Once Upon a Time season 6, episode 9 pits Dark One against Dark One for the honor of Villain of the Week.
Once Upon a Time‘s evil doers in “Changelings” turn out to be the same person. It was Storybrooke versus Enchanted Forest Rumpel and two Dark Ones are definitely worse than one.
You voted and here are the results!
And the winner is…
Mr. Gold finally claims his Villain of the Week crown in Once Upon a Time season 6, episode 9. Are you even surprised? Not only does Storybrooke’s Dark One try to kidnap a child, but he ruins a mother’s first interaction with her son. Gold’s threatening presence left even the most loyal Gold fans feeling uneasy.
Best Quote
Best Interaction with a Hero
Mr. Gold’s confrontation with Belle in the library (sounds like a game of Clue!) is the final straw for his character. We would argue that there is no going back from here. Sure, he did not toss the magical powder on her then and there. Nor did he hurt her or their child physically in any way.
However, he took his stand as a man against Belle and their life together. Rather than make it work with her or try to co-parent, he decides that kidnapping the child is the only option. It is a selfish power grab that plays right in his wheelhouse.
As he backs away from Belle, you can see the fear and devastation all over her face. The Dark One shatters the illusion of a future where Gideon could come to know both of his parents. When Rumpel walks away, so does Belle’s hope for holding onto her son.
Top 3 Evil Actions
- Threatening to speed up Belle’s pregnancy and take their child
- Blaming Belle for ruining Gideon’s life
- Telling Belle he would never physically hurt her
Question of the week: Should Rumpel have the chance to meet his son?
This is a hard one. On the one hand, depriving an innocent boy of the chance to meet his father sounds cruel on the surface. But, on the other hand, Gideon’s father is a manipulative, self-centered monster. Belle’s decision to release Gideon is the best shot that child has at a future free from corruption.
Mr. Gold’s reasoning for wanting a child holds no power. The desire to have someone in your life who accepts you for who you are is a common wish. It’s so common in Once Upon a Time that this arc mirrors the one we already went through with Zelena. Now that it is Rumpel’s turn, the same sympathy is not there.
It has everything to do with the man whose actions ruin everything he touches. There are no accidents in Mr. Gold’s timeline. It is chock full of calculated movements that each result in him gaining more power. Love and acceptance are not high on his priority list, why should we give him a shot at them after all this time.
Gideon is in good hands with Blue. He may not have his mother for the time being, but he has a guardian who will fill his head and heart with the message that he was wanted and loved. We would not put is past Mr. Gold to ditch Gideon at the first sight of a new magic that requires his attention.
Honorable Mention:
Tip of the hat to the Enchanted Forest Rumpelstiltskin. His motivation to steal is logically sound. However, his lack of remorse for the child’s well-being and future leaves a lot to be desired. The old Rumpel’s tricks, especially getting Belle to translate the fairy language, are always fun to watch.
Unfortunately, as much fun as his past is to watch, it will never erase the despicable nature of his present self.
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Let us know what you think of Mr. Gold taking home the win and check back each week to vote for your favorite villain!
Check out our Once Upon a Time Hero of the Week!
Watch Once Upon a Time season 6, episode 10, “What You Wish For,” Sunday, December 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.