From a ranking of 1-10, how would you rate S6 E14, 125th episode total, entitled "Page 23,"?

Updates (during the episode):

I like it so far except with that scene between the Evil Queen and Henry except for a few moments within it. Other than the repetition of the opening scene, I enjoyed the rest of the scene and dynamic between TB and EQ.

I'm interested in what occurs in the real world and flashbacks (although less enthusiastic about this), which does not happen as much anymore. The dialogue is much sharper now, although the narrative is a little clunky in itself.

I like Regina finally not being as self-righteous now. Lana Parilla's acting is good. There is a suspense in this episode that is not apparent in others. I like the lines from Nemo and Robin in certain scenes. I notice now, and I have not before, that Mark Isham's score is masterful.

The transitions between the flashbacks and modern day correlating with the music were great. Amazing editing, cinematography, and they did not overdue the visuals, and were done more artfully (minus the Regina/EQ separation) I liked how the person EQ hated most was herself, but Regina does not, adding to the contrast between them.

The fight scene was well choreographed, although short.

I never thought I enjoyed a Regina and Hook centric. But I did. And I liked how Robin was sent back and not kept here. They handled The EQ so much differently than I thought they would, and I have mixed feelings.

I thought they executed the revelation scene well. Jennifer does a lot of nuance here. I love her subtle acting.

I liked how Ginnifer was in this episode. Her warmth radiates from the screen! I hope to see her more later on in this show. And Zelena, she was not overplayed or useless. Her presence added than took away.

Forgiving the EQ though, still, mixed on that. Not someone you can forgive like that, but I liked that they sent her away rather than kept her on. It's better than if she stayed in Storybrooke doing nothing and being like Regina was in Seasons 4-5. And the new beginning for the EQ, very fairy-tale like, another story beginning, to live her intended life, very poetic.

And I loved the line "I had a change of heart," puns, when handled well, can always treat a scene.

Captain Hook and that ending...I liked the snowy setting, realistic for Maine to be honest. Now it seems like he had abandoned Emma! A plot contrivance, but it at least creates needed tension.

I'm glad they are not overplaying Gideon. I still want more from him. He'll probably come up later. Happy they delt with the EQ first. The rest of the season seems to be looking up!

Much better than last week's episode.

Personal Rating:

7.5/10