sunday’s episode “the return” marked a high in this fresh series, both regarding the story and the ratings: 8.8 mil and a share of 2.9 Once Upon a Time is the best in show for the weekend.

this week’s plotline followed the story of none other than Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, with surprises and a twisty-twisted episode finale that involves the Stranger who rode into town a while ago, Rumplestiltskin’s past in magicland, his weekness and the depth of the character.

meanwhile Emma and Regina have a stand-off.. but we’ll get to that the next time.