When 'Once Upon a Time' first started it was highly addictive and made the most of a truly great and creative premise. Really loved the idea of turning familiar fairy tales on their heads and putting own interpretations on them and the show early on clearly had clearly had a ball. Watched it without fail every time it came on and it was often a highlight of the week. Which was why it was sad when it ran out of ideas and lost its magic in the later seasons.
"Save Henry" is for me one of Season 3's best episodes (coming from someone who liked to loved all the previous Season 3 episodes as well), the best since the season opener, and one of the best early season and 'Once Upon a Time' overall episodes. It is one of the finest examples of a 'Once Upon a Time' episode that has everything that makes 'Once Upon a Time' the addictive show that it is and what it's all about.
Like as was said with "Think Lovely Thoughts", "Save Henry" sees plot points advanced, new ideas introduced with huge potential and deeper characterisation. Was very emotionally involved with Regina's story here, mothers will relate to her situation and even those that don't have children will find it resonating with them.
Regina's development is a revelation. Here she is so much more than a villain with a want for vengeance, but a sympathetic figure with a maternal side that is portrayed very poignantly. Her flashback scenes and how Henry came to be adopted are some of the most illuminating for any character of Season 3 and of 'Once Upon a Time' up to this point.
Other than Regina, her development and also Rumplestiltskin's role and chemistry (Rumple fans will be squealing with delight, he once again demonstrates why he has consistently been one of the show's most interesting, entertaining and best characters), the highlight of "Save Henry" is one of the show's most shocking cliff-hangers which had me completely floored.
Don't have any performances to fault, cannot get enough of Robert Carlyle or Robbie Kay while Jared Gilmore is much better here than he was in the previous episode thanks to better material. The best performance thought comes from a truly masterly Lana Parrilla, like Carlyle she is always consistently great and more but this displays some of her best acting in the role.
It's a well-paced episode, with a lot happening without being over-crowded and with enough breathing space without being draggy or padded.
Furthermore, "Save Henry" is a very handsomely mounted episode visually, the settings and costumes are both colourful and atmospheric, not too dark or garish and never cookie-cutter. It is photographed beautifully too. The music is haunting, ethereal and cleverly used with a memorable main theme. Writing has the right balance of humour, pathos, mystery and intrigue.
In summation, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox