1. The Cast: The key to Once Upon a Time’s success in America—and hopefully soon it’s success in the UK—is the amazing acting talent that makes up the ‘Once’ ensemble. With multiple nominations and four award wins, it’s becoming a beloved series. TV Guide’s award for ‘Favourite Villain’’, for instance, was given to the well-deserved Lana Parrilla who plays The Evil Queen alongside People’s Choice Award nominee Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White). With the highly praised Jennifer Morrison playing the all important main character, Emma, and Thor actor Josh Dallas playing Prince Charming as well—and if that’s not enough to tempt you, then Bucky’s (or Sebastian Stan as he goes by) guest role appearance could just make you want to give it a go.
2. The Perfect Balance of Mythology: The show keeps a great model of storytelling, balancing dual story-lines in a single episode: one from the pre-cursed ‘Enchanted Forest’ and present day ‘Storybrooke’.
3. Storylines: The show has a way of keeping you hooked on a story: with twists and turns on classic fairytales, but also with favourite heroes not always playing the good guy, and vice-versa. You might just be surprised as to who your favourite character’s might turn out to be.
4. The First Season: As the show’s slowest season in terms of pace in storyline, which some may find a little infuriating (but hopefully that’s only a few), the first season gives viewers a chance to fully and truly understand the story and introduce the main characters properly.
5. Strong Female Roles: Once’s extensive cast, many of which are women, play interestingly flawed, independent and strong characters that you wouldn’t expect to see in a fairy-tale world. They’re relatable and interesting personas that almost seem like they could be real people.
6. The Dialogue: Be careful or you’ll miss this one. The witty, sassy and ironic dialogue is extremely engaging and will have you smiling like a Cheshire cat.
7. Aesthetic Appeal: Not only do the actors all have visual appeal, the Primetime Emmy Award nominated costumes and make-up will have you wishing you were from one of the classic tales.
8. Continuity!: You might not always spot it, but the show is extremely clever at making little references, whether it be with home design for characters or the mention of specific things or places (ahem, Tallahassee)...
9. Your Favourite Characters Coming to Life: You’ll be meeting: Snow White, Prince Charming, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella, Mulan, Peter Pan, The Mad Hatter… Need I say more?
10. It United Prince Charming With His Snow White: The chemistry that the main couple present is far from fake as the show united Goodwin and Dallas, and they are now happily married with a child. How’s that for a real life fairy-tale?
11. Future Appearances: With Frozen favourites, Cruella DeVil, Maleficent and Ursula on their way in season 4, you know you’re in for a good ride.
By Lucy Baker
