The Evil Queen has it out for Snow’s heart in Once Upon a Time season 6, episode 7 and her plan produces some devastating results for one couple!

Once Upon a Time season 6, episode 7 checks viewers into the heartbreak hotel. The honeymoon suite they’ve checked us into has all the accommodations you desire. Two for one heart specials, romantic movies on the memory DVR, and free wifi! The password is Wilby.

Much like the leading couple at the center of tonight’s episode, Once‘s past and present find a way back to each other. The call backs to Snow and David’s Enchanted Forest romance were…charming. But beyond making your heart swell, they serve a greater purpose.

Season 6 finally feels like it has a problem to resolve!

Okay, that’s not exactly fair of me. But for the past six weeks Once Upon a Time has experienced trouble mapping a course of action for the loftier themes they want to unpack. The Snowing drama, coupled with Emma’s overarching Savior complex and Regina’s battle with herself, form the trifecta through which the series can make its point.

Onward we go! No matter what Snow and Charming will always find each other. But the Evil Queen’s unchanging narrative is a bit more complicated than it appears.

Sure, you could say it all boils down to the same story that got Once Upon a Time going in the first place. The Evil Queen in her purist form wants one thing– Snow’s heart in a pile of dust.

However, after “Heartless,” the Evil Queen’s desire is less about wanting someone dead and more about finding someone who understands. She wants someone to feel the pain she felt for years. The little voice that Regina tries to quell by splitting herself from the Evil Queen is the same one that drives all of her vengeance. It sings on loop, “You will never be enough for anyone.”

Take a look at Snow. Just the fact that she was born is more than enough for her father. He loves her so much that he is willing to not only give her everything she wants, but takes it one step further. The Queen always feels like she is settling for whatever bit of themselves someone finds time to give her.

That brings us to her motivation for this season — make the Charmings suffer. Take out the core of the group and by extension everyone will suffer. The Evil Queen’s perfect day forces the heroes to act out an entire season’s worth of plot in under 12 Storybrooke hours.

Let’s take a look at the heroic mission checklist to see if we missed anything:

1. Receive cryptic threat
2. Come together and ponder meaning
3. Someone in the group has either had an experience with the threat or knows of a flashback that will reveal information
4. Hope is lost
5. Brainstorm alternatives at Granny’s over a grilled cheese
6. An outsider or person who never gets to speak offers an idea
7. WONDERFUL MAGICAL OBJECT HUNTING QUEST!
8. Find object, meet obstacle to obtain it
9. Counteroffer is made
10. Reflect on the journey that took you to that moment
11. Resolution

Aside from a delightful meal at Granny’s Diner, “Heartless” condenses everything else into this neat package. The flashbacks to the Enchanted Forest saw Snow and David looking for ways out of their life. One contemplated fleeing her kingdom, the other selling his farm.

In the heightened nature of Once Upon a Time‘s storytelling, these two situations are tame. But they do perfectly reflect the present’s much high stakes. If Snow and David hadn’t felt that level of defeat, they would have never found each other. They give each other the strength to carry on through thick and thin.

Unfortunately, the Evil Queen also understands that two half hearts are better than one whole one. Cursing both of their hearts, she sends Snow and David into a sleeping curse where only one of them can be awake at a time.

One without the other leaves us in a Jekyll and Hyde situation. Hopefully, Henry can put his quill to use and record all of this grandparents waking actions so that when it comes time for the other wake up, a handy cheat sheet is on the table.

We have to talk about Rumbelle

Belle French is on fire! Not only did she show up and say she does not care about the woman on the side, she shut down Rumpel’s “love of the son” excuses. Rumpel is not pure evil. He is a corrupted man who needs some alone time to reflect on his life choices. There is potential for good. If there wasn’t Belle would forgive him.

Did you hear that Rumpel? Belle would forgive you if you were a monster. Stop trying to play the victim and take accountability for your life! Belle French, I am with you.

In addition to being with Belle, I find myself strongly supporting the Rumpel-Evil Queen pairing. It is disturbing, it is wonderful, and Regina owning up to the attraction is one of the best moments Once Upon a Time has ever shot.

Thank you, Evil Dearie, for this gift.

Stray Observations

• The cold open was the best opening Once Upon a Time has ever done, right? That shadow on the curtain was brilliantly shot.

• Snow and David’s meet-cute literally planted the seeds of true love in the Enchanted Forest. I wish we were able to explore the seedling mythology a bit more. That said the backstory was cute, of little consequence, and elevates the magic in their story.

• So, Emma simply needs to remember who she is to defeat her tremors? Though Hook’s tactics sound romantic and wonderful, it cannot be that easy. Emma is in the midst of an identity crisis, reminding her that she is a product of true love and the Savior does not clear the air. If anything, it should make her question her position more. What does it all mean?

• Where does Zelena fit in now?

Watch Once Upon a Time season 6, episode 8, “I’ll Be Your Mirror,” Sunday, November 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.