new season and were very approachable.
The big news dropped that Camelot will be prevalent in the first half of the season, however, Executive Producers Adam Horowitz and Eddie Kitsis said that while there will be a distinct first and second half of a season like last year, the storyline will follow through the entire season. This is the plan moving forward from now on because of the big break in between. How did they make the decision that Emma (Jennifer Morrison) would harness the Dark One? They liked playing with the question as to whether she would embrace the darkness within all season. When push came to shove, our Savior did what her heart truly said and refused to become evil. Horowitz and Kitsis loved going back and forth with it, so that in the end, for the audience, it was a huge sacrifice for her to tether it. During the panel, a brief trailer of Emma in full Dark One regalia was shown. Horowitz commented on the brief clip, "It was more for promotional. We shot that for Comic Con as a special treat for all the fans that came out." Kitsis adds Emma's look is still evolving, but that it generally what she will look like.
Regina (Lana Parilla) has been through the gambit during her transformation to redemption and it has been the one storyline that stayed consistent since season one. Of course learning she had a "wicked" sister Zelena (Rebecca Mader), set the stage for sibling rivalry at it's best! One of the things that fans are hoping for next season, is that Regina and Snow will work together to release the Dark One from Emma. How does Parilla feel about that? She feels that they will work together, however, Zelena will be a thorn in her side, especially as the pregnancy continues.
The two-part season finale was left with Robin back in Regina's arms and Zelena holed up under lock and key at the psych ward, pregnant with Robin's baby. Fans were hoping to get an interview with Lana Parrilla and Sean Maguire (Robin Hood) together, but Parilla made the rounds by herself, while Rebecca Mader was paired with Maguire. Will we learn more about the Lionheart tattoo Robin sports? Magurie says most likely. "I think so. I try not to ask too many questions unless it's something I really need to know. But it's a lion and you think of Robin Hood and it's around the time he gets to Lionheart, it's around the Camelot subject." Though he honestly does not know at this point, it sounds like we will most likely get to learn more about it. Mader says she loves playing Greenie to Parilla's Regina. Mader describes working with Parilla, "I love it! One of the things that's delicious with Lana and I when we work together, it's kind of like a dance between these two strong women, going toe to toe", getting into each other's faces. "It's so intense and juicy. I love working with Lana." Things will get intense for the siblings to say the very least! Mader adds, "I think Robin would be quite happy to see the end of my broomstick."
For me, as well as fans, the most frustrating thing has been Rumplestilkin's (Robert Carlyle) storyline. Even if you're not a "Rumbelle" fan, the fact that it appears he will not get redemption, has sparked many a conversation on social media. I remember last year I asked Adam and Eddie why they killed off Baelfire (Michael Raymond-James), Rumple's "happy ending"? Apparently there can be more than one happy ending. That said, Rumple took a dark turn at the end of season four, then continued to completely embrace it this past season, working with Ursula (Merrin Gungey), Cruella (Victoria Smurfit) and Maleficent (Kristin Bauer van Straten). Of course things ended badly once Belle (Emile de Ravin) realized he'd been lying to her, and she was not in possession of the real
dagger. The backlash went from bad to worse after she learned of the betrayal and sent him packing, banishing Rumple from Storybrooke. Some say it was a cruel twist of fate that Belle callously sent him on his way, however, how could she trust him again? While I was not happy she quickly turned her affections to Will, I have to say it was nice to see her strength and resolve.
Ever since Greenie showed up on the canvass, it's been fun watching the fear she instills in Rumple, especially in season four, while he was caged like an animal. Carlyle was brilliant, with the ability to convey the crazy in such a way that was heartbreaking to watch. Then again, when Zelena made a surprise visit as Rumple lay helpless on his hospital bed, that terror crept over his face like the darkness over his heart. How does he get into the mindset to play crazy? He says it's something difficult to describe, but says is pleased that so many people liked it. The finale left Rumple a crumpled, pathetic heap on the floor of his shop, as his heart was about to be completely consumed by the Dark One. Afraid of losing him, Belle asks the usual suspects for help and the Dark One is extracted from Rumple...finally! So will or can Rumple live without the Dark One? I mean he's definitely addicted to magic, so even if it means sacrificing himself in the end, could that be in the cards? Carlyle was pretty tight-lipped about what will become of Rumplestilskin upon regaining consciousness, but smiles and agrees Rumple is addicted. What that will mean as this season continues, remains to be seen. de Ravin says she loves the fact that Belle's relationship with Rumple/Gold is realistic, as they go through different obstacles throughout the relationship.
Of course "Captain Swan" was on hand to chat about Emma's descent into darkness! Emma bravely sacrificed herself to tether the Dark One while Snow (Ginnifer Goodwin), Charming (Josh Dallas), Regina and Hook (Colin O'Donoghue) figure out how to extract it. All season long we were concerned that Emma would choose to go darkside, in the end she refused, but how ironic is it that "The Savior" saved the day so-to-speak? So how will her relationship with Henry be affected? Morrison says it doesn't matter that she's the Dark One because she'll do whatever it takes to keep her son safe...even if it means she has to keep him away from her. One of the most gut-wrenching moments was when, even after Hook died in the alternate fairytale, Emma still couldn't say she loved him. Why not? Morrison answers she completely understands Emma in this situation because she's very similar. She, on a personal level, has a tough time herself saying "I love you", afraid of getting too close. What if this person leaves or isn't there anymore? Plus, trust is a big factor. Sounds like Hook, Snow and Charming will have their hands full as they attempt to release the hold of the Dark One from Emma.
It was really nice meeting Ginnifer Goodwin this year, as she was indisposed last year thanks to the little one! Both Goodwin and Josh Dallas were on hand to chat about the new mission this season to pull the Dark One out of Emma. Goodwin loved playing the evil queen in the finale episode and Dallas feigned that's how she treats him at home- it was cute! They both are very excited about the new season and said Camelot will be prominent in the first half of the season. Goodwin believes Snow and Regina will definitely work together to save Emma. They spoke about Henry's role, though neither was sure exactly how he will fit into the storyline as only three episodes were filmed thus far. Henry being the Author will be a factor, but they weren't sure exactly in what way.
The press room was great and it was fun to sit down face to face with the cast to get a feel for them as actors, as well as what's coming up for their characters. Like last year, none of them could really say a whole lot, but the addition of Merida from Brave will be a welcome addition. Jared Gilmore (Henry) was not at the press room this year, but I spoke to him last year about his role and whom he's learned from the most on set.
Don't miss the premiere of S5 of Once Upon A Time returns September 27, 2015 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
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