Onces version of the Man Behind the Curtain emerged for the first time tonight.
When he did, we learned that the guy in question is none other than…Benjamin Linus.
Its Walsh, a.k.a.
Credit: Jack Rowand/ABC
Christopher Gorham, a.k.a.
the dude who would become Emmas flying monkey beau.
What an advanced child; shes already using telekinesis at a first-grade level!
The Wizard also tells Zelena that Reginas getting magic lessons from the powerful sorcerer Rumpelstiltskin.
Instantly, its clear which of the deadly sins has Zelena in its thrall.
(Hint: It aint gluttony.)
The Wizard gifts Zelena a pair of magical silver shoes sup,accuracy to source material?
and tells her to use them to find Rumpelstiltskin.
All he asks in return is that Zelena bring back an item from Rumps lair.
NEXT: Sister, sister
Zelena grows more and more powerful as their magical lessons continue.
In Reginas case, thats Henry, her beloved father.
But in Zelenas case, its Rumpel himself and the Dark One has no interest in getting sacrificed.
Rumpel foils her plot shape-shifting sure comes in handy but the damage has already been done.
Z then returns to the Emerald City so she can give the Wizard a piece of her mind.
Zelenas feeling too vindictive to simply allow Walsh to continue swindling the people of Oz.
Good thing it didnt happen to picture, like, a manatee.
Man, good luck trying to find foundation in the drug storenow.
What are you, Z a witch, or a schoolyard bully?
Dont give the writers any ideas, Regina.)
A snoop through Coras crypt, however, changes everything.
There, Regina rediscovers a letter shed seen many times in her youth.
Its a note Rumpelstiltskin wrote to Cora, praising the womans firstborn for her extraordinary magical abilities.
Were totally building up to a gigantic Jacob vs. Man in Black blowout, arent we?
Even Belles unconditional love isnt enough to tear the Dark One away from the keeper of his dagger.
(Believe me, she tried.)
Everything comes to a head that evening, just as Zelena declared it would.
But after all that buildup, the fight itself isnt really much to be seen.
Theres just one problem.
Whaddaya know, someone in Storybrooke finally showed some foresight!
Zelenas left fuming on her broomstick; Regina recovers her heart, then gives it to Robin for safekeeping.
Aww yeah; her full transition to Merry Woman is only a matter of time.
(He offers to talk to the kid after Neals funeral.
Emmas response: About what, leather conditioner and eyeliner?)
In the world ofOnce, the Emerald City is acting like fashioned out of Legos.
Remind me never to make friends with a fairy.
This isnt the Wild West.
No, dear its the Wicked West.
Poor Doc and his Miata will never know a moments peace.
Is being a dwarf in fact worse than being a Munchkin?
How might those magical ingredients help her cast a time-travel spell?
Word broke this week that Socha will soonjoinOUAT: Original Flavoras a series regular.
(He and Hook will either despise each other or be instant best buddies.)
Next week: More Hook backstory, and the return of Ariel.
