Once Upon a Time’s “Tallahassee” Is Still a Perfect TV Episode

TV shows about niche genres often don’t always stand the test of time, and unfortunately, ABC’s fairytale adaptation, Once Upon a Time, falls into that category. Still, there are a few episodes (and seasons) that manage to remain impressive despite all the inconsistencies and inadequate decisions. One of those episodes is Once Upon a Time’s “Tallahassee,” otherwise known as the one where it becomes clear that Captain Hook and Emma Swan are the romantic pairing to root for.

The episode not only provides viewers with quintessential romance plot devices, but it also answers essential questions about its main character while simultaneously setting up a story that’ll go on to become the best thing to come out of the show. 

Once Upon a Time’s “Tallahassee” Is Equal Parts Swoony and Angsty

Killian Jones, known as Captain Hook, is introduced as the season’s villain. He and Emma Swan get off on the wrong foot; his intentions are far from noble, and she has absolutely no desire to do anything but get back to her kid. They’re a hallmark enemies-to-lovers pairing, and this episode is the blueprint for why they’d work better together. Every shipper will fixate on something distinct when it comes to these two, but we can all agree that it starts with a piece of cloth, a wound, his longing gaze, and his teeth. The moment where everything changes for most couples frequently begins with a scene that involves bandaging of some sort. (Somewhere, the Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann girlies are also swooning.)

It’s in that moment of hurt/comfort where it becomes abundantly unmistakable that as selfish and vengeance-driven Killian is, he’s also gentle and noble deep down. Sure, he deflects his intentions by noting that giants can smell blood, but that’s far from the point the show makes. He also ends up fully abiding by her plan and trusting her decisions. He does it because even while he has a plan in motion, Killian sees something in Emma that goes far beyond what he imagined he’d find. 

Prior to this, the flirtation is entirely one way—he asks a question, and she shrugs off her answers with lies. She pushes just a little to see where his motivations and understandings come from, and we watch her crack a tiny bit at the realization that there’s more to him than meets the eye. 

Still, Once Upon a Time’s “Tallahassee” is only the beginning, and conflict is bound to leave them in a place worse than where they began, which is where Emma’s betrayal comes in. Despite the fact that she knows the pangs of abandonment better than anyone else, she leaves him chained on the beanstalk, choosing not to trust him because her past forces her to believe that people will always turn back and deceive you. Conveniently, or rather intentionally, this is also the episode where we meet Emma’s ex, Neal and learn how and why she ended up in prison. Before all the plot holes and the convoluted gaps that no one bothered to fill in, Once Upon a Time’s “Tallahassee” proved that the showrunners were thoughtful and meticulous in their decision-making.

The episode deliberately focuses on breaking both of them wide open and revealing puzzle pieces about their past that showcase how they could fit together. When they talk, there’s a genuine desire (especially on Killian’s part) to get to know Emma better. She listens a bit more carefully when he notes how he can spot an orphan, and she also makes a choice to give herself a headstart as opposed to latching him there indefinitely. Plus, for an episode all about finding treasure, it’s riveting how they’re at the center of it.

Once Upon a Time’s “Tallahassee” is a flawlessly structured episode in more ways than one, for even though years have passed, there’s still plenty to deconstruct and appreciate. Everything we get in this episode carefully and boldly cements how loyal they are to the people they care for, the lengths they’re willing to go through, and the detail that they’re protectors. It’s why it’s effortless to root for them because it preludes how sacred it truly is to find a kindred spirit. Although they’re both armored here, their conversations are nonetheless vulnerable, the performances astutely add more layers to the spoken words, and the flashbacks thoughtfully contribute to the overarching story in a way that places characters centerfold. 

Related Content: Scene Breakdown: Killian and Emma’s Kiss in Once Upon a Time’s Season 3 Finale

All seven seasons of Once Upon a Time are now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu: What’s your favorite part of “Tallahassee?” and Captain Swan? Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©ABC