'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland' started off problematically but intriguingly, the first three episodes having a lot to like but also some frustrating elements. "The Serpent" and to a lesser extent "Heart of Stone" did start showing signs of improvement, namely because of two characters that severely underwhelmed before and for most of the show actually being developed well and saw improvements in their acting. After being pleasantly surprised by the previous two episodes, expectations were more.
"Who's Alice?" is another pretty good but not great episode of 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland', not too bad a position to be in but part of me did want a bit more than what was given in the final product. A bit too gloomy and over-serious perhaps, but Alice's character development was very well handled and helped make an already interesting and likeable character (more so than one would think) more relatable and her situation easier to make sense of.
It is a well shot episode with a good deal of atmosphere, the more subdued and grittier colours being a welcome change and matching very well the tone of the story. Also really appreciated that this time around one is less distracted by cheap looking effects that was such a primary flaw for almost all the episodes of 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland'. The music is also more subdued, again appropriate, but isn't too monotone or low key, the infectiousness is still there. As is the enchanting opening titles sequence.
The scripting is quite thoughtful without being too wordy or over-complicated. The quoted line is another profound and true to life one that sums up the premise very well. Dr Lydegate, making his most interesting appearance, is well done here, one can take him seriously and like his authority and appreciate that despite the seriousness of the situation that he isn't too morose. 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland's' characterisation for Alice has always been one of its biggest appeals, so assertive, mature and resourceful. "Who's Alice?" is no exception, some nice development that makes her current situation to start make a lot more sense with her motivations making me admire her even more. The performances mostly are good, especially Sophie Lowe.
Unfortunately there is an exception and that is Naveen Andrews' charisma-free Jafar, here not posing much of a threat. The writing doesn't always flow naturally.
Did feel at times that "Who's Alice's?" over-seriousness felt too gloomy and slightly out of place in the show.
Overall though, pretty good and really liked what it did with Alice. 7/10.
"Who's Alice?" is another pretty good but not great episode of 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland', not too bad a position to be in but part of me did want a bit more than what was given in the final product. A bit too gloomy and over-serious perhaps, but Alice's character development was very well handled and helped make an already interesting and likeable character (more so than one would think) more relatable and her situation easier to make sense of.
It is a well shot episode with a good deal of atmosphere, the more subdued and grittier colours being a welcome change and matching very well the tone of the story. Also really appreciated that this time around one is less distracted by cheap looking effects that was such a primary flaw for almost all the episodes of 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland'. The music is also more subdued, again appropriate, but isn't too monotone or low key, the infectiousness is still there. As is the enchanting opening titles sequence.
The scripting is quite thoughtful without being too wordy or over-complicated. The quoted line is another profound and true to life one that sums up the premise very well. Dr Lydegate, making his most interesting appearance, is well done here, one can take him seriously and like his authority and appreciate that despite the seriousness of the situation that he isn't too morose. 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland's' characterisation for Alice has always been one of its biggest appeals, so assertive, mature and resourceful. "Who's Alice?" is no exception, some nice development that makes her current situation to start make a lot more sense with her motivations making me admire her even more. The performances mostly are good, especially Sophie Lowe.
Unfortunately there is an exception and that is Naveen Andrews' charisma-free Jafar, here not posing much of a threat. The writing doesn't always flow naturally.
Did feel at times that "Who's Alice's?" over-seriousness felt too gloomy and slightly out of place in the show.
Overall though, pretty good and really liked what it did with Alice. 7/10.
