ABC's "Once Upon A Time" returned for its sixth season this Sunday, September 25th, which leaves many people wondering how on earth this silly show about fairytale characters has even lasted that long, especially after some of its most questionable plot lines occuring in the last couple seasons. However, despite the ridiculous plot lines, inconsistencies, and overall silliness, we OUAT fans keep tuning in every Sunday because, despite all its flaws, "Once Upon A Time" is still one of the best shows on TV. Here's why:
7. All your favorite characters from childhood in one place
In this case, the reason you start watching the show is the reason you stick with it. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to Elsa and Anna from "Frozen" all the way to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, "Once Upon A Time" never disappoints in surprising us with all our favorites from classic Disney movies, age-old stories, and even Greek mythology. One of the most fun parts of watching this show is seeing what stories they'll bring in next and watching fairytale characters interact with the real world and with each other.
6. Family-friendly fun
... Well, for the most part. There is the occasional, literal ripping out of someone's heart and crushing it in front of them, but other than that, the show is pretty clean. In all seriousness, "Once Upon A Time" is definitely one of the most family-friendly shows on TV right now. Though the drama is usually at maximum level, the R-rated material is mostly non-existent. So, as far as guilty pleasures go, OUAT is a great option.
5. Pretty costumes
This show is blessed with the talented costume designer, Eduardo Castro, whose creations are always fairytale-worthy. The glittering ballgowns, fairytale gear, and, of course, Emma's iconic red leather jackets definitely add to the show's magical qualities.
4. Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin
Love him or hate him, you have to admit Rumplestiltskin is the most interesting character on the show. Since season one, he's consistently been the show's number one villain, the one we can't figure out whether to hate or feel bad for. And it helps that he's played by Robert Carlyle, who brings a personality to this character that no one else could. The show would definitely be less fun without all his "let's make a deal"s and reminders that "all magic comes with a price."
3. Hook & Emma (a.k.a. Captain Swan)
Though at first they seem like an unlikely pair--the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming with Captain Hook?--these two have an incredible love story. These bitter-enemies-turned-unlikely-friends-turned-lovers have captivated their audience since season two and continue to be the reason most of us tune in every week.
2. Emma Swan
But, of course, you can't have a lasting show without a phenominal hero(ine), and "Once Upon A Time" has that ten-fold. The show is full to the brim with strong leading ladies like Snow White, Red Riding Hood, and, of course, the Evil Queen, but the show's main protagonist, Emma Swan, is the driving character of the show. Not only does she provide a great role model for young audiences (see above quote), but she also breaks the unrealistic trope of a "strong female character" and instead embodies a realistic and emotionally complex female character, which television is in great need of. She can sword fight like any good hero, and she also possesses more feminine qualities not often seen in these types of characters. In this way, the complexity of Emma Swan and her journey keeps a hold on the show's viewers.
1. Hope
But the main reason this ridiculous show about fairytale characters has lasted this long and still reels in millions of viewers on a regular basis is its message. The show has an obsession with "happy endings" that can sometimes be annoying, but ultimately, it's part of its magic. On other shows (especially others on ABC), drama usually ends in tragic deaths or some other form of unbearable heartache, but "Once Upon A Time" likes to come back to that infamous "happily ever after." Tragic endings are never accepted on this show; the characters always fight (albeit, with magic) to make things right--and, usually, it works. Call it unrealistic expectations, if you want, but the show likes to call it "hope." And it's not a bad thing to have drilled into your mind every Sunday at 8/7 Central.
So, although "Once Upon A Time" will probably never be one of the most intellectual or complex shows on TV, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of its viewers because of its nostalgia, its heart, and, we'll admit it, its silliness. It's a guilty pleasure that doesn't make you feel guilty, and a little hope is always a great way to start the week.
