Who is the Guardian? Is Ivy trying to steal Henry from Jacinda? A theory on these plus a lengthy conversation about RumBelle’s bittersweet ending in this Once UPon a Time full-discussion podcast about “Beauty” sponsored by Creation Entertainment.

So much of the episode “Beauty” was so much from the Disney Pixar’s movie “Up;” best episode of the season so far.

As a Rumbeller, just wanted to say I loved this episode! We’ve been waiting for 7 yrs for happiness and we got it! Loved how the teacup has the power to transport between realms. I wonder if Tilly dropping the teacup rather than her shooting Weaver is what caused him to remember.

Thanks for a great podcast.

— Andrea T from Los Angeles, CA

After seeing this episode, I felt I HAD to write in because….it was JUST SO GOOD. I was on team “let it die” after last season, and wasn’t planning on watching the reboot, but I have. I really loved seeing Rumple and Belle’s story play out. I loved that Rumple was finally happy without magic, that he, Belle, and Gideon lived a full life together, and the concept that letting his true love go was the first step in being able to free himself from the dagger forever. I cried. And finally…RUMPLE IS AWAKE!!! Thank you Once writers for not dragging it out forever!

I’m also really liking Alice’s personality. The actress is doing a great job. Was she ever in Dr Who? If not, I think she’d make an amazing companion.

This episode is my favorite of this season so far. I hope they wrap up a few more stories bc it was so satisfying!!!

— Marci Smith

I loved this episode! I feel the show really nailed it with the story of Belle and Rumpel’s journeys together. The “Up” setting was wonderful and reminded me how much I love the beginning of that movie.

I like the new series (“spin off”) and appreciate how the creators have reimagined the stories. I actually like the parallels to the first season; it is a way for fans of the show to connect to the new location and characters. It is hard for many of us to let Snow, Charming, and Emma go. The familiarity of the original show is helpful to make a transition to something different. I believe they got it right.

Great job on a wonderful podcast; thanks for continuing to bring us fans terrific discussions and information about our beloved show.

— Debbie Behling

This episode was a really good episode. I know there was already an Espensode this season, but this one could have been it. The dialogue between Rumbelle was so good. Such a good farewell.

— Lindsay

“Beauty” reminded me what I miss about the good parts of what ONCE can be when it has its amazing moments as a show.

Much to my pleasant surprise, this was one of the most well-acted (especially Robert Carlyle, Emilie De Ravin, and Andrew J. West), well-developed stories, and well-executed episodes.

It was moving, sad, and still left you wondering what happens to the current characters.

— Keeper of Squid Ink

I actually really enjoyed this episode and I’m not usually a Rumbelle fan. I love that Rumbelle took on the Carl and Ellie story from Up. It was such a beautiful end to their story like the first 10 minutes of up. Rumbelle even built a house just like the house from UP and the location even looks like paradise falls from UP. Alice kinda reminds me of Russell from UP. It’s only a perfect story because Belle was Rumple’s greatest adventure and now he has to find a new adventure. Alice is going to help Rumple on his new adventure. I also love this story because in Up, Mr. Frederickson was forced out of his home by big real estate guys to make huge apartments...